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 7/22/98 Good morning.... +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ "I can forgive, but I cannot forget," is only another way of saying, "I will not forgive." Forgiveness ought to be like a canceled note--torn in two, and burned up, so that it never can be shown against one. +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ +†+ And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32 Hi Brethren!!! Hope this finds your week going well. I tell you something.. God is really doing a work in my corner of the world! Today's devo is yet another rerun, but one that bears mentioning over and over. However, I would like to add a little fresh input that just happened this morning. When I opened up my mail this morning...I read a most awesome testimony...but one thing that caught my eye..was this line: "Every morning and every night we'd always say the Lord's prayer together." This particular Dear Sister was referring to her husband and herself. You know, we never realize the impact of our words, upon another....and how they can affect the lives of others in a very positive way. Her words did just that for Jimmy and me. After I read that letter, it was time for my Darlin to head off to work...and we usually pray together before he goes. We take turns, and sometimes my Sweet Jimmy says..."You pray," and then I might say.."It's your turn." I think a lot of times the problem comes when we feel kinda spaced out and shut down...and just don't know what to say.. When you get like that, it's almost as if you feel obligated to "perform." And I thought of my Sister's simple...yet "right on" solution! I said, "Let's say the Lord's prayer together." Jesus really nutshelled "prayer life" in these few words after the disciples asked him to teach them to pray. (Luke 11:1-4) Well, after we did that, the harmony of hearing our voices together brought new meaning to the word "unity." We both felt such peace flood our whole beings. Thought I would toss that fresh nugget in for those that may be struggling with the same thing. And for those that are unmarried, I encourage you to say this prayer, either you and Jesus together, or perhaps with a friend or a relative. Those with small children, you could teach it to them...and say it together every day, and as you do, each time ask the Lord to put a fresh love in your heart daily for this beautiful prayer that covers every need with just a few words. Thank you, Dear Anne, for bringing that to my attention! To tie all that in with today's devo, pay special attention to verse 4. And if you really want confirmation on "forgiveness"...and how we should deal with it according to the Bible, I encourage you to do a word study on the word "forgive," and on the word "trespasses." It really causes one to think. See you at the end, Brethren! Years after her experience in a Nazi Germany concentration camp, Corrie ten Boom found herself standing face to face with one of the most cruel and heartless German guards she had ever met in the camps. This man had humiliated and degraded both her and her sister, jeering at them and visually "raping" them as they stood in the delousing shower. Now he stood before her with an outstretched hand, asking, "Will you forgive me?" Corrie said, "I stood there with coldness clutching at my heart, but I know that the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart. I prayed, 'Jesus, help me!" Woodenly, mechanically I thrust my hand into the one stretched out to me and I experienced an incredible thing. The current started in my shoulder, raced down into my arm and sprang into our clutched hands. Then this warm reconciliation seemed to flood my whole being, bringing tears to my eyes. 'I forgive you, brother,' I cried with my whole heart. For a long moment we grasped each other's hands, the former guard, the former prisoner. I have never know the love of God so intensely as I did in that moment!" When we forgive we set a prisoner free---ourselves! -=*=-.-=*=-.-=*=-.-=*=-.-=*=-.-=*=-.-=*=-.-=*=-.-=*=-.-=*=-.-=*=- *A Prayer that asks God to help us forgive* God, my Father, Ps 51:10 ( Memory verse ) -=*=-.-=*=-.-=*=-.-=*=-.-=*=-.-=*=-.-=*=-.-=*=-.-=*=-.-=*=-.-=*=- The Power of Acceptance -=*=-.-=*=-.-=*=-.-=*=-.-=*=-.-=*=-.-=*=-.-=*=-.-=*=-.-=*=-.-=*=- Me again Brethren! I really felt the Lord drawing me to come to this particular subject today. I'm referring to "Forgiveness". Corrie Ten Boom's testimony is such a witness to me! When it comes to forgiveness, we sidestep the issue and justify....and I'm sure that there are some pretty concrete reasons why we can't forgive. That's why we ask God to help. The moment Corrie cried out for Jesus to help her....she was giving up her own ability...because she could not forgive him within her own ability. Forgiveness...removes BOULDERS. You hear that? Not pebbles, but BOULDERS. The Word tells us to pray for our enemies....but if the forgiveness is not there...we cannot pray for them with a pure heart. Only by the power of the Holy Spirit can we truly forgive. I'm reminded of a scripture in Mark: Mark 9:23-24 We can also use that same cry with unforgiveness..."Lord, I forgive, help thou mine unforgiveness." We need only to ask, unless we choose to hang on to it. Is there someone that needs your forgiveness today? God Bless You....and you know I love you all dearly... In Christ!! Mark 11:25-26 Matt 5:44-45 http://ionanet.com/apron/
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