Well...I've taken the step of faith I wondered if I would take again. Yesterday was my last Sunday as pastor of Trinity Baptist...a congregation filled with people I dearly love and consider many of them best friends. It has been a blessed six years.
...So what have I done? I have stepped away from the security of a regular paycheck and placed my trust in God to open doors and provide opportunities for me to preach. I am trusting God to provide for my needs and the needs of my family through the generosity of churches and individuals who feel led to support me in this adventure.
So, where will I be preaching this year? I will preach where God opens the doors. As of today I have a very busy spring. I also have many dates already booked for the summer and fall. Before pastoring Trinity I lived by "faith" like this for sixteen years as a traveling preacher. I have found that while there are days when I'm fearful and anxious - on most days I have a greater confidence and assurance in knowing, without any interference from others, God is providing all I need. I like it that way.
I need your prayers. Some call a step like this "foolish." I call it "faithful." Pray that I will be faithful to what I believe God is leading me to do and where He leads me to go. If you'd like more information about Michael Mason Ministries, Inc. I would be happy to answer your questions. MM
Michael Mason Ministries Preaching Schedule 2014
January 18 Walker Baptist Assoc. Men's Conference
January 27 Morgan Baptist Assoc. VBS Rally
February 2 Austinville First Baptist Day, Decatur, Al.
February 6-13 Guatemala Mission w/ Friendship Baptist, Grand Bay, Al.
February 16 19th Ave. Baptist Revival Wknd, Hattiesburg, Miss.
February 23 Danville Baptist Revival Day, Danville, Al.
March 1 Belmore Baptst Men's Conference, Belmore, Al
March 2-5 Southside Baptist Revival, Albertville, Al.
March 9-11 Solitude Baptist Revival, Albertville, Al.
March 16-19, Harmony Baptist Revival, Moulton, Al.
March 30-April 2 Family Baptist Revival, Moulton, Al.
April 3-5 Trinity Baptist Adult Retreat, Pigeon Forge, Tn.
April 6 Parkview Baptist, Decatur, Al.
April 7 Bethel Baptist Revival Night, Dora, Al.
April 10 & 12 Morgan Baptist Assoc VBS
April 13-16 New Center Baptist, Somerville, Al
April 20 Friendship Baptist Revival Day, Grand Bay, Al.
April 27-30 Sardis Springs Baptist Revival, Athens, Al.
May 2-3 Couples Retreat Wilsonville Baptist, Al.
May 4 Revival Day Wilsonville Baptist, Wilsonville, Al
May 6 Sweet Home Baptist Revival Night, Guntersville, Al.
May 18-21 Union Hill Baptist, Moulton, Al.
(If you or your pastor would be interested in having me speak at an event you are planning feel free to call or text me at 256-306-6645. Or you email me at michael-mason@charter.net.)
Monday, January 27, 2014
Monday, December 30, 2013
Michael Mason Ministries 2014
As 2013 draws to a close we seem to naturally reflect on the events of the past twelve months. It has been a busy year for sure. While there have been highs and lows, it has been a good year.
While I am reflecting n the past year, I am also thinking about the past six years. I came to be the pastor of Trinity Baptist in January 2008. In many ways it seems like just yesterday. I knew at that time that God had called me to be the pastor. Six years later I have the same confidence that he has called me to move in another direction. While there have been some long months, these have been six short years. While I have loved the people of Trinity Baptist dearly, my heart has never left the work of itinerant evangelism...that is being a "traveling preacher." And while I will miss the people of Trinity Baptist, I would be out of God's will to stay as their pastor.
I hope you will pray for me. I am stepping out on faith...believing God to open doors and provide opportunities for me to preach in revival meetings, in conferences, retreats, on the mission field, and wherever else God may direct. Michael Mason Ministries is an incorporated non-profit organization that exists for the sole purpose of spreading the Gospel of Christ. If you would like more information as to how you might support the work of our ministry I would be happy to answer any questions. My email is michael-mason@charter.net. Contact number is 256-306-6645. Thank you.
Michael Mason Ministries Preaching Schedule 2014
January 18 Walker Baptist Assoc. Men's Conference
January 27 Morgan Baptist Assoc. VBS Rally
February 2 Austinville First Baptist Day, Decatur, Al.
February 6-13 Guatemala Mission w/ Friendship Baptist, Grand Bay, Al.
February 16 19th Ave. Baptist Revival Wknd, Hattiesburg, Miss.
February 23 Danville Baptist Revival Day, Danville, Al.
March 1 Belmore Baptst Men's Conference, Belmore, Al
March 2-5 Southside Baptist Revival, Albertville, Al.
March 9-11 Solitude Baptist Revival, Albertville, Al.
March 16-19, Harmony Baptist Revival, Moulton, Al.
March 30-April 2 Family Baptist Revival, Moulton, Al.
April 3-5 Trinity Baptist Adult Retreat, Pigeon Forge, Tn.
April 7 Bethel Baptist Revival Night, Dora, Al.
April 10 & 12 Morgan Baptist Assoc VBS
April 13-16 New Center Baptist, Somerville, Al
April 20 Friendship Baptist Revival Day, Grand Bay, Al.
April 27-30 Sardis Springs Baptist Revival, Athens, Al.
May 2-3 Couples Retreat Wilsonville Baptist, Al.
May 4 Revival Day Wilsonville Baptist, Wilsonville, Al
May 6 Sweet Home Baptist Revival Night, Guntersville, Al.
May 18-21 Union Hill Baptist, Moulton, Al.
(If you or your pastor would be interested in having me speak at an event you are planning feel free to call or text me at 256-306-6645. Or you email me at michael-mason@charter.net.)
While I am reflecting n the past year, I am also thinking about the past six years. I came to be the pastor of Trinity Baptist in January 2008. In many ways it seems like just yesterday. I knew at that time that God had called me to be the pastor. Six years later I have the same confidence that he has called me to move in another direction. While there have been some long months, these have been six short years. While I have loved the people of Trinity Baptist dearly, my heart has never left the work of itinerant evangelism...that is being a "traveling preacher." And while I will miss the people of Trinity Baptist, I would be out of God's will to stay as their pastor.
I hope you will pray for me. I am stepping out on faith...believing God to open doors and provide opportunities for me to preach in revival meetings, in conferences, retreats, on the mission field, and wherever else God may direct. Michael Mason Ministries is an incorporated non-profit organization that exists for the sole purpose of spreading the Gospel of Christ. If you would like more information as to how you might support the work of our ministry I would be happy to answer any questions. My email is michael-mason@charter.net. Contact number is 256-306-6645. Thank you.
Michael Mason Ministries Preaching Schedule 2014
January 18 Walker Baptist Assoc. Men's Conference
January 27 Morgan Baptist Assoc. VBS Rally
February 2 Austinville First Baptist Day, Decatur, Al.
February 6-13 Guatemala Mission w/ Friendship Baptist, Grand Bay, Al.
February 16 19th Ave. Baptist Revival Wknd, Hattiesburg, Miss.
February 23 Danville Baptist Revival Day, Danville, Al.
March 1 Belmore Baptst Men's Conference, Belmore, Al
March 2-5 Southside Baptist Revival, Albertville, Al.
March 9-11 Solitude Baptist Revival, Albertville, Al.
March 16-19, Harmony Baptist Revival, Moulton, Al.
March 30-April 2 Family Baptist Revival, Moulton, Al.
April 3-5 Trinity Baptist Adult Retreat, Pigeon Forge, Tn.
April 7 Bethel Baptist Revival Night, Dora, Al.
April 10 & 12 Morgan Baptist Assoc VBS
April 13-16 New Center Baptist, Somerville, Al
April 20 Friendship Baptist Revival Day, Grand Bay, Al.
April 27-30 Sardis Springs Baptist Revival, Athens, Al.
May 2-3 Couples Retreat Wilsonville Baptist, Al.
May 4 Revival Day Wilsonville Baptist, Wilsonville, Al
May 6 Sweet Home Baptist Revival Night, Guntersville, Al.
May 18-21 Union Hill Baptist, Moulton, Al.
(If you or your pastor would be interested in having me speak at an event you are planning feel free to call or text me at 256-306-6645. Or you email me at michael-mason@charter.net.)
Monday, December 23, 2013
Changes...2014
Life is full of changes and challenges. While it would be easier at times to refuse the challenge and choose not to change, if we're interested in seeing what God has for us we must take the step of faith. I really don't know what awaits me but I am certain my ministry at Trinity Baptist is finished. My last Sunday as their pastor will be January 26, 2014. I sure love the good people of this fine church. To some this is a foolish decision - Others see it for what I believe it is...following the leadership of God's Spirit. Pray for me as I move in that direction. And pray for Trinity Baptist.
Michael Mason Ministries Preaching Schedule 2014
January 18 Walker Baptist Assoc. Men's Conference
January 27 Morgan Baptist Assoc. VBS Rally
February 2 Austinville First Baptist Revival Day, Decatur, Al.
February 6-13 Guatemala Mission w/ Friendship Baptist, Grand Bay, Al.
February 15-16 19th Ave. Baptist Revival Wknd, Hattiesburg, Miss.
February 23 Danville Baptist Revival Day, Danville, Al.
March 1 Belmore Baptst Men's Conference, Belmore, Al
March 2-5 Southside Baptist Revival, Albertville, Al.
March 9-11 Solitude Baptist Revival, Albertville, Al.
March 16-19, Harmony Baptist Revival, Moulton, Al.
March 30-April 2 Family Baptist Revival, Moulton, Al.
April 3-5 Trinity Baptist Adult Retreat, Pigeon Forge, Tn.
April 7 Bethel Baptist Revival Night, Dora, Al.
April 10 & 12 Morgan Baptist Assoc VBS Rallies
April 20 Friendship Baptist Revival Day, Grand Bay, Al.
April 27-30 Sardis Springs Baptist Revival, Athens, Al.
May 6 Sweet Home Baptist Revival Night, Guntersville, Al.
(If you or your pastor would be interested in having me speak at an event you are planning feel free to call or text me at 256-306-6645. Or you email me at michael-mason@charter.net.)
Michael Mason Ministries Preaching Schedule 2014
January 18 Walker Baptist Assoc. Men's Conference
January 27 Morgan Baptist Assoc. VBS Rally
February 2 Austinville First Baptist Revival Day, Decatur, Al.
February 6-13 Guatemala Mission w/ Friendship Baptist, Grand Bay, Al.
February 15-16 19th Ave. Baptist Revival Wknd, Hattiesburg, Miss.
February 23 Danville Baptist Revival Day, Danville, Al.
March 1 Belmore Baptst Men's Conference, Belmore, Al
March 2-5 Southside Baptist Revival, Albertville, Al.
March 9-11 Solitude Baptist Revival, Albertville, Al.
March 16-19, Harmony Baptist Revival, Moulton, Al.
March 30-April 2 Family Baptist Revival, Moulton, Al.
April 3-5 Trinity Baptist Adult Retreat, Pigeon Forge, Tn.
April 7 Bethel Baptist Revival Night, Dora, Al.
April 10 & 12 Morgan Baptist Assoc VBS Rallies
April 20 Friendship Baptist Revival Day, Grand Bay, Al.
April 27-30 Sardis Springs Baptist Revival, Athens, Al.
May 6 Sweet Home Baptist Revival Night, Guntersville, Al.
(If you or your pastor would be interested in having me speak at an event you are planning feel free to call or text me at 256-306-6645. Or you email me at michael-mason@charter.net.)
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Hearts On Fire
Luke 24:13-35
John Wesley had a heart for God…but only after God stirred his heart – turned his heart – changed his heart. Wesley said it like this: “I felt my heart strangely warmed…” He said he had gone unwillingly to a church service…and as someone began to read Martin Luther’s preface to the book of Romans, he felt his heart changed. He said, “I felt I did trust in Christ alone for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins and saved me…”
There’s nothing like a heart burning by the very presence of God. This burning is not always comforting – it is most often convicting… It is often an uneasy feeling as God is showing us something we need to see – telling us something we need to hear – leading us to do something we need to do – calling us to trust Him in a way we’ve never trusted Him. It is God getting our attention…
• A Burning Heart can be a Fearful Heart… Anxious about the future…Worried
about the present…Sleepless over things beyond your control. People live in fear – Fear that they will get sick or not get well. Fear that their children will be hurt or do something crazy. Fear that they will lose their job, lose their home, lose everything they worked for. Our hearts burn with worry and fear. Martha and Mary are examples of this as they dealt with the death of Lazarus, the absence of Jesus, and uncertainty about the Future.
• A Burning Heart can be a Foolish Heart… Regretting spur of the moment
decisions… Reaping what was sown in haste… Wishing you could change the way things are. For a year or month or week or day in your life you did what you wish you had never done. You sinned. You forgot God. King David is an example of this as he sinned with Bathsheba, was then confronted by Nathan, then faced the death of the child.
• A Burning Heart can be a Faithful Heart… A heart yearning to know God as
much as possible… A heart seeking to know God’s will… A heart hungering to know God’s word. The women in Luke 24 are examples of this as we read about what they remembered, what they believed, and what they hoped for.
1- Their Eyes Were Opened v31 They had watched...but had never seen. Like many of us who’ve done everything religious – but knowing Jesus seems out of reach or maybe just a little far fetched… We might ask, "Where is God in all of this?"
2- The Scriptures Were Opened v32 They had listened...but had never heard. I wonder how many sermons we’ve listened to but never heard…how many Bible studies…how many devotionals…yet we have never heard – Our heart has never turned?
3- Their Understanding Was Opened v45 They had thought...but had never understood. Ephesians 1:18 “...that the eyes of your understanding may be opened...” How does that happen? How are the eyes of our understanding opened? God does it through the Word of God – and the work of the Holy Spirit. Our understanding is darkened – we’re spiritually blinded by strongholds – and then the Power of God begins to break strongholds… How? Listen to 2 Corinthians 10:5… “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ…”
Is your heart burning within you – in much the same way as we read in the Bible? Burning because of sin – worry – or wanting to be closer to God? Jesus opened their eyes, the scriptures, and their understanding – and if you’re interested He will do the same for you. M
John Wesley had a heart for God…but only after God stirred his heart – turned his heart – changed his heart. Wesley said it like this: “I felt my heart strangely warmed…” He said he had gone unwillingly to a church service…and as someone began to read Martin Luther’s preface to the book of Romans, he felt his heart changed. He said, “I felt I did trust in Christ alone for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins and saved me…”
There’s nothing like a heart burning by the very presence of God. This burning is not always comforting – it is most often convicting… It is often an uneasy feeling as God is showing us something we need to see – telling us something we need to hear – leading us to do something we need to do – calling us to trust Him in a way we’ve never trusted Him. It is God getting our attention…
• A Burning Heart can be a Fearful Heart… Anxious about the future…Worried
about the present…Sleepless over things beyond your control. People live in fear – Fear that they will get sick or not get well. Fear that their children will be hurt or do something crazy. Fear that they will lose their job, lose their home, lose everything they worked for. Our hearts burn with worry and fear. Martha and Mary are examples of this as they dealt with the death of Lazarus, the absence of Jesus, and uncertainty about the Future.
• A Burning Heart can be a Foolish Heart… Regretting spur of the moment
decisions… Reaping what was sown in haste… Wishing you could change the way things are. For a year or month or week or day in your life you did what you wish you had never done. You sinned. You forgot God. King David is an example of this as he sinned with Bathsheba, was then confronted by Nathan, then faced the death of the child.
• A Burning Heart can be a Faithful Heart… A heart yearning to know God as
much as possible… A heart seeking to know God’s will… A heart hungering to know God’s word. The women in Luke 24 are examples of this as we read about what they remembered, what they believed, and what they hoped for.
1- Their Eyes Were Opened v31 They had watched...but had never seen. Like many of us who’ve done everything religious – but knowing Jesus seems out of reach or maybe just a little far fetched… We might ask, "Where is God in all of this?"
2- The Scriptures Were Opened v32 They had listened...but had never heard. I wonder how many sermons we’ve listened to but never heard…how many Bible studies…how many devotionals…yet we have never heard – Our heart has never turned?
3- Their Understanding Was Opened v45 They had thought...but had never understood. Ephesians 1:18 “...that the eyes of your understanding may be opened...” How does that happen? How are the eyes of our understanding opened? God does it through the Word of God – and the work of the Holy Spirit. Our understanding is darkened – we’re spiritually blinded by strongholds – and then the Power of God begins to break strongholds… How? Listen to 2 Corinthians 10:5… “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ…”
Is your heart burning within you – in much the same way as we read in the Bible? Burning because of sin – worry – or wanting to be closer to God? Jesus opened their eyes, the scriptures, and their understanding – and if you’re interested He will do the same for you. M
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Arvid
Not many people have a friend named Arvid. I don't know of anybody else with that name. Well, I have a good friend named Arvid and I've never met another person like him. We've been good friends for close to thirty years.
Back in the fall of 1985, Arvid was the guy who told me that Crystal wasn't dating anyone and that I should ask her out. He also gave me a picture of Crystal...one that Crystal had given him. He went back and told her he needed another picture because he gave the other one to me. I took his advice - Crystal and I went out on our first official date on October 5, 1985. It has proven to be one of the best days of my life.
I have many stories to tell about Arvid. More stories than I can share right now. Maybe later in another blog. This is what I want to tell you about Arvid today and ask a favor. Arvid was diagnosed with ALS about three years ago. Would you pray for Arvid? Pray first of all for a miracle and second for doctors to find a cure. Either one would be wonderful.
I visited with Arv this morning. As I pulled out of his drive, my mind was flooded with memories and my heart with emotions. I thought the least I could do is tell people about Arvid...about the friend he's been for all these years...and ask you to pray for him. I hope you will.
MM
Back in the fall of 1985, Arvid was the guy who told me that Crystal wasn't dating anyone and that I should ask her out. He also gave me a picture of Crystal...one that Crystal had given him. He went back and told her he needed another picture because he gave the other one to me. I took his advice - Crystal and I went out on our first official date on October 5, 1985. It has proven to be one of the best days of my life.
I have many stories to tell about Arvid. More stories than I can share right now. Maybe later in another blog. This is what I want to tell you about Arvid today and ask a favor. Arvid was diagnosed with ALS about three years ago. Would you pray for Arvid? Pray first of all for a miracle and second for doctors to find a cure. Either one would be wonderful.
I visited with Arv this morning. As I pulled out of his drive, my mind was flooded with memories and my heart with emotions. I thought the least I could do is tell people about Arvid...about the friend he's been for all these years...and ask you to pray for him. I hope you will.
MM
Monday, February 25, 2013
2013 Preaching Schedule
February 17 FBC Milan, Tennessee - Revival Day
February 23 Belmore Baptist, Belmore, Al. - Men's Conference
March 5 New Life Recovery, Decatur, Al. - Preach
March 7-9 Trinity BC, Trinity, Al. - Adult Retreat Pigeon Forge, Tn.
March 28 Harmony Baptist, Moulton, Al. - Easter Revival
April 7-10 Eastside Baptist, Jasper, Al. - Revival
April 23 Marion Baptist Association, Hamilton, Al. - Ordained Men's Evening
April 27 FBC Holly Pond, Holly Pond, Al. - Senior Adult Revival
May 5-8 Wilsonville Baptist, Wilsonville, Al. - Revival
June 21 Alabama Deacons Retreat, Shocco Springs, Al. - Preach
October 28 Morgan Baptist Assoc., Morgan County, Al. - Preach Assoc. Mtg.
February 23 Belmore Baptist, Belmore, Al. - Men's Conference
March 5 New Life Recovery, Decatur, Al. - Preach
March 7-9 Trinity BC, Trinity, Al. - Adult Retreat Pigeon Forge, Tn.
March 28 Harmony Baptist, Moulton, Al. - Easter Revival
April 7-10 Eastside Baptist, Jasper, Al. - Revival
April 23 Marion Baptist Association, Hamilton, Al. - Ordained Men's Evening
April 27 FBC Holly Pond, Holly Pond, Al. - Senior Adult Revival
May 5-8 Wilsonville Baptist, Wilsonville, Al. - Revival
June 21 Alabama Deacons Retreat, Shocco Springs, Al. - Preach
October 28 Morgan Baptist Assoc., Morgan County, Al. - Preach Assoc. Mtg.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
The Ugly Truth About Forgiveness
John 3:16
Somewhere along the way we’ve been misinformed, deceived, and confused about the message of forgiveness. The cross has become a piece of jewelry – Forgiveness has become something we get if we do the right things. We’ve memorized the words of John 3:16 but we’ve missed the message. God so loved the world that He gave. He gave… He gave His Son. He Gave to Save. He gave so that we could be Forgiven – Forever.
The ugly truth of the cross includes bloodshed, an angry mob, lies, hatred, and a long list of all that happens when God is ignored and hatred rules. …But before we get too far into the message of the cross and God’s forgivness for us – Let’s think about us forgiving others. And the ugliness behind that.
.....FORGIVING may be the most difficult thing you’ll ever do in this life. It is more difficult than any manual labor you can imagine. More difficult than facing a terminal disease... more difficult than confessing your faults, admitting wrongs, and repenting of sins. Truly forgiving someone for the wrong they have done to you or your family...is the most difficult thing a person will ever do.
Have you ever been so hurt – so disappointed… that you found it almost impossible to forgive? Has someone ever hurt your child or your wife or husband or friend in such a way that you simply couldn't forgive? Have you ever been so hurt in church and by church people that you felt like quitting and never going back? A country song says, “Forgiving you was easy but forgetting seems to take the longest time…” While that makes for a good country song I am afraid the reason most of us don't forgive is simply because - Trulyforgiving someone is the most difficult thing a person will ever do. NOBODY ever said this was easy.
What does forgiveness look like anyway? When Jesus taught His disciples to pray He taught them to pray like this… “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us…” Did you read that...did you read what Jesus said? He said, “As we forgive…” “As we forgive those who sin against us…” Wow. Personally, I have found it easy to say “I forgive you” but difficult to actually forgive. But my fellowship with God hinges on my forgiveness toward others.
.....If someone asks for your forgiveness and you withhold it, you are as guilty as the one asking for forgiveness.
.....Just because you forgive someone doesn’t mean you forget what they said or did. That’s why Paul said, “I die daily.”
.....Jesus mentioned forgiving someone 7X70 times. That’s 490 times. My pastor, when I was a child, preached about this one time. He said, “If a person needs forgiveness 490 times, for the same sin, he’s got bigger problems.” Which I took to mean there are other issues at work in their life which we know nothing about.
.....Forgiveness is more difficult for you than the person you are forgiving. It’s never wrong to do the right thing – but it’s usually more difficult.
.....Satan won’t let you forget what they said or did. He’ll remind us of what they did to us and how they “got away with it” and how “it’s not fair.”
.....Not forgiving stalls the effectiveness of your prayer life. (Mark 11:25) That means your prayers don’t get answered. That means you can’t experience the full benefits of God’s forgiveness if you are not forgiving others. That means God puts your blessings on hold and waits until you take care of that unfinished business.
.....Not forgiving steals your joy. (John 10:10) When you don’t forgive, it brings up a barrier to the joy God has for you. No one is ever truly happy if they have unforgiveness in their heart.
.....Not forgiving swings open the door for the enemy to work in your life. We have to forgive “lest Satan should take advantage of us” (2 Corinthians 2:11). We invite the enemy in if we harbor unforgiveness. And when you treat others as if they are enemies — you align yourselves with your true enemy and his plans for your future.
.....Not forgiving stagnates your soul. The Bible says, “Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?” (James 3:11). If you have unforgiveness, the water in your soul becomes bitter.
.....Not forgiving means seeing the failures of others, but not your own. “Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye?” (Matthew 7:3-5). Not forgiving means you are walking in darkness. “He who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes“(1 John 2:11).
This is bigger than forgiving the guy who just cut you off in traffic on the way to church... This is bigger than forgiving the girl who broke line at the all you can eat buffet... This is bigger than forgiving the kid at school who pushed your little boy down on the playground... This is bigger than forgiving your neighbor for borrowing your rake and never bringing it back...This is bigger than forgiving the gossip who felt led to share her opinion about your new hairstyle.
This is more than putting on a smile and being nice even when we want to take matters into our own hands. This is forgiving - doing only what we can do with the help of God. And if we don’t, we sever our fellowship with God and ruin our relationships with others.
God so loved the world He gave... "Gave" says it all. If I am going to forgive those who have offended me I will need to "give" also. I need to give it up, quit digging it up, forgive and get on with my life - and let them get on with theirs. Life's too short to live in perpetual unforgiveness - and life's too long to carry around bitterness. Forgive and ...well, just forgive. How bout it?
Somewhere along the way we’ve been misinformed, deceived, and confused about the message of forgiveness. The cross has become a piece of jewelry – Forgiveness has become something we get if we do the right things. We’ve memorized the words of John 3:16 but we’ve missed the message. God so loved the world that He gave. He gave… He gave His Son. He Gave to Save. He gave so that we could be Forgiven – Forever.
The ugly truth of the cross includes bloodshed, an angry mob, lies, hatred, and a long list of all that happens when God is ignored and hatred rules. …But before we get too far into the message of the cross and God’s forgivness for us – Let’s think about us forgiving others. And the ugliness behind that.
.....FORGIVING may be the most difficult thing you’ll ever do in this life. It is more difficult than any manual labor you can imagine. More difficult than facing a terminal disease... more difficult than confessing your faults, admitting wrongs, and repenting of sins. Truly forgiving someone for the wrong they have done to you or your family...is the most difficult thing a person will ever do.
Have you ever been so hurt – so disappointed… that you found it almost impossible to forgive? Has someone ever hurt your child or your wife or husband or friend in such a way that you simply couldn't forgive? Have you ever been so hurt in church and by church people that you felt like quitting and never going back? A country song says, “Forgiving you was easy but forgetting seems to take the longest time…” While that makes for a good country song I am afraid the reason most of us don't forgive is simply because - Trulyforgiving someone is the most difficult thing a person will ever do. NOBODY ever said this was easy.
What does forgiveness look like anyway? When Jesus taught His disciples to pray He taught them to pray like this… “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us…” Did you read that...did you read what Jesus said? He said, “As we forgive…” “As we forgive those who sin against us…” Wow. Personally, I have found it easy to say “I forgive you” but difficult to actually forgive. But my fellowship with God hinges on my forgiveness toward others.
.....If someone asks for your forgiveness and you withhold it, you are as guilty as the one asking for forgiveness.
.....Just because you forgive someone doesn’t mean you forget what they said or did. That’s why Paul said, “I die daily.”
.....Jesus mentioned forgiving someone 7X70 times. That’s 490 times. My pastor, when I was a child, preached about this one time. He said, “If a person needs forgiveness 490 times, for the same sin, he’s got bigger problems.” Which I took to mean there are other issues at work in their life which we know nothing about.
.....Forgiveness is more difficult for you than the person you are forgiving. It’s never wrong to do the right thing – but it’s usually more difficult.
.....Satan won’t let you forget what they said or did. He’ll remind us of what they did to us and how they “got away with it” and how “it’s not fair.”
.....Not forgiving stalls the effectiveness of your prayer life. (Mark 11:25) That means your prayers don’t get answered. That means you can’t experience the full benefits of God’s forgiveness if you are not forgiving others. That means God puts your blessings on hold and waits until you take care of that unfinished business.
.....Not forgiving steals your joy. (John 10:10) When you don’t forgive, it brings up a barrier to the joy God has for you. No one is ever truly happy if they have unforgiveness in their heart.
.....Not forgiving swings open the door for the enemy to work in your life. We have to forgive “lest Satan should take advantage of us” (2 Corinthians 2:11). We invite the enemy in if we harbor unforgiveness. And when you treat others as if they are enemies — you align yourselves with your true enemy and his plans for your future.
.....Not forgiving stagnates your soul. The Bible says, “Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?” (James 3:11). If you have unforgiveness, the water in your soul becomes bitter.
.....Not forgiving means seeing the failures of others, but not your own. “Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye?” (Matthew 7:3-5). Not forgiving means you are walking in darkness. “He who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes“(1 John 2:11).
This is bigger than forgiving the guy who just cut you off in traffic on the way to church... This is bigger than forgiving the girl who broke line at the all you can eat buffet... This is bigger than forgiving the kid at school who pushed your little boy down on the playground... This is bigger than forgiving your neighbor for borrowing your rake and never bringing it back...This is bigger than forgiving the gossip who felt led to share her opinion about your new hairstyle.
This is more than putting on a smile and being nice even when we want to take matters into our own hands. This is forgiving - doing only what we can do with the help of God. And if we don’t, we sever our fellowship with God and ruin our relationships with others.
God so loved the world He gave... "Gave" says it all. If I am going to forgive those who have offended me I will need to "give" also. I need to give it up, quit digging it up, forgive and get on with my life - and let them get on with theirs. Life's too short to live in perpetual unforgiveness - and life's too long to carry around bitterness. Forgive and ...well, just forgive. How bout it?
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