Faith vs Good Works

Philippians 2:12-13 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

There are those who think that they can balance the wrong they've done against the right they do. This is not what it means to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling". Our ambition ought to be to allow God to correct us, rather than occupying our lives with “good works” to please our conscience. Acts 8:20 says, “But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.”

When we examine these 2 verses together, we see that it is only God leads us to the good He assigned us – we need not lead ourselves; and it's imperative for us to know that God cannot be bought!

The Bible says in Job 31:6 “Let me be weighed in an even balance that God may know mine integrity.”

Having an even balance means having no pressure on our consciences from the wrongs we’ve committed; we are free from them by the blood of Jesus as we strive to abide in Him. We can never “tip” the scales in our favor by busying ourselves with “works”. (Isaiah 57:12 I will declare thy righteousness, and thy works; for they shall not profit thee.) The only gift God accepts is our hearts when we are in right standing with Him (obedience). Luke 18:9 in the Amplified Bible, Classic Edition says, “He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves and were confident that they were righteous [that they were upright and in right standing with God] and scorned and made nothing of all the rest of men:” the Bible also says in 1 John 1:7 “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” Apart from obedience, all of our efforts are fallible...

One of my quotes is “Why does God tell us to love one another? Because that is where we sin the most!”  

When we sin against one another, we break the Body of Christ - which is a greater sin from our menial offenses against one another. Breaking the Body of Christ (division) is the main reason many Christians are weak and suffering amongst us. This ought not be!

Philippians 2:2 says “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”

There are many benefits to having strong bonds within the Body of Christ; the devil knows what they are so he will strive to keep the body of Christ broken (division). He knows that as long as there is division, we cannot possible be of that One Mind! 

The devil has many tools to operate with; all of them are wrought with emotion. The emotions he targets are envy, anger, arrogance – which all mostly stem from insecurity... but the devil doesn't always attack us in our weakness; he also attacks us through our strong areas!

When the devil attacks us in our strong areas, we are less likely to recognize them. This is because we are puffed-up with confidence - but it is not of God; it's a false confidence because it's in the flesh! This leads us to operate independently from the Body of Christ; I'm not talking about fellowshipping of lending a helping hand; I'm talking about true Christian fellowship by Abiding in Christ and striving to be like Jesus (character). The devil goes through great lengths to keep the Body of Christ apart. This is why Paul wrote Philippians 3:3 "For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh."

When we are feeling confident in ourselves, we need to take caution because this is how the world operates; this is also how the devil uses our strengths against the Body of Christ. Our strengths effectively create further division (Broken Body of Christ) because they cause us to become independent of the Body of Christ (self-reliant). This is why it's so important as Christians to circumcise or cut-off the desires of the flesh (what pleases us). 

Jesus says in John 15:12 “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.”

The hymn further says “This is my commandment, That you love one another, That your Joy may be Full;” this strengthens the Body and allows us to be of that one mind of that one body which is Christ Jesus!

Those who walk in love, know joy and know peace and enjoy true fellowship with Christ💗 

See Pastor Haddad's short video here: URLittleDarling on Gab: 'Pastor Charlie Haddad, He is the evidence that God…'

God Bless,

Maria

Top of the Mountain

 The best view is from the top...

Isaiah 56

Thus saith the Lord, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.

Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.

Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the Lord, speak, saying, The Lord hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree.

For thus saith the Lord unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant;

Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.

Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord, to serve him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;

Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.

The Lord God, which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.

All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest.

His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.

Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. 

Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.

 

I read this passage as though I was reading a love letter from the Lord.

This spoke to my heart because I have a Christian believing family who cut themselves off from me; this has been going on for most of my life.

I stress Christian believing because a true Shepherd (a doer) would not be void of understanding, nor spiteful enough to purposely set out to hurt others.

Through this passage, God showed me that true children of God would never cut themselves off from anyone – only the self-serving beasts would – as the conclusion of this passage points out...

Over the years I have met many who have struggled with family abandonment issues because of their faith. I have coached many on how to deal with the pain of separation; it's a pain that is continual, but at the same time, there is complete joy and peace. 

I showed them that we are all fallen; but it is those beasts who were hateful enough to abandon them-that have chosen to remain in their fallen state (like a beast - unable to understand where - or that they need correcting). They are full of self-love; not the love of God.

These beasts are like the Pharisees; they are bent on titles, position and power, not following Christ.

I encouraged them to shift their focus off of themselves (the hurt they are enduring), and to transfer it to those who abandoned them; they are far from the Lord's salvation and in need of restoration. I encouraged them to pray patiently for their loved ones until they are redeemed.

Jesus himself knew the pain of separation when we was on the cross;  Matthew 27:46 says, “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

As we endure the hardship of being cut-off (persecuted) from friends or family; know today that that it is because we are sharing in Christ’s sufferings  - and one day, we will share in His Glory! We actually ought to be grateful for their persecution - they are the reason why we end up on this (holy) mountain!

Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. 2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

If this speaks to your heart, know that you belong to the Lord. Jesus wants you to know that you are His and not dry, cast-away and abandoned; He doesn't even want you to entertain those false thoughts. Understand that You are on His Holy Mountain – and we know that those up on the mountain-top enjoys the best views that no one else sees.

God Bless,

Maria

Having Peace in a Hostile World

Having peace is one of the most important characteristics of your Christian walk; it goes hand in hand with love and forgiveness. Godly peace is packed with many benefits including facing eternity confidently. 

True peace can never be accomplished by adhering the worlds standards; after all, it's what takes place in the world that actually steals our peace - Revelation 6:4 And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword. 

The world's standard on achieving peace is:

• Spending time in nature.
• Being true to yourself.
• Clean Eating.
• Stick to a regular Workout Program.
• Do Good Deeds.
• Say NO to people.
• Meditating.

This is a shallow way to attempt to attain true peace. Besides, like an addiction, you have to keep doing it in order to have some sort of peace in your life. In my own personal experience, I've learned that you either have peace, or you don't.

As Christians, we are called to live in peace even though we live in a hostile world. How do we achieve peace? Let's look at scripture and examine how we can achieve it in our daily lives:

Don't just do good deeds, give them their true meaning! Galatians 5:22-23 “ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

We can have peace by being confident and not letting fear plague us. John 16:33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

We have peace by being kind and gentle. Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the ”  

We have peace by living righteous lives. Psalm 85:10 “Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.”

We have peace by submitting ourselves to God. Job 22:21 “Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.”

We have peace by being honest. Psalm 35:20 “For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land.”

We have peace by walking with integrity. Psalm 37:37 “Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.”

We have peace when we avoid deceit. Proverbs 12:20 “Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.”

We have peace when we avoid jealousy and refrain from getting even with people. Proverbs 14:30 “A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.”

We have peace when we choose to be God fearing and God pleasing. Proverbs 16:7 “When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

We have peace through self-discipline. Galatians 6:16 “And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.”

We have peace by recognizing and destroying barriers that keep us from being unified. Ephesians 2:14 “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;”

We have peace by sharing and hearing the Good News!!! Ephesians 2:17 “and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.”  Ephesians 6:15 (Amplified - Classic)“and having strapped on your feet the gospel of peace in preparation [to face the enemy with firm-footed stability and the readiness produced by the good news].”

We have peace when work together toward the common goal - which is Christ Jesus. Ephesians 4:3 “endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

We have peace through Christ Jesus even when we fail to understand what's happening. I myself have recently put this one into affect; It Works! Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

We have peace when our thoughts are lovely and pleasing to God. Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”

We have peace by practising Christianity as opposed to just being mere believers. Philippians 4:9 “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”

We have peace by our freedom the burden of sin. Luke 7:50 “And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.”

We have peace when we make peace with our enemies.  Unresolved issues between people leads to undue tension. Through reconciliation, we are restored. Matthew 5:24 “leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.”

We have peace because we are in His Likeness! Matthew 5:10 “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

We have peace when we let go of our excuses. Philippians 4:13 “ I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

By practising peace, peace is multiplied to you. Jude 1:2 (Amplified - Classic)“May mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you [filling your heart with the spiritual well-being and serenity experienced by those who walk closely with God].”

We touch the very heart of God when we pursue a lifestyle of peace and unify the Body of Christ! Matthew 5:9 “ Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”

Jesus promised to give us His peace, but we must do our part and let our heart not fail us. John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Our job is never to get-even with people; our job is to keep peace. God's righteous judgement is designed to achieve His goal - salvation! When your goal is to get even, you clearly are out to destroy that person, and by doing so, it comes with a consequence. Destroying someone is never a good idea because it is contrary to a life of peace. Deuteronomy 32:35 says “To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.”

Godly peace, is the only peace that offers an internal [eternal, permanent condition of the heart that expresses joy and serenity] advantage. Psalm 29:11“The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.” As you make peace your habit, strength and joy will be your lifestyle.

God Bless,

Maria

Detecting Deceit

The Bible says in Proverbs 6:16-19 These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

We are living in a time where we are witnessing lies beyond human comprehension. Lying has become so very acceptable in our everyday dialogue. We are being lied to by our government, the media, and our medical practitioners and so on... What's worse is people actually place their trust in these liars AND reinforce their (false) belief onto others!

I learned a long time ago that there is no authority other than the one who speaks the truth. So, before you put your trust in anyone, you need to equip yourself on how to detect deceit.

Luke 24:11 And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.

Tell A Good Tale!

People will fall for a good story; a good story begins with beguiling – dramatic content – that creates conflict and tension – and a chain of events; they will have character witnesses (celebrities); then submerge you with information – harnessing your undivided attention. Then there's the urgency...

Leviticus 19:16 Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the Lord. 

Catch Phrases

To sell us on the principle of their tales, liars will make big claims using catch-phrases. These range from “It’s Expected; Numbers Show; Promising; A New Report Reveals; New Signs Of; What You Need To Know;  (and my favorite) Our Experts...” Honest people don’t use these tactics.

Leviticus 6:3 or have found that which was lost, and lieth concerning it, and sweareth falsely; in any of all these that a man doeth, sinning therein: 

Facial Expressions

Pay close attention to the person's face when they are talking. Less obvious clues your dealing with a liar will show by the reddening on the person’s cheeks, flared nostrils, lip nibbling, burrowed eyebrows, curved lips (downward) deep breathing, and rapid blinking; these signal that there is a chemical response taking place in their brain. Honest people are carefree people.

Proverbs 15:13(a) A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance:

Eye Contact

Liars, when talking, will look away. They do this to recall what they are trying to lie about. People look to the right to remember, and to the left when visualizing. This is what actually takes place when liars are not making eye contact with you. It’s normal for someone to look away when asked a difficult question. But when someone looks around when asked a question, you should red—flag them.

Other facial clues reveal themselves in the over-emphasis facial expressions (such as a disappointed look on their face), head-nodding and hand gestures; OR they just read their scripts with serious looks on their faces.

Matthew 6:22-23 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

Body Language

When detecting deceit, a person’s movement will show clues. Honesty is characterized by features that are in sync with one another—such as soft speech to a soft expression on their face. Liars are often tense— so their body language will reveal it. 

Daniel 7:15 I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. 

Create Distance

Liars need to distance themselves psychologically from their tales. They do this by putting emphasis on others (characters) to distance themselves from their lie. Their aim is to get others involved (even by blaming) to take the heat off of them. When they can't distance themselves from their lies, they will distance themselves from the people who knows their lies.

Acts 19:36 Seeing then that these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet (keep yourselves in check) and do nothing rashly.

Question Them

Liars do not like to be questioned. They will go the distance to stop all lines of questioning and/or communication. The reason is they don’t have any proof to back their lie up. The truth never needs to be questioned because it will always reveal itself. 

Acts 19:40 For we are in danger to be called in question for this day’s uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse. 

The Uproar

Above, I mentioned what it takes to make a good story. A lie will always create an uproar or an out-cry. The Bible says in Proverbs 26:28 that “ A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.” An uproar or an out-cry IS the evidence or the result of lies.

Luke 12:2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.

Dealing With Deceit

There in only one way to deal with deceit and that is by taking authority!

Matthew 7:28-29 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. 

Above (again), I mentioned that there is no authority other than the one who speaks the truth. As we observe God's Word and align our will to His Will, we are all in a position of authority to confront all of the lies. 

Deuteronomy 28:13 And the Lord shall make thee the head, and not the tail; and thou shalt be above only, and thou shalt not be beneath; if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the Lord thy God, which I command thee this day, to observe and to do them:

God Bless,

Maria

 

Faith-Hope-Charity

 Faith-Hope-Charity are known as the Three Virtues.

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. 1 Corinthians 13:13 

This infamous Three Sisters mountain is located in Canmore Alberta, Canada. Canmore was officially named in 1884 by Canadian Pacific Railway director Donald A. Canmore in Gaelic means “Big Chief ”. In the traditional Stoney language, the peaks refers to the story of an old trickster who would promise the “Three Sisters” in marriage whenever he was in trouble.

In 1883, Albert Rogers, was caught in a snow storm that after left the peaks snow-capped—resembling nuns in white veils; so Rogers titled the the mountain the “Three Nuns”.

In 1886, George Dawson, a Canadian geologist, and surveyor, named the mountain the “Three Sisters” on his map. The “Three Sisters” is recognized as the “Big Sister, Middle Sister, and Little Sister”—but is actually inscribed as Faith (Big Sister), Hope (Little Sister), and Charity (Middle Sister), as Dawson decided this was most appropriate. (I'm a middle sister so I LOVE that Charity represents it 😊; I certainly identify myself following after the love of Jesus)

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 

Faith in Christianity, represents our confidence in Christ-Jesus, through the Crucifixion on the Cross; and our dying to the flesh (worldly pleasures) so we can have the hope of Salvation. 

Romans 5:3-5 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Hope represents our faith in Christ—who we cling to for our Salvation. True hope, has just as much substance as faith; this is why we say 'NO' to ourselves when our desires are out of line with God's Will. As we continually say no to ourselves (having our lives reflect His death and burial of our sin), His life - by the power of the Holy Spirit raises us up. (I have recently put this into practice - It Works!)

1 John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

Charity represents the heart and soul—associated with the God the Father, God (Jesus) the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Charity is God's love at work in us: this is what moves us to think favorably of those who are not favorable. By doing so, we demonstrate the supreme love God has for us, through Jesus Christ our LORD and Savior. If it wasn't for the Love of God, men would know God even exists because we live in a fallen world. You will also note, those who are the farthest from God don't believe love exists either. Charity is most important because it's a kingdom building—soul winning virtue.

Without God (love), human existence would not make any sense, because love, is the only substance or foundation, in which all relationships are established upon. Without relationships, life is not worth living. 1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Relationships are the most important thing to God; as Christians, they need to be important to us too!

1 Corinthians 13

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

We see from this passage that Charity or Love is eternal whereas all the other virtues are not. This is because God is eternal 2 Corinthians 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

In the conclusion of Paul's Epistle, Paul ponders the elementary stage of our ability to recognize our own failings. He helps us understand the importance of putting away our selfish ambition (sin) as this breaks our relationship with the LORD. When God shows us our sin, we respond in two ways: we either ignore the conviction, or we are convicted by it—and desire to make things right. 

There are those who see (only) sins of others rather than their own; these people are blind to their own lusts whether it's ostentatiousness, an addiction, or even benignity, pride—envy and wrath. This represents the “dark glass” we see through in 1 Corinthians 13. 1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. There is a motive behind each thing we do—and it's those motives that we will account for at the judgment seat.

I have heard many people ask, “How can God forgive specific people—you don't know what they've done”? Well, let God be the merciful judge of them, and you go and worry about your own sin that will you separate from God. 1 John 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 

The “face to face” term in1 Corinthians13 represents God's confrontation of the sin we carry in our hearts. We only see ourselves “in part”—so we need to rely on a Holy God to anchor us, because He is the only one who knows us completely; To understand ourselves fully IS to recognize our own evil. St Augustine knew perfectly well when he prayed; “Forgive me OH LORD, that evil man—myself!”

If we don't perceive or accept our own sin, the Love of God cannot possibly be in us. We will never understand what Jesus did for us—and never come to appreciate His love. We need to accept the fact that our sin helped put Him there because if it didn't, then it could not have been taken away. And if it wasn't taken away, that proves that we rejected Jesus. 1 Samuel 15:23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee... When we disregard our own sin, we will never know what we were forgiven of. As a result, we remain outside of God's Love. You see, your sin has not only broken God's heart, but it has also hurt others as well—even if you don't perceive or accept it. Romans 3:23 for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. We need to come to terms and be honest with ourselves...

When Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13 “but then shall I know”—he meant that we only come to know God by recognizing how evil we are (not someone else)! This is something that cannot be done by looking at the failings of others—only our own!  As we continually recognize and correct our failings, we grow in the faith, have eternal hope, and walk in His Love. 

“the greatest of these is charity.”

God Bless,

Maria

Simplifying Forgiveness

Matthew 6:15 says, "But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

Scary stuff, especially considering we all have to face death someday. Since this is the case, I felt the need to address the 'how to' when it comes to applying forgiveness.

Honestly, I chuckle how difficult pastors make the concept of forgiveness out to be; it's obviously because they fail to understand its simple concept! (Perhaps it's because they are Calvinists {using the Bible for the exalting of self - and desiring the damnation of those who oppose them} or Apostates {anti-Christs who have abandoned the Truth and have given themselves over to false self-serving doctrines})

For the rest of us, forgiveness, simply put, is where you recognize that the person who wounded you is lost; then, you respond with the love that God has for them. This takes the acknowledgment off of what they did to you and places the acknowledgment on the fact that they are not saved - and face an eternity separate from Jesus. Jesus took our pain on the Cross (Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed), so when we respond by allowing the love of God to flow through us, we show ourselves to be genuine children of God (not those who try to steal their way in - Luke 13:27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.)

In 1 John 4, this passage is clear when it comes to love and forgiveness. If you notice, this is the only chapter in the Bible committed to it's own solitary topic; that's because of it's importance, relevance and eternal warning...

When we are able to forgive, it comes from the assurance that we are loved by God and we prove that we belong to him (1 Thessalonians 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.)

1 Peter 2:19 says, For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.

What this means is "it is honorable to bear the pain of unjust suffering because we are conscious of the Love of God. We need to have a sincere love for the transgressor, rather than a love for ourselves. The Love of God must be internal and personal and "winsome" for God. Romans 12:19 says, "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." This means that when we take vengeance into our own hands, God removes His judgment. James 1:20 says, "for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God." This shows us that our anger is our of a pure selfish motive. This will never lead anyone to salvation; and since it doesn't, your attitude proves that you are not a child of God. 

Winning the lost is God's #1 priority, and He does this primarily through us (2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God). As workers for Jesus, we are going to experience hurt - especially when we carry the fullness of God's love for others in our hearts. When we forbid ourselves to be used by God in this manner, we are not in right standing with God - and therefore not saved.

Forgiveness is an act of love, that takes the focus off of the pain we suffered, and puts the emphasis on acknowledging the Love God first showed us. Through that Love, God shows us that the person who hurt us is living apart from Him. As Christians, our automatic response ought to be a built-in desire to see him or her restored. 

When we feel we are unable to forgive - it is because we are focusing on ourselves (the pain that the person caused) rather than acknowledging the Love that God showed and demonstrated for us. 

It's a self-centered version of ourselves that says, "how I feel is more important to me than anything else". When we choose this method of dealing with people who wounded us, we are failing to acknowledge the love that God has for us - and therefore we are literally turning our backs on God.  

It is important that we fully understand the Love God has for us all. We do this when we come to grips of how great our own sin is. The Bible says in 1 John 1:8 that “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” When we acknowledge OUR sins that put Jesus on the Cross, we come to understand all of what He acquitted us of. Genesis 6:1-3 says "And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, that the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years."

These are the fallen gods; it's important to know that. We were pro-created with the fallen. We are children of the devil by default. When you understand how intense this is, then you realize why God required an intense atonement for us through the shedding of the Blood of Jesus on the Cross. We need to be mindful of our own sin-condition and forget about the sins of others - because we are not guaranteed eternity until we made complete in Him and we are actually there! (2 Timothy 2:10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.) 

Now, There is no shame in suffering, Jesus suffered for us. In fact when we suffer, we are blameless, but only as we remain in God's love. When we step out of God's love and choose division (getting even), we lose our innocence and become guilty of a greater sin...

As Christians, we will share in Christ's sufferings (Romans 8:16-17 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together); but, we also inherit his blessings which (re)conditions our heart so we have the ability to forgive. 

When people hurt you, it's most often because they are not established in Christ Jesus; it's important to recognize that. What's more is these folks who take-aim at you do so to test the love you have for them (although it is really God who is testing the quality of your heart; this is how He qualifies us).

When your love comes from the heart rather than the head, you will always prove yourself to be authentic; this will help you to stand firm in Christ and endure to the end! (1 John 4). 

Hebrews 3:14 says "For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end."

God Bless,

Maria

The Power To Forgive