Give

 

Freely you have received, freely give.  Matthew 10:8

We all make mistakes from time to time which hurt people inadvertently.  Sometimes nothing is more painstakingly difficult than extending and seeking forgiveness from a loved one, more specifically, a family member.   Forgiveness is the only way to bring genuine healing to a damaged relationship so that both people can move forward together in the relationship.  No wonder the divorce rate is astounding in our country; it’s almost easier to divorce than it is to work through the healing process of forgiveness.

It’s human nature to place the blame on someone else and not seek to repair the relationship, but Jesus gave us all the best example of forgiveness.  As He hung from the cross on the day He was crucified, He spoke the words “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” to the soldiers who had just beaten and flogged Him and were casting lots to divide His garments.  

Forgiveness is the only way to bring restoration and reconciliation back to a broken relationship and we should all extend and ask for forgiveness regardless of who is at fault.

Forgiveness has been given freely to us, so we must be quick to offer it freely to others.

What Is Love?

 

You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.  Psalm 16:11

There have been times in my life that I have pondered my existence here on earth.  What’s this life all about?  At age 46 and only two decades into my active walk of faith, I am just now discovering a little of what God’s plan for my life truly is.

I believe that a primary cause of despair is the feeling that life is ultimately meaningless.  Conversely, the sense that life does have meaning and purpose gives a person energy and resilience to keep going no matter what trial they are facing.  After losing my mother a few months ago, I have had to rely on Christ more than ever before...it has been painful and difficult, but with help from the Lord above and the wonderful people in my life, I have been able to stay strong and find a different purpose for my life.  

If you are wondering just why you are here on this earth, pick up your Bible and read some of the reasons God gives for your existence.  God’s Word is full of His promises that reveals the purpose for which we were created.

Sometimes, life takes an unexpected turn, but when it does, cling to God's promises and He will make your path clear...

Whenever I Call You "Friend"

 

Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.  Proverbs 10:12

I sure have been blessed with some incredible friendships over the course of my lifetime and our friends in Knoxville, TN are near and dear to me...  

Over the course of the past 12 years of living in Knoxville, my family has dealt with some deeply sensitive and personal matters and our friends have been really been here for us with some wonderful Godly advice, kindness, love, caring, and support.

Relationships/friendships that are built on the kind of unconditional love that God has for us are typically characterized by undivided devotion, forgiveness, patience, kindness, caring, and support-no matter what.

Love prohibits jealousy, pride, envy, selfishness, rudeness, and holding grudges.

I understand this more clearly each and every day-it doesn't matter what kind of car I drive, or how much money is in the bank, or the amount of material items I own, my career status, or the fact that I am an Auburn Tiger living in Vol Country-all that really matters, what’s most important, are the relationships we have while here on this earth!

Real Good Thing

The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love…The Lord is righteous in everything He does; He is filled with kindness. Psalm 145: 8, 17

Growing up, when I earned good grades on my report card, my parents often gave me some sort of reward.  At work, I am rewarded with a bonus if my efforts exceed my employers’ expectation.  This mindset is often misunderstood as it pertains to our salvation and the free gift of God’s grace.

First of all, there was only One, Jesus Christ, who never sinned and lived a perfect life.  For the rest of us, at some point, we have all fallen short of God’s glory and have sinned, so thankfully our salvation does not depend on our limited and inadequate self-righteousness.

Jesus’ death and resurrection broke our bondage and slavery to sin, so there is nothing we can possibly do on our own to reconcile ourselves to God.  Thankfully we don’t get what we deserve and it’s a real good thing!

Election Day

 

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36

As we exercise our privilege and freedom to vote and choose our elected officials in the United States, let us also be reminded of another freedom and liberty-Jesus came to set every one of us free. 

We may not be free in the sense that we can do whatever we feel like doing, whenever we want to, but each of us has been set free from legalism and we are now free to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit, who dwells within each and every believer. 

The legalistic mentality says that everyone must do the exact same thing, the same way, all of the time.  It conflicts with the way the Holy Spirit leads each of us as individuals in unique and often in creative ways.

Jesus wants us to enjoy freedom and not be burdened by legalism.  

2 Corinthians 3:17 states: Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom).  

Be free from manipulation.  Live free from control.  Live free of sin.  Free from worry.  Free from addiction. Free from fear.  Be free in Jesus Christ!

My Sweet Lord

 

By grace you have been saved through faith, not of works, let anyone should boast.  Ephesians 2:8-9

No matter how hard I try, my works do not impress God.  God does, however, respond to my humility, faith, thanksgiving, and praise. 

God is not concerned with how nice or how big our homes are, the cars we drive, the amount of money we earn, the things we own, fame, fortune, wealth, or beauty.  He is not concerned if we win or lose. He is concerned with wanting to have a relationship with us, and in order for that relationship to bloom, we must seek Him in humility and ask for forgiveness.

God wants us to follow His lead and not the life that we have plotted out for ourselves.  Seek God, ask forgiveness for your sins, and let God lead you.  Your appearance, status, power, and performance mean very little to God, He is more concerned with the state of your heart.

All Of My Heart

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.  Acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He will make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3:5

This time of the year, I travel quite extensively for work and have come to rely on my iPhone’s GPS Maps to navigate my way to prospective businesses.  When I think about it, I am amazed at how much I rely on an electronic device for directions.  It makes me wonder why I am so resistant to following the one direction that should be most important, God’s direction for my life.

We normally trust those who can be counted on to tell the truth and keep their promises.  God is THE source of truth, for He cannot lie.  Everything that He says in His Word is true.  All of it must be true, or we couldn’t fully trust God.

If you are struggling with allowing God to take His righteous place in your life, learn to trust Him with all of your heart.  It will allow Him to make Himself known to you in amazing and profound ways.