Category Archives: Forgiveness

“Look unto Me and be Saved,” declares God!

“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else” – God (Isaiah 45:22)

In a world that is lost and broken, we might wonder, is there anyone greater than us who cares about us? The world has so many problems – crime of every kind, danger and uncertainty. We face the problem of death – an often uncertain and cold end to life and loves that we know. When the distractions and “band-aids” of this world are realized to be vain, empty, and unsatisfying, where do we turn? Is there real hope, love, peace, and a genuine promise of lasting bliss for eternity? The answer is a resounding, “Yes!” The answer has been with humanity for a long time, though it has been often overlooked. Continue reading →

Cleansed by a Bloody Flying Bird!

What a curious thought! What does a bloody flying bird have to do with anything, much less cleansing? Let’s take a look at a three thousand four hundred year old text and find out how a bloody flying bird meant something then and even now for us today! Continue reading →

Separate – Meditations on James 4

The 4th Chapter of James holds wonderful truths for God’s people! (As does the whole Bible, of course!). But, perhaps it’s been a while since many of us have read through this chapter. In reading this chapter recently I was struck by the message of God’s people being “separate” from sin and the world. At least that is, called to be separate, expected to be separate, and empowered to be separate, but in need of willingness and decision to be separate. God provides the tools, strength or power, and the direction needed – but as for the decision, that lies in our hands. James 4 makes that abundantly clear, as do so many other countless passages in the Bible! Let’s go through the chapter and pull out some points for edification. I’ll simply reference ideas and portions of text, but you’d be blessed to read the whole chapter (See James 4). Continue reading →

Thoughts causing sin in your life? What’s the Bible’s solution for victory?

“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: (14)  But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. (15)  Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:13-15).

Doesn’t sin begin in our minds? Our “own lusts” or desires originate in our minds or thoughts. From the suggestion of an impure thought or idea (if entertained) comes the dwelling upon, the consuming of us, the transforming of our feelings, emotions, body chemicals, and finally the act of sin, which if repeatedly continued will lead to destruction, and if even once indulged can cause great misery depending on the situation. Repeated patterns or habits just tend to entrench themselves further essentially becoming our character. Continue reading →

The Road to Forgiveness or the Road to Hell? Which will it be?

“(17)  Is it not wheat harvest to day? I will call unto the LORD, and he shall send thunder and rain; that ye may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which ye have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking you a king. (18) So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel. (19) And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy God, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king. (20) And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; (21)  And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain. (22)  For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people. (23)  Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: (24)  Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you. (25)  But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, both ye and your king.” -1 Samuel 12:17-25
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