Category Archives: Forgiveness

You’re Welcome

Romans 8:1 (CSB)  Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus,  source

There’s a word in that verse I really don’t want us to miss! 

NOW!

Because of Jesus, those IN Jesus are not condemned!  And it’s not just some future time in the sweet bye and bye but today! NOW!

Today if we have exchanged our state of sin-ship for His righteousness we are today NOT condemned. Not condemned to hell. Not condemned to wrath. Not condemned to being an outcast. NOT Condemned!

That is good news!!  And if you listen closely you will hear Him say: “you’re welcome.”

Chazaq! 

Springboard

A quick word today. I think. You may know that rarely when I come to this screen with a thought to write is it more than just a springboard and I am as surprised as you where it lands. Today is the same. :)

Contained in one of my devotional materials for today was the suggestion that I read Matthew 20:20-28 which I did. Click HERE and you can too.  I read all eight verses but I am still paused at this:

25 But Yeshua called them and said, “You know that among the Goyim, those who are supposed to rule them become tyrants, and their superiors become dictators.

The exact place of pausing was But JESUS (Yeshua) called themIn the preceding verses I read that ten of the disciples were outraged at the two brothers.  Why? Because James and John with their mother had made a request of JESUS: She replied, “Promise that when you become king, these two sons of mine may sit, one on your right and the other on your left.” 

I am so impressed with JESUS. The request that was made of Him was shall we say at the least inappropriate. There are more spiritual applications to be made than we are making today. So leaving that right there, my point here is they made a request, a request that outraged the others. Outraged. That’s not just a little miffed. No. Outraged!

But. What did JESUS do?
What did He do with these outraged disciples? These jealous, fearful, bent out of shape disciples?
Was He outraged with them for being outraged? Did He rail on them? Did He berate them? Did He scowl at them? No. He CALLED them to Himself!

Called them to Himself. Oh that is soothing and healing to me. Here I see that when I am outraged. Jealous. Irritated. Fearful. Feeling threatened. Feeling put upon and put aside, He CALLS me to Himself. To mentor me. To correct me, yes; but to love me and instruct me in a better way. A better way to react. A better way to relate. A better way to achieve the greatness we are really seeking — His Kingdom.

Have you been outraged at someone?
Have you ever believed the lie that when you have fallen prey to some outrageous behavior that HE is outraged with you? That He has nothing more to say to you? That He wants nothing more to do with you? That you have out sinned your welcome with Him?

NOT SO!

Today. He is calling YOU to Himself. For healing. For instruction. For Strength. For forgiveness. For restoration. For whatever it is that will make you great in His Kingdom.

1 John 1:9  (AMP)

If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose].

ABBA, thank You. Thank You HOLY SPIRIT for highlighting Your Word and teaching us. Thank You LORD YESHUA for calling. And I ask You HOLY  SPIRIT if You will to use this offering of words to help someone know they are loved and that they have been called. I pray we all will respond with yes. Yes I will come to You. And, ABBA, for every Reader who comes to this page I pray for them. I don’t know their needs, I don’t know their specific struggles or doubts or questions or burdens or fears but I pray they will be encouraged here and they will know You are trustworthy and You are faithful to them to supply everything they need. Help them receive, help me receive. Thank You ABBA. 

Until Next Time ~ ~ ~ Kathie

Tiz Kinder, I Think

Flaws.

My Scripture reading this morning was Revelation 2:1-7. Click HERE if you’d like a link to read it. One thought led to another and soon I found myself hearing a word about flaws.

We’ve all used the word, right? She, he has this flaw _________________.
I have this flaw ____________________. 

Free Dictionary dot com gave me some definitions. Here are a few:

An imperfection, often concealed, that impairs soundness. 
A defect or shortcoming in something intangible: The two leaders share the flaw of arrogance.

And just for fun – yes, it’s new to me too:
A quick, intense burst, especially of wind, rain or snow

Who knew? One more.

A feature that mars the perfection of something. 

And so as I read these definitions it confirmed the word I heard while looking at the flaw of the Church in Ephesus and those of someone(s) close and loved. The word flaw seems kinder than other words we might use. Don’t you think? That is why we use it, right? I thought so too, until today. 

Before this morning (and it will again, unless I practice what I preach) when I see flaws in others it just gives rise to one of my own flaws: irritation. But I see something different this morning.

My new definition for flaw: well practiced sin.

Seeing a flaw in him or her or me with this definition brings a new response. A response of prayer for mercy and grace for them and for me. This new definition of flaw doesn’t let me off the hook, I can’t just dismiss the practice (action) as oh well that’s just who I am. Live with it!  And when it’s out there in someone else, with this new definition, rather than irritation, love prevails and so I pray.  Because she who loves does not want a brother or sister or child or spouse bound up in sin, right? 

Flaw. Tiz kinder I think to call it what it is — a well practiced sin. 

No more excuses. Not just a flaw. But a sin I have practiced way too much, and way too long!

ABBA, desiring to call it what it is and pray, for me and for them. To love You and them enough to do the kindest thing, offer mercy, grace and forgiveness instead of irritation and aggravation, no matter what the ‘flaw’ is. I love you, ABBA. Thank You. 

Until Next Time ~ ~ ~ Kathie 

Make us Tender and Bold

I’ve had this song on my mind since Sunday.  As we listen, it is my sincerest hope that the words of this old hymn will captivate our hearts with renewed tenderness and infuse our souls with holy boldness. 

Day 113 of 2015 ~ Any move of GOD begins with His people faithfully praying ~~~ Kathie

Need someone to come alongside to pray with you?  email me