One of the challenges of life is learning how to deal with change. Most of us don't like change. We like to stay in our comfort zones. But our world is in a constant state of change. Think back over your own life at how much has changed in the world since you've been alive. Think of how many things have changed in your own personal life since ten years ago. Well, even though life and the world and we are in a constant state of change, God isn't. The Bible says, "I am the Lord, I do not change" (Malachi 3:6 NKJV).
When we are facing change, we need to remember that God is far bigger than any difficult change we may be facing. So in those times we need to put our faith in the One who does not change.
We can not stop the changes that come our way. We may try to avert some, but change is always happening around us. Eric Hoffer said,"In a time of drastic change, it is the learners who inherit the future".
Even though change can be scary at times we have to remember that God will allow times of change in our lives so that our trust and faith will be in Him and not in ourselves. Change also helps us to grow as human beings as well as in our relationship with God.
When change comes into our lives let's remember that the Bible says,"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV). Let's also find comfort in the truth that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8 NKJV).
Troy
A place where you can find encouragement as you go through life. A place where you can connect and grow in your relationship with God. A place where you can grow spiritually while still being human.
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Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
Forgiving Others
One of the challenges of life is forgiving others. Since we are not perfect, most of us are quick to anger, quick to blame, slow to forgive, and even slower to forget. Yet as Christians, we are commanded to forgive others, just as we,too, have been forgiven.
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:31,32 NASB
No, it is not always easy to forgive. Sometimes people do some really hurtful actions against us. But still, we are commanded to forgive. Forgiveness is not easy, if it were, everybody would be doing it.
One reason we need to learn to forgive is because unforgiveness keeps us tied to that offense all of our lives. The other person who wronged you may have moved on with life, but you and I can keep hanging on to that moment as long as we have unforgiveness.
Another reason we need to learn to forgive is because God commands it. Remember, God doesn't gives us commands just because He feels like it. He gives us commands because He knows that they are what are best for us. Since He has given us a command to forgive, He must know the bad results that can come into our lives by having unforgiveness.
Finally, we need to forgive because Jesus forgave us of the wrongs we did to Him. When we look at the issue without using emotion, we see that forgiveness is always the answer. If Christ can forgive all of the horrible things we have done to Him, how can we hold on to unforgiveness against someone else?
If you are having trouble forgiving someone, pray about it... and keep praying about it... until God helps you do the right action. Corrie Ten Boom, who was a survivor of the holocaust said, " Forgiveness is not an emotion. Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart."
Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
Colossians 3:13,14 MSG
Troy
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:31,32 NASB
No, it is not always easy to forgive. Sometimes people do some really hurtful actions against us. But still, we are commanded to forgive. Forgiveness is not easy, if it were, everybody would be doing it.
One reason we need to learn to forgive is because unforgiveness keeps us tied to that offense all of our lives. The other person who wronged you may have moved on with life, but you and I can keep hanging on to that moment as long as we have unforgiveness.
Another reason we need to learn to forgive is because God commands it. Remember, God doesn't gives us commands just because He feels like it. He gives us commands because He knows that they are what are best for us. Since He has given us a command to forgive, He must know the bad results that can come into our lives by having unforgiveness.
Finally, we need to forgive because Jesus forgave us of the wrongs we did to Him. When we look at the issue without using emotion, we see that forgiveness is always the answer. If Christ can forgive all of the horrible things we have done to Him, how can we hold on to unforgiveness against someone else?
If you are having trouble forgiving someone, pray about it... and keep praying about it... until God helps you do the right action. Corrie Ten Boom, who was a survivor of the holocaust said, " Forgiveness is not an emotion. Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart."
Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
Colossians 3:13,14 MSG
Troy