Jesus Has NOT Given Up on YOU ! |
Pastor Allan was speaking as
I took notes. At times it seems we may
give up on some who show no indication of turning to the Lord. Especially those who persecute the “Church” and
we call our enemies.
Matthew 5:44 But
I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute
you,
Then there are the
backsliders who fall back into sin after it appeared they were doing so well in
Christ. They were called into a higher
standard, and their ministry still awaits.
Perhaps they were scared and believed the lies they were hearing from
their own mind or from the lips of others.
Our enemy will try to divide a household and will use the person closest
to us to derail our advance. If we have
anger or bitterness the enemy will use that against you. Paul reminded us that our battle is not
against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers of darkness.
God has called us unto unity
– one faith - - all of which is holiness.
We are soldiers, ministers to proclaim the gospel where ever we go.
Trials happen and some times
it is so that we learn patience. It is a
step into God’s grace.
We can put on a façade in
front of a stranger, and when we get home change into a monster. - - This ought not to be so.
There are many ways to get a
job done, and we must learn to forebear and put up with those we work
with. Offence will stop the work of the
Lord.
The person we don’t like is
probably most like us.
Love one another and
appreciate them for who they are in the body of Christ. Each of us have a place. Not all are Pastors, Prophets, Teachers, but
all can be in the “HELP” ministry. Find
what needs to be done and volunteer.
Some things offend me. The condition of our city offends me. When someone comes in our yard and helps
themselves to what is not theirs that offends me.
Jesus said to love your
enemies and pray for them. Peter asked
Jesus how many times should we forgive?
Jesus offered 70 times 7 - - meaning keep on forgiving even if it hurts.
We must watch our attitudes
and emotions. The enemy has a field day
when we begin to find fault and criticize.
Some do not like the lifting
up of hands during worship. Others say
the songs are too fast, or repeated too many times.
Love God and others. Love the person who is causing tribulation in
your life.
Corrie Ten Boom was arrested
for hiding Jews. She was put in prison
and abused while there. Years after her
release she saw her tormentor at a gathering.
She was able to embrace him and forgive him. God had removed all of her bitterness.
The works of the flesh is our
inability to love and forgive. Obviously
there is a lack or reason – and definitely a lack of forgiveness. Instead we turn to alcohol, drugs and suffer
the bitter dregs. Do you find yourself
doing things and you don’t know why?
The
reason is way back there - - the flesh prevailed with rebellion and
stubbornness not to forgive.
Flush out all the nonsense
our of your life with forgiveness.
Learn to Fear God, embrace
patience, forgive and Love one another.
We are not worthy, but God
can and will restore. On the cross,
Jesus knew all of our sins.
Don’t judge where you are,
but reach toward where you should be.
Don’t let people talk down to you.
Realize you are not the same person you once were. They are remembering the old you. Even so, we are being changed every day into
His likeness.
We all are still a work in
progress. Daily allow the Holy Spirit to continue
the clean up. God has not given up on YOU.
4 comments:
Hello Aunt Hazel, thank you for this post. Love God and Others! That's everything God wants from us. I am learning to do both. Offenses will always come, I am learning to look beyond offenses.
Thanks and God Bless Aunt Hazel
Hi Hazel,
How loving of God to gently teach and mold us, huh?
Jennifer Dougan
www.jenniferdougan.com
Corrie ten Boom was always grabbing my attention, even before I met her at my church when I was in Redwood City way back in the early '70s. Anyhow, dealing with sinfulness and danger with family and friends nearby, all I can do is encourage and pray over and for them, w/o telling them about it. Just doing it as I'm walking near their homes and yard areas. Much on our heart, now and forever. Thank you!
I used this a reminder, well God did, to pray for my enemies. It's been a tough few weeks and years really, but God provides. Thanks for the encouragement, Hazel. Peace and joy come from Him and from within, not without.
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