Forgiveness

In the book I'm reading now, there's this topic about forgiveness and I thought why not write something about it. It's the one thing I've had a really hard time dealing with. It has been my perennial struggle even when I took my christianity seriously. Forgiveness was a far out thought for me. I just couldn't put two and two together like having to forgive someone who's not even asking for your forgiveness. Why would I have to forgive somebody who did me wrong and whom I despise so much? It just doesn't make sense.

Little did I know that forgiveness is not really given to free the other person from a grudge (well, that's part of it), but moreover, it's for my own healing! I've learned that forgiveness is a choice and a decision you make. That you can't wait for yourself to feel like forgiving because it's not going to happen ever. Our nature is to seek revenge, not to forgive. During one of our church's activities which is being done yearly (you only need to attend once), there was this session where I have to forgive those I have an animosity with. I have to renounce all bitterness that I hold in my heart. I became stiff. I just couldn't do it. No way! Thank God for Tess, my cell leader, who was so patient with me. She helped me face my "monster". I was sweating. I was jittery. I thought I heard voices telling me not to do it. But when I finally was able to release all of them, whose names were written on my little note pad, I felt calmness around me.

Well, that was just the beginning. It's God's grace that I am freed from it daily.

"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." Matthew 6:14-15

Prayers For Rebekah

Please join me in prayer for Rebekah and her family. Click on to the title of this post to bring you to her site. Let's pray together for healing and deliverance.

"For nothing is impossible with God." Luke 1:37

"For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:20

The Bondage Breaker

As I've flipped through the last few pages of The Wife... next in my reading pipeline is The Bondage Breaker by Neil Anderson. This is about breaking free from negative thought patterns, control irrational feelings and break out of sinful behavior. This book illustrates spiritual warfare which will also remind us, Christians, the truth of who we are in Christ and what it means to be a child of God. I believe this will help open our eyes and equip us to be victorious in every battle the enemy tries to win over us.

"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57

My Heartfelt Thanks

I'm having so much fun reading all your posts. It makes me feel like I'm around so many friends. Believe it or not, you all keep me company while I'm on my lonesome. I'm constantly encouraged by the entries of my Christian cyber friends.

I also get to express my thoughts and emotions through this, and it feels great to be able to give someone hope through the simple writing that I do. More than the pleasure of being appreciated, I love the thought that I can make God smile up there through what I do.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you all for being sisters and brothers-in-Christ. Thank you for the prayers you sent our way. My heartfelt thanks to all of you.

God bless!

Faith

In all of your circumstances,
Look for God’s blessing.
Look for His joy
And His love everlasting.

Seek out God’s goodness
In a world of tears and sorrow.
Seek out His hope
In the dawn of tomorrow.

Let His peace fill your heart,
Let His hand and word guide you.
Know that you are never alone
For He always walks beside you.

Let His love be your strength,
His trustworthiness your shield.
Be courageous as He goes before you,
His victory to yield.

Walk forward in faith,
Let the Lord work His ways.
His unfailing love is with you
For all of your days.