What I didn’t know almost cost me my life!
As I begin this journey with you I want to start with what I believe the Lord has said, and that is to start with forgiveness.
What I did know is that I needed Jesus and the forgiveness He offered.
When we first come to God we come through His son, Jesus, who shed His blood and died on the cross to pay for our sins. So, when we first come to Jesus we simply ask Him to forgive us for our sin and then allow Him to teach us how to live life.
Over many years I have spoken to individuals who have not gone to Jesus because they do not believe that they have a need to. They believe that they are good people and do others no harm. That is sad because there is only one way to God, and that is through His son.
There is only one way to Jesus and that is through repentance, meaning that we acknowledge that we are a sinner and need to be forgiven for not doing things God’s way. We all fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)
Since God is the creator He makes the rules though he also gave us a free will to obey them. Realizing that we could be drawn away He gave us a chance to turn back to Him so we would not have to live life apart from Him.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that every one who believes in Him would not die but would have eternal life.” (ONM) John 3:16
A life with God means abundance on earth and eternity with Him. A life apart from God is chaos on earth and eternal Hell. It is sad to know that even after people have asked Jesus to forgive them they don’t let Him be Lord over every part of their lives. Sometimes that is willful while at other times that is done in ignorance.
I also knew that I needed to forgive those who did me wrong.
As a counselor, I have spoken to many individuals who willfully refuse to forgive others due to what they have done. There is an old saying that un-forgive-ness is like taking poison and hoping the other person will die from it. It just doesn’t happen that way. John 6:15 says, “but if you would not forgive all other people, neither will your Father forgive your sins.”
That is a dangerous place to be. Un-forgive-ness hinders the blessings of the Father. And, whether one be willful or ignorant of this truth a judgment is put out against them. I learned this truth the hard way.
I didn’t realize that though I had truth about forgiveness that I didn’t have the whole truth.
When diagnosed with breast cancer, seventeen years ago, I was fully convinced that, “by His stripes I am healed”, all the way through surgery and chemo. However, while going through radiation treatments my doctor reported that the cancer had metastasized to my head and my sternum.
I inquired of the Lord about this matter and He told me that I had un-forgive-ness in my heart. Though I thought I had truly forgiven all who had done me wrong He reminded me that I only gave Him lip service. I was to also pray for those who abused me. Luke 6:28 (ONM)
I heard His voice and He heard mine when I said, “Forgive me, I can do that”. I prayed until I began to feel compassion for that particular person. And you know what? The judgement was removed.
A few, short days later the doctor did some tests and told me that the cancer was gone. Yes gone!
Forgiveness is powerful. It not only positions us to receive the promises of God but it also gives us an eternal home with the one who loves us.
So, today’s action steps:
If you haven’t asked Jesus to forgive you, today is the day. Just ask. He paid the price to get you access to the Father.
Have you forgiven all others? Not just with lip service but by actually praying for them. Take time now and pray until you feel compassion for them.
Let Jesus be Lord over all! Amen!
Bless you Terry! Hope all is well! Love you!
All is well! Thanks aunt Midge, love you too.
A WORD in due season!! Thank You
Hi Beverly, You are welcome. Glad you tuned in. Blessings to you!