Category Archives: Messages

True Forgiveness

Often when people speak about forgiveness, they talk about how we should forgive others, which we should. We also however need to remember that God forgives us when we repent, or apologize for our sins.

Some people have done things they are so ashamed of that they can’t seem to accept the forgiveness God promises. That is a mistake. The devil wants us to feel unforgivable and lead us away from the compassion and forgiveness of God.

Psalm 103:11-12 says. “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” NIV

Everyone can be forgiven. With the ultimate gift of compassion, God sent Jesus to take the punishment for all our sins. Accept this gift, ask for forgiveness, and just as important, accept it.

Lord Jesus we cannot begin to understand the depth of Your love. Help us accept Your forgiveness and move forward living our lives for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Being Vulnerable

There is a popular author whose thesis is that in order to achieve things in life, we need to make ourselves vulnerable.   We have to put our ideas out in public and risk being criticized.  For most people, this is a frightening idea.
In a similar way, to grow and be everything God wants us to be as Christians, we need to do the same thing; to live our lives openly as Christians without excuse or apology.  The difference is that we know God is there supporting us when we make ourselves vulnerable for him.
Psalm 25:3 says, “No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.”
Dear Lord, Thank you for the assurance that you, the most powerful force in existence, are there to support us when we honor you.  Help us trust in you and live our lives as Christian examples, glorifying you.  In Jesus’ name we pray.   Amen.
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Always Be Joyful

Many people we encounter daily are rather negative.  It is so easy to think the negative things are the things to discuss; bad weather, traffic, our physical ailments, car trouble, etc.  Not to minimize people’s problems, but even with our problems, we all have much to be happy and grateful for. We should try to be the person that turns the conversation to the positive things.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Paul writes to the believers there, “Always be joyful, Always keep praying, No matter what happens, be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” TLB  I am sure the folks Paul was writing to had problems like we do.  Arguably, their problems were more dire than we can imagine in the developed world of 2022.
Dear Lord, Help us remember Paul’s words, and be Joyful and Thankful.  Joyful because we are saved and we know you will support us through our problems, and Thankful for this amazing gift.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.
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Wake Up Praising God

Do you sometimes wake up in the morning with negative thoughts; negative thoughts about a bad experience, or someone who mistreated you, or a problem you have?
I believe that often times these thoughts are being placed in our heads by the enemy, trying to get our day started with a sour and defeated attitude.
I have a technique that I use to overcome these negative influences.
When I wake up with these negative thoughts, before I get out of bed, I try first to remember the words Jesus used in Matthew 16:23, when Peter comments about Jesus upcoming suffering and death.  Jesus said, “get behind me satan.”  Or the words Jesus used when tempted in the wilderness, He tells the devil “away with you satan”. This shows we recognize the deception and in Jesus’ name we are sending it away.
Second, In my mind I recite the common doxology,
Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise him all creatures here below
Praise him above ye heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost
Alternatively, I remember David’s words in Psalm 118:24 “this is the day that The Lord Has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Finally I say a quick prayer or the Lord’s Prayer, thank God for a new day, and ask for his guidance.
If you experience this negative ambush in the morning, give these techniques a try.
Dear Lord, protect us from the undermining influence of the Devil, and help us live our lives as positive, cheerful, advocates for you.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.
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At The Right Time

People that do “good,” or that strive to do what they understand is God’s direction for them typically are not doing that because they expect some reward. However, it is interesting what Paul writes in Galatians 6:9,10 “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.”

I think there are two messages for us in this verse. First, we will receive blessings for doing good. Second, the blessings will come at the right time for us. We may hope and pray for certain things, but they may not be good for us now. If we keep striving to do what the Bible teaches, and not give up as Paul says, God will give us the blessings we need at the “right time” for each of us.

Dear Lord, we know you are watching each of us, and know our needs and desires. Help us keep doing your will, being blessings to others. Thank you for blessing us in your time. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.