Dear Lord,
...
As we come before you today, we praise you for all the things that you
are. You are compassionate, loving and long-suffering… but you are so
much more.
Some may underestimate you, because of depictions of you holding
children and holding a Shepherd’s staff watching over sheep. Yes, you
are, our loving Abba Father…no one loves us as unconditionally as you
do…and you are our concerned and compassionate Shepherd, watching over
us and caring for us… but you are so powerful and everything fades from
view and diminishes in size, when compared to you. In our humanness, we
often let our worries and fears, troubles and grief over take us… in our
minds we let these things become so large and overpowering that they
over-shadow even your power and strength. We forget all that you are
known for…including vanquishing death.
In the Psalms, it says you ride upon the heavens…one version calls you a
cloud rider. The earth trembles before you. We are told you are a father
to orphans, a champion to widows, you make homes for the homeless, you
provide for the poor and those in need and you lead prisoners to
freedom. You call down rain, to turn desolated lands into an oasis for
your people to enjoy.
Day after day you carry us along. You are our Savior and our God. You
are the God who is for us and the God who saves us. You alone have
conquered death and defeated it and you are our salvation! All of these
things about you are in just one Psalm…there is so much to know and
learn about you and so many things to be grateful for. How blessed we
are that you are our God.
Lord, we want to know you more…we want to be strong in our faith and our
knowledge of you. We want trust and faith to be our first response,
instead of fear. We want to see things filtered through your Word and
your eyes. How many hours of our lives have we wasted on worry and
anxious thoughts for things that never came to pass? How many people and
situations have we given so much power to, that we let them destroy our
peace and sense of security? How many times have we let people’s hurtful
words and judgments define us, instead of remembering how you view us?
How many times have we focused on our problems instead of your promises?
Our biggest obstacles and trials, are no match for you.
Thank you Lord for all that you are and all that you do. Thank you for
going before us and always making a way where there seems to be no way
and for never leaving our side. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
May God’s peace consume you today!
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Prayer - 09-22-13
I"m really feeling led to pray for people that need to be set free
tonight from un-forgiveness, bitterness, anger, bad memories, hurts, etc....
Dear Lord,
...
We ask that you be with those who are struggling to forgive. Lord, there
are those who are trying their best, but they just don't know what to do
to totally let go. We ask that you would show them, Lord. Speak to their
hearts and reveal yourself to them that they might fully experience the
freedom that comes from letting go of anger and hurt and bitterness and
pain. We pray that you would search their hearts and find anything that
they've buried deep down, trying to avoid the pain...
For those who have anger and bitterness towards you, Lord and they have
never really acknowledged that's how they feel, but those feelings are
there none the less ... we pray that they would find release. You know
exactly how they feel. They are not hiding anything from you...you are
pained to see them suffering and struggling...Oh, Lord please let there
be breakthroughs and deliverance. We ask that you would cleanse, renew
and restore, what the enemy has tried to steal from them.
Lord, you died to set the captives free and for each person praying, you
are longing to set them free from long-held hurts...long held
secrets...long held feelings of inadequacy...long held feelings of
rejection...long held feelings of they don't do things right... there
are people here, that aren't even aware that they are holding pain in
their hearts. There are some that think because they prayed about it,
and then buried it, that is all they had to do to deal with it. They
don't realize that they are carrying around pain deep inside their
hearts and minds and it affects their day- to- day life and
decisions.... Lord, you are trying to set them free... may they respond
to you and hear your voice.
For all those who have been abused, Lord...we ask that you would help
them to be set free from the haunting memories. For all those who
trusted and were hurt over and over again...we pray that you would
soothe their wounds and bind their hearts. For all those who know what
it is like to be abandoned by family, friends or spouses...please help
them to face the pain, so they can be set free from it...Give each
person here the courage to face their deepest darkest secrets and hurts
so they can be set free from the guilt and shame and pain. Shine your
light in the dark places of their hearts and souls so they can sweep
them clean and be filled with your healing love and peace.
Lord, for all of those who have physical manifestations from their
stress and pain and depression and hurts and they don't realize that is
the source of their suffering,we ask in Jesus' name, that you would heal
in body, mind and spirit...Let them find healing and freedom right now.
Lord, the enemy is a liar and a destroyer and he keeps us chained in
fear and heartache...Lord, help everyone to say "I will not be afraid
any longer". Let them cling to and claim the promises in your word.
Sometimes we suffer needlessly because we do not claim what is ours, we
do not put on our armor, we do not realize that the victory is already
ours...Lord, bring healing...clean the wounds out...help people not to
be afraid of a little temporary pain that will bring a lifetime of
healed emotions and memories.
Lord, please meet each need here. They are vast and varying, but you
know each one before we even ask and you are faithful to meet them
according to your will and in your time. You are here, Lord. We feel it.
Where two or more gathered in your name, you are in our midst. Come Holy
Spirit come...we're ready for you to breathe your power, strength,
healing and comfort upon us now.
In the mighty name of Jesus we pray Amen.
God bless!!!
tonight from un-forgiveness, bitterness, anger, bad memories, hurts, etc....
Dear Lord,
...
We ask that you be with those who are struggling to forgive. Lord, there
are those who are trying their best, but they just don't know what to do
to totally let go. We ask that you would show them, Lord. Speak to their
hearts and reveal yourself to them that they might fully experience the
freedom that comes from letting go of anger and hurt and bitterness and
pain. We pray that you would search their hearts and find anything that
they've buried deep down, trying to avoid the pain...
For those who have anger and bitterness towards you, Lord and they have
never really acknowledged that's how they feel, but those feelings are
there none the less ... we pray that they would find release. You know
exactly how they feel. They are not hiding anything from you...you are
pained to see them suffering and struggling...Oh, Lord please let there
be breakthroughs and deliverance. We ask that you would cleanse, renew
and restore, what the enemy has tried to steal from them.
Lord, you died to set the captives free and for each person praying, you
are longing to set them free from long-held hurts...long held
secrets...long held feelings of inadequacy...long held feelings of
rejection...long held feelings of they don't do things right... there
are people here, that aren't even aware that they are holding pain in
their hearts. There are some that think because they prayed about it,
and then buried it, that is all they had to do to deal with it. They
don't realize that they are carrying around pain deep inside their
hearts and minds and it affects their day- to- day life and
decisions.... Lord, you are trying to set them free... may they respond
to you and hear your voice.
For all those who have been abused, Lord...we ask that you would help
them to be set free from the haunting memories. For all those who
trusted and were hurt over and over again...we pray that you would
soothe their wounds and bind their hearts. For all those who know what
it is like to be abandoned by family, friends or spouses...please help
them to face the pain, so they can be set free from it...Give each
person here the courage to face their deepest darkest secrets and hurts
so they can be set free from the guilt and shame and pain. Shine your
light in the dark places of their hearts and souls so they can sweep
them clean and be filled with your healing love and peace.
Lord, for all of those who have physical manifestations from their
stress and pain and depression and hurts and they don't realize that is
the source of their suffering,we ask in Jesus' name, that you would heal
in body, mind and spirit...Let them find healing and freedom right now.
Lord, the enemy is a liar and a destroyer and he keeps us chained in
fear and heartache...Lord, help everyone to say "I will not be afraid
any longer". Let them cling to and claim the promises in your word.
Sometimes we suffer needlessly because we do not claim what is ours, we
do not put on our armor, we do not realize that the victory is already
ours...Lord, bring healing...clean the wounds out...help people not to
be afraid of a little temporary pain that will bring a lifetime of
healed emotions and memories.
Lord, please meet each need here. They are vast and varying, but you
know each one before we even ask and you are faithful to meet them
according to your will and in your time. You are here, Lord. We feel it.
Where two or more gathered in your name, you are in our midst. Come Holy
Spirit come...we're ready for you to breathe your power, strength,
healing and comfort upon us now.
In the mighty name of Jesus we pray Amen.
God bless!!!
Prayer - 09-20-13
Dear Lord,
...
We come before you and ask that you would help each person praying this
prayer to find renewed strength. We ask that you would help us to focus
on Who and What You are...help us to remember this day that YOU
are...Yahweh- The Great I am. There is no one like YOU... YOU are,
Adonai- the Covenant Keeper. Your word is truth and YOU do not go back
on your word...YOU are Jehovah Jireh- the God who provides...YOU WILL
provide our every need, because you promise over and over again in your
word and YOU do not lie!....YOU are Jehovah Rapha, YOU are the God who
heals...YOU are Jehovah Roi, YOU are our Shepherd...YOU will lead us and
direct us in all our ways, YOU will lead us through the dark valleys
into the light and to the place of provision..YOU will never leave our
side!..YOU are Jehovah Shalom, the Lord of peace...YOU will give us your
peace that passes all understanding if we only trust in YOU and look to
YOU...and YOU, our Lord, YOU are El Shaddai, our powerful Sustainer...
Lord, God, as your children are saying this prayer may they see... our
lives, our trials, our hurts, our cares, our problems, our fears, our
worries, our loved ones, our needs...they all come back to YOU...YOU are
all we need Lord. YOU have planned from the beginning to be all things
that we need. We just need to take our eyes off of ourselves and the
things in this world and trust in your mighty name. Lord, may this bring
peace and comfort to your children saying this prayer. May they feel
empowered that they are not left defenseless or left to face things on
their own. YOU have made a way at every turn. YOU have even given us
your son!! There is none like YOU Lord. Hallelujah, Lord. YOU inhabit
the praises of your people and where two or more are gathered YOU are in
our midst...Lord, we are asking YOU to rain down your grace upon each
one...rain down your peace...rain down your comfort...rain down the
answer to every problem and situation they face...rain down protection
from those who seek to do them harm... rain down renewed strength,
renewed hope, renewed courage. May they see YOU and feel YOU in ways
they have never known before.
Lord, YOU are doing a new work in each of us. Go before us and may we
find confidence not in ourselves or things in this world, but in YOU
this day. Thank YOU, Lord for going before us and making a way to meet
every need. Thank you, Lord for being our loving Father and we are so
grateful to be your children. We love you. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen
Praying for you all to feel empowered in Him today!
...
We come before you and ask that you would help each person praying this
prayer to find renewed strength. We ask that you would help us to focus
on Who and What You are...help us to remember this day that YOU
are...Yahweh- The Great I am. There is no one like YOU... YOU are,
Adonai- the Covenant Keeper. Your word is truth and YOU do not go back
on your word...YOU are Jehovah Jireh- the God who provides...YOU WILL
provide our every need, because you promise over and over again in your
word and YOU do not lie!....YOU are Jehovah Rapha, YOU are the God who
heals...YOU are Jehovah Roi, YOU are our Shepherd...YOU will lead us and
direct us in all our ways, YOU will lead us through the dark valleys
into the light and to the place of provision..YOU will never leave our
side!..YOU are Jehovah Shalom, the Lord of peace...YOU will give us your
peace that passes all understanding if we only trust in YOU and look to
YOU...and YOU, our Lord, YOU are El Shaddai, our powerful Sustainer...
Lord, God, as your children are saying this prayer may they see... our
lives, our trials, our hurts, our cares, our problems, our fears, our
worries, our loved ones, our needs...they all come back to YOU...YOU are
all we need Lord. YOU have planned from the beginning to be all things
that we need. We just need to take our eyes off of ourselves and the
things in this world and trust in your mighty name. Lord, may this bring
peace and comfort to your children saying this prayer. May they feel
empowered that they are not left defenseless or left to face things on
their own. YOU have made a way at every turn. YOU have even given us
your son!! There is none like YOU Lord. Hallelujah, Lord. YOU inhabit
the praises of your people and where two or more are gathered YOU are in
our midst...Lord, we are asking YOU to rain down your grace upon each
one...rain down your peace...rain down your comfort...rain down the
answer to every problem and situation they face...rain down protection
from those who seek to do them harm... rain down renewed strength,
renewed hope, renewed courage. May they see YOU and feel YOU in ways
they have never known before.
Lord, YOU are doing a new work in each of us. Go before us and may we
find confidence not in ourselves or things in this world, but in YOU
this day. Thank YOU, Lord for going before us and making a way to meet
every need. Thank you, Lord for being our loving Father and we are so
grateful to be your children. We love you. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen
Praying for you all to feel empowered in Him today!
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Prayer 09-14-13
Dear Lord,
...
As we gather together today, the twenty-third Psalm keeps coming to
mind. Because you are our Shepherd we shall not lack for anything. You
have promised to feed, shield and protect us. You lead us beside still
waters and make us lie down to rest in cool, green refreshing places.
You see and know better than we do Lord, that there are times that we
need stillness and serenity. You know that we need to lie down and rest
in places of tranquility and calm to restore our souls and the broken
places in our hearts and lives. We need that alone time with you, Lord
so you can speak your healing words of love and encouragement to us. You
lead us on your paths of righteousness...not because of anything we've
done, but because of who you are. You lead and guide us to places where
the enemy cannot harm us because we are safely protected in your
shelter...and even when we must travel through the dark valleys, you are
with us... ever watching over us until we reach your house at the end of
our journey, where we shall live with you forever more.
Father, to have true peace, we must follow your ways...your teachings,
your truth. You tell us we will have peace when we keep our mind fixed
on you. You tell us you have made a covenant of peace with us and you
will not remove it...you have compassion on us. You tell us not to fear,
because you are with us. You have told us that we will have trouble and
suffering, but to not be afraid, because you have already overcome and
made a way and no one can snatch us from your hand...you tell us to
dwell in your peace and to be filled with your hope and joy.
Father, may we dwell and meditate on you today...and be filled with
gratitude and thanks for all you do for us. The world may be crumbling
and the adversary may be trying to harm us, discourage us and steal our
peace and joy, but we can rise up against him and refuse to let Him. We
can claim your promises and our inheritance as your children. May we
find rest and comfort in you today. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
May you have a blessed weekend friends!
Marlene Felks
...
As we gather together today, the twenty-third Psalm keeps coming to
mind. Because you are our Shepherd we shall not lack for anything. You
have promised to feed, shield and protect us. You lead us beside still
waters and make us lie down to rest in cool, green refreshing places.
You see and know better than we do Lord, that there are times that we
need stillness and serenity. You know that we need to lie down and rest
in places of tranquility and calm to restore our souls and the broken
places in our hearts and lives. We need that alone time with you, Lord
so you can speak your healing words of love and encouragement to us. You
lead us on your paths of righteousness...not because of anything we've
done, but because of who you are. You lead and guide us to places where
the enemy cannot harm us because we are safely protected in your
shelter...and even when we must travel through the dark valleys, you are
with us... ever watching over us until we reach your house at the end of
our journey, where we shall live with you forever more.
Father, to have true peace, we must follow your ways...your teachings,
your truth. You tell us we will have peace when we keep our mind fixed
on you. You tell us you have made a covenant of peace with us and you
will not remove it...you have compassion on us. You tell us not to fear,
because you are with us. You have told us that we will have trouble and
suffering, but to not be afraid, because you have already overcome and
made a way and no one can snatch us from your hand...you tell us to
dwell in your peace and to be filled with your hope and joy.
Father, may we dwell and meditate on you today...and be filled with
gratitude and thanks for all you do for us. The world may be crumbling
and the adversary may be trying to harm us, discourage us and steal our
peace and joy, but we can rise up against him and refuse to let Him. We
can claim your promises and our inheritance as your children. May we
find rest and comfort in you today. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.
May you have a blessed weekend friends!
Marlene Felks
Thursday, September 12, 2013
45 Life Lessons by Regina Brett
Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio .
To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written.
My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short – enjoy it.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye, but don't worry, God never blinks.
16.. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19.. It's never too late to be happy. But it’s all up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative of dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have, not what you need
42. The best is yet to come...
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Prayer 09-02-13
Dear Lord,
...
We thank you for our lives and all that you have done for us. We thank you for your love, grace and mercy and for all the resources you have made available to us. Lord, we know that all the battles we face, are yours. You go before us and your angels surround us. We know we will only fail, when we try to do battle or face things with our own strength. Help us to remember that only with your power and your might can we be strong. You tell us without you, we can do nothing, but through you we can do all things.
Give us your wisdom, Lord...not for our own gain, but that we might make wise decisions and grow strong in you. Help us to overcome evil with good. Help us to remember to pray for those who would seek to do us harm. Help us to love our enemies with your love and to pray for them, that they might be redeemed and make their lives right with you. Help us to forgive those who have caused us pain. Help us to be filled with your compassion and your mercy...help us to offer the same grace which you have given us. Father, we cannot do these things on our own...but once again,what is impossible for us, we can do through you.
Father, heal the hurts and the open wounds that plague so many. You promise to be near to the broken-hearted and those who are crushed in spirit. You promise to bind those wounds and to turn our mourning to joy. Restore unto each heart the joy of their salvation. Draw each one close unto yourself...we know you waste nothing, Lord... and you will use our every sorrow and every tragedy to show yourself faithful and closer than a brother. You are the source of unfailing love and compassion. You are with us and beside us, through our deepest losses and sorrows. We think of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego ... you were the 4th person seen in that fire with them. You walk through our dark valleys with us. You stay with us on stormy seas. You didn't just bear our sin, pains and sorrows on the cross... you come still...this very day... and every day that we have breath... and you tell us to cast our cares on you because you care for us. Even after all you have done for us, you continue to give us more of yourself. Lord, we are so unworthy...we bow before you and thank you, Lord for your loving care and concern for us.
Thank you Lord, for making a way where there seems to be no way. Thank you for making the rough roads smooth. Thank you for lighting the way in the darkness and giving us everything we need to overcome every obstacle, every trial, every grief and every battle we may face. Fill my friends with hope and courage and the belief that there is nothing that can separate us from you and your love. Help us to be confidant that no weapon formed against us can prosper and that we are more than conquerors. We love you Lord, and we thank you for your faithfulness and for meeting our every need. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Blessings, hugs and love to you all,
Marlene Felks
...
We thank you for our lives and all that you have done for us. We thank you for your love, grace and mercy and for all the resources you have made available to us. Lord, we know that all the battles we face, are yours. You go before us and your angels surround us. We know we will only fail, when we try to do battle or face things with our own strength. Help us to remember that only with your power and your might can we be strong. You tell us without you, we can do nothing, but through you we can do all things.
Give us your wisdom, Lord...not for our own gain, but that we might make wise decisions and grow strong in you. Help us to overcome evil with good. Help us to remember to pray for those who would seek to do us harm. Help us to love our enemies with your love and to pray for them, that they might be redeemed and make their lives right with you. Help us to forgive those who have caused us pain. Help us to be filled with your compassion and your mercy...help us to offer the same grace which you have given us. Father, we cannot do these things on our own...but once again,what is impossible for us, we can do through you.
Father, heal the hurts and the open wounds that plague so many. You promise to be near to the broken-hearted and those who are crushed in spirit. You promise to bind those wounds and to turn our mourning to joy. Restore unto each heart the joy of their salvation. Draw each one close unto yourself...we know you waste nothing, Lord... and you will use our every sorrow and every tragedy to show yourself faithful and closer than a brother. You are the source of unfailing love and compassion. You are with us and beside us, through our deepest losses and sorrows. We think of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego ... you were the 4th person seen in that fire with them. You walk through our dark valleys with us. You stay with us on stormy seas. You didn't just bear our sin, pains and sorrows on the cross... you come still...this very day... and every day that we have breath... and you tell us to cast our cares on you because you care for us. Even after all you have done for us, you continue to give us more of yourself. Lord, we are so unworthy...we bow before you and thank you, Lord for your loving care and concern for us.
Thank you Lord, for making a way where there seems to be no way. Thank you for making the rough roads smooth. Thank you for lighting the way in the darkness and giving us everything we need to overcome every obstacle, every trial, every grief and every battle we may face. Fill my friends with hope and courage and the belief that there is nothing that can separate us from you and your love. Help us to be confidant that no weapon formed against us can prosper and that we are more than conquerors. We love you Lord, and we thank you for your faithfulness and for meeting our every need. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Blessings, hugs and love to you all,
Marlene Felks
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
"Forgiveness" by Matthew West
The Story: FORGIVENESS
From Renee Napier:
I never understood why God would ask Abraham to sacrifice Issac, the son he waited so long to have. I also always hoped He would never require such a sacrifice of me. Once my first child, a son, was born I really couldn’t understand how Abraham just did what God told him to do. The love a parent has for a child is like no other. God also blessed me with 3 daughters, the last two being identical twins. I love my children with all my heart and could never imagine living without one of them.
I now have a mission I did not choose: DUI presentations.
May 11, 2002, 24-year-old drunk driver, Eric, killed one of my twins, Meagan, and one of her friends, Lisa, both girls 20 years old. This was devastating for all three families involved, and countless friends that mourned the loss of these precious girls. But this is also a story of forgiveness and healing. My family and Lisa’s family chose to forgive Eric. We even appealed to have his 22 year prison sentence reduced to 11 years.
Since March 29, 2004 I have traveled all over the country telling this story to thousands of people, mostly teenagers. I always talk about forgiveness because we have learned how powerful it is for everyone. Eric told me he has his eternal salvation because of Meagan and Lisa. I show him via video in my presentations and will soon have him as an inmate, standing with me, a living, breathing example of the dangers of drunk driving, but also of the power of forgiveness.
From Matthew West:I cannot think of a more vivid, modern day example of the power of forgiveness than this story you have just read. No parent should ever have to face the reality Renee did. Being a parent myself, the thought of being on the receiving end of a phone call delivering the horrifying news that your child’s life has been taken is beyond unbearable. And yet, that has become Renee’s reality. A drunk driver who should have never been behind the wheel of a car that night senselessly killed her beloved daughter. Few would blame Renee for any resentment or even hatred she may have towards this criminal who stole her daughter away from her. Even the most gracious seem to have their limits. Many would see it as her right to hold a grudge. After all, the young man was found guilty by a judge and jury. Even the law is on Renee’s side. Yet somehow, she has found it in her heart to extend the hope of forgiveness to this guilty man who took the life of her daughter, and both of their lives changed as a result.
If you are anything like me, reading Renee’s story may have left you a bit conflicted. One of my first thoughts was, ‘I’m not sure I could do the same.’ I thought about how much I love my daughters, and if someone took them away from me the way that Eric did, my flesh tells me forgiveness seems like an unreachable destination. And while I am being honest, I should probably confess that I have a hard enough time forgiving the person who cut in front of me at the grocery check out, or my wife when we find ourselves at odds, let alone someone who has done irreparable harm to myself or my family. Yes, unfortunately holding a grudge is something I do quite well. How about you? Is there someone in your life who wronged you? Maybe a relationship that has been severed because a lie was told or trust betrayed? Or perhaps, you relate to Renee’s story, having been wronged by a complete stranger, you hold on to a deep resentment that you carry with you every moment of every day. Maybe, like Renee, someone has stolen away something or someone so precious to you that you can never get back. Big or small, forgiveness can be a seemingly impossible bridge to cross.
In Philip Yancey’s book What’s So Amazing About Grace?, he describes forgiveness as an unnatural act. I could not agree more. He writes, “I never find forgiveness easy, and rarely do I find it completely satisfying. Nagging injustices remain, and the wounds still cause pain. I have to approach God again and again, yielding to him the residue of what I thought I had committed to him long ago. I do so because the Gospels make clear the connection: God forgives my debts as I forgive my debtors.”
Forgiveness makes little sense, as long as we are the ones being asked to forgive. It goes against everything we feel inside when we are the wronged party. And being the flawed humans we are, we do have our limits. However, when we are the ones in need of forgiveness, well, isn’t that quite a different story? C.S. Lewis wrote, “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” Let us always be mindful of our own deep and endless need for forgiveness, and grateful for the limitless forgiveness that is extended to us through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Let us be grateful that He did not wait for us to make the first move. “For god demonstrates his great love for us in this; while we were still sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:8.)” He initiated forgiveness of our sins, and in doing so, released its healing power into the lives of all who accept.
By Renee forgiving Eric, she has made a choice to humbly follow the example Christ set for us, and God has used her step of faith to release healing into both of their lives, leading Eric to find his own personal freedom in Christ. And what is it about Renee that would allow her to see her perpetrator through eyes of grace and not anger? When one’s heart and soul are awake to the need of forgiveness in one’s own life, then they will be more inclined to see their enemy through eyes of compassion. Jesus laying down his own life for our sins is the truest example of how we should forgive others. And the reward of forgiveness is great. Beverly Flanigan wrote, “Forgiveness is a rebirth of hope, a reorganization of thought, and a reconstruction of dreams. Once forgiving begins, dreams can be rebuilt. When forgiving is complete, meaning has been extracted from the worst of experiences and used to create a new set of moral rules and a new interpretation of life’s events.” This is the reward Renee has been blessed to discover. Yes, she still hurts. Yes, she still misses her daughter. But forgiveness can bring hope to our hopeless tragedies, and freedom from the burden of resentment. Lewis B. Smedes wrote, when we genuinely forgive, we set a prisoner free and then discover that the prisoner we set free was us.” Set yourself free today. Carry Renee’s story with you this week and ask God to help you follow his example of forgiveness towards someone who has wronged you.
Forgiveness:
It’s the hardest thing to give away
And the last thing on your mind today
It always goes to those who don’t deserve
And the last thing on your mind today
It always goes to those who don’t deserve
It’s the opposite of how you feel
When the pain they caused is just too real
Takes everything you have to say the word
When the pain they caused is just too real
Takes everything you have to say the word
Forgiveness
It’s always angers own worst enemy
Even when the jury and the judge
Say you’ve got a right to hold a grudge
It’s the whisper in your ear saying, “set it free”
It’s always angers own worst enemy
Even when the jury and the judge
Say you’ve got a right to hold a grudge
It’s the whisper in your ear saying, “set it free”
Forgiveness
Lord, show me how to love the unlovable
Teach me how to reach the unreachable
Help me now to do the impossible
Lord, show me how to love the unlovable
Teach me how to reach the unreachable
Help me now to do the impossible
Forgiveness
It can clear the bitterness away
It can even set a prisoner free
There is no end to what its power can do
It can clear the bitterness away
It can even set a prisoner free
There is no end to what its power can do
So, let it go and be amazed
By what you see through eyes of Grace
The prisoner that it really frees is you
By what you see through eyes of Grace
The prisoner that it really frees is you
Forgiveness
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Collection of Prayers & Scriptures - Marlene Felks, Loving Friend and Humble Servant
Our Father,
Thank you for this opportunity to gather once again to join in prayer. Father, we thank you that our lives and our circumstances, are not in the hands of blind fate, but we are held firmly in the palm of your hand. It is impossible for you to forget us or to turn a blind eye to us. You know where we are always and you know exactly what we need and when we need it and you are always faithful to us...your heart is always for us...
Father, help us to make wise choices in our lives. Help us live with our eyes focused on you and eternity. Help us to be wise and discerning, so we are not caught unaware... help us to drown out the loudness of the world...the loudness of physical and emotional pain when it threatens to overwhelm us...the loudness of the enemy who taunts our minds with doubts and barrages us with what seems like an unrelenting stream of seemingly insurmountable trials and heartaches....help us Lord to hone in on your voice...may we be so sensitive to it that we can hear it like an animal that hears what humans can't hear. Father, we need your guidance in our lives...we need your direction...we need you to be the rock we cling to in this ever-changing world. Help us not to get caught up in all that is wrong with the world...we lift up the needs we see, but let us focus on you alone and not be consumed by worry, sadness and uncertainty.
Father, right where we are...right at this very moment, speak to our hearts. Just like a parent that soothes a child...speaking soft and gentle words of comfort and encouragement...reinforcing that they are safe because their parent has them securely in their loving embrace... nothing can get to the child through them... they are secure, loved and comforted just by being held by one who loves them and has their best interest at heart...may we feel like that with you now, Lord.
Wipe the tears from the heart-broken and grieving...hold the ill and injured and let them know that you are tending to them and...ease the fears, worries and anxieties of those who are scared and not knowing what to do or how to face or handle their trials and burdens...Oh, Abba, Father... our beloved, Heavenly Father... hold us close to you and may we all feel your nearness today. Fill us with your courage...be our strength...remind us of the joy of our salvation...remind us of that feeling we had when you entered our hearts and lives...we cling to you and your promises and we know that our hope is not misplaced by trusting in you.
Go before us this day, Lord. Protect our loved ones and meet their needs. Help us to stand fast against spiritual attacks and to remember we are not alone in anything we face and we can do all things through Christ. We love you Lord and we thank you in advance for meeting each need, spoken and unspoken. In the name of Jesus we ask these things, Amen
Thank you for this opportunity to gather once again to join in prayer. Father, we thank you that our lives and our circumstances, are not in the hands of blind fate, but we are held firmly in the palm of your hand. It is impossible for you to forget us or to turn a blind eye to us. You know where we are always and you know exactly what we need and when we need it and you are always faithful to us...your heart is always for us...
Father, help us to make wise choices in our lives. Help us live with our eyes focused on you and eternity. Help us to be wise and discerning, so we are not caught unaware... help us to drown out the loudness of the world...the loudness of physical and emotional pain when it threatens to overwhelm us...the loudness of the enemy who taunts our minds with doubts and barrages us with what seems like an unrelenting stream of seemingly insurmountable trials and heartaches....help us Lord to hone in on your voice...may we be so sensitive to it that we can hear it like an animal that hears what humans can't hear. Father, we need your guidance in our lives...we need your direction...we need you to be the rock we cling to in this ever-changing world. Help us not to get caught up in all that is wrong with the world...we lift up the needs we see, but let us focus on you alone and not be consumed by worry, sadness and uncertainty.
Father, right where we are...right at this very moment, speak to our hearts. Just like a parent that soothes a child...speaking soft and gentle words of comfort and encouragement...reinforcing that they are safe because their parent has them securely in their loving embrace... nothing can get to the child through them... they are secure, loved and comforted just by being held by one who loves them and has their best interest at heart...may we feel like that with you now, Lord.
Wipe the tears from the heart-broken and grieving...hold the ill and injured and let them know that you are tending to them and...ease the fears, worries and anxieties of those who are scared and not knowing what to do or how to face or handle their trials and burdens...Oh, Abba, Father... our beloved, Heavenly Father... hold us close to you and may we all feel your nearness today. Fill us with your courage...be our strength...remind us of the joy of our salvation...remind us of that feeling we had when you entered our hearts and lives...we cling to you and your promises and we know that our hope is not misplaced by trusting in you.
Go before us this day, Lord. Protect our loved ones and meet their needs. Help us to stand fast against spiritual attacks and to remember we are not alone in anything we face and we can do all things through Christ. We love you Lord and we thank you in advance for meeting each need, spoken and unspoken. In the name of Jesus we ask these things, Amen
Nick Vujicic
I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me - Philippians 4:13
Nick Vujicic - POWERFUL
Nicholas James "Nick" Vujicic (/ˈvɔɪtʃɪtʃ/ VOY-chich; Serbian: Николас Џејмс Вујичић, Nikolas Džejms Vujičić; born 4 December 1982) is a Serbian Australian evangelist and motivational speaker born with tetra-amelia syndrome, a rare disorder characterized by the absence of all four limbs. As a child, he struggled mentally and emotionally as well as physically, but eventually came to terms with his disability and, at the age of seventeen, started his own non-profit organization, Life Without Limbs. Vujicic presents motivational speeches worldwide, on life with a disability, hope and finding meaning in life. He also speaks about his belief that God can use any willing heart to do his work and that God is big enough to overcome any disability.
(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
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