The Power To Forgive

Isaiah 43:25 I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

This is my dog Judah. We got him Christmas Day 2020. He’s a Shephard/Hound cross. We got him when he was three and a half months old. We suspect that his puppy beginnings were not so great by how he was, and how long it took him to warm up to us. We’ve had dogs in the past, but they’ve been small dogs; this time, I wanted a real dog. The only experience I had with a large breed dog was when I was 5. I had a St Bernard. She was special to me and I never got over losing her. 

In the spring of 2020, we bought a new home. Since the home was of significant size, we thought about getting a dog, but we put it off because we were renovating and setting things up. There were a lot of things to upgrade. When I first saw the home on the market in November of 2019, I was put off by it. When February of 2020 rolled around, I decided to take a closer look especially when the owners dropped the price - and it was beside a creek. We felt good about it - so we went ahead with the purchase - and ended up getting a great deal!

I enjoyed setting up our new home. Obtaining it was nothing short of a miracle. When the pandemic began, there was the "Mad March" market drop. We used our RRSP's to finance our down payment. The Monday after the RRSP withdrawal (which was the previous Friday), the market experienced one of the greatest drops in history. Had we not withdrawn the RRSP when we did, we would have lost 35% of the down-payment and would have had to make up the difference in the down-payment (which we didn't have) or run the risk of forfeiting the down-payment and losing the home altogether. 

I believe God had his hand in this... Psalm 44:3 For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.

In the summer, we had another interesting experience in which we were able to repay the full RRSP withdrawal back! We figured this was now the time to get a dog - but I put it off. I decided to pray about it because I wanted to make sure that I was the right person for the dog. I prayed about it for three months, then I started to pursue one in November - believing that I was in the right position to welcome one into my new home.

I found a couple of beautiful dogs, but they fell through for reasons that crushed my heart.

By this time, the lockdowns were in full force and that was disheartening enough; I began to feel a little desperate. I saw Judah advertised as a dog named Timer, but I hesitated because there was something sketchy about the photo.

After a long - daunting search for a suitable dog with unfavorable results, I decided to consider Timer. 

I spoke with the dog-breeder (puppy-mill) and I learned that this dog had a great deal of my own character traits and I was assured he was trained to go to the bathroom outdoors. So I arranged a meeting which happened to be on Christmas Day.

The woman - Kayla pulled up and about 8 dogs (including puppies) all pooled out of a little old hatch-back. I said I wanted to get a feel for the dog without a commitment. She said that for a "hold" she would go into town and then come back. I agreed. When she pulled away, I realize that I now had a dog that I wasn't totally sure of and she had my deposit. She called, and demanded the remainder via e-transfer. So we sent it, and from that moment on, we were dog owners.

The first thing this dog did was he started to chew everything! Don't laugh, it was wicker!

Since it was the early afternoon on Christmas Day, we had no way to get to the pet store to get supplies (we were unprepared because of the sudden thrust upon us). So we allowed the wicker to get chewed up until we were able to get Timer - now Judah, some provisions.

We got him a comfy bed - which he chewed up. We got him stuffed toys - which he chewed up; my husbands high-top Nike's - all chewed up, and then we were all cut-up because he chewed on us as well! Wow - his teeth were sharp!

By this time, I was uncertain that getting Judah was a good decision. Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

I decided to pray about this - so I asked God what the right decision was. I didn't want to give up on Judah, so after I prayed about it. I believed that God would condition my heart so I was the right person for the dog (it's never the other way around).

I took him for all his shots - and after them, he was still exhibiting aggressive behavior. The vet suggested to get him neutered (by this time he was past 4 months). I went ahead with it and he was less aggressive with us.

At the beginning of summer, when the new carpet smell dissipated and the temperatures increased, I noticed an odor. I then realized he covered all of the main area upstairs, on my new carpet, with his pee! I broke down. It took several hours over several days, loads of disinfecting solution and a great deal of time on my knees to blot it all out. 

While I was on my knees, I recalled Isaiah 43:25 "I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins."

As God spoke to my heart with this verse, I realized that is how forgiveness works; we can't remove what we've done or change how our actions have affected God or others. I understood this because Judah has paws and not hands. He also did not have what it takes to physically clean the carpets; the ownership was on me to clean - the ownership was also on me to also forgive - but it could only come through the conditioning of my heart. I wanted to give up on Judah and considered rehoming him, but I knew that was not an option.

Then I understood what God did for us through Christ Jesus his Son. You see, He blots out our sin - not us - we can't - we don't have the right tools; it came by the heart of God through the Blood of Jesus. This is the only "solution" that removes the stain of sin on our soul. 

I looked at Judah and cried and cried; As I did, he was aware that his actions caused me grief. That grieved him and Judah has never peed in the house since! 

This is how forgiveness works; I was the one who suffered - but I was also the one who had to forgive. 1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Only the injured person can blot out the transgression, and when it is blotted out, the relationship heals and is restored. 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.

Jesus was wounded on the Cross; from His example, we learn that it is only the wounded person who must forgive because they are the only one in the position to offer it. 1 John 4:20  If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? The person who offers forgiveness seeks love and restoration...Proverbs 17:9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

You see, when someone does you wrong, your heart will respond in love (restoration) or hate (division or separation); it is solely based on the condition of your heart: 1 John 4:7-8 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. When we respond in love, we show God that we truly are His children!

A year later, I feel so blessed to have the joy, comfort and companionship Judah brings; he is so much a part of our family that he even has his own room!

God Bless,

Maria

Simplifying Forgiveness

An Eye For An Eye

Leviticus 24:20 Breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth: as he hath caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him again.

King Hammurabi reigned in ancient Babylonia from 1792-1750 BC.

He was well favored by the people because he considered the pleasures and comforts of them rather than just himself and his noblemen.

King Hammurabi brought in a set of laws known as the Code Of Hammurabi.

Death was often a punishment for criminals for even the most minor offence.

Under this Code, people were considered innocent until proven guilty. When guilty, they were punished under the "eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" method.

We see that the Bible shows this as well in the above verse.

Nowadays, people offend one-another continually. A great deal of these situations are not worthy of going to court over; so, what do we do with minor offenses?

Jesus outlines it clearly:

Matthew 5:38-45 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

We need to learn how to turn away from those who are bent on evil.

When we oppose them, their (heart) condition worsens, and the stubbornness of their hearts harden towards us.

Although their hatred is not necessarily our problem, we still need to address the difference between what is holy, and what is profane.

When disagreements arise, It's usually "I'm right", "no, I'm right". God's Word is the only authority because truth is right and it doesn't pick a side.

Ezekiel 44:23-24 And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. And in controversy they shall stand in judgment; and they shall judge it according to my judgments: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all mine assemblies; and they shall hallow my sabbaths.

This passage shows us that when disputes arise, everyone involved stands in judgment, and it is only those whose hearts are humble before God's authority that will show forth to be clean, and walk out from under God's judgement. So remember, an eye for an eye only sees the outside - not the person's heart, which is what matters to God the most.

God Bless,

Maria

WHO ARE YOU?

 

WHO ARE YOU? (All links go to KJV Scripture Reference)

This is one of the most difficult questions to answer - and there's a reason for that!
As human beings, we have a tendency to think of our man/womanhood as something concrete and tangible that connects us to the 'real world'; that's why we follow celebs and mimic them in appearance and attire. After all, fitting in is what we aim for - right?
Who we really are is nothing more than a product of our minds-in terms of how we see ourselves IN this said 'real world'!
As we go through experiences, we develop our own idea that either enables or disables our ability to relate to - or fit-in this world we live in.
The good times offers comfort, but the bad times challenge our establishment. These challenges are what cause a schema that is supposed to break us from this world, and embolden us to see things from a new perspective.
We need these experiences because we are not here to stay; we are only passing through.
Getting back to the question of Who Are You?

You are a mental being, not just any mental being, but a self-conscious mental being; but your state of mind depends upon how self-aware (awake) you are to sound judgment.
The world would have you follow after the image of celebs as opposed to the Image of God - chasing after the glamour and having you doubt your beauty, gender, your wellness, the rhythm of your heartbeat, the sound of your cough - all the way down to your own happiness. The world wants you to doubt everything about your life all - especially the foundation we are built on (shape of the earth)! The world causes this because they want to control you. As people identify themselves in their weakness (doubts)- they give their power over to the world's system without realizing it.
If this said 'real world' is where you identify yourself, then you are in a world of trouble!
There is only One Way to pull yourself out and that is by removing yourself from it altogether. You do that by reversing what the world taught you and returning to the foundation that God placed you upon (A Perfect Foundation).

The story on David & Goliath is altogether a perfect example of going against the world and the labels they attach onto you.
When you go with the flow you are only drowning in the sea. The way to fight the world's system is by going against the grain by causing friction and making a difference! What you overcome is what you become, and like Christ, HE overcame the world - including death! (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.)

When you overcome mental/spiritual challenges by working in opposition against them, you are in a position to make a difference in this fake world we live in. It is then and there that 'Who You Are' is established.

God Bless!

Destroyed By Comfort - Preserved Through Hardship

 

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne. Matthew 11:28-30 

The number of people stressed these days is almost equal to the number of people on earth. With corporate greed, political corruption and the covid lie, hardship can strip those who are weak of everything – even down to their own will… 

For those who are unfamiliar or inexperienced with suffering, you will need to manage yourself manfully; this is only done through wisdom.

For those who think that God will take care of all their troubles, you're in for a rough–ride! Jesus says in John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]”

Hardship is an essential element to preserve through; not only in the Christian life but in every area of life. In business, hardship is described as a stepping-stone or the downside. In fitness, it’s described as strength-training; in relocating, it’s described as networking (Need I go on?).

In Christianity, the Bible describes it as a filter through which Christ-followers will enter the Kingdom of God.

The Bible calls us to endure hardship.

Why? Because it's faith building.  

Those who have filled their lives and set their beliefs on temporary comforts have never really allowed themselves to become familiar with hardship. These folks fall apart at the slightest sign of hardship. 

Hebrews 12:7 says "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?" 

Discipline is training and training is designed to make you stronger; every bodybuilder would agree.

When people face pressure, they have two choices: buckle under it or lift the weight off of them.  

If you want to change your life for the better, you need to do just that. 

Many of us become indignant when we face hardships because we feel the treatment is unfair or unjust. In our self-righteous-anger, we 'right' the wrong that was done to us.

Unfortunately, this is failing to endure. 

2 Timothy 4:5 says "But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship."

I've seen people destroyed because of comforts. They end up stressed, sick, inflicted with terrible diseases, full of anxiety, depressed, unable to make decisions, struggling with addiction, drug-overdosed and in some cases, dead - all because they refused to meet challenges along the way, and manage the downside.

Philippians 4:13 I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency]. 

There is always a reason for our sufferings; none of them are in vein. God uses them to remove worms of self-concern and to plant seeds of faith. 

As your faith builds, you know how to handle hardship without letting it knock you off course…on a side note, when we live for comforts [pleasures] we are already off course.

What are some of the way we can get back on course?

We can:

Fear not – When we fall to fear, we lose our faith, when we lose our faith, we seek [false] comfort. Turn to the Word of God for His guidance and direction.

Welcome change – but only if the change brings you closer to God. Most of our comforts alienate us from God so this makes complete sense.

See things from another perspective – when we focus solely on ourselves, we entertain the wrong emotions – every time! When we focus on Christ, it takes our eyes off of ourselves, and we see the situation more clearly.

Endure hardship – when you look at the life of Job, you will note that he endured through it all. He was in right standing with God – meaning – his heart never convicted him of any sin. In the end, he was rewarded for maintaining his position.

Understand the purpose of your hardship – Be willing to accept the challenge. God doesn’t bring you to a duel in which He doesn’t give you the tools to overcome. Overcoming the hardship is the only way through it. Each time you run from hardship, they get more difficult to deal with. It’s always best to deal with them and put them behind you; this is how you get stronger.

If you ever watched the movie The Passion Of The Christ, one can easily observe that Jesus was more concerned for the sins of others rather than His own well-being. He endured a great deal of pain and preserved under it until his assignment was complete. Jesus was the strongest man to ever walk this world and in Him, we learn how to endure hardship victoriously!

Comfort is your greatest sign of weakness.

Enduring hardship is the greatest sign of strength. 

When we preserve under pressure  - we are the ones who 'get the crown'. 

Revelation 2:3 says "You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary."