Archive for August, 2010
The Gospel of Forgiveness Can Never Be Over-Emphasized!
Aug 30th
What more can we say to add to what the scriptures have made clear on this issue? Colossians 3:13 states “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Matthew 18:22-35 gave us an illustration of exactly what we do and how wicked we are when we do not forgive. A official owing his King about fifty million silver coins could not pay and the King was about to sell everything this man had but he pleaded and the King forgave him. Just when he left the Palace He met another man who owed him hundred silver coins. He grabbed him on his neck and threatened. But the man could not pay and this unforgiving official cast his debtor to jail. When the king found out, He was so angry and ordered for his torture until he paid back everything. God has forgiven us our sins which have made us doomed for death. We ought to forgive others the little they do to us as well.
The same Matthew 18 but verses 21 and 22a states “Peter came up to the Lord and asked, “How many times should I forgive someone who does something wrong to me? Is seven times enough?” Jesus answered; not just seven times, but seventy times seven times” And Jesus Christ Himself said in Matthew 6:14-15 “If you forgive others for the wrongs they do to you, your Father in heaven will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins”. Most Christians have a problem with forgiveness; it is one thing that seems difficult for Christians. Most people say “how can I forgive”, “it is difficult I just can’t” but Christ our example who came in the form of human laid down a condition saying “forgive’. Un-forgiveness is a sin and a sin is unpleasant to God because his eyes are so pure that they cannot behold iniquity. The Psalmists also say in Psalms 66:18 “if I regard iniquity in my heart the Lord will not hear me”.
Un-forgiveness also gives birth to other sins; it results in hatred and vengeance. The Bible says:he that hates his brother is a murderer” God does not hearken to the prayers from an unforgiving heart that is why Jesus taught the people in Matthew emphasizing the fact that if you do not forgive another man/woman his or her fault clearly stated “if” which means it is conditional. It does not matter the gravity of the offence committed or how many times the offence was committed, God is saying forgive because definitely as humans we also go wring at times and God forgives when we ask for forgiveness, he expects us to do the same to our fellows as Christians. The mosaic principle of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth in Matthew 5:38, has been replaced with forgiveness and love.
More Than Twenty Simple Things to Make You Happy
Aug 30th
Happiness does nor come from being complicated, expensive or fussy. Simple things are often far more effective. Think of the gift from a child or a loved one that is simply a pressed flower from a walk that was shared together or a compilation of special songs or tunes. Many people would prefer that to an expensive gift quickly bought at the last minute.
Here are a few of my thoughts of the simple things that can make you happy – add your own with pleasure.
1. Clean sheets on the bed, always a winner. Add a few drops of lavender to the final rinse cycle.
2. Close the curtains, turn off the light and listen to some beautiful music in the dark.
3. Take a bubble bath. Light candles, warm the towels and allow yourself half an hour ‘me’ time.
4. Cook a meal for the family, lay the table and enjoy being together, sharing some catch-up time.
5. Watch a thunderstorm from the safety of your home. Marvel at the power of nature.
6. Sit and eat lunch. Give yourself some quiet time.
7. Buy a bunch of flowers for yourself and put them somewhere unexpected, like the bathroom so they are there for you when you take your morning shower.
8. Get out the old photograph albums and reminisce. Enjoy laughing and crying at the different pictures and the memories they evoke.
9. Adopt a Moon Bear. Being able to give to charity is a privilege and if you adopt a child or an animal you will likely receive regular updates on their progress.
10. Get up early and take a walk while the air is still fresh and there are not many people about.
11. Grab your old loaf and go and feed the ducks in the park.
12. Phone a friend and allow time for a leisurely chat.
13. Buy a bar of good quality chocolate and savour each mouthful.
14. Friday afternoon, 4.30pm. Think of the weekend ahead. Make sure there is something planned for you in there.
15. Go to the beach. Take a walk on the sand and collect a few shells. Practice skimming pebbles on the sea.
16. Allow an afternoon to catch up on the old films that you have been wanting to watch.
17. Plan a special evening with your partner or friends. Phone and book the date. Dress up and make it a special time.
18. Pass on happiness. Take time to give a compliment, say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. Make someone else feel good.
19. Go to bed early and read a book. Have time for yourself.
20. Invite friends round for coffee. All you need is a jar of instant coffee and a packet of custard creams and you have a nice morning with friends scheduled in.
21. Maybe borrow a friends dog and go for a long walk.
22. Marvel at a beautiful baby, the smell of their hair, their perfect fingers and toes, and smile.
Hope some of these ideas have made you think of simple ways that you can add value to your days. Enjoy!
