Archive for the ‘Forgiveness’ Category

17 Dec

Some Thoughts on This Week

Posted by sandhillspastor in Evil deeds, Faith, Forgiveness, Sin, The Good News.

We have had some praiseworthy events this week. Alex has permission from the doctor to start leaving the crutches behind. It appears his surgery is having the desired effect. My knee is healing, although I now know there is a problem with some arthritis. And, probably the most encouraging event of the past week has been the rain we received here Friday night into Saturday morning. I suspect there has been a lot of happy dancing out there.

The annual Wheeler County Community Choir concert was held Sunday afternoon in two locations. It is a blessing to hear talented volunteers sing the songs of the season, proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Still another violent tragedy has happened in our country. What happened at that school in Connecticut is beyond our comprehension. Most people have an opinion of why these things happen, but I believe the only source for the answer is God’s word. If we don’t understand these things from a Biblical perspective, we basically are left with no hope, and no answers. I also believe that we will never have all the answers, because God doesn’t give them all to us. However, he does give us enough to carry us through.

It is unimaginable to us that these things happen, but at this season of the year I believe it is of the greatest importance for us to remember that Jesus Christ came to earth to be the specific remedy for sin in the world. It is sin, after all that is at the root of this horrible act. I don’t pretend to know why God did not prevent this from happening. There are so many things in life for which we have no answer. I do know that God tells us his thoughts and his ways are not the same as ours. (Isaiah 55:8-9). In that same chapter of Isaiah, there is an invitation to come to God, to call on him for the forgiveness our of sin, and to receive his salvation.

At the risk of sounding overly simplistic, I must say I believe that unless and until all people acknowledge Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, events similar to last Friday can and will occasionally happen. Until that time, God is still sovereign, He is still on His throne, and He is still in control of times and events. Praise His Name forever!

Leaning on the everlasting arms,
Pastor Jerry

1 Oct

Forgiven

Posted by sandhillspastor in Forgiveness. Tagged: .

Last week, I mentioned briefly that we had purchased a used camper. As with many things I have acquired over the years, it needs a bit of repair. One little place on the top corner was apparently damaged, and never repaired. This has allowed water inside the walls, causing a lot of unseen damage. When this happens, it eventually leads to the need for some major repair work.

This is much the same way sin affects a person. Just allowing one little sin to enter a life can lead to much damage, most of which cannot be seen from the outside. The Bible says the wages of sin is death. The good news is that Jesus Christ paid the price for our sin. He brings spiritual healing to those who place their faith in Him. The Bible says this: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). Confession of our sins results in a restored relationship with the Lord.

Here is one more thought dealing with the topic of forgiveness. When others sin against us, we can forgive them, as Jesus also forgave us, or we can let anger and bitterness take up residence inside us. However, anger and resentment are like the water that entered into our camper walls. It eats away from the inside and will eventually destroy us. The remedy for anger and resentment toward another person is total forgiveness of the offending one. It does not matter if we ask that person’s forgiveness face-to-face, it is not always possible to do that. However it is very possible for us to forgive that person in our heart.

If we are willing to forgive, we will find that a heavy burden has been lifted from us. Forgiveness is wonderful medicine for the wounded soul. In the scripture that is known as the Lord’s Prayer, we are told to pray that God would forgive us our trespasses (sins), as we forgive those who trespass (sin) against us. I would say we are commanded to practice forgiveness, much as God has forgiven us.

Forgiving the person who caused the damage won’t fix our camper, but it will let us enjoy it, and forgiveness won’t fix the hurt you may have experienced, but it will bring you freedom.

Forgiven,
Pastor Jerry

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