The hardest thing we do as a person, is to extend forgiveness to another, yet we are never more like God than when we do. Forgiveness is easy to talk about, but hard to live through, because we are often being controlled by the emotions of the situation. I continue to be reminded of Romans 12:17-21 as I struggle through this important truth. Romans 12:18 reminds me, “As much as is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” I must understand that I can NOT always live at peace with people, but I can learn to allow the emotions of the events to subside as I learn to allow God to work in the lives of those who have sinned against me. I do not have to work to “get even,” and I do not have to allow their actions to control my life.As we learn to give things over to the Lord, we find the strength to tackle the hard things oin life. We can know that God will deal with those who sin against us, in ways that we cannot begin to understand, and while it is difficult to process, it is not … READ MORE

Can you see God? Are you asking the Lord to open your eyes to His providential working in your lives? It was neat to watch the Lord working in my life as I was going through my struggles this past week. What a great blessing it was to watch the Lord bring people into my life to encourage me, and aid me in my times of discomfort and pain. We often see what we want in the midst of our circumstances, but if we are convinced that God loves us and is working in our lives because of that love and commitment to us, we will be amazed at all the little things He does to direct us, when we think we are all alone. God never leaves us alone, and is always working as we walk through this sin cursed world. While He never promises that difficult times are not going to be a part of our lives, He does promise that we will never have to face them alone. That includes His direction in our lives, and bringing others into our lives to help us walk through the valleys of life. Pray that God will open your eyes … READ MORE

It is easily forgotten that the fellowship of Christian brethren is a gift of grace. There is an intimate connection between God and His people. We live in a world where people isolate themselves to their own little zone. We live in a world that is consumed with selfishness and self-fulfillment that works against the idea that we are a fellowship. It has become manifested in the church by the attitude that the service has become a spectator event where people do things that you like. The church is there to entertain, rather than giving you the opportunity of expressing the core of the spiritual life that you share together. Church is more than a Sunday ritual that takes away our guilt for the week, church provides fellowship, because “It is not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). Jesus did not save us as believers, just so that we can go to heaven, He saved us so that we can become a part of a fellowship (local & universal) that is manifested in a local fellowship of believers who gather together to provide hope, encouragement, and support as we face the circumstances of life. Don’t forsake the assembling … READ MORE