It’s good to know how to help…and when you don’t know it’s best to remember this funny gif.

Here’s yet another question from another reader with a similar struggle. It’s great to remember 1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” But the question becomes, “How can I practically live that out?” I’d appreciate your comments.

Question:

I have an addiction, an addiction to sins of lust. No matter what I’ve done or tried it seems like I can’t break away. I continuously ask God to take this away from me but it never seems to work. No matter if I quote scripture or pray or run I can’t get away.

Please tell me, how do I defeat this?

Answer:

It sounds to me like you need healing.

One part of the healing process is to realize our value.

Our value is not what we think of ourselves. It’s what someone is willing to pay for you. You may want 5 million for your house, but if the market sees the value at $220,000, well, that’s the value.

So our value isn’t what we think of ourselves, it’s not what others think of us. It’s what the one who purchases us wants to pay for us.

Read Romans 8 realizing the awesome value that Jesus sees in you. There is no condemnation, only help.

Just so you know, another one of my readers is just about to release a book on overcoming sin. Mine is still a ways off.

I’m not saying you need a book, you need the revelation of God. But I want you to know it’s not only possible, it’s God’s will for you. He’ll help you do it. You likely need to be healed of past wounds. I doubt you can believe that God is not disappointed in you or surprised by your actions. His love for you is not less. His desire for you is to overcome.

Check out Cody Bateman’s blog http://codybateman.org/ He’s the one writing the book. I’ve been praying for you and will continue to. Please keep in touch.

~Trevor

This is such a cool video. I found it here.

Basically the story is 3 guys in 44 days traveled 38 thousand miles to 11 countries on 18 flights… and shot 1 second of video in each location…to bring the world this.

Enjoy.

I know I did.

MOVE from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

There is something about agreeing with God’s will with our words and actions. Some people will say, “It creates a convergence in the quantum field.” That may be true, but there may be another more Biblical explanation.

Consider the role of angels:

Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation. Hebrews 1:14 (New Living Translation)

These Spirit-beings are hear to help us. And the exciting thing is, they listen for the commands of the Lord:

Praise the Lord, you angels,
you mighty ones who carry out his plans,
listening for each of his commands.
Yes, praise the Lord, you armies of angels
who serve him and do his will! Psalm 103:20-21 (New Living Translation)

When our words agree with the thoughts God has for us, it releases the angels to carry out His plans. Good things happen when a good God’s plans get carried out.

On our end, declaring the promises of God refocuses us from our problem to His promise – and His promise makes us agree:

I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:13-14 (New International Version)

To hope at the end of the rope, you need to refocus on His promises. So remember prophetic promises and declare the promises of Scripture.

Find out more at HopeInTransition.com

In the garden the serpent asked “Did God really say…?” and that’s a question satan keeps asking us today. It is so easy for us to forget an encouraging word spoken to us. They are like to seed that falls in the rocky ground:

The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word.
Matthew 13:20-21 (New Living Translation)

As soon as problems come, the joy of the seed that’s planted is forgotten. You and I need to remember the prophetic promises given to us.

When we teach and release people to prophesy, we get them to record the prophecies. This is so people can remember what’s been said over them. My Bible is full of notes of prophetic words I’ve gotten from people or from a sermon that spoke to me. I get encouraged every time I read them.

The secret is 3 part -

1. We need to record the prophetic words entrusted to us.
2. We need to remember to remember them – make it part of our regular devotional time.
3. We need to agree with them, speak them into being, and work them out in our lives.

We may not know how they are going to come about, but the Father will show us the next step, and will open the right door at the proper time.

Prophetic promises are how God sees you, how He’s pleased with you, and what He’s entrusted to you. They should be the rudder for your course.

Hope is only as valuable as what you place it in. If we hope for our own dreams or plans, it can bring us determination to see them accomplished, but it can’t bring us assurance that it will be completed. Clinging to God’s promises brings faith and assurance. The enemy does everything to keep you from your destiny. Knowing your destiny prophetically and meditating on it in your mind and with your voice gives you determination and assurance.

Pull them out. Agree with them. Speak them into being. Work them out in your life. They will refocus you when you need to hope at the end of the rope.

…for as he thinks within himself, so he is. Proverbs 23:7 (HCSB)

Find out more at HopeInTransition.com

by David M. Guion, http://grace.allpurposeguru.com [Grace and Judgment]

The story of God appearing to Moses in a burning bush tells a pivotal story in the history of Israel. God commissionedMoses to demonstrate his mercy and lead them out of oppression. Immediately before that story, the Bible observes,

During that long period the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, the their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God. God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them” (Exodus 2:23-25).

They had suffered oppression for 400 years. Why did God wait so long to display mercy? Day after day, year after year, decade after decade they kept suffering. They must have wondered if God really noticed or cared. Surely it seemed that prayer changes nothing and God does not hear.

And yet they kept alive stories of their ancestors who lived in a different place—sojourners in a land not their own, but free, prosperous, and respected. They traced their ancestry from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In Genesis 15:13-14, more than a dozen years before Isaac was born, God told Abraham that his descendants would be enslaved and mistreated for 400 years and then come out with great possessions.

So as they toiled and suffered and prayed, they kept alive the story that God knew and had a plan to end it. For most of them, the old story probably had nothing to do with present circumstances. A significant minority drew faith from the story and trusted that God would eventually deliver them. What no one described in Exodus 2:23-25 knew was that at that very time, God was commissioning a savior out in the wilderness.

God always takes the side of the poor and oppressed and takes oppression personally. In the parable of the sheep and the goats, Jesus divided people between those who help others and those who don’t. He said that whatever we do or don’t do to the least among us, we have done or not done to him.

Given that God cares about oppression, why did he allow it to go on for 400 years? I don’t know, but the Bible has some hints. It has many stories about people, including Moses, whose spiritual strength was forged in adversity. They could not become instruments of his mercy otherwise. More specifically, God told Abraham that the sin of the Amorites was not yet complete. It would have been unjust to displace them until then.

As we go through our own troubles, or wonder why oppression seems to triumph, it helps to remember that what we see is only part of what God sees. The reason for the timing of God’s mercy includes things we know nothing about.

Be sure to come back for David’s next post in this series. Share your thoughts with him below in the comments.

We’re coming to the close of our series on “How Big is Your But?” Yes, don’t worry I’ve already made it into a booklet and it can be available on Expectancy Press if you let me know you’d like it.

We’ve discussed how that little word “but” can excuse us from worrying, fearing, and disobeying. We saw it in the account of the children of Israel responding to the report the spies brought of the promised land. We see it in our own lives.

I tried to point out that worry leads to fear and fear gives way to disobedience. So if we can stop the worry, we’ve won the battle.

To stop worry we need to Agree God Cares for Us, Pray About Everything and Choose to Be Thankful.

Today I’ve got an acrostic to help you remember how you can choose to be thankful.

F – Focus – look at what God is doing, not at what is threatening to occur

Matthew 8:23-26 (New Living Translation)
Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.

A – Attention – Keep focused on the right thoughts

Philippians 4:8-9 (New Living Translation)
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

I – Intention – Make plans and follow them through to change your thinking

Romans 12:2 (New Living Translation)
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

T – Thinking God’s Thoughts

Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

H – Holy Spirit Help

1 John 2:27 (New Living Translation)
But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ.

You see for me, faith brings thankfulness. It brings me focus and stops worry.

How can we put this kind of faith into practice? Love to hear your thoughts on thankfulness.

photo credit: rutlo

I hope you’ve been enjoying this series on moving from Milk to Meat you may like to check out the Podcasts episode 1 and episode 2. You may like to also check out the posts on Repenting from Evil Deeds, Placing our Faith in God, Baptisms, the Laying on Of Hands, the Resurrection of the Dead and Eternal Judgement as well as giving you 9 Tips for Maturing in Christ.

If you take anything away from this blog series on spiritual maturity I want you to apply the knowledge that you control the condition of your heart every time the seed is spread. It is your responsibility to have the soil in your heart ready to produce a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.

You can’t say, “I don’t understand that” and allow the enemy to steal it from you.

You can’t get all excited about it today and get so busy with life that you forget about it by Wednesday.

You can’t hear the challenge of God and be worried about “how to fit it in when there are bills to pay” that it gets choked of your reward.

Every time, Every day. Every moment, seed is sown, you’re responsible for the condition of your heart. You’re responsible for what you’ve been taught.

We need you to mature, because there are people about to be birthed into the Kingdom that need spiritual fathers and mothers to love them to maturity.

Just so we’re clear, that means you. You’ve been entrusted with treasure that will be entrusted to those you love on. Don’t keep it bottled up.

Arise and Shine.

Are you going to change anything in your life knowing what you know about Spiritual maturity? Love to hear your thoughts.

photo credit: StewBl@ck

Celebrate. I often forget to celebrate.

Take today for instance. I knew I needed to get my book “Hope In Transition” to the printer. I’ve done the unwise thing of scheduling a launch for later this month with a Seminar called “Little Known Ways to Hope”  without having the book already in hand.

How many times have I picked up a late night order and delivered it to the event as it was happening? Twice. After that I got cruel with people, insisting they NOT BOOK without a BOOK. I learn…just don’t always apply the rules to myself. It’s not so bad. I’m ready for the seminar and if I don’t have a book, it’s not the end of the world. It’s not about launching a book, it’s about helping people by giving them real hope.

This weekend I went crazy with producing booklets. I had 3 done that tie the seminar and laid out another 5 that are almost ready to go. I realized I have enough material to do another book. I also know I need to get Expectancy Press set up. So I have a lot on my mind. In fact, I’m keeping some of the most important news to myself right now. Let’s just say this week and this month is a time for us to press through to establish the next adventure in life.

With all that going on, it’s easy for me to forget to celebrate.

But it hit me…I’ve just produced another book, and along with it some pretty impressive booklets that are going to help encourage people I’ve never even met. That makes me feel good…and a tweet wasn’t enough celebration. So I thought I’d do a quick blog post before I started in on finishing Expectancy Press…

And what’s a celebration without a little bling? Check out the covers of the booklets…

What do you think of them? Let me know in the comments. Keep the celebration going!

Now I’m not going to be talking theologically about the topics of faith, hope and love… although I could mention:

Everything not done in Faith is sin…

…and everything that does not come from faith is sin. Romans 14:23b (New International Version)

Everything not done in Love is useless…

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (New International Version)

Everything not done in Hope is impossible to endure…

1 Thessalonians 1:3
We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

But Faith, Hope and Love  just help me remember what I want to tell you about in this post.

Faith

I’m updating the 40 emails for LifeAbovetheNegativity.com Since I’ve stopped doing web and graphic design to focus on the passion I have for writing for business I needed to take off the ads in the email. I’m so blessed with everyone who signs up – everyday people are choosing to give up negativity – and their comments and prayers are so awesome.

Thinking of faith also reminds me of the changes I’ve made for ExpectancyMinistries.com It’s now going to be a news portal for everything we’re doing at home, online, and around the world.

Hope

Hope makes me think with excitement about my next book – Hope In Transition. It’s off in pre-publication right now and advanced copies will soon be off to reviewers. It’s hard to believe it started with a tweet and led me to path of discovery to understand the journey the Father has us on. I’d like to have the site up this weekend, but there is a lot of work for the backend to get everything set up I want to. You can check out HopeInTransition.com when you have a chance, but remember, it could look very, very, unattended to for a little while yet.

Love

Love reminds me God is Good. It reminds me of my passions which include my wife and children. RevTrev Radio is about to be launched. I can’t wait to get to interviewing some amazing people, but until I have time I have some messages people have been asking me about for some time to get out… on hope, stewarding prophecy, overcoming sin…that reminds me, sign up at www.ExpectancyMinistries.com and download a message on Overcoming Habitual Sin. I’ll be sending a new message out every month, so you can enjoy them at your leisure and not all broken up over the weeks on RevTrev Radio.

Anyway, I think I explain a bit more on this video. I really need to get my video RSS feed working.

Truth:

“Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.” Genesis 9:16 (New International Version)

Thought:

In ancient times, a sign of a covenant was the one making the promise would turn the bow around so an arrow would face him, if it was “loaded.” He’d pull the string and declare the oath. This was a way to say, “If I break this covenant, my life is forfeit.”

God did exactly the same thing when He gave Noah and all creation the rainbow in the sky. It’s as if He’s holding the bow against himself every time the rainbow appears.

I love rainbows. They remind me to remember that God is really, really good.

When in this world we have trouble, or even when we choose busy-ness to rule in our lives, remembering to remember is the first thing we forget.

Let’s never forget the power of testimony.

Marketing mavens know the value of a “social proof.” You need to have testimonials of your products or services on your website. But for the follower of Christ, testimony is even more powerful.

Testimony literally means the “story, or report, of one.” Testimony is powerful because it is immediate, direct and personal. It isn’t a story about something or a report about what somebody else said or did. It’s not a theory or hypothesis or hope. It is a personal description of your own direct experience.

So how often do you remember the good things God has done for you?

This is one area I need to improve on. God can bring to my memory incredible things He’s done for me… and He often does when I wait on Him and listen to what He says. But most of the things I journal are in the dark days of my life. I write when I finally realize I can’t do anything but cry out to God. And too often I forget to write down His answer. I know He answers because I know He’s good and I know I’m facing new challenges today than the ones He helped me overcome… as some people say “new level, new devil.”

Testimony is a powerful tool for us to use to remember. So keep a spiritual journal. What is God telling you today? What is He revealing to you? What verses came alive to you? If you keep track of your prayer requests, keep track of their answers as well. If you write out your laments like the Psalms, remember to praise Him for answers that have come. I often put updates in my personal journals but to do so; I need to remember to read the journal regularly. That may help you as well. Take time to remember by reading your journal.

Now testimony is great for us as individuals, but its true power comes in community. If you have an accountability partner, hold each other accountable to talk about the good things God is doing. Be accountable for destiny. When there’s opportunity to share in your church or on the street – make the most of it, remembering to do it with gentleness and respect. That’s why you have a story to remember.

Your story influences others to trust God and praise God and turn to God in their own circumstance. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been a follower of Christ for decades or have just begun the journey today, your story is important.

The most fun I have in life is to talk to new believers who bring newness to truths that I have taken for granted. Visiting with seniors who share their stories of God’s goodness is also great… come to think of it – I like being around people who talk about the good things of God.

I need to be one of those people so people around me will be more like those kinds of people as well.

Will you be one?

Sharing with others your personal interactions with God enables you to strengthen yourself in the Lord.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to remember the good things You’ve done. Spirit, empower me to tell others about how good You are.  I know it helps me to strengthen myself in You and I know it releases something in the heavens, because even angels long to look into the mysteries of God.

Challenge:

Start a journal today, or write in your journal today. Make it a journal to remember the goodness of God. Record what you can remember from your past, or write down what God is revealing to you today. Write in it regularly and read it often… and if you ever imagine publishing for the glory of God, check out askandimagine.com I’d better use full disclosure here Ask and Imagine is is our story-telling company with integrity. I’m called to a unique mixture of ministry and business.

Declaration:

I choose not to be discouraged. I choose to look to God instead of my circumstance. I choose to strengthen myself in the Lord.

Truth:

I have thought deeply about all that goes on here under the sun, where people have the power to hurt each other. I have seen wicked people buried with honor. Yet they were the very ones who frequented the Temple and are now praised in the same city where they committed their crimes! This, too, is meaningless. When a crime is not punished quickly, people feel it is safe to do wrong. But even though a person sins a hundred times and still lives a long time, I know that those who fear God will be better off. Ecclesiastes 8:9-12 (New Living Translation)

Thought:

Another lie we believe about forgiveness is that “If I can’t forget, than I haven’t forgiven.” Don’t you love it when people quote adages like they’re Scripture?

“Forgive and forget” has done so much damage to people’s understanding of God and their relationship with others.

Do you realize God does not forget the sins He forgives us of?  How could He and still be an all-knowing God? Instead He chooses to not remember and hold them against us.

“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (Jeremiah 31:34 NIV)

Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” (Hebrews 10:17 NIV)

This is more than just an exercise in semantics. We also can’t easily forget. God has created us with minds to remember. Thoughts will pop back into our minds and we have no power over the past…but we do have control over how we let our past control our present and our future.

When memories come, of hurts and pains you have chosen to forgive,  don’t try to ignore them. Remember the whole event – including the FACT you have chosen to forgive them with the strength God provides.

Dr. Chuck Lynch in his book “I Should Forgive, But..” gives this advice regarding the obsessive thinking that often surrounds forgiven hurts:

1. Address God - Stating God’s name in a firm way forcibly stops the obsessive thinking, but usually only momentarily. It is the starting point at dealing with dangerous thoughts.
2. Thank God - Express appreciation to God for allowing you to remember the past offense you had to forgive. This allows you to review this biblical tool which Christ illustrated at the time of His own hurt and rejection “Father, forgive them…” It will also bring to mind that you have left them with God. You can thank Him that you were able to give the same gift of forgiveness you received and thus reflect God’s character to others.
3. Praise God - Sincerely praise God for the tool of forgiveness. Praise Him for forgiving you as you forgive others and for what He’s going to do through this experience for His glory.

Over time, we can forget many of the worse things done to us. But we don’t get to that place by trying to forget.

The secret is to remember the whole truth, including the fact you’ve chosen to forgive. This is how you release yourself from the lie of the enemy that says you need to forget if you truly forgive.

Choose to remember the whole truth today.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Thank You for creating me with a mind to remember. The enemy has wanted to use that for evil, but I choose to remember the good things of You, including the fact You empowered me to forgive.

Challenge:

If this truth was for you today, then apply it to your life. If remembering pain isn’t your problem right now, be a light in a dark world and share this truth with someone who needs it. Walk with them as they journey through the pain.

Declaration:

I choose to forgive everyone who has wronged me. I choose to seek the forgiveness of those I have wronged. I choose to accept I have been forgiven of my confessed sin. I choose to walk in the freedom forgiveness brings.

“Krino” is also translated “to decide”. To decide means “to cut off every alternative”. We make decisions almost every waking moment of the day. Most of them are automatic and we don’t need to think about them. Others need much more consideration. The Father has blessed you with a mind so you can use it. Here are 7 steps to help you make God-honoring decisions:

1. Ask Him for wisdom. Once you ask, move on the wisdom He provides. It’s faith that pleases Him, so know He’ll give you the wisdom you ask for. James tells us:

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. James 1:5-8 (New Living Translation)

2. Understand the situation. Examine the situation and figure out what decision you have to make. An open question that accurately reflects the real decision problem you’re facing will help you get going. What do I do about x?

Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,
the one who gains understanding.
For wisdom is more profitable than silver,
and her wages are better than gold.
Proverbs 3:13-14 (New Living Translation)

3. Brainstorm. Figure out all the possible choices you can make. Don’t let this overwhelm you; instead let your creativity flow. Don’t edit your thoughts here. Get the input of others.

Plans go wrong for lack of advice;
many advisers bring success.
Proverbs 15:22 (New Living Translation)

4. Count the Costs. Pick one or two plausible solutions and weigh the possible outcomes. List the positive and negative results of each choice. Listen to what the Spirit says. Sometimes He’ll tell you things that don’t make sense until you’re farther down the path.

“But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Luke 14:28 (New Living Translation)

5. Consider what the Bible Says. Ask others for Godly counsel. Take the counsel of trusted advisors with great consideration, but know there may be some who are affected by your decision that don’t want their lives to change. Don’t let this stop you if you have already clearly heard the Father.

Make plans by seeking advice;
if you wage war, obtain guidance.
Proverbs 20:18 (New International Version)

6. Make a decision. Follow the “path of peace”. This is not to say you’re following the path of least resistance. It means you have the peace of the Father that doesn’t always make sense.

You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Isaiah 26:3 (New Living Translation)

7. Evaluate your decision. Don’t evaluate too soon. You may choose to blame the Father or think you’ve misheard. Spend time in His presence and listen to His voice instead of the voices from the situation you find yourself in.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (New Living Translation)

Here’s a prayer to help you get started in this process:

Father, I know when I ask for wisdom, you’ll give it. You’re a good God who gives good gifts. Help me decide with discernment. Point me to trustworthy advisers. I will follow where Your peace leads. I know you direct my steps and I thank you for caring about my every need.

Now walk boldly in the direction you decide on.

There are many who, after being forgiven by God and after seeking the forgiveness of those they have offended, find it extremely difficult to live in the freedom that forgiveness brings.

Sometimes they don’t feel they were worthy to be forgiven. This is true; all of us stand before God by His grace. But this is a liberating truth of scripture, not something that condemns us.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, (Romans 8:1 NIV)

Even if you don’t feel worthy of forgiveness, choose to forgive yourself.

Once you do,  train yourself to accept that you have been forgiven by building your faith.  Know what the Bible says regarding the forgiveness of confessed sins. Because:

…faith [comes] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.?(Romans 10:17 NKJV)

The Bible assure us that we are forgiven when we confess our sins. Remember – believe what the Bible says about you… not what your feelings say!

1. Find the verses.
2. Read the verses.
3. Memorize the verses.
4. Meditate on the verses.

Let them become alive to you. It’s the living word of God that makes faith come alive. Pray them whenever you feel the condemning attack of satan saying you’re not forgiven.

Why don’t you do some research in the Bible today? It’s a great form of worship.

I’ll post you the ones I recommend next time.

This is a question often used to to justify not asking for forgiveness from someone we’ve offended.

It’s never easy to swallow our pride, humble ourselves, admit we were wrong and ask for forgiveness. But what Jesus taught in Matthew 5:23-26 was that we need to leave our sacrifice at the altar and go and seek forgiveness when we’ve offended someone. This is why we celebrate the Lord’s supper regularly and why I’m a fan of celebrating communion every time we gather as the Body of Christ. It allows us the opportunity, and reminds us to judge the body rightly. We allow the Holy Spirit to examine our hearts in regards to our relationships and we make sure we remain in right relationship with the Son by ensuring we’re in right relationship with members of His bride.

But what happens when we try to make amends and the one we’ve offended doesn’t choose to forgive us?

Remember what I said about Rabbi Paul? Here’s where his teaching comes in. Once you sincerely seek forgiveness, you are free-whether the other person forgives you or not.  Paul wrote in Romans 12:18:

Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. ?(NLT)

So once you’ve sincerely sought forgiveness, you are free. So be sure to do what Jesus said in Matthew 5:24:

…leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. (NLT)

Asking forgiveness from someone we’ve wronged can be a very difficult thing to do. But now that you know the truth, remember the whole truth – God has not only told you to do it, He’ll empower you to do it. It may be good to discuss these thoughts with your pastor if you need some support in doing what the Bible instructs  you.

We’re praying for you.

If you truly forgive, shouldn’t you forget?

Don’t you love it when people quote adages like they’re Scripture? “Forgive and forget” has done so much damage to people’s understanding of God and their relationship with others.

Do you realize God does not forget the sins He forgives us of? How could He and still be an all-knowing God? Instead He chooses to not remember and hold them against us.

“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
(Jeremiah 31:34 NIV)

Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” (Hebrews 10:17 NIV)

This is more than just an exercise in semantics. We also can’t easily forget. God has created us with minds to remember. Thoughts will pop back into our minds and we have no power over the past…but we do have control over how we let our past control our present and our future.

When memories come, of hurts and pains you have chosen to forgive, don’t try to ignore them. Remember the whole event – including the FACT you have chosen to forgive them with the strength God provides.

Dr. Chuck Lynch in his book “I Should Forgive, But…” gives this advice regarding the obsessive thinking that often surrounds forgiven hurts:

1. Address God – Stating God’s name in a firm way forcibly stops the obsessive thinking, but usually only momentarily. It is the starting point at dealing with dangerous thoughts.

2. Thank God – Express appreciation to God for allowing you to remember the past offense you had to forgive. This allows you to review this biblical tool which Christ illustrated at the time of His own hurt and rejection “Father, forgive them…” It will also bring to mind that you have left them with God. You can thank Him that you were able to give the same gift of forgiveness you received and thus reflect God’s character to others.

3. Praise God – Sincerely praise God for the tool of forgiveness. Praise Him for forgiving you as you forgive others and for what He’s going to do through this experience for His glory.

Over time, we can forget many of the worse things done to us. But we don’t get to that place by trying to forget.

The secret is to remember the whole truth, including the fact you’ve chosen to forgive. This is how you release yourself from the lie of the enemy that says you need to forget if you truly forgive.

Choose to remember the whole truth every time the painful emotions around an offense try to control your thinking.

I enjoy getting your thoughts and comments on this.