Today I was cleaning up the house. I had to throw away a plant that was given to me a few weeks ago. This plant was a mum and was absolutely beautiful! I had never seen such vivid colors in a mum plant before. I loved it! But, as usual, I killed it. To save my life, I cannot keep a plant alive! No matter how much sun it got, how much I watered it, or how much MiracleGro I used, I still killed it!
While I was throwing away this plant and lamenting my lack of a green thumb, I began thinking of how we can come to God all beautiful on the outside but dead on the inside. But God takes us no matter what condition we are in and helps us to grow. He doesn't care how dead we are on the inside, what our sins are, what our past is. All He cares about is whether we turn our lives over to Him. When we do, He makes us grow into the beautiful creatures He intended us to be. When we live our lives for Him, He becomes our "MiracleGro"!
I am so thankful, Lord, that you take us as we are and help us to grow into the people that you want us to be. Thank you for dying on the cross for our sins. Thank you for never giving up on us. I am so thankful that You never throw us away because we are dead on the inside. Thank you for the beautiful new life that we have in You.
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
Showing posts with label forgiveness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label forgiveness. Show all posts
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Sunday, June 8, 2008
HELP ME TO FORGIVE AND BE GRATEFUL
I am so frustrated and angry. I live in a condominium complex and we have a communal laundry room. Everyone has their own washer and dryer but they are all in one room. I have lived here for over two years, have grown to love it, and love the neighbors that I know.
Well, I went to do my laundry this morning and someone had stolen the empty laundry basket that was on my washer, all of my fabric softener and fabric softener sheets, and one bottle of detergent. They were kind enough to leave one bottle of detergent. I was so angry. I know it doesn't seem like much but I save every penny I can and laundry supplies are not cheap. But more importantly, it was a horrible feeling to know that someone stole from me.
Of course, I got all in a dither and decided that I was moving! It didn't matter that my home is perfect for me - the right size, the right location, the right price, and, for the most part, great neighbors. I didn't care - I was moving!!
I went outside to sit on my porch and read the paper (the real estate ads!). I have worked hard to make my patio look nice - put lots of plants out, got new chairs, and hung my bird feeder. I love to watch the birds come up to the bird feeder. They will actually come up to it and eat even while I am sitting right there on the porch. It makes me happy to watch them and always puts a smile on my face!
Well, while I was out there steaming about my laundry supplies and looking through the ads, I looked up and there were several birds on the feeder and several more actually walking around my porch. I put the ads down and watched the birds. I began thinking about how grateful I am for my home, how much I truly like it, how perfect it is for me, and how easy it would be to just put my laundry supplies away where no one can get them. My problem would be solved and I am still happy in my home.
God has so truly blessed me with my home and everything in my life. I am so grateful that He opened my eyes on this situation - instead of continuing to be angry and frustrated, He gave me a solution and a peace about the situation. Although I have to admit, I am still a little angry, I feel sorry for whoever stole my things. I would gladly have let them borrow some if they needed it instead of them stealing it. But I am more grateful for the wonderful neighbors that I do have, the ones who have been true friends and have helped me in so many ways. God led me to this home and I believe He wants me to stay here.
Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you have given me. Thank you for the peace You give me even in bad situations. Help me to forgive those who have hurt me and help me to be a good example to them in these situations.
"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart." Matthew 18:35
Well, I went to do my laundry this morning and someone had stolen the empty laundry basket that was on my washer, all of my fabric softener and fabric softener sheets, and one bottle of detergent. They were kind enough to leave one bottle of detergent. I was so angry. I know it doesn't seem like much but I save every penny I can and laundry supplies are not cheap. But more importantly, it was a horrible feeling to know that someone stole from me.
Of course, I got all in a dither and decided that I was moving! It didn't matter that my home is perfect for me - the right size, the right location, the right price, and, for the most part, great neighbors. I didn't care - I was moving!!
I went outside to sit on my porch and read the paper (the real estate ads!). I have worked hard to make my patio look nice - put lots of plants out, got new chairs, and hung my bird feeder. I love to watch the birds come up to the bird feeder. They will actually come up to it and eat even while I am sitting right there on the porch. It makes me happy to watch them and always puts a smile on my face!
Well, while I was out there steaming about my laundry supplies and looking through the ads, I looked up and there were several birds on the feeder and several more actually walking around my porch. I put the ads down and watched the birds. I began thinking about how grateful I am for my home, how much I truly like it, how perfect it is for me, and how easy it would be to just put my laundry supplies away where no one can get them. My problem would be solved and I am still happy in my home.
God has so truly blessed me with my home and everything in my life. I am so grateful that He opened my eyes on this situation - instead of continuing to be angry and frustrated, He gave me a solution and a peace about the situation. Although I have to admit, I am still a little angry, I feel sorry for whoever stole my things. I would gladly have let them borrow some if they needed it instead of them stealing it. But I am more grateful for the wonderful neighbors that I do have, the ones who have been true friends and have helped me in so many ways. God led me to this home and I believe He wants me to stay here.
Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you have given me. Thank you for the peace You give me even in bad situations. Help me to forgive those who have hurt me and help me to be a good example to them in these situations.
"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart." Matthew 18:35
Friday, March 21, 2008
HAPPY EASTER!!
Happy Easter to all! I hope you all have a wonderful Easter weekend but among the wonderful food and the Easter egg hunts, remember that what we are truly celebrating is that Christ died on the cross for our sins but conquered death and rose again!! Praise God!! We all can have victory through Christ!
But thanks be to God!! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
1 Corinthians 15:57
ARISE MY LOVE - Newsong
But thanks be to God!! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
1 Corinthians 15:57
ARISE MY LOVE - Newsong
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
HELP RID ME OF ANGER!!
What a week this has been! I have had to deal with several issues, both dealing with family, and both that I am very uncomfortable with.
Both of these issues have made me face feelings that I thought I had dealt with yet I obviously have not because they are weighing so heavy on my mind. I realize that in both situations I still harbor a great deal of bitterness, anger, and resentment.
I am trying so hard to rid myself of these feelings yet it is so hard. I know that I cannot do it on my own. I know that God wants to rid me of these feelings and He is the only one that can help me!
Lord, please help me to deal with these situations in the way You would have me to. Help me to get rid of any bitterness, anger, and resentment that I feel. Help me to love those who I feel these feelings toward and show compassion towards them. Help me to show them Your love!!
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-2
Both of these issues have made me face feelings that I thought I had dealt with yet I obviously have not because they are weighing so heavy on my mind. I realize that in both situations I still harbor a great deal of bitterness, anger, and resentment.
I am trying so hard to rid myself of these feelings yet it is so hard. I know that I cannot do it on my own. I know that God wants to rid me of these feelings and He is the only one that can help me!
Lord, please help me to deal with these situations in the way You would have me to. Help me to get rid of any bitterness, anger, and resentment that I feel. Help me to love those who I feel these feelings toward and show compassion towards them. Help me to show them Your love!!
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-2
Thursday, February 7, 2008
JESUS MAKES US NEW AGAIN!
Every four to six weeks, I am forced to "wash the gray right out of my hair"! Today as I was completing this task that makes me feel so old, I began thinking of how lucky we are that Jesus washed our sins away when He died on the cross for us and makes us new again. All we need to do is ask Jesus into our lives and our sins are washed away! It doesn't mean we won't sin again - none of us are perfect. But it does mean that Jesus is always with us. We do need to ask Jesus for forgiveness for our sins but He will always be with us.
Unlike washing the gray out of my hair that makes me feel so old, Jesus makes me feel so new! Every day is a new day with Jesus! Every day is sweeter than the day before! I can see the gray hairs that I hate and wash away. But even though I cannot see Jesus, He fills me with such joy and peace!
Thank you, Lord, for washing away my sins and making me new again!
Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1Peter 1:8-9
Unlike washing the gray out of my hair that makes me feel so old, Jesus makes me feel so new! Every day is a new day with Jesus! Every day is sweeter than the day before! I can see the gray hairs that I hate and wash away. But even though I cannot see Jesus, He fills me with such joy and peace!
Thank you, Lord, for washing away my sins and making me new again!
Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1Peter 1:8-9
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
THE MANY GIFTS OF LOVE
Being a Christian comes with many responsibilities. One of these responsibilities is to love one another. Our Christian conduct is proof as to whether we love each other. By loving our fellow human beings and showing our love, we show that we belong to Jesus Christ.
It is not always easy to love our fellow human beings, however! We can become jealous, resentful, irritable, selfish, mean spirited. We can hold grudges against others. None of these traits show love for each other.
But there are many gifts that come from love. Some of these gifts are forgiveness, patience, kindess, justice, loyalty, truth, honesty, and belief in a person no matter what.
Sometimes it is much easier to "not" love others, but in order to follow God's word, we must love one another!
Lord, help us to love one another, no matter the circumstances. Help us to not be jealous, spiteful, mean spirited, resentful. Help us to be patient, loving, forgiving towards one another. Thank you, Lord, that You love us no matter our faults!
So I am now giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. John 13:34
It is not always easy to love our fellow human beings, however! We can become jealous, resentful, irritable, selfish, mean spirited. We can hold grudges against others. None of these traits show love for each other.
But there are many gifts that come from love. Some of these gifts are forgiveness, patience, kindess, justice, loyalty, truth, honesty, and belief in a person no matter what.
Sometimes it is much easier to "not" love others, but in order to follow God's word, we must love one another!
Lord, help us to love one another, no matter the circumstances. Help us to not be jealous, spiteful, mean spirited, resentful. Help us to be patient, loving, forgiving towards one another. Thank you, Lord, that You love us no matter our faults!
So I am now giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. John 13:34
Saturday, January 5, 2008
GOD'S WINDSHIELD WIPERS
It is kind of gloomy outside today. Looks like it is going to rain, but at least it is warmer! I was praying and trying to decide on my devotion today when I came across this story that seemed to fit the weather! I am not sure who wrote the original story, but I love it!
WINDSHIELD WIPERS
One rainy afternoon I was driving along one of the main streets of town, taking those extra precautions necessary when the roads are wet and slick. Suddenly my son spoke up from his buckled-in position in the back seat. "Mom, I'm thinking of something." This announcement usually meant he had been pondering some fact for a while and was now ready to expound all this his 7-year-old mind had discovered. I was anxious to hear.
"What are you thinking?" I asked. "The rain," he began, is like sin, and the windshield wipers are like God, wiping our sins away."
After the chill bumps raced up my arms, I was able to respond. "That's really good, Matthew." Then my curiosity broke in. How far would this little boy take this revelation?
So I asked..."Do you notice how the rain keeps on coming? What does that tell you." Matthew didn't hesitate one moment to answer: "We keep on sinning, and God keeps on forgiving us."
Just like the mother in this story, I got goosebumps when I read this story. This 7-year-old child had such a wonderful answer to the rain and windshield wipers! Let us all thank God that He is like windshield wipers, continually wiping our sins away!
Thank you, Lord, that You always wipe away our sins no matter how hard it rains! Thank you that by your grace we are forgiven. Thank you for the wonderful thoughts of children who help us remember your wonderful glory!
---This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:22-24
WINDSHIELD WIPERS
One rainy afternoon I was driving along one of the main streets of town, taking those extra precautions necessary when the roads are wet and slick. Suddenly my son spoke up from his buckled-in position in the back seat. "Mom, I'm thinking of something." This announcement usually meant he had been pondering some fact for a while and was now ready to expound all this his 7-year-old mind had discovered. I was anxious to hear.
"What are you thinking?" I asked. "The rain," he began, is like sin, and the windshield wipers are like God, wiping our sins away."
After the chill bumps raced up my arms, I was able to respond. "That's really good, Matthew." Then my curiosity broke in. How far would this little boy take this revelation?
So I asked..."Do you notice how the rain keeps on coming? What does that tell you." Matthew didn't hesitate one moment to answer: "We keep on sinning, and God keeps on forgiving us."
Just like the mother in this story, I got goosebumps when I read this story. This 7-year-old child had such a wonderful answer to the rain and windshield wipers! Let us all thank God that He is like windshield wipers, continually wiping our sins away!
Thank you, Lord, that You always wipe away our sins no matter how hard it rains! Thank you that by your grace we are forgiven. Thank you for the wonderful thoughts of children who help us remember your wonderful glory!
---This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:22-24
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