In the midst of writing my book about the importance of forgiving others, I am face with yet another situation where I have to extend forgiveness. Sometimes I wonder Lord why me? Then I am reassured by 1 Corinthians 10:13 - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. My temptation in this situation is to fight! To literally start swinging…but just when we think we are justified in harboring unforgiveness, God gives us awake up call! God’s mercy endures forever. He is always calling us back to Him by showing us the error of our ways. Whom the love loves He chastises (see Hebrew 12:6).  This week when I was challenged with, anger, animosity and bitterness I tried to find fulfillment in other things, but they did not satisfy. The only relief I received was when I repented and asked God to help me.  I cried out to God just as David did in Psalms 51, I asked God to create in me a clean heart and renew the right spirit in me…Immediately the anger and fear left me. God began to deal with my heart and He reminded me of His mercy and love.  He reminded me of the comforting scripture in Lamentations 3:22 - It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.   He revealed His love and compassion to me and allowed me to see this person as He does. He caused me to recognize once again that we wrestle not against flesh and blood…although I felt like wrestling! (See Ephesians 6:12)

The one thing that God constantly reminds me of, is to consider myself. Taking inventory of my own actions and being accountable for myself.  During this situation, He reminded me of a story in II Samuel 4 and II Samuel 9 about Mephibosheth.  This story has been a source of encouragement during my toughest battles with people. Mephibosheth was Jonathan’s son. You can read the entire story to gain the history of Mephibosheth.  The point that God was making to me is sometimes people need our help to get out of the situations that are facing. I was so tired of going through the same old situation and the pain it was causing me. The frustration I was experiencing constantly disturbed my peace of mind. I thought how this person can continually destroy their lives over, and over again. It appeared they did not care about anything but themselves. Every attempt I made to help yielded fruitless results. My self-righteous attitude surfaced once again. I judged the situation through my desires and frustrations, what I wanted not really considering the hurt she was experiencing. I constantly asked the Lord, (or if I did not verbalize my thoughts it was in my heart) how could this be. How could they continually abuse their body, pump poison in their system, and be so rebellious? I did not understand why I was living a “Christian life” serving God the best way I knew how and yet I was diagnosed with a chronic disease, and could not conceive the children my husband and I so desperately wanted. How she lives life relentlessly with no apparent regard for her life or anyone else’s life. I have seen God heal her from a stroke, heart disease, and severe asthma. Literally I have witness her with an asthma pump in one hand and cigarettes in the other hand! I said how this can be Lord I am serving you with everything in me living according to your word and yet I am faced with all the challenges I deal with everyday. Wow…as I write this I am amazed at the state I was in. It’s amazing how we become so caught up in our own selfishness that we forget that Jesus came to save the lost. Jesus answered the Pharisees in the midst of their judging, who once again tried to cast a snare with their religious, pious ways.  The Pharisees inquired why he ate with the publicans and sinners who they considered beneath their social status. Jesus responded in Matthew 9:12-13 But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.  But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

…THIS POST WILL CONTINUE NEXT MONTH. MEDITATE ON RELEASING FORGIVENESS IN YOUR LIFE ASKING GOD FOR HIS STRENGTH!!!

Proverbs 11:30 - The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

Are you committed to winning souls for Christ? Do you consider yourself an ambassador for Christ? Do you actually seek ways to bring Him glory every day by living a holy life in front of others? Are you reluctant to reach out to others for fear of rejection? Where ever you may find yourself at this particular time in life.  We must tear down the barriers in order to win the lost. We must be passionate about winning souls and snatching them back from Satan’s grip, and the doors of Hell. We as believers at times do not like to talk about the reality of Hell. It is important to realize the severity of the threat of Hell in order for us to actively win souls for Christ. I think the average person in general believes in a “higher power” and they acknowledge God as the Supreme Being. If a person have never been taught the ways of the Lord they will need assistance understanding God’s ways. The body of Christ is present to share the plan of salvation and offer stability in the lives of others by introducing them to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. There are people who we come in contact with everyday that God has prepared the way for us to reach. Unfortunately at times we ignore the sensitivity of the spirit leading us to reach out. In today’s time we are so afraid to reach out to others because of the state of this world. Instead of reaching out we remain closed up in our homes not allowing any one to enter in, and we do not open up. When we return home from work the door is closed, the locks are placed on the doors and we do not come out for the rest of the evening. As I write this passage I look out the window and I observe my neighbor who I hardly know standing in the yard I have only spoken to her casually. I do not know anything about her except her name. I have never taken the time to find out anything else about her. There are people that God has strategically placed in our lives for us to minister to. I repented to God and I reached out to her in love. We have developed a friendship and I’ve found out a lot of interesting things about her. We have discussed our relationship with Jesus Christ on numerous occasions. She confessed to me that she is not as close to God as she once was. So from that encounter many opportunities were born for me to share my relationship with God. We have shared countless experiences encouraging one another. That specific experience taught me that we must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit when He leads. People come in our lives with all kinds of issues, problems, and circumstances and they search for answers to ease their sorrow. Sometimes all they need is for someone to sit and listen and show that they care, during this time we can seize the moment and demonstrate God’s love in action. God will hold us accountable for the people He puts in our path that we constantly ignore. Make an effort to do more to reach out to others. Who knows whether you are planting a seed, watering the seed, but one thing is for sure, God will give the increase!

Matthew 28:19 - Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Let this be a year of recovery! Allow God to restore all the things the enemy has stolen from you, or you willingly gave to him! It may be a broken relationship, unfulfilled dreams, a failed business venture, or maybe financial bondage. Whatever the case may be, allow God to restore what the cankerworm has eaten in your life. In this scripture, the prophet Joel promises that God will restore the years we’ve lost.

Have you ever felt like year after year, you’re still dealing with the same struggles? Perhaps you’ve questioned the Lord, “How long will I have to suffer through this problem, do You even hear my prayers?” Often, situations seem to have a domino effect in our lives: when we lose one thing, other losses will soon follow! For example, if you lose your job, then you can get behind in your bills. Then you start losing possessions, and that can lead to animosity between you and your spouse. Before you know it, the palmerworm, locust, cankerworm, and caterpillar have all paid you a visit, and eaten up everything in your life! (including your joy).

But God can give you the strength, knowledge, and courage to reclaim your possessions for His glory. So don’t dwell on the past another day. From this day forward, ask God to give you mercy to press on. Start rebuilding what you’ve lost, day by day. If it’s finances you are having difficulty with, learn to discipline yourself in this area. If needed, take a class on financial management, read a book, or start a budget. Or if it’s a friendship that’s been broken, call that person you haven’t spoken too in years and start mending that relationship. Let God be glorified in every aspect of your life, and you’ll soon see the healing begin.

Psalm 138:8 The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands

 Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore by the mercies of God that you present your bodies a living sacrifice holy and acceptable unto God which is your reasonable service.

What is your purpose in life? What is God calling you to do, be, or accomplish? He created you for his glory, and He has a specific assignment that only you can fulfill. There are no two people on the face of this earth who are identical.  He designed each of us uniquely differently. He equips us with the skills and abilities to reach our individual destinies. We waste so much time searching and searching, and wondering what our purpose is. But God has revealed what our main purpose is already, to glorify Him.  He has commissioned all of us to live a life pleasing in His sight and share the gospel of Christ to this dying world in search of a Savior. It’s true He has a specific task for each of us to do. But He wants us to spend less time wondering and more time studying His word and seeking Him for direction.  What are you passionate about? How can your passion bring glory to God? Has God given you an idea, a vision, or a particular task to do for His people? Everything we do in the name of God is bigger than us! We have to lift the limitations off our lives in order to fulfill our purpose. What if you don’t know your purpose? How can you find out what God wants you to do in life? Living a consecrated life, of prayer, meditating on His word, and living a holy life before Him will yield fruitful results. The bible is filled with instructions to the believer. If you are not sure about your purpose, the answer is to seek Him. Stop being lackadaisical concerning God’s work.  Strive to be all you can be in the Lord. It’s already another month in a brand new year. Revisit the commitments you made to God and actively work toward your purpose.

Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created

Success is personal. No one can hinder you when you have your eyes on the prize and your focus is on making it! God equips us with everything we need in order for us to survive and reach our goals. We sometimes are discouraged and sometimes we grow weary in well doing but if we keep the strength and keep moving ahead we shall reap the benefits if we just don’t give up. How do we measure success? Some people measure success by the things they possess. Material things are only temporal they are on this earth to enhance our lifestyle, but they will pass away along with this world someday. Possession are a false sense to security and happiness because they are temporal they can literally be here today, and gone tomorrow. Our hope cannot be in material things because the Bible teaches us that heaven and earth shall pass away. How I measure success and how others measure success is totally different. If I accomplish a strategic goal I planned years ago, to me that’s success. You on the other hand may have received a promotion on your job and that to you is success. But there are a lot of people with money and possessions and they are miserable because they always want more. They are never content with the things they possess because the pride of life has clouded their judgment of what’s important in life. True success can only be found in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior. At the end of the day our rewards are in heaven not on earth. The bible teaches us to store our treasure in heaven were moth and rust does not corrupt.  Take time to seek God for His will for your life. Concentrate more on pleasing God instead of obtaining wealth. Today reevaluate your idea of success. What do you consider as success? If God is not at the center of your success equation then your idea of success is in vain.  The Bible teaches us in Matthew 6:33 - But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.  When we find ourselves seeking the things of God first success is inevitable.

Matthew 19:24 - And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

There is a place where we can go in God where nothing else matters but pleasing Him. We can get so caught up with the cares of life that we forget about spending quality time with God. We do everything else but make time for God. Our lives are so off balance and we drift off the right path, because we obey the lust of our flesh instead of God. We are on a spiritual roller coaster because we are out of His will. I went through time of being complacent and content, I was at ease! I started performing daily rituals instead of waiting to hear a direct word form God concerning my current situation. I was in a place where I was attacked daily in my walk with God, and at times I did not feel I was a Christian. I allowed fear, and negative emotions to rule my life daily. I allowed my circumstances to dictate to me what I was going to do or accomplish each day. I became subject to the influences of this world and those influences enticed me, because I felt like God was not answering my prayer fast enough. I blamed my husband, my church, my leader, my perceptions and I ultimately blamed God for not coming through fast enough! But when the fog lifted and I could see clearly the only person left to blame was myself. I had allowed others things to come between my relationships with God that domino to others things going astray in my life.  One day had to face the truth that I am responsible for my actions and I could not blame anyone else. Not even the devil because Jesus gave me power over him a long time ago!  I could only blame myself for the miserable state I was in. We are as close to God as we choose to be. We have all the opportunities in the world to draw close to God and the bible teaches us He will draw close to us. After I went through my dry spell and my attacks in the spirit, I tried to retrace my point of distraction. I remember feeling tired and giving into the temptations that pulled at my flesh. Little by little I slacked off from prayer, fasting, and readying my word daily. Then I started forsaking fellowship with other believers and before I knew it I was trapped in a religious ritual and a shattered relationship with my Savior. But God’s grace is sufficient He brought me out of the storm. Once I repented of my selfish ways and surrendered completely to God I was on my way to enjoying my relationship with God once again.

Luke 1:50 - And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.

When did you last visit someone who was sick? How about in the nursing home or orphanages? This passage will be very hard for me to write because I feel so convicted by these words. When God pricked my heart and gave me this subject to write about, I immediately repented because I know I am guilty for not extending my love beyond my immediate surroundings. There are times when I have gone to visit others who are house bound but it has always been as a group and for a specific purpose. I asked God to please forgive my slothfulness in this area and help me realize I must reach out beyond convenience.  Jesus left us specific instructions to follow in order to reach out to others in need. There are several types of people who are the forgotten in our society. There are group homes full of children and teenagers as well as those who love some social activities in their lives. The homeless community is growing by leaps and bounds, how do you think Jesus would want us to respond? Would He want us to turn a blind eye and pretend we do not see the need? He left us examples throughout His word on how we should minister to hurting people. James 2:15-16 states if a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily  food, and one of you say unto them,, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those thins which are needful to the body: what doth it profit? It is true that we can not change the world but we can impact our surroundings. The scripture teaches us to meet the physical needs in the lives of others first and then they will be able to receive the spiritual teachings. This world is filled with people who need to be blessed and we do not have to search for someone to help. Often times we do no have to look beyond our immediate family. It is always better to give a blessing instead of receiving a blessing in a time of need. When the word of God states that God loves the cheerful giver it wasn’t only speaking of Sunday morning worship time.  Our giving must reach beyond Sunday morning.  Money is not the only way we can give. We can give of our time, service, or lend a listening ear to that person in need. Our prayer should be Lord teach me how to give so that I can honor you while I bless others.

Matthew25:43 I was a stranger and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

Psalms 92:1 - It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High                          

Matthew 5:6 blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

In the natural, it does not seem much like a blessing to be hungry or thirsty. When you are hungry, there is nothing that will satisfy that void but food. If you are thirsty, there is nothing that can quench your thirst but water or some other type of liquid. To be spiritually hungry is a blessing because when we eat of the Word we get so much nourishment. We gain strength, knowledge, wisdom, instruction, guidance and our purpose will be defined. To “hunger and thirst after righteousness” means you desire the things of God so much and you seek to please Him that there is a longing in your soul that only He can fill. Jesus said, in Matthew 5:6, that you are blessed to hunger and thirst after righteousness because you shall be filled. When Jesus does the filling there is an unexplainable satisfaction that you receive but you always want more. You are filled each time you partake of God’s word but you never get enough. In the natural, there is only so much we can eat and drink, overeating had adverse health affects. We have to be careful of what we eat and how it will affect our bodies. Excessive intake of fat, cholesterol, sugar etc. in the natural may lead to disease, obesity, and cause our overall health to fail.  In the spirit you get filled but you always have room for more: more revelation, instruction, guidance, strength, wisdom, and direction for your life. It is a good thing to hunger and thirst for righteousness, for there are great rewards. God is pleased and you shall be fed. It is up to each individual to satisfy the deep longing in their souls for God. Each person must seek God according to their own desires. God is always waiting to satisfy the emptiness in our souls with His presence.

Isaiah 55:1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

What has caused you not to possess the land the Lord God has given you? Is it fear, slothfulness, doubt, finances, unbelief, or others’ opinions? In this passage, Joshua was instructing the children of Isreal about what they must do to receive their inheritance. He gave them specific instructions to follow, in order to obtain their land. But they were afraid of the unknown; instead of making an effort, they did nothing.

Some of us are guilty of this same behavior today. Different things cause us to look at our current situations and hesitate, not wanting to step out in faith. Thankfully, God has given us instructions about how we should live our lives. The bible is filled with promises and blessings we can obtain, if only we have faith and believe them. The way has been made for us; but we must do what it takes to accomplish the specific goals in our lives.  God’s word is a road map to guide us to where ever we are trying to go in life. Allow the Holy Spirit to act as a compass to point you in the right direction. If we make daily prayers to God and accept His will for our lives then we will accomplish our goals. If God has promised you some specific blessings just for you, don’t dobt Him. Believe He will honor His word.

Timing is everything. We don’t like to wait, but sometimes we don’t have any other choice. Sometimes God requires us to wait; other times we are hindered because of our own lack of action. When we sit back and do nothing, our blessings are waiting for us (instead of us waiting on our blessings). The book of James admonishes believers that we must work to get the job done. Faith without works is dead; it does no good to have a vision, yet let it lie dormant. If God gave you a vision, then He has already provided a way for you to bring it to pass. So let your prayer to God be, “Lord, grant me favor as I seek to possess my land”. 

But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? (James 2:20)