Revenge: Letting Go

When I was in secondary school, in one morning assembly a man came in to do a demonstration using a glass vase (jar) and an orange.

A man put an orange into a glass jar. He then explained that there was no possible way for him to reach in and take it back out again. The man was able to place his hand inside the jar alright. He was able to hold onto the orange just fine, but taking his hand out whilst holding the orange was a different story. He was not able to withdraw his hand from the glass jar until he released (let go of) the orange inside the jar. He used this analogy to represent what revenge, anger and unforgiveness does to a person (Christian)

 (Jesus said a new commandment I get unto you that you love one another as I have loved you) They cannot move on in life, they can’t go anywhere. They are trapped by their own unforgiveness. And until they let go they will never be free to go on to become the person which GOD created them to be.

The Bible says in order for GOD to forgive us our sins we must also forgive others. Jesus said- when Simon Peter asked how many times he should forgive someone- to forgive 77 times. Jesus did not mean that the actual number of times to forgive a person is 77 times, but He meant that as long as GOD is still forgiving us out of the abundance of His mercy, then we should also forgive others showing that same abundance of mercy.  GOD will never stop forgiving us, so we should never stop forgiving others who sin against us. Have a heart of GOD for others, the mind of Christ when thinking of people.

In order to be free you have to forgive and let go of all bitterness and resentment towards those who may have offended you. In the process of “letting go” you are setting yourself free but whilst holding onto it, just like your hand, you are stuck.

Out of the abundance of His mercy He forgives us willingly and cleanses us continually. (that doesn’t mean however that we should continue to sin presumptuously.- GOD keep your servant from presumptuous sin.)

Is there someone whom you need to ask forgiveness from? Is there someone that you need to forgive? Remember the way in which GOD has dealt with you and forgiven you each time you sin. Remember GOD's mercy and His love towards you. Not only you but towards mankind. Jesus spent time with "tax collectors and sinners"

Seeing

Revelation 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:(King James Version)

Very few of us are able to see when we are wrong. It is far easier to point out the wrongs in others before we begin to even address the flaws in our own personalities. I admit that I have a bit of a temper. But GOD is teaching me through His Word to "be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry" James 1:19. When held up to the light of GOD's Word you can evaluate your life through a fresh set of eyes, the right set of eyes. GOD's eyes. He sees what we cannot see.- 
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
-And He works in our hearts trying to transform it by the power of His Holy Spirit so that we might be conformed to the image of His glorious Son, our LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ.  Romans 12:2

A person who is blind cannot see where they are going. In the same way a person who is spiritually blind cannot see what is right from wrong. Their whole way of thinking is depraved. They walk (live) according to the flesh. They are enemies of GOD and they do not know it. John 3:36
But GOD offers the perfect Gift. A free gift. The gift of grace, the gift of salvation, of forgiveness of sins. GOD extends His offer to all men (people) through Jesus Christ. His only begotten Son, sent to die for sinful man.

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.

Praise ye the LORD

"Let everything that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD."     

                                                            Psalm 150:6

Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of everyday life we forget GOD. It sounds bad doesn't it? After every activity we do in life and every effort to succeed, after every accomplish, before every morsel of food enters our mouth, do we thank GOD. GOD doesn't get nearly enough credit for all that He does. Majority of the things He does for us we are completely unaware of it. For example, the fact that we are able to breath is due to His constant provision and enablement. He alone keeps the Earth in orbit, our feet on the ground and life in our body. Everything we have, belongs to Him because He gave it to us and everything we've ever accomplished is down to Him because He enabled us. His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness and great is His love towards us. We are covered by the Everlasting Arms.

With a Word GOD created this vast universe that we see. No one in the whole universe can speak things into existence. That is how magnficent and powerful our awesome GOD is. There is none like Him. The Psalmist of Psalm 150 had it right when he wrote "Let everything that hath breath praise the LORD." GOD is responsible for us. He takes care of us and nurtures us like a mother nurtures her new born baby. Her pride and joy. We are the apple of His eye. However, this should be mutual in our relationship with Him. He should also be the apple of our eye. GOD is the only One who can supply all of our needs and we owe Him all of our praise and adoration. He alone is worthy of our praise. All that we have to offer is because He first gave it to us. So all praise is due to our holy GOD in all instances of life.

GOD (the LORD) is Spirit. He is our Creator, the Creator of the entire universe. He doesn't need help from any of us. He does need us at all. He was GOD from before creation and will forever be GOD. He is the only One uncreated. Noone created Him and He created all things. Yet He has time for us, insignificant human beings and wants to have a relationship with us.(Psalm 8:4) He loves us and He wants us for Himself. He wants us near, consecrated and set apart.

One of the many reasons we should praise GOD is because He loved us so much that He sent His one and only Son Jesus Christ to be sin for us. Christ died on the cross for our sins so that we wouldn't have to face the punishment that results from sin. Romans 6:23-"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."  Our LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ defeated death in the grave. Now in Him we have been granted Grace, and have received forgiveness of sins. We now have access to the Father. "The veil was torn" and now there is nothing in existence that can separate us from Him or from His love (Romans 8:35-39). Christ paid the penalty of sin and bought my ransom, even though He was the completely sinless Son of GOD. He humbled Himself and became nothing for our sakes. Have you thanked Him today?

Oh, set me apart, Lord. Set me apart.

I want to be close to Thine heart.

Melt me and mould be and make me anew

Lord I want to be just like You.

Humility (Part 2)

Greatness is Serving

Forgiveness

We have a merciful Heavenly Father .

Put your trust in JESUS

For the 20 years I have known Jesus He has never let me down. He is a faithful Friend, my most closest companion. He is so dear to me. He loves me unconditionally. He stills love me after all the times I've failed Him. He is a merciful and just GOD. He loves the sinner and cleanses the sin. He makes all things new. He died for me and for you. He gives me purpose. Without Him my life is meaningless. He shows me how to truly love because He is love. He is truly great. My times is in His Hand. He follows me wherever I go so I am always safe. I have nothing to fear. I am learning to rest secure in His arms of compassion and love. Jesus is the truest Friend I've ever known. All else in the world will let you down, friends and family fail you, even those closest to you may forsake you, but GOD.. He keeps you in the palm of His mighty Hands. He loves you and cradles you with His love. Through your darkest times He is there. Through your highs and lows He is there, rich or poor He is there. Sick or well He is there. Through every circumstance in life, from the cradle to the grave GOD IS THERE! Put your trust in Him. I love Him so much for all that He has done for me. Sometimes I forget how good He's been to me. How He's lifted me up when I was down, helped me to pass all my exams, helps me to draw each breath, wakes me up each morning, places joy in my heart and a new song in my mouth. He has blessed me with every good thing in life, makes sure I'm fed and well looked after. He surrounds me with His tender love and care, forgives all my iniquities and cleanses me from all sin. He removes my sins from me "as far as the east is from the west" and He remembers "them no more". As many times as I've failed Him He still forgives me and abundantly and graciously pours out His blessings and His love upon me. He makes me feel special and supplies all my needs. He truly is the love of my life, my Hero and my glorious King!

Storms

Today's Reading: - Matthew 8:23-27

Jesus Calms the Storm

 ²³ Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him.
    ²⁴ Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping.
    ²⁵ The disciples went and woke him, saying, Lord, save us! We're going to drown!
    ²⁶ He replied, You of little faith, why are you so afraid? Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
    ²⁷ The men were amazed and asked, What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!

Verse 23 says that He (Jesus) got into the boat and his disciples followed Him. The next verse says that "Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping." This is a common situation in the Christian walk of faith. When we choose to follow Jesus we will inevitably face different trials and tribulations, but we must not fear or be dismayed because Jesus is with us. Sometimes we're going along life happily and enjoying GOD's love and all of a sudden trouble will strike, a furious storm will come to test and try us, BUT we must not break because our GOD is mighty to save. Sometimes when we pray it may seem like GOD is sleeping, but He is fully aware of your situation and He wants you to know that He's got it all under control. Jesus was not afraid of the "winds and rain" because they "OBEY HIM". GOD is in control of all circumstances and He bids that you put your undoubting trust in Him. He will be your stay, no matter what the journey. He will keep you safe. He will be your food, your SHELTER, your Teacher, your Compass in a wasteland, your Oxygen in the deep, your Oasis in the desert...should I say more. He's your Comforter, your King, your Saviour, your Rescuer, your Hero, He is prepared to be your EVERYTHING. He is all you need, just put your trust in Him.

So when trouble comes, when the rent it due, when the bills aren't paid, Who do you call?

JESUS

LOOK up in the sky, it's a bird? it's a plane? No! IT'S JESUS. Coming to save you. So take heart my friends and have Faith. Jesus is coming to the rescue.



Humility

The Bible says in James 4:6  that GOD opposes the proud but gives Grace to the humble. And sometimes to receive blessings from GOD you need to take the posture of a servant. A servant does not believe that they are in any way higher than their Master. They wait on the Master hand and foot so to speak. They wait for the Master orders and they do what they are told without complaining and in due time they are rewarded for their faithful service.
Jesus says that the last shall be first and the first shall be last. This implies that the best place for us to be is a humble position. Where GOD can use you (whilst you are in submission to Him) and exalt you in due time. Pride sets up forcefields between you and the person trying to get in. If fed it becomes an impenitable force which shuts out anything "GOOD" from being received into the persons' life, even something as vital as GOD's love. Of course GOD will never stop loving us, nor can He. For the Bible says that "He cannot deny Himself."(2 Timothy 2:13) GOD is faithful, however the proud and lofty cannot fully receive GOD's Word because pride sets up a brick wall between you and GOD and GOD can only transform a heart that is completely surrendered to Him. GOD wants to bless you but He won't force Himself on you. GOD is a gentleman. And until we are ready to submit to GOD and "receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls."(James 1:21) we cannot receive some of the blessings which GOD has in store for us. (WHICH HE WANTS US TO RECEIVE).

Is there something holding you back from the One who loves you? Is there a breakdown of communication in your household? Are you expecting something from GOD that you haven't yet received?
Now is the time to let go of all selfish pride and humbly accept the Word which GOD has planted in you. Read your Bible today and thank GOD for the receiving of His Word and for the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Do you want GOD to work in your life? Eat the rich fruit of GOD's Word. For the Bible says that "Faith comes by hearing, and HEARING BY THE WORD OF GOD. Everything else will follow. Receive the life changing, faith producing Word and watch your life change for the better.

Until next time TID. Trust In GOD

When GOD called me

When I was seven years old I had a dream. I was in a battle. Evil was trying to get me, but the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY sent help for me. A group of angels flew down and surrounded me blocking the entrance of the enemy. (preventing any evil from touching me) In the dream Jesus said to me "Don't worry Rachel, you'll go to Heaven." When I woke up I found the Holy Bible on my pillow by my head. It was then that I started reading the Holy Bible.
GOD is great!When it's time He calls you. And what a blessed thing it is to be called by GOD.
I am so blessed to be protected by GOD, loved by GOD, sheltered by GOD, accompanied by GOD, fed by GOD, led by GOD, taught by GOD, guided by GOD, covered by GOD, kept by GOD, held by GOD, claimed by GOD and called a child of GOD. GOD, our LORD Jesus Christ is the truest Friend I've ever known. He is my constant and most precious companion. My unfailing Friend to the end. Which reminds me of a hymn called What a Friend we have in Jesus.

What a Friend we have in Jesus youtube video and lyrics links: -
  http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh526.sht
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLAg2NDcOt4

Growing Pains of the Saviour

From the very beginning satan the destroyer sought to destroy the souls of man with the first sin. But the Bible says that GOD cursed the ground for man's sake. He knew that by hard work and often suffering man can be taught lessons in gaining spiritual maturity. They cannot do it by themselves. GOD Himself prunes them and moulds them into the person He wants them to become. Like a gardener prunes their produce (plants) and tenderly looks after it and helps it to grow. The gardener looks out for weeds and thorns which may damge the plant and stunt it's growth and weeds them out. Sometimes cutting away of things and trimming is needed to allow the plant to produce fruit.



Are you growing?

To read more on Spiritual Fruitfulness: -

Proclaimation of Faith in CHRIST JESUS

The Anaphora of the Apostles

The Creed of Constantine

We believe in one GOD, the Father Almighty.Maker of Heaven and Earth and all things visible and invisible. We believe in one LORD Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of the Father who was with Him before the creation of the world. Light from light, true God from true God, begotten not made of one essence with the Father by whom all things were made and without Him was not anything in Heaven or Earth made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from Heaven. Was made man, was incarnated from the Holy Spirit and from the holy virgin Mary. Became man, was crucified for our sakes in the days of Pontus Pilot. Suffered, died was burried and rose from the dead on the third day as was written in the Holy Scriptures. Ascended into Heaven in glory, sat at the right Hand of the Father and again will come in glory to judge the living and the the dead. There is no end to His reign. And we believe in one holy universal and apostolic church. And we believe in one baptism for the remission of sins and we wait for the resurrection from the dead and the life to come. World without end.
Amen.

OVERCOMING FEAR

 "But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head."

Psalm 3:3

There are many techniques people use for overcoming fear. One technique I always use and has never failed me is trusting in The LORD.

The writer  in Psalm 3 (king David) expresses absolute confidence in GOD. He knew that even if there were "ten thousands of people" had set themselves against him he had nothing to fear because he had the Living GOD beside him. So it should be with us. We know that we serve a mighty GOD. Why then do we allow such little problems to trouble us? Doesn't the Bible says in .. "Greater is HE that is in me than he that is in the world". No problem we face is bigger than GOD. We know that "when the enemy shall come like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him" Isaiah 59:19. Why should we fear when trouble comes, when the rent is due, when bullies threaten, when depression sets in, when a even if the sky were falling. Whatever the problem or circumstance may be, we have this assurance: HE WILL NEVER LEAVE US NOR FORSAKE US and WE WILL BE WITH HIM IN HEAVEN.

Hold onto those truths because GOD always keeps His promises.
TRUST IN GOD means that we have complete confidence in HIM. We trust and know that because HE is with us all the time we are always safe. No major harm will come to us. He promises to keep us in perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). Because He holds our lives in His Hands that provides all the security we need for an uncertain future.(or in an unstable and forever changing world). The Hands who holds the future and keeps the earth in orbit and this vast universe in perfect peace and balance is certainly able to keep you when trouble strikes, defend you when you are afflicted or under attack, lift you up when you're down, dry every tear that falls from your eye.

Trusting in The LORD, in His sure Word, in His promises; acknowledging that we can rest secure in the knowledge that HE alone loves and cares for us and sustains us-this brings comfort and drives out fear. 1 John 4:18, Romans 8:15. Whatever your fear or anxiety is take it to the LORD and HE will sustain you.

For He Himself has said "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." He is with you forever. He loves you.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13
And HE did exactly that. He left His holy divinity and came down to earth in the Person of Jesus Christ to save humankind from their sins. HE loves us greatly, with a love that can't be compared to any other. And we should love Him enough to say "LORD, I trust You. Although I do not know what the future holds for me, I trust completely the One Who holds the future in the palm of His magnificent Hands."

Praise GOD for all that HE has done in your life. HE loves you with a perfect love. He will never let you down or forsake you. He will never leave you alone to fend for yourself. Depend on Him, no matter what the circumstance is you can trust Him.

Put your trust in GOD      

To GOD be the glory and honour

and power forever and ever,

world without end,

Amen.

 See More: -
http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/b/bill_gaither/because_he_lives.html

New Fruit

"If any man be in Christ,he is a new creation." 2 Corinthians 5:17

I read something in my little sisters homework about the fertilization process of flowers. It said ".. part of the flower dies and what is left becomes a new fruit with seeds."

A GOD Who cares

GOD can be described by His great love for us; which was clearly shown for all to see when HE sent His Son to die in our place. He took our sins upon His shoulders and by His stripes we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5
It was GOD Who first sought us out to try and form a relationship with us. No attempt was made on our part. GOD Himself left His throne, His Divinity and came down in the person of Jesus Christ His Son (John 1:14-18) to with the sole purpose of redeeming us from our sins,(thus restoring us to full fellowship with Him), allwoing us to have a relationship with GOD and establishing His Heavenly Kingdom.

There was no one else qualified to die for the sins of mankind. Jesus Christ alone is the "Lamb of GOD Who takes away the sins of the world". Somebody completely sinless was required to die on behalf of sinful mankind. HE alone is the Atoning sacrifice. HE/Jesus Christ stands in the gap for us and HE daily beseeches GOD on our behalf. HE provides intersession, HE disharges debtors. HE alone can cleanse even the most stubborn stain of sin, erase our guilty past, wipes the slate clean and invites us to begin a new life with and in HIM. Romans 10:9-10 

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. (Roman 10:9-10)

Will you accept His offer of salvation today?
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." (Revelation 3:20)

For further reading: -
Romans 10
Ephesians 3

CHRIST is all we need

 Read John 14

John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Isn't it comforting to know that CHRIST loves us. That HE laid down His life for us because of His (the Father's) love for us. John 14 describes

New Life

When you become a Christian it is a life-long commitment. You are forever friends with Christ. He comes into your heart and works to transform you completely from within. He aims to make you a new person. We are to be dead to sin, but alive in Christ. Infact we are to live 'for' HIM.

Transformation within the child of GOD (Christian) could be compared to what happens in the fertilization process by which a flower undergoes. In the fertilization process part of the flower dies and what is left of it becomes a new fruit with seeds.

This reminds me of the hymn "I've found a new life"

Song:
I've found a new life, I've found a new life
And if anybody asks you
What's the matter with you my friend
Tell them that you are saved, santified, Holy Ghost filled, water-baptized
Jesus is mine!
I've found a new life.

When we accepted Christ into our lives, we are changed. We have a new life. We may not notice the change immediately, but GOD works at transforming us from within. Slowly our desires, thoughts, motives, agendas, words, actions and lives will be conformed to the will of GOD. Each day we will become more and more like Him. We will learn to love like Him, walk like Him, talk like Him. GOD has given us His holy Son Jesus Christ as an example for us to follow. And each day as we walk in His Light we will feel ourselves being renewed like a plant is hydrated when it absorbs water. Just like plants we too need light and water. We need JESUS the Light of the world AND the Living Water. All of forms of life depend on Him. All of life, happiness, joy, love, goodness, light and every kind of good gift flows out from Him. He is our Provider, 'the Author and Finisher of our Faith', our Sustainer. The One Who upholds the universe and keeps the earth turning. 
I've found a new life. We are to be changed.

In GOD's Word The Bible GOD/Jesus instructs us to be fruitful. Infact HE wants us to bear the fruit of the Spirit.

Prayer:

Dear heavenly Father, help me to submit myself fully and wholeheartedly to You. I pray that You will helped me to be transformed into a new person, a person You want me to be, by the power of Your Holy Spirit and by the grace of GOD. Please help me to produce fruit of the Holy Spirit abundantly, in JESUS holy Name. Amen.