Forgiveness

20 And when He had said this, He showed them both His hands and His side. The disciples then rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”

Now the disciples had been shown Jesus’ death marks, upon rejoicing over Jesus being alive; He commissions to be “sent ones”. Now they have His peace and blessing to GO, proclaim to the world that Christ had risen, His redemption is true! Jesus then imparts to them a blessing that many will soon receive.

22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them and *said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, their sins [b]have been forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained.”

Jesus wasn’t referring to forgiveness such as justification; rather, it is for us. Who we forgive, we can righteously join with them in the Kingdom work of Jesus—Making his Kingdom plan known; thus freeing us from becoming self-righteous humans, chosing who will enter heaven. This type of forgiveness is to remind of how GRAICIOUSLY, He LAVISHED His grace on us. Forgiving others, humbles the human heart, for as hard as it is to forgive; God willfully gave of himself out of pure love, that we too may be forgiven. We experience His love, when we forgive and help others come to their time of surrender unto His pre-ordained calling. Will it be Heaven or Hell?

For us it would be an experience of Hell on earth, not to forgive. We are the ones to suffer here in this life, when we do not forgive and result in someone going to hell, because of our lack of love. Also we suffer, when someone surrenders on their own with God’s wooing, because by not forgiving them, ourselves we cannot enjoy the eternal joy, happiness and earthly celebration of God’s victory over sin, concerning their life.
We cannot celebrate and do not, enough—celebrate when one surrenders to Grace. Why? Perhaps we do not remember what forgiveness is like, we are not walking in obedience to the voice of the Holy Spirit, Who reminds us when are doing wrong or warns us the cost of choosing sin. Jesus commands us to forgive, for we cannot forgive as he did, by dying for one man to enter heaven. Our earthly forgiveness creates the type of fellowship with God and others, that He ordained—humility. Simply we are to be reminded of our redemption day, when someone surrenders, to be reassured of the eternal peace afforded to us by way of Jesus’, pre-incarnate self, birth, life, death and resurrection!

To Fear or Not to Fear

¹⁹ So when it was evening that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and *said to them,“^[a]Peace be with you.” 

 

FEAR; a keyword, why should they be afraid, or simply why?  It is true they had been accused of stealing Jesus’ body in hopes of trickery; causing people to believe He had indeed risen.  FEAR, were they hiding because of just one accusation?  Maybe there is more, could they have doubting His claim, now to be the Son of God and would rise again?  Many of us as God’s children hide ourselves out of shame or lack of understanding, from the looming eyes of the world.  Desiring peaceful reassurance of God’s divinity we await His Word.  I say to us; “come out of hiding, stand up for Jesus, help those who do not believe, for then we will receive the blessed assurance of His resurrection”.  How do we hide?

 

There is a building, normally a four-walled structure we gather together, to “worship God”…does worship happen?  If we fail to GO outside that “holy structure” and help those in need, the ones who live next door to our four-walled room, flooded by stained glass lighting, state of the art lighting, huge organs, renowned bands—resonating with glorious sound; then NO!  If we act on Sunday in our protective shell of four walls, yet never GO out to our neighbors and make an honest, God driven effort to reach them then this is what our neighbors see;  A group of people going into a building beautifully dressed, laughing and after an hour, reappear casually socializing.  To those whom we willfully turn a blind eye towards, we are a Selfish people who do nothing more than “worship” our self-image and seek to glorify ourselves.  Jesus gave us His peace.

 

His peace is not merely for us to gather together and sit idle, hoping people will walk in the “closed doors” and join our beautiful, yet ugly mascaraed. Nay! His peace affords us the grace to be His hands, feet and voice.  I say to you, to us; “it’s time to arise, let the fetters fall from our eyes and heart; go next door, show them—Jesus!”  Peace be with you as He lives in you, guiding you to those who have never been shown His Gracious Love!

Blood and Body

“This do, in remembrance of me”; for some this holy sacrament is quarterly, weekly or as needed ceremony.  Do we take the time to–remember.  Remember the grave sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf, so that we could communicate, live and be a part of God’s kingdom once again; eternally?  No, sadly the sacredness of Holy Communion has been liberalized, watered down and for the most part, become a religious act or right.

God Almighty who is Jesus the Christ created this earth, universe and all the known galaxies, even what we cannot see or begin to imagine.  He loves us, His holy creation, so much that He wanted to restore His image and righteousness unto mankind after Adam and Eve’s sin.  After sin entered human we were unable to call upon Him, talk to Him or do anything for His Great Name, without having an iota of selfish motivation.  Jesus–stepped down from the Holy of Holy’s to bridge this gap between God and man.  A sacrifice must be made.

Perfection was needed to fulfill God’s judgment of death upon all mankind, yet no man is perfect; therefore only a divine One could suffice His command for atonement.  Jesus, being Almighty God and human, made this possible.  His life leads to immeasurable examples of perfection, love, mercy and grace; for us who are strictly human.  Jesus suffered pain and torment like unto no one’s imagination could ever begin to imagine–all for our Saving Grace.  A free gift.

Yes, Grace is free, offered without any stipulations or requirements from man, lest he should find something to brag about in his pursuit of heaven.  Jesus freely suffered Hell on earth: blood dripping from his body as he sweat, beaten numerous times as He mightily walked up to Calvary’s hill, all the while carrying his death tool on his back, as the nails drove deep into his hands, he spoke not a word, as they hung him on a cross, he was yet silent–until.  A man on his side being also hung asked to be remembered–Jesus said, “today you will be with me in paradise”.  Then he spoke again, “Father forgive them, they know not what they are doing”, breathing His last He speaks again, “It is finished”–GRACE!

A man hung for a crime and dying is remembered by Jesus, he did nothing to enter the kingdom, Jesus freely accepted his soul’s plea for salvation.  Those mocking and hanging Jesus truly did not know what they were doing; would you really crucify an Almighty, Omnipotent, All Loving God, if you knew WHO He was?  [Justin speaking: you’d be on your knees shielding your face, trying cover every part of your body and soul, if you KNEW GOD, COULD SEE GOD and were hanging Him]  Sin is great and powerful, but Grace is GREATER and MORE POWERFUL!  Christ communicates with the man who asks to be remembered, also he communicates with Himself–Almighty God.

Communion is communication, a time to remember. Why? Jesus remembered us before He said, “It is finished”.  Communion is not about death alone; nay, it’s about life, for Jesus arose from His death; proving His divinity, power and might.  When we take communion it is very serious, not a religious act; if you are not right with God, not saved by Grace Alone–DO NOT PARTAKE! You have nothing to remember, for Hell awaits those who have yet to surrender to His Grace and your surely facing torment as a follower if you are not right with the Righteous God.

The good news, you can be made right–Jesus LAVISHED, HEAPED, POURED OUT His grace unto all mankind, when He calls your name, remember Him, His sacrifice; surrender unto Him.  Apart from Him you cannot enter the kingdom of heaven, everyone falls short of glory of God; thus, sinning.  Only He can make you right, His work is done, we have no work to do, to be made righteous–only confess our sinfulness when He calls our name, submit our self to Him; Heart, Mind and Soul, then we too will be remembered.

“This do, in remembrance of me”

Whispered Perspective

Early this week I prayed that God would allow, show me a way to make extra income and I’d like to share a way in which many of us daily fall short in hearing His answer.

Often times we are blinded by short sighted ness and fail to hear the whispers of God, when He answers prayers. My place of employment needed volunteer, Saturday workmen and I didn’t want too at first; wasn’t going too. Then I was stopped by a still, small whisper—”I have provided, forsake not; my provision” Torn between what I wanted, God was providing, I contemplated all the night long. Then I did what we all should do—surrender. Yes, I’ll give up a short period of my weekend to work, yet The Almighty God—My Gracious Father, loves me enough to provide. Nay it will not always be the easy road, choice; it often comes with sacrifice. Perspective—the keyword. Being quiet enough, to hear, to see; to surrender. So, next time you complain about overtime; remember this—God provides. You may not see a need but He foreknows everything. Die daily, live thankfully and you will discover true humbleness.

Is God whispering to you?

WHY?

Dear You;

MY GOD, MY GOD, MY GOD! It’s more than terrible down here, I feel as though my skin has melted into the pencil wherewith I write you this letter;  I do not apologize for the smell of burning flesh and the ashes from my body that may end up on your on hands when you hold this letter.  I hope it stains you, reminds you of me.  I have one question–WHY? 

You knew the way out of this joint, this disgusting, this place of unspeakable torment that I must live; FOREVER!  Yeah we were cool with each other, but if you knew how bad this place was; why didn’t at least PLEAD with me to take a different road.  Now I have you to think about–forever.  I hope you change your ways and begin to share with every breath to every one, how to escape this GOD AWFUL, WRETCHED PLACE!  My fate is sealed, God told me the day he sent me here, I know now; Jesus is the only way; too late for me.  I hope you sleep well, while I spend all eternity thinking of you and how you didn’t care about me.

 

 

 

Your “friend”, in Hell;

 

X_____________________

[I wonder how many die, having one such “friend in their life who never took the time to share such an urgent message]

“For all sin and fall short of the glory of God”, Unless you be born again of the Spirit, you will not enter into the kingdom of heaven,  you must confess with your lips, heart, and soul; that Jesus is Lord, apart from Him your sin cannot be made right and He alone can, take you away from the grasp of everlasting Hell–make you righteous, freedom from sin, freedom from death.  He is LORD, He paid your debt–SURRENDER!

Hell—yes or no?

An eternity awaits each human. Is Hell a place you consider your future? Everyone does wrong, befalling the glory of God. This “wrong” (sin) carries a penalty of death, but there is a gift, in Jesus; eternal life. How then; if hell be real, do you and I—escape? Jesus came to pay our death penalty by way of His death, burial &; resurrection. He said, “I am; the way, the truth & the life , no comes to the Father except thru me”. If you confess with your mouth and heart, that Jesus is Lord, believing apart from Him your sin cannot “be made right” you can be saved from Hell. When you surrender to Him you will not be put to shame. For now you shall live; not for self, but for the One who died for you & was raised from the dead.

LISTEN! Is today—the day? Is he knocking, calling your name, surrender while you live on this side of certainty; for once you breath your last—

God will call your name. Hell—yes or no?

Wisdom Speaks—listen.

My prayer; Proverbs 3.

Do not let me forget wisdom, may my heart keep thy commandments; thereby, adding days/years to my life, giving me peace to accomplish Your kingdom plan. May kindness and truth not forsake me as I bind them tightly about my neck, engraving them upon my heart, so that I may find favor and good repute in Your sight oh GOD! In all my ways, I carefully acknowledge you that my path ever be made straight. LET ME forsake my own wisdom; REVERE YOU, so I can find healing for my body, bones & spirit! May I honor You will all my wealth, no matter how vast or small—it all belongs and comes from Thee; fill me! Discipline me, reprove me, for you delight in doing so and I delight in bringing You honor! Almighty God; I’m seeking wisdom, understanding, she profits more than silver, gains more than gold and more precious than jewels—nothing compares to WISDOM! May I hold fast to the tree of life which is wisdom, allowing me to securely walk and sweetly sleep! I will not be afraid for Thou art with me and art my confidence; you will guard from ensnarement!

In your name—JESUS! AMEN

Symbolic or Idolatry?

We the church, often sing about “the cross” and while I’m grateful for the earthly tool on which Jesus chose to painfully, gruesomely bare our sins, sacrifice His self that we might have the ability to surrender to Redemption, live eternally with him, when He calls our name—I’ve become alarmed! Is there too much emphasis on the tool, instead of the One? There is. Worship leaders should take time to re evaluate what is being lead in music, it’s ok to sing about “the tool”, as long we realize the allegory, simile in the language of each of song. It’s NOT all about the CROSS! If so, we worship a shallow religion, a golden calf, a—sacred cow.

A Royal Perspective

A husband should love his wife as he loves Jesus; The Christ.  Christ is royal, so then should his wife be, she is his Queen, together they worship, honor and obey the King–Jesus! A man shall take great pride in keeping certain parts of his Queen’s chamber; private.  A kingdom marriage is a modest marriage,  cover yourselves; only the king should be privy to the uncensored beauty of the Queen’s chamber.