It's not a suggestion !!

Forgiveness is not easy, but it is not meant as a suggestion but a requirement. Matthew 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

I believe we all know that feeling when God is weighing on our hearts to do something that we may not be comfortable doing. Whatever our reasons in why we don’t want to do it. We are to not to begin looking at the Word of God as if it were suggestions instead of commandments and requirements. As though we can be pleasing to God without forgiveness, but forgiven others just makes us more pleasing. It doesn't work like that.

Matthew 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

As we can see, there is no alternate way. We either enter the kingdom of Heaven through Jesus Christ, or we don’t enter in at all. Likewise when it comes to forgiveness, unless we forgive we won’t be forgiven.

 I was talking to another brother here recently. We discussed how do you know if you truly forgave someone. Basically what he said was, if you say you forgive, but still hold on to what the other person may have done, you haven’t forgave. If you say you have forgiven, yet when you see the person all the old feelings stir up again and causes you to act accordingly, (according to your flesh) you haven’t forgave.Micah 7:18-19 Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.

19 He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

Grab and go: I know it cuts like a knife to forgive someone, especially when you feel they don’t deserve it. But what if God felt that way about you? None of us our deserving of forgiveness yet while in the midst of our sin He died for you and pardon our sins. Never to bring up that which we did in our old life again. Who is a God like our God? Mark 11:25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. Let go of what it is your holding against your neighbor/brother/sister and walk in the liberty of forgiveness.

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Humble Yourselves !!

John 13:12-17

12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?

13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.

15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

We as believers have a tendency to feel as though we are supposed to somehow be esteemed. We may not say it verbally but it’s visible in our actions. We may sometimes involve ourselves in conversations that really have no profitable gain just to demonstrate the knowledge we may have of the bible. Or to feel as though we’re important because we have memorize some scriptures. I love the fact that in this passage of scripture Jesus washes the feet of those who are following after Him. Then tells them that they should do the same for one another.  How selfless is that? He tells them you call me Lord and master, and you should because I am, but understand the order and structure. Jesus was sent by God and we are sent by Him, and we should serve one another in humility that no one person thinks of himself to be more than he is.

Grab and go: Early in this chapter. Peter is baffled by the fact that his teacher, Lord and master is washing the feet of those who aren’t worthy, (including himself) to strap the lace of his shoe and doesn’t want Jesus to wash his feet. Jesus says unto him, unless He washes him, he would not be clean.  John 13:6-8. James 1: 9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted. Humble yourself before God, and demonstrate the Love of God by serving one another with patience, longsuffering and humility.

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Jesus in the work place.

Luke 2:41-52

41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

What I would like to point out from this passage of scripture is the fact that Jesus was in the company of many business professionals (Doctors/Teachers) much like ourselves at work.  They were astonished by His wisdom and understanding. We too are gifted and endowed from all high to preach God’s Truth with all wisdom and understanding. So when given the opportunity don’t shy away. If all you know is that Jesus Christ died and He rose again then proclaim that truth with all wisdom and understanding. 1 Corinthians 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. There will be those that are amazed and astonish by such truth.

          I look at Joseph and Mary like our supervisors / managers on our jobs. They have a purpose, and they keep order and functionality of the business. In much of the same way the Jesus earthly parents looked after Him. But with that being said they are not the Ceo’s, they are not the owners. Although His parents and our supervisors have a purpose. That doesn't negate us from the will of God.  Which is to 1^st Love Him with all our hearts and soul and 2^nd Love one another with just as much conviction, to care enough not to see someone perish. We have to be about our Father’s business 1^st. Don’t pass up an opportunity because it’s frowned upon in the work place.

Grab and go: With all that was said, don’t feel you can tell you supervisors or your parents whatever comes to mind, however you please. Jesus expressed to His parents His 1^st priority, yet He was subject unto them.        1 Peter 2:13-16  Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.

15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

Be about your Father's business yet do so in wisdom.

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Sun up, to sun down!

     

  The Word of God is found in everything that we do. Just this morning as I was driving my children to school, I notice that when I was headed towards the school the sun seemed directly in front of me. Sometime it would be so bright that it would be hard to see. I would have to pull down the visor just to continue on. Likewise when I was headed in the other direction opposite of that of the school, the sun would be behind me. So there was no need for the visor. I could see with no problem.

            Applying that to the Word it seems when we are headed in the direction that God has called us to go, sometimes it becomes a little difficult to see the road ahead. But we are not to be in despair but realize that God has already made provisions to see you through. That like that visor, God has given us help, through the Holy Spirit, to enable us to overcome all obstacles. Funny that when I was headed in the opposite direction, I seemingly did not need the visor. Everything was illuminated well enough for me to see everything, except the sun/son.

 John 14:16-18 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

Grab and Go: 2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. Don’t let your own eyes fool you into thinking that as long as you can see the outcome of a situation that it somehow must be the direction God will have you walk. Truth be told, when you can see it too clearly where you don’t need a visor. Where it seems only logical to do a certain thing. That’s the indication that you’re headed in the wrong direction. God never said it would be easy, He just promised that He would see you through it if you believe in Him.

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Jesus will Not Fail !!

Matthew 14:31-33

And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

As we read yesterday, that as peter begin to sink he cried out, “Lord save me”. “And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

Don’t think that when we call out to Jesus that he doesn't immediately move on our behalf. It may not be in the fashion that we think. But trust immediately He begins to make provisions for us. Have faith that if God has called you to do something even if or I should say especially if it’s beyond comprehension and reasoning know that He doesn't desire to see you fail or parish. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Grab and go: Of a truth, surely God has proven to you time and time before that He will never fail you. Take the time to acknowledge Him for His faithfulness towards us, and worship Him not because of what He has done or is going to do for us, but because He is God and God alone. Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

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If it be thou.

Matthew 14:28-30

28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.

            My wife and I talked about these verses last night in bed. To me, when I read these verses, I received more of the fact that Peter had a desire to be different and that he was willing to step out on faith as a result Jesus called him out. Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

            The way that my wife received it was the fact that Peter had a desire to be wherever Jesus is. He saw an opportunity, but he needed Jesus to confirm it for him first.  To say that, “if this is of you Lord, prove it to me, tell me plainly”. And Jesus said “Come”. Malachi 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

So essentially before Jesus proved anything or showed Himself able. It was required of Peter to do his part and step out. Just like in the book of Malachi, it’s required to bring the tithes unto the Lord 1st that there will be sufficiency in the House of the Lord.  Then will your barns or your homes be bursting over with an overflow.

Grab and go: I’m grateful for the revelation that God gave my wife. He showed me that although spending time alone with Him is necessary, but not to forget that He has given her to me for a purpose. That we should continue to spend time together in His word that we may grow in completeness.  Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

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In the fourth watch of the night.

Matthew 14:25-27

25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.

26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.

27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.

At an unexpected hour Jesus went unto his disciples.

In this chapter we read that Jesus had just fed the 5000. Afterward He told his disciples to depart and go before Him while He sent the multitudes away. While in a doing what Jesus had instructed them to do, they were essentially waiting to reunite with Him.  25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. At an unexpected time somewhere around 3 or 6 am, (when most of us are sleep) Jesus went unto them.

Not expecting to see Him in the manor that they did, they were afraid. Like many of us that expecting things to go a certain way, and when they don’t we become afraid, uncertain and less confident in what we know is true (God’s Word). Jesus knowing our flaws still comforts by saying to us “be not afraid” ,” it is I”.

Grab and go: Sometimes the way we expect for God to show up for us isn't the way that He does it at all. Sometimes He speaks to us in our dreams through visions because our natural minds expect for Him to show up when we are awake. When we are awake we sometimes become afraid of what it is that we saw because our natural mind can’t make since of it. But that’s when we have to recall the scripture that says “be not afraid; it is I” Matthew 14:27.  

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