For us mortals, forgiveness by God was complete once-and-for-all when we accepted Jesus' gift of forgiveness of our sins, which he paid for with His life.
But what about forgiving one another? When is my forgiveness of one who's wronged me complete?
Well, I was speaking with a wise woman today concerning this topic. My end of the conversation went something like, "I don't wish (them) ill will -- I've let them off my hook..."
My friend said delicately, but directly, "Ann, if 'they' are still taking up space in your brain over what's transpired -- or might happen in the future, you haven't fully forgiven them and you are, in fact, judging them."
Ouch! The truth hurts -- but it's sooooo good.
God, free my mind from thought of those who have wronged me and open my heart to true forgiveness that depends not at all on their behavior (past or future) -- but on Your grace.
Amen!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
I will praise you in THIS storm
Are you familiar with the Casting Crowns song, "Praise You in This Storm"?
It's a a beautiful message to God that, "You are who you are no matter where I am."
I've clung to that verse through many literal and figurative storms over the past several years.
I'm particularly struck by one seemingly subtle lyric. "I will praise you in THIS storm" -- not "I will praise you in THE storm."
The difference is striking because praising God in THIS storm means two things -- I will praise Him in the middle of the current storm, and...there will be more storms.
Here are photos of my friend Mike's destroyed home (see previous post for his story).
In that specific and horrific "storm" -- as it was happening -- he was praising God for His provisions. The photos are frightening. The attitude is amazing. God is the bridge between.
Yesterday, I spent 18 hours traveling to beat the pending blizzard home from Salt Lake City. Long day...airline delays...rude travelers...really bad roads home from Chicago...I caught another cold...
I can't say my attitude was purely praise, but as I white-knuckled the car down I-55 from Chicago to Bloomington, Illinois, the song I've referenced kept cycling through my head. It helped -- because it's truth.
We are bracing here today for 15-20 inches of snow. I will stock up on food (and videos for the boys to watch) and listen to Casting Crowns on my Walkman to keep my attitude in check.
Let it snow! I will praise Him in THIS Storm!
It's a a beautiful message to God that, "You are who you are no matter where I am."
I've clung to that verse through many literal and figurative storms over the past several years.
I'm particularly struck by one seemingly subtle lyric. "I will praise you in THIS storm" -- not "I will praise you in THE storm."
The difference is striking because praising God in THIS storm means two things -- I will praise Him in the middle of the current storm, and...there will be more storms.
Here are photos of my friend Mike's destroyed home (see previous post for his story).
In that specific and horrific "storm" -- as it was happening -- he was praising God for His provisions. The photos are frightening. The attitude is amazing. God is the bridge between.
Yesterday, I spent 18 hours traveling to beat the pending blizzard home from Salt Lake City. Long day...airline delays...rude travelers...really bad roads home from Chicago...I caught another cold...
I can't say my attitude was purely praise, but as I white-knuckled the car down I-55 from Chicago to Bloomington, Illinois, the song I've referenced kept cycling through my head. It helped -- because it's truth.
We are bracing here today for 15-20 inches of snow. I will stock up on food (and videos for the boys to watch) and listen to Casting Crowns on my Walkman to keep my attitude in check.
Let it snow! I will praise Him in THIS Storm!
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