Welcome to Life is for Living 2010. We are excited about the Life is for Living blog and hope you are too! We believe that the Lord created each human being with a purpose, a destiny, and a future. Put your faith in the Lord and place your life in His hands. He is there; and He will not fail you or let you down. The Lord Jesus Christ loves you and has a special plan and purpose for your life. When you go throughout your day and walk out the busyness of your life try to remember to stop, thank Him for His many blessings, and enjoy His beautiful creation! Remember that “Life is for Living!”
Daily Bread-
Forgiveness is a simple word. However, it easier said than done. Many people walk around in life hurting, rejected, bitter, and full of anger and unforgiveness. Did you know that holding these negative feelings in your heart can actually end up hurting your life, and keep you from entering into the full blessings that the Lord has purposed for you?
God loves you and desires for you to receive all that He has intended for your life. This starts with forgiveness. First, you must come to Jesus and ask to be forgiven of your sins. Then, you must be willing to forgive yourself for your failures and shortcomings. And last, but not least, you must be willing to forgive those that have wronged you, hurt you, and mistreated you in your life. This does not mean that you need to enter back into a friendship or relationship with these individuals. It simply means that you are willing to forgive them, and are willing to let go of the past, allowing God to heal your heart and prepare you for all that He has in store for your life. This is not an easy thing to do, but it is possible. The Bible says; “With God all things are possible…”
The first step to forgiveness is coming to the cross and laying down your burdens of pain, hurt, and anger. When taking the steps to forgive, you may not feel like you’ve forgiven. You may still feel angry and bitter. But by saying the words out loud; “I choose to forgive” you are taking a big step of faith. You must be open to forgive in order to move on from your past and into your future.
In Matthew 18:21-23 NIV it says; Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” The point that Jesus was making was that no matter how many times a person may wrong you, it is essential that you forgive. Just as Jesus forgives you of your sins, no matter how numerous, He calls you to do the same with those around you.
When you forgive someone, they may not want it. Or they may think that they have done no wrong. They might continue wronging you and disappointing you. The forgiveness you extend is for the purpose of bringing liberty to your soul and keeping yourself in right standing before the Lord. It does not matter how the other person responds. It matters that you are doing the right thing, and by doing so are allowing yourself to move forward and live in freedom, liberty, and joy.
A perfect example of forgiveness is displayed in the scriptures in Luke 23:34 NIV; Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Jesus said this while He hung on the cross and was being crucified. The people were killing Him in the most brutal fashion. He was in the most excruciating pain, and yet He asked His Father to forgive the people for what they were doing against Him.
This day, I encourage you to take a step of forgiveness. Don’t hold onto your pain and bitterness for another day. But release it. Release it from your heart and to the Lord, and allow Him to take you up and transform and heal your life.
You can start by praying this prayer aloud to Him;
Dear Lord Jesus,
I ask that You would forgive me of my sins and wash me clean with Your blood. I give You my life; and I commit my life to You. I forgive myself Lord for my shortcomings, and I ask that You would heal my heart of all bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness. I forgive those that have wronged me, hurt me, abused me, and mistreated me. It was not by Your hand that these things were done to me. It was not Your will. It was done by the hand of the evil one, and I renounce the devil and all his ways against me in these matters. And I release these things from my heart, and I give it to You Lord.
In Jesus Mighty Name I Pray,
Amen
Date Idea of the Month- This month, ask your spouse or loved one what they like to do for fun. If your spouse likes golf, then go play a round with them. If they like dancing then go take a couples dance lesson. Take turns participating in what each of you enjoys doing. This way, you are showing your loved one that you care about their likes and are interested in what they are passionate about. Remember; Have Fun!
Family Time Idea of the Month- This month take the family out for bowling and pizza. This is a great way to spend time with one another and to have fun with the whole family. Everyone can join in! While you’re at it splurge on some ice cream sundaes as well!
Movie Must See- "The Blind Side" starring actress Sandra Bullock.
This is an inspirational and moving film based on a true story about a family that takes in a teenage boy in need. Through this family's extention of love, kindness, and hospitality a young man in need is helped and is given a chance to succeed in life. He becomes a high school football star; and then goes off to play college ball and later becomes a pro football player where he currently plays in the NFL. This film is deeply moving and heartwarming. It is a must see! Rent or purchase it today!
Music Must Hear- "I'mForgiven" by Sanctus Real from their album Pieces of a Real Heart.
This is a beautifully moving and inspirational song about God's forgiveness and love. The song depicts the forgiveness that the Lord bestows upon each of us. Because of this you don't have to carry the burrdens of your failures or shortcomings. The Lord Jesus took all of that on the cross. It is a must hear! Download or purchase the song today!
Spring Must Read- “Black Belt Patriotism” by actor and political activist Chuck Norris.
This is a great book filled with information about this nation’s founding fathers, and the Christian principles the United States was founded upon. This book gives valuable information about the steps this country needs to take to get back on track and moving in the right direction. It is a must read!
Bible Verse of the Month- Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Matthew 18:21-23 NIV
Final Thought- Forgiveness is a condition of the heart. Forgiving doesn’t mean that you have to enter back into a relationship with someone that has betrayed you. What it means is that you are willing to release the offense of what was done against you; and you are willing to let God heal your heart of all wounds and pain. Forgiveness isn’t always an easy step to make, but it is essential for healing and growth. If you need forgiveness or need to forgive, do it today. Don’t wait. Your healing and recovery is just one step away.
Final Thought- Forgiveness is a condition of the heart. Forgiving doesn’t mean that you have to enter back into a relationship with someone that has betrayed you. What it means is that you are willing to release the offense of what was done against you; and you are willing to let God heal your heart of all wounds and pain. Forgiveness isn’t always an easy step to make, but it is essential for healing and growth. If you need forgiveness or need to forgive, do it today. Don’t wait. Your healing and recovery is just one step away.
