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Posted on
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
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By
Kaye
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In
I used to be one of those people who never forget. I never forget all the offences, insults or other forms of hurt and pain that certain people have inflicted on me. I used to keep them all bottled up inside that I'm pretty sure I could go off like a bomb anytime another battery of offence come my way. I keep track of incidents and episodes of sufferings and oppression by other people. Although I am not vindictive, unknowingly I have kept grudges in my heart. And it stayed there for a long time...
A lot of people say forgiveness is easier said than done and without any hypocrisy- it is true. It is hard because forgiving requires as much humility as asking for forgiveness. It is equivalent to wiping the slate clean, it means letting down your guard and whatever pride you might have and open yourself up again towards the other party/ies. True forgiveness requires a lot from you.
It requires you to let go of all the bitterness you have towards the other person, it requires understanding, compassion and humility. And we're either bounded or set free by that choice.
We could be bounded forever by grudges, bitterness and pain if we refuse to forgive or we could be free from all that. It is a choice we make. And for me- it took Jesus Christ's example of great mercy and love to move me into forgiving ( and then surrendering my life over to Him ). He changed my whole perception, He changed me. He set me free from the shackles of an unforgiving heart.
I could still look back to that one situation in my life where I was really breaking down- crying to the Lord asking for Him to avenge me for all my sufferings...my soul was in angst. I feel mad, hurt, depressed...oppressed. I was on the verge of giving it all up. But while I was brooding with those thoughts and emotions- the Lord was ever so gently, speaking to me...in my mind and in my heart- He wants me to pray instead for that person. And I was taken aback for awhile, I asked why? He wants me to forgive. My mind was made up to just go but He wants me to stay.
I wasn't imagining nor was I drunk that time but I was sure it was the Lord. A sweet, still small voice in the back of my mind- gentle yet persistent.
I gave Jesus my whole heart that afternoon and I told Him- if this is what you want me to do then I'll do it as long as you keep me close to you all the way to the end, as long as I have you with me I'll be okay. I just know I will. Then began my love affair with the Lord. He took away all the bitterness in my heart. I felt lighter and most of all- I felt free. I am free. Burdens indeed become lighter and brighter indeed is my way...
Forgiving is giving hope and change a chance- even if it may take awhile to see it, even if in our eyes they don't deserve it. For who are we to withold forgiveness ? We do learn life's lessons from our bad experiences and that is something we do not forget because it is added wisdom. Learning from the past is valuable but bear in mind that people who has grieved us can change, so it won't hurt to give them a chance. Especially if we give it to the Lord.
Friend, there is power in forgiveness. It is a door that opens up to healing- healing from all past hurts including every single person who has caused us to feel that way. Sometimes staying angry is easier than letting it all go but it won't help us at all to stay miserable. Don't hold on to bad memories and don't re- live it over and over again in your head, it will just pull you down. Make room for second chances. God Himself is a God of second chances. " Then Peter came unto him, and said, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him, seven times?
Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, until seven times: but until seventy times seven. " Mattew 18: 21- 22
Calvary is the best example of it. God didn't gave up on us but He forgave all our sins- even if we don't deserve it and even if we didn't ask for it and yet He brought Himself to the cross, a meek and gentle lamb, making a way for us through his sacrifice to be able to reconcile us to Himself. In His eyes- we are perfect.
Let's be merciful unto others as our Lord Jesus Christ is to us, and you won't regret it. It's time to let go of that bondage, it's time for you to heal from past hurts and move on.
Posted on
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
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By
Kaye
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In
The Skin Horse had lived longer in the nursery than any of the others. He was so old that his brown coat was bald in patches and showed the seams underneath, and most of the hairs in his tail had been pulled out to string bead necklaces. He was wise, for he had seen a long succession of mechanical toys arrive to boast and swagger, and by-and-by break their mainsprings and pass away, and he knew that they were only toys, and would never turn into anything else. For nursery magic is very strange and wonderful, and only those playthings that are old and wise and experienced like the Skin Horse understand all about it.
"What is REAL?" asked the Rabbit one day, when they were lying side by side near the nursery fender, before Nana came to tidy the room. "Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?"
"Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real."
"Does it hurt?" asked the Rabbit.
"Sometimes," said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. "When you are Real you don't mind being hurt."
"Does it happen all at once, like being wound up," he asked, "or bit by bit?"
"It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."
A brother from church, Bro. Gene, shared us this story two Sundays ago and it touched the very core of my heart. Somehow, it fitted right in with my life experiences and my spiritual journey. Well, it truly blessed me. So, for those who haven't got an inkling about what I am talking about- ' The Story Of The Velveteen Rabbit ' is a classic childrens' story from 1922 by Margery Williams, written with such heart and wisdom which I think benefits children and adults alike.
It perfectly defines the true meaning of beauty, character and the path to being genuine or 'real' . I think it is a timely reminder for all of us especially in this day and age where too much emphasis on outward appearance is very much promoted and encouraged.
HERE'S THE LINK TO THE WHOLE OF THE STORY >> http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/williams/rabbit/rabbit.html
Do read it all and I hope you'd find your nugget of wisdom hidden somewhere...
Posted on
Monday, August 13, 2007
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By
Kaye
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In
I know I often mention the term " Bride " or " bride of Christ " in my postings and forgive me if I don't further elaborate on what it is because it is very in depth but because Kip asked me (hi! Kip ^_^ ) about it, now I have the opportunity to explain it to you blog- blog reader:
The Bible often talks about Jesus Christ and that He's coming back in the end days and rapture the Bride. One perfect example in the Bible would be the parable of the ten Virgins ( read: John 3: 15- 16 )- they were all waiting for the arrival of the Bridegroom but five of those ten, slept and when the Bridegroom came, they missed him, they were the foolish virgins. The wise Virgins though kept vigil and took with them, their lamps trimmed and full of oil to meet him- he found them waiting and ready for him. The foolish virgins were without oil, untrimmed lamps and unprepared for His coming. And so, they were left behind.
The ten Virgins represents two kinds of believers: the Bride ( genuine christians )- who are the wise virgins, full of the Holy ghost ( oil ), lining up with the Word ( trimmed lamps ) so when the rapture ( the arrival of the Bridegroom ) takes place, they will be found ready, spotless and pure. ( read: whole chapter of Ephesians 5 ) " That he mightpresent it to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." Eph.5: 27 On the other hand, there are those who will be left behind ( the five foolish virgins ) because although they too are followers of Jesus Christ they do not have 'the oil' of the Holy Ghost, they haven't fully obeyed Him or believed Him, though they are sincere- these are those who will have to go through the Great tribulation...( now, that's another subject )
Genuine believers, holy ghost filled christians are collectively called- the Bride Of Christ. They are the ones who refuse to compromise with the world and worldly things, they are the ones who decided to live a life of obedience to God, His word and his message for our day. Not to be confused as one particular church, as some lay claim to- but a body of Christ, composed of Holy Ghost filled individuals who genuinely serve the Lord, people who have accepted Him as Lord and Saviour since the days of the church of Acts up to the present.
Typologies from the Old Testament concerning God's relationship to His chosen bride are: Ruth the moabite and Boaz, Queen Esther and King Ahasuerus, Isaac and Rebekah, God Himself unto the nation Israel.
Marriage is designed by God and that is considered holy because it symbolizes His desire for a Bride, His union with his Bride- those who love him and in the end of days or end times, a rapture would take place. I believe that. And I believe I would be part of it.
I could go on and on really but I'll end here. I hope it helped. Here are some links to browse over concerning this subject:
http://www.nathan.co.za/message.asp?sermonum=1096
http://www.gotquestions.org/bride-of-Christ.html
http://www.nathan.co.za/message.asp?sermonum=1120
Posted on
Sunday, August 12, 2007
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By
Kaye
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In
People get discouraged from serving God and surrendering their lives over to Him because they are in bondage to a lot of things. They are slaves to drinking, gossip, smoking, adultery and fornication, lying, envy, pride, materialism, lust etc... AND all these things are by- products of unbelief. Unbelief to God and His Word. We take God's word lightly, too lightly in fact we don't even consider to think about it, we don't really allow it to saturate our hearts and lives. Yeah, sometimes we read the Bible but it's just letters we see. We don't really take it in, you know ? then it just becomes religion, a tradition or habit see? The first step towards breaking free from unbelief is FAITH. Believe Him unconditionally. Have faith in His plans for you, trust Him with everything especially when there are situations in your life that you can't understand. And when there are unanswered questions or prayers, do not doubt- it's probably not the right time yet for Him to make a move, be patient and learn to wait because God is never late, friend- He comes at the right time, ALL THE TIME. Let Him hold your hand and bring you through the tough and rough patches of your life. Draw nigh unto God and He won't disappoint you. Read the Bible and meditate. Pray, go to a place where there's only you and God, no disturbance ( no cellphones...). Confess all your sins to Him, repent of them and OBEY what He says. Attend a fellowship, where Jesus Christ is uplifted, where God's word is the highlight ( and not the singing and dancing...).And you ask- what if it's difficult to let go ? it's true blog reader, it is hard and it will be hard because it's human nature to disobey God. We were ' born and shaped in iniquity' ( Psalm 51: 5 ) that's what the Bible says. We were born in sin. If we were left to our own devices- do you think we'd go after holiness ? after living a life of sacrifice and obedience ? I don't think so. But He already won the battle for us, blog reader, we only have to play our roles out. The bible is overflowing with His promises and assurances for you and me, let's have confidence in Him. " My yoke is easy, and my burden is light..." Matt. 11: 30 Every part of us itches after the pleasure of the flesh because we still are in the flesh, but we must realize that it is God who stirs the waters of our hearts unto repentance. If you feel restless and thoughts about God sneaks up on you everytime, perhaps in the back of your mind and then in your heart- that's God. He is the one who draws us near to Him. He is the one who seeks after us and if you think you're on a mission to find God, friend- it's the other way around, He is the one who puts those godly thoughts in your heart, He is the one with the mission. If we could only keep still for a moment so we could hear what He's trying to tell us, then repent of our sins and make a life changing decision to serve Him for good- He's just there - ready and waiting. It only takes the supernatural powers of God to break free from all the chains that hinder us from following Him. So, don't take too long thinking about it . Time will be up soon and He's coming to take His Bride away, whether were ready or not. I hope you consider His invitation." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. "
2 COR. 6:2
Posted on
Monday, August 06, 2007
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By
Kaye
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In
" Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies. " Psalms 103: 1-5
There is only one thing in my life that I am certain on, one sure thing that I can bet my very life on- that our God keeps His Word, that Jesus Christ is the same today, as he was yesterday and will be the same God tomorrow. That- for me is my holy grail. I know when He says something or when I have a prayer request unto the Lord, I am confident He will bring it to pass, it doesn't matter when but for sure it WILL come to pass. I remember the times when I was going through very stormy episodes in my life, it feels like I was caught in the middle of a raging storm and there is no exit, every road leads to self-destruction or suffering...and worse, one problem overlaps another so there I was alone and inside and out- brocken. Brocken, trampled on and irrepairable. And the angst inside my soul is becoming unbearable with each day that passed. There I was bravely and trying my hardest to face life head on despite my problems but being brave isn't enough blog- reader. Putting on a front isn't enough, pleasing everybody isn't enough. And so I realized- the Lord opened my eyes to the fact that I need to seek Him first, to surrender and serve Him first so that He can fix every single chaos in my life. I need to open my heart to Him and let Jesus in.And let me tell you that He did. He healed and is continually healing every single hurt that my heart has kept hidden all those years, the Lord has been very patient with me because I can be really stubborn but thank goodness we have a God who loves us so much He draws us near to his side whenever we become wayward. So everytime I remember or share my testimony to others about what I have gone through and how the Lord upheld me and made a way for me to come out of it all a better woman- by His grace, love and compassion, you'll hear a crack in my voice and tears will roll down my cheeks but I can't help it really because it is so true to me, God is so true to me, in my life and it's precious. God's love is overwhelming. In fact words alone aren't enough to describe them to you. Somehow in all the chaos that were surrounding me, I knew He was there watching over me, keeping me strong and keeping me safe from all the insanity, from the enemy who is trying so hard to break me in all kinds of ways, see? and for all that I am grateful. I am indeed so, very grateful.So, dear friend, whoever you may be and you're feeling hopeless and helpless, drowned in depression and bitterness- you are not alone, you are not forsaken,WE HAVE JESUS...He is the anchor of our soul, He's watching over you more than you'll ever know friend. He will keep you strong and steady amidst the huge waves that is trying to drown your hopes out...WE HAVE A GOD who values your tears and can be touched by our infirmities. HE IS A TRIED AND TRUE FRIEND when everbody else has turned you down. HE IS OUR ROCK AND OUR REFUGE. HE IS YOUR ONLY HOPE in all these sadness.I know cause I've been there and you know what? JESUS was there with me, holding my hand and leading me on to a better place and if Jesus did that for me, I know he'll do it for you. Amen. May God bless you and keep you." The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plentous in mercy...For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth His children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him. For He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust. " PSALMS 103 : 8, 11- 13" For we have not an high priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted as we are. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. " HEB. 4: 15
