Matthew 6:6-8 (The Message)
6. "Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.
7-13. "The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don't fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:
Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what's best— as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.
Forgiving someone has nothing to do with feelings! If we waited for that, it would never happen! "But what they did is not right", it is not even about right or wrong, justice or injustice. Forgiveness is a choice we make, WE make it ourselves! How many times in my life has this been before me, "Well, I know I need to forgive them, I have been hurt here Lord, and well, I just don't feel like I can ever forgive them". Sound familiar? I think we probably all have to admit this is one of the hardest things in life we will ever be asked to do. Sometimes we hang on to unforgiveness to justify our own behavior, we were wronged and we will not forget or let that other person forget. It is a heavy burden to carry and it does keep us in bondage to that thing. Have you ever heard of "a made up mind"? Well, this is what we must do, just make up our mind that we will do what God commands us to do. He didn't say to think about it or try to forgive, He said "Forgive" period. He will help us you know, in ourselves we cannot do this, we aren't capable. But with God ALL things are possible, yes even forgiveness. If it wasn't, we would not be commanded to do it! I love this passage from the Message translation, if you have a chance to get one, it is really very good. "The focus will shift from you to God and you will begin to sense His Grace", I don't know about you but that blesses my soul! Please read these scriptures again and let God speak to your heart. There is much more in here than forgiveness. Simple truths will help us lead a life that will be pleasing to God. I pray you are having a fabulous day and that you are safe and warm but above all, I pray your heart is peaceful. Thank you for stopping by, I have been so busy caring for my sister that I haven't had a chance to visit all the wonderful blogs over at Spiritual Sundays and those of my friends and families, but I promise to do better this week.
Blessings to you!
Please check all the wonderful encouraging posts! Link follows:
http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/2011/01/hello-friends_21.html
