"Reunion" - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

“Reunion"

"Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept." (Genesis 33:4, NASU)

Jacob had long been separated from his brother Esau, going back to the time when Jacob did a bit of deceptive work and ended up with Esau's birthright. (Genesis 27-28) Having done that to Esau as Jacob dis, I would suspect that quite possibly you and I would have felt the same towards Jacob as Esau later did. Maybe not so much murder, but close to it. Or at least a little bit of animosity to say the least?

After all, none of us can declare that which would say, "I never had bitterness nor hatred towards anyone." At least I know I can't.

Many examples are written in God's Word, all are for our benefit, as Paul states in 1 Cor 10:11-12
"Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come." (NASU)

When Esau ran and embraced Jacob, it gives us several reasons that he was able to do this. You will have to read some of the preceding Scriptures for the full picture, but let me summarize as to what I think happened in Esau's heart.

1. "Esau ran to meet him". During the years of separation between the two brothers, the Lord had worked a change in Esau's heart. Maybe he realized the temporal here on earth, his birthright lost, wasn't worth the pain and agony, or hatred, toward his brother. He knew he hadn't been the perfect brother either. 

It is known that carrying these attitudes towards another, as in unforgiveness, eats away at your mind, soul, and spirit. Hopefully, as you grow older in the Lord you become aware of this, and turn, with repentance, from this sin.

When Esau ran to meet Jacob, he had already left all that behind. Nothing was holding him back now from expressing joy and love towards his younger brother.

2. "embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him" Esau led the way in showing total forgiveness and repentance on his part. Having already known the Lord's forgiveness on his part, he was able and willing to express that totally, and not hold back. It takes a mature believer to lead the way.

3. "they wept." I trust you too have known the release of years having pent-up emotions, and when a reunion occurs between friends and relatives that had been separation due to hurt, injustice, lies or selfishness, having a good cry, a fantastic flow of tears and all, feels really good. They let it all go. and let it all out.

I love when a reunion takes place between father and son, mother and daughter, cousin and cousin, employee and employer, pastor and congregant. Forgiveness is a great gift from our Father, Who Himself is always the first to express forgiveness. Having sent His Only Son Jesus, Yeshua, to die for our sins in order that we to may be forgiven was the very first ultimate step in restoration and reunion.

This week the Louis and Lila Martin clan celebrate another time of gathering in our biennial (once every two years event - I had to look it up myself). There certainly have been times of separation and individual reunions, but through the ongoing grace and mercy of our Lord, this family of 8 siblings has held together over these 60+ years. Thank God!

May the Lord give you the grace and love to express forgiveness in your relationships, because Lord knows we need it. And if you have a family or friend reunion coming up this summer, have a great time!

Now think on this, and see what good things the Lord has in store for you and those around you.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Founder/President

Love For His People, Inc.

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On July 5, 2019, Strength will be having our first Friday of the month meeting in The Barn at Antioch International Church in Fort Mill, SC. Come and celebrate the goodness of our God!

Look here: Strength For Israel

P.S. In May 2019 I returned from my 20^th trip to Israel. And guess what? I brought back for you my last 58 short videos I entitled “Walk With Me in Israel”. You can join me as I walk through the beautiful land and cities of Israel. Watch them here on our YouTube channel: Walk With Me - Israel May 2019

Also, my previous ones from other locations are here also on YouTube: Walk With Me

If these messages have ministered to you, please consider sending a charitable gift of $10-$25 today, and maybe each month, to help us bless families in Israel whom we consistently help monthly through our humanitarian work. Your tax-deductible contributions receive a receipt for each donation. Fed. ID #27-1633858.

  

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Todah rabah! (Hebrew – Thank you very much.) 

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Now Think On This #433 - in the year of our Lord 06.18.19 – “Reunion” – Tuesday, 6:00 am

Life Behind the Scenes: What in the World is Going on? By Mary Lindow Identity Network

Life Behind the Scenes: What in the World is Going on? By Mary Lindow

Identity Network  Dec. 8, 2017

 

Save me, O God! The water is up to my neck; I am sinking in deep mud, and there is no solid ground; I am out in deep water, And the waves are about to drown me. I am worn out from calling for help, and my throat is aching. I have strained my eyes, looking for your help. Psalm 69:1-3

 

There are so many things going on in the hearts of God's people.

 

Many believers have gone through pain and devastation because of betrayal and disappointment in those with whom they have at one time "walked with" in the Lord.

 

"For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; then I could bear it. Nor is it one that hates me who has exalted himself against me; then I could hide from him. But it was you, a man my equal, My companion and my acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked to the house of God among the people." Psalm 55:12-14 

 

Levels of Separation and Deception

 

Church leaders and members or friends often separate. Their unresolved issues and wounds infect others around them. With their tongue and pen, (and Facebook posts) their resentment and bitterness spread in uncontrollable proportions. Christians in other ministries and relationships receive the bad report and often, they don't even know the people involved but - because they have leaned their ears to hear the suggested and well-placed evil reports, the conversation poisons them like toxic waste in their soul. If unchecked, this becomes a hideous, malignant cancer-like cell eventually damaging their mind and above all, their spiritual discernment.

 

"Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the LORD are right; The righteous walk in them, But the rebellious stumble in them." Hosea 14:9

 

The age-old serpent, the ultimate enemy of our souls, has not lost the art of deception even after centuries! He, even now, can cause God's people, including the sincere ones, to miss the mark if they are willing to only hear one side of a story!

 

The Great "Occupy Something" Movement

 

The "frenzied entitlement culture" we are seeing hold their protests as a result of selfishness and feeding upon fear, have begun to reach a newly fevered pitch. People are "herding" their way into public venues to protest whatever they may be angry at in the moment, and mostly remaining ignorant as to what or who is really driving and orchestrating the events, reflects the hardness of heart and disrespect for the needs and lives of those around them.

 

This type of behavior is a prime example of even how believers have become "selectively " hard of hearing when it comes to serving one another, or encouraging one another, or having patience with one another!   One moment we are asking for forgiveness and prayer, and in nearly the next breath, slanderous retorts are spoken out in anger and those driving the malicious train, mean to use others as their well-placed pawns of destruction.

 

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, Fighting and slander, along with every form of nastiness." Ephesians 4:31

 

Once bitter words are spoken or written, they cannot be retracted. Sadly, those who often shout the loudest about being maligned are often the perpetrators of assassinating the characters of those whom have been in disagreement with them or who have possibly warned them about a need for a course correction.

 

"He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool." Proverbs 10:18

 

Today Many Things have Degenerated into Blurred Insignificance and Uncertainty.

 

The beauty of what God's purpose in His people really is meant to passionately reflect is - missing. Things that are now being said and done do not mean what they did mean originally in His Word. Twisting of truth to fits one's own idea of God's will has become acceptable and is often left unchallenged. So many spiritual and scriptural terms are put into motion, but they are not in the same dimension and point of view, which are in the Divine plan!

 

The tragedy is that so many well-meaning believers have gone on with the outward appearance of searching for the will of the Lord, and yet they fail to see that the power of His radiant life is missing! The Apostle Paul warned us in his letter to Timothy about this, "This know also that in the last days perilous times shall come, having the form of godliness (true religion) but denying the power there of. "

 

My heart is broken to see things as they are happening all around us.

 

So much is falling short of its original blueprint. There is so much labor and "rallying" being pumped out there into the minds and hearts of people and it is being poured into the "Self Promotion Machine" more than any time in the history of God's people! Yet the toil is ending in heartbreaking disappointment!

 

Saints, only those devoted to humility and honor can be saved from this deadly poison that lulls those longing to be entertained and pampered into apathy and spiritual powerlessness!

 

God's faithful people in this hour should seek Him and that which is upon His heart. What the Lord is doing in this era is so different, and we should be sensitive to Him!

 

He is looking for His "People of the Secret Place" in which the power of resurrection may freely function. The Apostle Paul said "according to the power that works in us." (Ephesians 3:20b).

 

These "people" will have to be men and women who have "seen!" They shall be like "a voice in the wilderness."

 

It is becoming increasingly clear that God must do a fresh thing with His followers.

 

And that actual "thing" is that He is drawing them to seek the Lord Himself and His recognizable presence! Away from the throng, nearer to the Word, bowed in repentance and prayer.

 

The Psalmist said, "When You said oh Lord, Seek My face; My heart said unto You, Your face, Lord will I seek."

 

Will You Set Your Heart to Seek Him?

 

Oh that God may find His Davids in this crucial hour that will set their faces towards Him at the command of His voice! Without it, the Human race will continue its fall and decline into further confusion, tragedy, and self-preservation.

 

"Man's goings are of the LORD; How can a man then understand his own way?" Proverbs 20:2

 

It's easy to say, "give your cares to the Lord and trust Him" when everything in life seems to be going well.  It's easy to say, "I trust you Lord with everything I own" when bills are paid on time and when you just got a promotion at work.

 

However, if God striped you of everything you own; If God told you to leave the very job that's paying your bills, will you trust the Lord enough to do it?  Will you trust God even when you don't understand; even when life hurts?  If God told you to leave the familiar and enter the unfamiliar, will you trust Him?

 

For many of you, God has done just that. 

 

He has taken you from what's "oh so familiar" and redirected your paths into the unfamiliar.  You don't understand what's happening in your life; what to do or where to go. 

 

The only thing you know is that the Lord gave you a word (instruction, a promise, vision, etc.) and the only thing you have to hold on to is that word.  I understand the feeling; you're not alone. 

 

There is Encouragement for You Today

 

Many things happen in our lives that we will never be able to explain or understand because God is orchestrating the events of our lives "behind the scenes" (read Job 1-2). Moreover, we cannot detect God physically (through our senses) and we cannot comprehend His plans.

 

"But the hour cometh, and now is, When the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: For the Father seeks such to worship him. God is a Spirit: And they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." John 4:23-24

 

Therefore, since we cannot rely on our perception or our reasoning we must turn to something else that is more reliable if we are going to be able to remain calm in the midst of turmoil, to find rest during the storms of life we must rely on God's knowledge instead of our own. 

 

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, And my thoughts than your thoughts."  Isaiah 55:8-9

 

Let us run right now to the throne of grace and mercy.

 

Now! While our hearts are freshly tenderized and troubled over the recent events in the earth! Here is something to remember.  Man is fallible; we fall short and at times we're unable to keep our promises.  Man can give you instructions that are misleading and imperfect. 

 

With God, none of these things are possible. God keeps His promises, God gives you right instructions according to His perfect will and He won't mislead you. No matter how much you don't understand life as it is right now, no matter how uncomfortable it may seem or how hard it gets, don't give up.  If God is with you -  the same God who spoke life into you, the same God who IS and knows the beginning and the end, the same God who knew you before the foundation of this world -is with you, then ask yourself who or WHAT can stand against you.

 

Consider the Source and Seek to be Obedient to the Lord

 

Even when you don t understand what God is doing in your life; don't worry about "this or that" because God has provisions for you. There is the safe voice of the Father calling us. Let us respond with ears to Hear and hearts that obey.

 

"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16

 

Mary Lindow

www.marylindow.com

www.globalprayerrooms.com

 

Go here to read more articles by Mary Lindow.

Ryan Johnson: "Sons and Daughters: The Emerging Glory is Moving Upon the Earth!" THE ELIJAH LIST

         

Ryan Johnson: "Sons and Daughters: The Emerging Glory is Moving Upon the Earth!"

THE ELIJAH LIST

Aug 3, 2017

From the desk of Steve Shultz:

This is a sobering word by Ryan Johnson from Alabama and the state of where we are individually and in the Church. It will really get you thinking and offers an honest perspective.

As I read through Ryan's article, the word "Healing" came to me. That is what the whole of this article is about...receiving healing in areas you may need.

Ryan shares:

The Father is looking for sons who are ready to come back so that they may be able to be adorned in the attire of the Father. He is looking for sons, not servants. Those who can take on the identity of the Father that they may reveal the glory. The Emerging Glory is moving about the earth and those who will be obedient will release the goodness of God with fresh oil.

I encourage you to read this word, receive your healing...as God is going to pour out His glory mightily upon His sons and daughters. (To Subscribe to the Elijah List subscribe here.)

Enjoy! And thanks for forwarding this to your friends! They can subscribe here.

Steve Shultz, Founder and Publisher
The Elijah List & Breaking Christian News 
http://www.elijahlist.com

P.S. – Oh, and a Quick Note to our readers: To EXPLORE our more than 2,500 Christian Prophetic books, CDs, and gifts go to: elijahshopper.com.

"Sons and Daughters: The Emerging Glory is Moving Upon the Earth!"

Ryan Johnson, Fort Payne, Alabama

The evidence of glory is being established throughout many different regions and it will not come as a surprise to a lot of God's people. We will begin hearing the testimonies of healings and miracles and powerful stories of deliverances, restoration, and salvations. There's an Emerging Glory throughout our days ahead.

While many will linger in despair or doomsday words, there will be those who see the demonstration of the goodness of God. As God pours out of His abundance, the question becomes whether or not you will be added to or subtracted from. In the structure of God's glory you will see that in order to multiply, God often takes away.

"Why smell like smoke when you can glow in stature?"

He will pluck up those who refuse to replant – those who will receive but don't bear fruit. He will cut down an unfruitful tree in order to make room for a fruit-bearing tree. He will also prune the fruit-bearing tree (Ekklesia) in order to bring new growth. As this is the question: Will God have to remove you to move with His glory or will He be able to use you in the Emerging of Glory?

The Vision and Word

While spending time with the Lord, I was shown a vision of many individuals who at first seemed to be lost. They were almost in a state of wander. These individuals were in the woods walking and functioning as though everything around them was happening, and yet nothing was actually happening.

They were talking, walking, and moving about, but they were in a daze as if they were there in their body but not in their mind. As the vision was unfolding, I began to realize that although there were so many people, no one recognized that there were others. It was as if each person was in their own world functioning, but they were in the woods wandering through the territory. This went on for awhile until the moment that I asked the Lord to explain to me what I was seeing.

The LORD said, "Many have been enamored with the flame of My presence, but not engulfed within the pursuit of My glory. There are those who have become satisfied in the wilderness as they wander from place to place, looking to be captivated with the flame of My presence, but not willing to be obedient in My glory.

"They are functioning in everyday life, being everyday sons and daughters, but unwilling to do what is necessary for the revelation of My glory. They call unto the Body for unity, but wander aimlessly among the wilderness never to recognize that they themselves refuse to become one. Rather they stand alone, calling for the others to get in line, while they are refusing to come into order. (Photo via Pexels)

"They will continue to wander among the wilderness until they surrender their motives of rebellion. They proclaim to be lovers of My presence, but always unwilling to be submissive to those whom I have sent to be a help. They proclaim to be hungry for righteousness, but they have determined to walk as orphans among the trees.

"I am calling the sons and daughters out of the wandering and into My righteousness. I am calling upon those who will fight through the rebellion and yearn for My glory to be revealed. For now there is an emerging of glory rising among the Ekklesia in the nations of the earth. You will see coming to you what is owed to you."

The Brokenness

After seeing this and hearing the Lord speak concerning the state of many sons and daughters, my heart was immediately broken. From the words that He spoke to me, I sensed a sincere compassion for restoration. I know that it sounds strange, but those words caused my heart to grieve over those individuals. Even though the word from the Lord seems a bit harsh, there is a pure heart of restoration from the Father attached to each word.

The vision and the declaration are not to condemn these individuals. Rather, it is a call to recognize where you, me, or others could potentially be and make a choice to change. The word of the Lord is for the sons and daughters to be obedient in every way that we shall see the glory of the Lord in a way that has not yet been poured out upon the nations.

Broken But Not Destroyed

"Will God have to remove you to move with His glory or will He be able to use you in the Emerging of Glory?"

I see many of you have fought tooth and nail to get to the place where you are. Yet, you have found yourself a part of something that was birthed due to being forced into a situation. Meaning, you are doing what you're doing because someone did something to you that caused you to be exactly where you are. For example, I have noticed that there are many ministries which are the result of "church hurt".

Somewhere along the way you were in leadership, doing what God called you to do and a person (leader/member) did something that created a deep wound in your spirit. You left what you were doing and now you are leading the charge, making sure that no one ever hurts you ever again. You work hard to make sure that you don't structure things like the previous ministry and you always watch your back. Granted, not all ministries started out this way, but reality is some have. I believe it's something that we have to address as we look back at the above vision/word.

I hear it often, "We don't need a covering, God is our covering," or, "We don't have to be in alignment with anyone, as God is our alignment," and "Our accountability is one another, that's why we don't have any voices outside of this house."

I get it! Trust me, I get it. I have been lied about, manipulated by leaders, and the list could go on. In each case, I had to make the decision to walk through deliverance from unforgiveness, anger, bitterness, etc. It's so easy to allow the pain/hurt to now direct our motives before we ever recognize how far we have gone. That's why I believe this vision/word means so much to those who are leading ministries. It's critical that you recognize that an orphan spirit deceives you into believing that you don't need a covering over your personal life and ministry. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God. For you have not received the spirit of slavery again to fear. But you have received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, 'Abba, Father!' The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirits that we are the children of God, and if children, then heirs: heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified with Him." (Romans 8:14-17)

From Wander to Wonder

An orphan spirit will convince you that you don't need anyone, because everyone is out to hurt you. You need to know that this spirit is lying to you! Throughout the Bible, accountability is a constant principle. God established order from the very beginning and still expects you and I to follow order.

Although you will encounter a season of wilderness, it is never the intent of the Father to abandon you there as you wander from place to place. God is calling you out of the wander and into His wonder. There is an order in the Kingdom of God and the Father requires us to be obedient. When we reject the covering that He has placed within us, we choose to be disobedient. Thus, setting ourselves up to be satisfied by the glimpse of fire, but not willing to pursue glory that comes beyond fire. I want to encourage you to seek the glory of God. As great as His fire is (and it is great), it is the glory that carries the abundance. 

Why smell like smoke when you can glow in stature?

Listen, only you know whether or not you have embraced an orphan spirit that has developed a lone-ranger mindset. If you have, be encouraged that the Father is calling upon you to repent and position yourself in the order of His purpose that ultimately produces all of His goodness to go before you (Exodus 33:18-23).

The Father is looking for sons who are ready to come back so that they may be able to be adorned in the attire of the Father. He is looking for sons, not servants. Those who can take on the identity of the Father that they may reveal the glory. The Emerging Glory is moving about the earth and those who will be obedient will release the goodness of God with fresh oil. (To Subscribe to the Elijah List subscribe here.)

Ryan Johnson
Ryan Johnson Ministries
Email: servant4yahweh@gmail.com
Website: www.ryanjohnson.us

Ryan Johnson is mantled in equipping the Body of Christ to Awaken the Nations with a Prophetic call of a rising Ekklesia. As a Revivalist, and Apostolic Minister, Ryan ministers with a prophetic voice of Revival and Awakening, with the demonstration of God's purpose in regions, individuals, and The Church. Ryan is a Spiritual Son to Prophet Ron Teal. 

Ryan is a member of New Breed Revival Network, and Impact International Apostolic Fellowship with Apostle Ryan LeStrange. Ryan and his wife Kristi live near Fort Payne with their four beautiful children.

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Let Not Your Heart Grow Cold - Now Think On This by Steve Martin

Let Not Your Heart Grow Cold

Now Think On This

Steve Martin

“Above everything else, guard your heart; for it is the source of life’s consequences.” Proverbs 4:23, Complete Jewish Bible)

I had woken up trying to fight off bitterness and resentment in my mind. I didn’t want it to overtake my heart.

In the dream I just had, my wife Laurie and I were ushers for a large gathering. I don’t recall if it was on a ship, at a conference, or a special church event. It seemed as if we had been part of the “invited guests” list, being a part of the group, but chose to be servants for the others by ushering. We had been doing this for a number of years.

As the dream continued, around 10 pm, when the meeting was over and all had left for the banquet, we too went to get our food, expecting to receive what the others would have gotten earlier. Along the way I passed several tables which had key lime pie available on small plates, as the desert. Thinking I might want a piece before they were gone, I picked up one plate and began eating the slice of pie. (I must have been hungry!)

When I got to the food line, where the food had been set up in cafeteria style for large crowds, all I could see left were turkey wings – basically bones with a little meat on them – and some mashed potatoes. I asked the servers if there was anything else left, and they said no. They were preparing for the next meal, but I couldn’t have that.

I then woke up (the red digital lights read 2:22 am on the clock) and I laid there for at least 20 minutes, trying to guard both my mind and my heart from the thoughts of bitterness, anger and resentment that threatened to overtake me. Here we had just served all these people, and yet nothing good was left for us to partake too.

It was a real struggle, as my mind thought back over the years when my service in ministry could at times have been taken for granted. Would I allow this attitude to get the best of me now at this point in my life?

There are three things I felt the Lord was trying to tell me. He may also do the same with you through this dream.

1.      We are in a spiritual battle. In these last days, our hearts can grow cold due to the atmosphere around us, with darkness trying to constantly overtake everything. We are in a real battle for our souls and those we are in contact with.

2.      As we grow older in the faith, and in our bodies, we can become cynical, seeing things happen over and over again, with no change happening. It can wear us down and cause us to pull back from engaging with others, and giving in service to them out of love.

3.      If we allow weeds to fall in our spiritual soil and grow roots, they will consume the good wheat that has also been planted. A root of bitterness can destroy your spiritual walk and testimony. “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;” (Hebrews 12:15, NASU)

Looking back in our faith walk, in order to keep moving forward, if we do not give thanks and continue to see with the Lord’s vision, we will give in to that which will steal our joy, our purpose, and our direction in this life. We must keep fighting the good fight, guard our hearts, and pray that they do not grow cold.

Remember, we serve a good God, and He is the Rewarder of those who seek Him. May He find faith when He returns.  “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6, NKJV)

Lord, help us stay close to you.

(By the way, I did get another hour of sleep before I got up for Bible reading and prayer.)

Now think on this,

Steve Martin

Founder

Love For His People, Inc.

P.S. I would be most grateful if you'd share this encouraging word with your family and friends. They might need it. You can easily use the social media icons below. Thanks! Steve

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Now Think On This - In the New Year of our Lord 08.02.16 - #263 –“Let Not Your Heart Grow Cold” – Tuesday at 6:00 pm

All previous editions of Now Think On This can be found on this Blog, and on the website: Now Think On This

Again, I would be most grateful if you'd share this encouraging word with your family and friends. You can easily use the social media icons below. Thanks! Steve

How to Guard Your Heart From Bitterness by Lee Grady - IDENTITY NETWORK

How to Guard Your Heart From Bitterness by Lee Grady

IDENTITY NETWORK

Recently a friend of mine hurt me deeply. I felt betrayed and disrespected. I tried to pretend the insult was no big deal, but inside I was seething. I can always tell when resentment has invaded my life because I start obsessing about the pain. When I went to bed that evening, I literally felt sore. All I could think about was retaliation.

But just before falling asleep I mouthed a prayer. I meant what I said, even though my feelings begged me to retract the words. I prayed: "Lord, help me to forgive _____." Then, during the night I dreamed that I was enjoying a friendly conversation with this person. When I woke up, it felt as if we had really been talking!

It was a miracle. I realized the dream was God's way of softening my heart and taking out the offense. The Lord gave me the grace to forgive.

Ending Offenses

Perhaps you've been insulted, overlooked, stabbed in the back or mistreated - and now bitterness is poisoning your soul. Don't let it spread any further. You can nip your offense in the bud by following these guidelines:

• Don't nurse your grudge. It feels good to our flesh when we replay an offense in our minds and then fantasize about hurting the other person. But if you star in and direct this dramatic movie in your head, you are going to be making sequels for months and years until bitterness makes you sick. Pull the plug on the whole production now.
• 
  

• Let go of all revenge. C.S. Lewis said: "To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you." No matter how a person offends you, be humble enough to recognize that you've probably done the same thing to someone else before. Quit sharpening your knives. You will be tempted to think about hurting the person, but remember that those knives are hurting you worse than anyone else.
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• Don't spread your bitterness. Sometimes you may need to vent to a close friend about what happened, but this isn't so you can ruin the reputation of the person who hurt you. If you share your pain with someone because you need advice, don't seek sympathy or go to those who have animosity toward the person who hurt you. That's like mixing toxic chemicals! Instead, go to mentors or friends who are mature enough to tell you the truth. You may feel mistreated, but the speck in your brother's eye may actually be a log in yours. A true friend will tell you that you are overreacting or being unreasonable.
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• Pray for good things to happen to the person who hurt you. Jesus urged His disciples to love and pray for their persecutors (Matt. 5:44). That's a foreign concept in this age when we unfriend people on Facebook just because they forgot to invite us to a party. Calm down, let go of your petty outrage and ask God to bless the person who offended you. Forgiving prayer will feel like a warm salve applied to your wound.
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• Reach out and expect to repair the relationship. Jesus places a high priority on reconciliation. He wants us to get along. If you are praying and you remember that someone has something against you, Jesus said, "First be reconciled to your brother" (Matt. 5:24). On the flip side, He said if someone has sinned against you, "go and reprove him" (Matt. 18:15).
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In both cases Jesus commanded us to confront. And confrontation is never easy. We'd rather just avoid each other. We'd rather "bury our hatchets," pretending that our nasty attitude is gone just because it's well-hidden under our Sunday morning smiles. But true forgiveness is not burying a hatchet while we still hate a person inwardly; forgiveness requires us to surrender the hatchet to Jesus.

• Ask for God's forgiving love to fill your heart. One of my favorite preachers, Corrie ten Boom, struggled to forgive the Nazis who beat her in the Ravensbrück prison camp. After the Germans surrendered, she met a former Nazi guard in the street, and he told her he had become a Christian. He reached out his hand and asked her for forgiveness. She couldn't look at him.
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But then Corrie remembered Romans 5:5, which says, "The love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit." She realized that when we don't have the capacity to forgive, God gives us the love. Jesus changed Corrie's heart.

Corrie added: "God's love is stronger than my hatred and unforgiveness. That same moment I was free. I could say, 'Brother, give me your hand,' and I shook hands with him, and it was as if I could feel God's love streaming through my arms."

Jesus didn't promise a life without offenses. Hurt happens. But He provided the way to keep resentment from ruining our lives. As we enter this new year, make a conscious decision that you will embrace a life of miraculous forgiveness.

Lee Grady

www.themordecaiproject.org

Go here to read more articles by Lee Grady.

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How to Overcome Unforgiveness and Bitterness

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