Want Peace? Forgive

 

The presence of the Lord was so awesome as Pastor Allan took the pulpit.  I took notes and present his edited sermon for you.  He began by saying;

I get so caught up in the presence of God, that I forget myself.  This is what you should do, not caring about the person next to you, or what others may think.  All we care about is worshiping Jesus. 

Our past is over and we are going to step into deep water.  The Holy Spirit is flooding our spirits and the four winds are blowing.

 I thank God we are not of this world. While it is true we are in this world, and we get caught up in life and busy with things going on around us in the world.  This world is in the biggest state of disrepair, but I am not distressed, because all this was prophesied in the Bible.

Let us not be up in the air, but keep our feet on the solid rock Christ Jesus.  We are reminded that He said to Go into all the world; your world, and share the good news.

Yes problems happen and things fall apart, but it is time to stop always thinking about ourselves and to consider others who are in need of truth.  Recognize you are a “Sent One.” 

Situations happen, and you can tell who has a bad day or a good day by watching their faces.  This is important; my job is to stir you up so that you leave here to never be the same again, but to step out and share Jesus with others.

In life there are times we disagree with one another.  Paul and Barnabas had one of those times. 
 
Acts 15: 37-40 (edited) Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.  But Paul thought it not good to take him with them, - - And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; And Paul chose Silas, and departed; And Paul went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Some times we have contention with someone, because we have a different opinion, but it is our responsibility to seek God’s plan and to go in His direction.  If we are caught up in squabbles we will lose our peace.

Understand there is freedom in forgiveness.

Jesus spoke in Matthew chapter 18 about children being the greatest in the kingdom of the heaven.  Our attitudes must be as little children who forgive quickly. 

 

Jesus continued teaching and the disciples asked “how often should we forgive, maybe seven times?”  Jesus surprised them by saying, "No not seven times, but seventy times seven."  (In other words - - Keep on forgiving.)

Jesus has forgiven us, and we must also forgive others, in order to walk free.

If you are holding hurts, resentment and grudges deep inside; you need to forgive the person and let them go.  If you don’t do this, you are allowing them to control you.

Forgiving those who have harmed or betrayed you, will bring you peace.

Psalms 119:165  Abundant peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

So many today are easily offended by little things.  Offence will keep you in bondage and your stomach tied up in knots.

It is time to release forgiveness and to allow the Holy Spirit to flood you with His peace. 

Thank you Father for taking away our hard hearts and causing us to be tender to forgive - - as you have forgiven us.