Few people talk about unforgiveness. Unforgiveness happens when you choose to hold onto an offense (whether real or perceived) committed by another. I was given a really interesting analogy this past week about unforgiveness. It is like a person drinking poison to get back at the person who offended them. The odd thing is--it makes the person drinking the poison sick not the offender.
Unforgiveness truly is poison. When you choose not to forgive someone bitterness takes root in your heart. Then it sprouts into bouts of anger. Anger then produces malice, rage, debauchery, etc. Luke 6:45 tells us "The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.
So, how do we keep from poisoning ourselves? James 5:16 tells us "Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much." As long as we carry unforgiveness with us we will truly be sick.
Also, when you consider the forgiveness that you have received from God for your sins, how can you not forgive another man/woman for their offense to you? Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
Who do you need to forgive today? Don't allow bitterness to take root in your heart.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Tornado
As we listen to the news the last few days, you hear and see the devastation caused by the earthquake and subsequent tsuanmi in Japan. Last year it was the tsunami in Haiti. These events are destructive and devastating. Tornados are another example of an atmospheric condition that has considerable destructive power.
I am saddened for all of those that have lost their lives and the condition of Japan (and Haiti still trying to recover. At the same time, I am in awe of the power behind such events. I am one of those crazy people that would stand outside watching as a hurricane comes through. I can't help it--it just amazes me. When I look at these events I see God's mighty hand. Isaiah 46:10 says, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
The prophet Isaiah warned in 13:11, I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins.
I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless. God is a holy and loving God but He is also a God of justice. I'm not saying that any of the people who were injured or lost their lives deserved it but what I am saying is that we live in a sinful world and evil is all around us. I Peter 5:8 tells us, Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. And Ephesians 5:15 says Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, becuase the days are evil.
So what can we do? How do we make the most of it? God provided me with an awesome analogy several years ago. If you've seen the movie Twister you'll know exactly what I'm about to describe. There is a scene in the movie were these two storm chasers end up driving into the center of the tornado. After a moment you see a cow fly by, then some other debris, and so on. Even though all of this stuff is flying by it appears calm and a clear blue sky is visable above them--it is only because they were in the center of the tornado. Our lives are just like that tornado. There will always be chaos around us. What we have to learn to do is look above (to God) and remember that He is in control of ALL things. He promises to never leave us or forsake us; that He will never give us more than we can bear and He will be there to comfort us.
I Peter 5:10 says, And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
May you stay in the center of God's Will for your life!
I am saddened for all of those that have lost their lives and the condition of Japan (and Haiti still trying to recover. At the same time, I am in awe of the power behind such events. I am one of those crazy people that would stand outside watching as a hurricane comes through. I can't help it--it just amazes me. When I look at these events I see God's mighty hand. Isaiah 46:10 says, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
The prophet Isaiah warned in 13:11, I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins.
I will put an end to the arrogance of the haughty and will humble the pride of the ruthless. God is a holy and loving God but He is also a God of justice. I'm not saying that any of the people who were injured or lost their lives deserved it but what I am saying is that we live in a sinful world and evil is all around us. I Peter 5:8 tells us, Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. And Ephesians 5:15 says Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, becuase the days are evil.
So what can we do? How do we make the most of it? God provided me with an awesome analogy several years ago. If you've seen the movie Twister you'll know exactly what I'm about to describe. There is a scene in the movie were these two storm chasers end up driving into the center of the tornado. After a moment you see a cow fly by, then some other debris, and so on. Even though all of this stuff is flying by it appears calm and a clear blue sky is visable above them--it is only because they were in the center of the tornado. Our lives are just like that tornado. There will always be chaos around us. What we have to learn to do is look above (to God) and remember that He is in control of ALL things. He promises to never leave us or forsake us; that He will never give us more than we can bear and He will be there to comfort us.
I Peter 5:10 says, And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
May you stay in the center of God's Will for your life!
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