Offering Forgiveness, continued...

Pastor Dennis made it clear that forgiveness is really important...I think sometimes we down-play the importance of forgiving and really hold on tight to our right to stay offended or hurt or angry or victimized or- fill in the blank. The way I see it in the Bible, forgiving others really isn't a choice, it's expected.

Colossians 3:13 Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you.

In the Lord's prayer, Jesus has us pray-Forgive us for doing wrong, as we forgive others. (Matthew 6:12)



The definition of forgiveness Pastor Dennis gave was very helpful-

• giving up the right to get even
• giving up any expectation of the person changing

Giving up...like surrendering to God. (picture-hands up in the air)



His definition of what Forgiveness is not was helpful-

• not minimizing the seriousness of the offense
• not instant restoration of trust
• not resuming the relationship without any changes

When we say we can't forgive "such and such," don't we usually mean we don't want to. God's grace helps us do all things. It is helpful for me to remember how I have been mercifully treated by God (God is gracious to quickly provide memories for this exercise), it is then easier to become willing to forgive "such and such". And isn't that really the point....God isn't asking us to instantly feel forgivingly (I just made that word up, but i think it works here) towards "such and such" but rather that we be willing to forgive and trust God to help us.

Let us search our hearts this week for those we need to forgive, maybe even ourselves. Then--Hands up!

Offering Forgiveness

Good morning,

Just a quick note until this afternoon...

and just a tiny bit off subject...

It occurred to me during this service, that through this series, Dennis has given us the simple explanation of the foundational of our Christian walk.

We start following Jesus with forgiveness...accepting ours and offering it to others. Then we spend the rest of our lives Loving God and Loving others.

Simple!

a little more later...hopefully

Offering Forgiveness

Good morning,

Just a quick note until this afternoon...

and just a tiny bit off subject...

It occurred to me during this service, that through this series, Dennis has given us the simple explanation of the foundational of our Christian walk.

We start following Jesus with forgiveness...accepting ours and offering it to others. Then we spend the rest of our lives Loving God and Loving others.

Simple!

Showing Respect

Again, an excellent and timely message! Pastor Dennis spells it out very clearly why we are to show respect to ALL people.

Under the points of-
Why Treat everyone with respect?

• Because it shows I know God
  

• Because I will get back whatever I give...(You reap what you sow, Galatians 6:7)
  

-I found what needs to change in my life starting this week. In my notes I wrote....Complaining about people won't lead to respect. Even allowing the complaining to happen just in my mind....oooo what will I reap. If I truly know God, I will think about people the way God does. Therefore it's time to put the kibosh on complaining and replace it with loving people even in my mind!

Is there something that came to your mind during the message that is keeping you from showing respect to everyone?

Want to share?

Nourishment For Our Inner Lives

Sean made this post quite straight forward. Work on our H.A.B.I.T.'s. This is such a great tool for diagnosing where we are in our Christian walk. But a tool has to be used to be affective. Let's not let the week go by without picking up the worksheet he gave us and considering what needs adjusting in our lives.

Remember what Dennis said last week as well...don't try to do everything at once...let God show you what needs addressing first...that would be under T for Talking and Listening to God:Prayer.

The Balanced Life

Well, we are just rolling along in this series (sorry, I couldn't resist).

I was thinking when Pastor Dennis began his message, what one thing would I need to work on this week. It turned out to be an easy choice...it was when I wanted to spell Balance like this....B A L N C E. that looks good, doesn't it?

yes ma'am, Adjust my Values. What is a little annoying (oooooo another -A- word...maybe I will just substitute! hmmmm) is that this message came at a good time for me because I have worked through a lot of these issues already:

Build life around Jesus-Pastor Dennis used such a great picture of a wheel's hub and spokes.
Accept my humanity
Limit my labor
A rrrg
Nourish my inner life
Commit my schedule to God
Enjoy each moment

Of course, I still need to work in all of these areas, but have made adjustments in the past couple of years, Even in the area of that 2nd A. However, my reaction when he spoke of being "possessed by our possessions" indicates that I need to work out some things....maybe out to a dumpster...So you know what, that is just what I am going to do....work on Adjusting my values. I am going to ask God what is important in my life and see how HE wants me to adjust.

I am going to listen
I am going to act....in a balanced way