Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Wednesday Wisdom


Don't grieve God. Don't break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don't take such a gift for granted. Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.

(Ephesians 4:30-32 - The Message)



"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong."

- Mahatma Gandhi








"Know all and you will pardon all."

- Thomas A’Kempis















"If one by one we counted people out for the least sin, it wouldn't take us long to get so we had no one left to live with. For to be social is to be forgiving."

- Robert Frost.









"We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies."

- Martin Luther King, Jr.







(click to enlarge)

60 comments:

Anonymous said...

GOOD WORD TODAY FOR US ON FORGIVENESS BISHOP. I RECENTLY WROTE AN ARTICLE FOR MY PRAYER MINISTRY NEWS LETTER TITLED 'FORGIVENESS- KEY TO UNCLOCK SOME CLOSED DOORS'. THE FACT THAT JESUS DEMONSTRATED FORGIVENESS ON THE CROSS IS A WONDERFUL LESSON WORTHY OF FOLLOWING BY EVERY LIVING HUMAN BEING. IT IS SO IMPORTANT THAT GOD WARNED US NOT TO BRING ANYTHING TO HIM WITH UNFORGIVENSS IN OUR HEART. IT IS VERY SAD THAT WE AS CHILDREN OF GOD ARE NOT LIVING WITH THE SPIRIT TO FORGIVE,YET WE PRETEND.
MAJORITY OF THE HARDSHIP WE FACE IN LIFE IS AS A RESULT OF UNFORGIVNESS. FORGIVENESS IS A POWERFUL POSITIVE ENERGY THAT DESTROYS DEMONIC STRONGHOLD IN ONES LIFE. MY SISTER IN LAW GAVE A POWERFUL TESTIMONY OF INFERTILITY FOR 5 YRS AFTER TWO CHILDREN. THE ONLY THING THAT CHANGED IN HER LIFE WAS A FAMILY STRIFE WHERE SHE AND HER HUSBAND PICKED A FIGHT AGAINST AN OLDER BROTHER. PEOPLE ADVISED THEM TO STOP THEIR WICKED PLOTS AND LIES THEY WERE SPREADING AGAINST THIS BROTHER, IT CONTINUED FOR FIVE YEARS UNTILL SHE RECEIVED A PROPHETIC WORDS THAT CHANGED HER MIND. SHE WEPT, REPENTED AND FORGAVE THE OTHER PARTY. THAT SAME MONTH SHE BECAME PREGNANT. SHE PROVED THE DOCTORS WRONG WITH THEIR POOR DIAGNOSIS. SHE IS NOT BORN AGAIN BUT SHE TESTIFIED THAT FORGIVENESS OPENED THE DOOR TO HER WOMD AGAIN. THIS IS DEEP BUT IF YOU HEAR WITH THE SPIRIT, WE WILL UNDERSTAND.
IN A CHURCH SETTING UNFORGIVENESS AMOMG THE MEMBERS CAN HINDER THE MOVE OF GOD, AS WELL AS OPEN THE DOOR TO DEMONIC ATTACKS. THAT IS WHY GOD WANT US TO SETTLE WITH OUR OFFENDERS BEFORE BRINGING OUR GIFT.
IN SHORT WE OUGHT NOT TO APPEAR BEFORE OUR MAKER WITH ANY KNOWN UNFORGIVENESS. IT IS A MOCKERY OF THE FINISHED WORK OF THE CROSS BY THE VERY PEOPLE WHO BENEFITED FROM IT. MOST OF THE CRIMES AND DEATHS IN OUR FAMILIES, COMMUNITIES AND NATIONS ARE RELATED TO UNWILLINGNESS TO FORGIVE. WE HOLD ONE ANOTHER TO SPIRITUAL BONDAGE THROUGH UNFORGIVESS. SOME ABNORMAL BEHAVOR WE SEE TODAY IS RELATED TO UNFORGIVESS, NOT LETTING GO AND CAUSING US TO DWELL IN NEGATIVITY LEADING TO DISORDERLY BEHAVOR. WE PRAY DAY AND NIGHT WITH NO POSITIVE RESPONSE BECAUSE WE HAVE LOCKED THE HAVEN'S GATE WITH UNFORGIVENSS. CHILDREN VOW NOT TO FORGIVE THEIR PARENTS AND PARENT VOW NOT TO FORGIVE THEIR CHILDERN, BLOCKING THEN FROM EXCELLING IN LIFE. OUT OF OUR HEARTS PROCEED THE ISSUES OF LIFE. WHAT COMES OUT OF US MAY DESTROY OR BUILD.
SOME SPIRITUAL LEADERS LIVE IN UNFORGIVENSS AND STILL MINISTER TO GODS CHILDREN LACKING POWER AND ANNOINTING BECAUSE OF LACK OF INTEGRITY. FORGIVENESS IS GODS ATTRIBUTE. WHY DO WE REJECT IT SO MUCH AND REFUSED TO LIVE BY IT. ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO FORGIVE IS TO ASK GOD TO TEACH YOU HOW. ONLY THEN, WILL YOU FORGIVE EASILY. THINK ABOUT IT AND TAKE THE NECESSARY STEPS TOWARDS FORGIVENESS AND THE GOD OF PEACE WILL BLESS YOUR SOCKS OFF.
I WILL PAUSE TO GIVE MY PATIENTS H THEIR 6AM CARE, BUT WILL RETURN TO CONTINE BECAUSE BISHOP GOT ME FIRED UP.
FORGIVE MY ERRORS, BLOGGING FROM WORK. LOVE, MERCY.

Son of Zadok said...

I don't know exactly how or why, but somehow, somewhere along the line I got it! WE MUST WALK IN FORGIVENESS. Their are things I struggle with in my life, but thank God He has given me the heart of a forgiver. In the natural I can get boiling mad from time to time, usually under guidance of my younger brother, who though we are alike in some ways, has his own unique temperament. I find myself laughing as soon as I realize my flustered state and the forgiveness flows through me like a tide. That's God! I've had the closest of relationships violated in my life by the closest of friends and have been able to forgive and forget. That's God! I have fallen, forgiven myself, and have gotten back up. That's God!
A child who is learning to walk does not stay down when they stumble. Oh that we would not put such unneeded burdens on babes in Christ learning to overcome all things. Let us be full of unlimited forgiveness in the face of every perceived fault with those precious children; such is the Kingdom of Heaven. I don't know where I'd be today if Father hadn't blessed me with the ability to see that we must forgive, we simply must, it's the lowest and highest expectation of our calling. It is part of our love for one another, by which the all the world will know Him.
When I first came under this ministry I heard one of the best sermons of my life.

The Nexus of Healing & Forgiveness.

Theirs probably no story I tell more in my own personal ministry than this one that you related in that sermon Bishop. You spoke of the Pharisees condemning Jesus for forgiving peoples sins and the question Jesus placed to them:

paraphrasing

"Tell Me, which is harder, for Me to tell this man to get up and walk, or for Me to say your sins are forgiven? I say to you it is harder for him to believe that his sins are forgiven, but to show you that I am the Son of God, take up your mat and walk, your sins are forgiven!"

My God, the revelation in that is SO POWERFUL!

The Almighty potency in someone actually believing that they are forgiven will change the world. This is the light at the dawn of the Christ consciousness that we are entering. The miracles, and the healing, and deliverance, will all come as a result of forgiveness. When we really understand who we are in Christ and how great is His love and forgiveness unto all His creation, we will surely do greater works than He. That day is soon approaching when we will say, "Your sins are forgiven!" and the lame will walk. You will breath on them saying, "Receive the Holy Spirit". And they will receive Him. You will look into their eyes and they will see God.

God is on always right on time.

Today if you need forgiveness it is so available to you. Their is an unlimited inexhaustible supply of forgiveness from your heavenly Father. All that is required from you is the desire to be more like Him. And my friend, all that He is has been deposited within you. His grace and mercy is as deep as the deepest sea and as far reaching as the outer limits of all His creation.

Be free today.

Forgive! For how truly you are forgiven!

ver: remarse

Repentance is so beautiful, but

Their is no REMORSE in Christ!

Son of Zadok said...

My God I feel the precious presence of the Lord in this place.

Thank You Jesus.

Son of Zadok said...

Draw close to Him for He is so near to you.

Donald said...

Been away awhile. I've had to travel some unpleasant roads and see things that I didn't expect to see at my age. My big brother, who could do anything he put his mind to do, became a part of that great cloud of witnesses less than an hour ago.
He was only 57 years old. He was a genius (that's not my opinion, IQ tests have proven it) so isn't it ironic that his brain is what was attacked.
My harp is on the willow branch, but I will return.

G8TRGRL said...

Donald, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My brother was the same age...indeed, too young. Peace to you.

Anonymous said...

Will keep you and your family in our prayers Donald. I speak Peace and the Comfort of the Holy Spirit to you. We love you and Lynn very much! P. Debye

Anonymous said...

"My harp is on the willow branch, but I will return."

I extend my prayers of condolence to you and your family.

There's a song in your words, Donald.

Anonymous said...

Love and condolence to you and family Donald, our friend.

JB

tracy said...

Our prayers are also with you and
your family Donald. May He bring you peace.

peacemaker said...

Donald,
My brother, as well, left our family much too early. He was 41.
I won't say: "I know how you feel". I believe we all experience loss differently. I can say, however, I understand, and You are in my prayers.

I declare Peace...Peace...Peace, to you, my brother, and also to all the family members involved.

Much Love,
Peacemaker

tracy said...

On Forgiveness, how wonderful to be on either side. The forgiver and the forgiven. This is also a subject close to my heart SOZ because I have been on both sides of the fence and you are right MERCY- if we cannot forgive we really are discrediting the whole message of the cross. Love what MLK said (paraphrasing) about there being good in the most evil and there being evil in the best of us.

NTL said...

donald, you are family to us all here. We hold you and yours in our thoughts and prayers. Peace to you all.

NTL said...

It's amazing how it seems the more I walk in forgiveness, the freer I become.

Freer to the point that I can sing a joyful noise unto the Lord, and not feel weirdly embaraced about it.

Donald said...

Anyone who may be reluctant to post a comment about today's blog due to my entry please do not be hindered.
I actually look forward to everyone's input on Bishop's postings.
As I read the quote from Martin Luther King, Jr. I realized that even during our lifetime we were blessed to have one of the greatest minds of all time share this planet with us. His insights had to be divinely inspired. Such wisdom could not be imparted to a human by another human.
Please carry on with the blog, I look forward to it.

G8TRGRL said...

Good morning! This was too good not to share on this day of "Wednesday Wisdom"...

20 Things to Remember

1. Faith is the ability to not panic.

2. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you prayed, don't worry.

3. As a child of God, prayer is kinda like calling home every day.

4. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.

5. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.

6. Do the math. Count your blessings.

7. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.

8. Dear God: I have a problem. It's me. Dear Child I have the answer, it’s Me.

9. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.

10. Laugh every day - it's like inner jogging.

11. The most important things in your home are the people.

12. Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.

13. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open. Come on in.

14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.

15. He who dies with the most toys is still dead.

16. We do not remember days but moments. Life moves too fast, so enjoy your precious moments.

17. Nothing is real to you until you experience it; otherwise it's just hearsay.

18. It's all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are done.

19. Surviving and living your life successfully requires courage. The goals and dreams you're seeking require courage and risk-taking. Learn from the turtle, it only makes progress when it sticks out its neck.

20. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are. No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting. Leave gentle fingerprints on the soul of another for the angels to read. I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I lived just the length of it I want to have lived the width of it as well.

(unknown)

G8TRGRL said...

...and another one..

A friend asked,
'What is it like to be a Christian?'

Another friend replied, 'It is like being a pumpkin.'
God picks you from the patch, brings you in,
and washes all the dirt off of you. Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.

He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed.

Then He carves you a new smiling face and
puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.'

This was passed on to me by another pumpkin.
I liked this enough to send it to all the pumpkins in my patch.

ttfn

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Hey bloggers,

I just addressed a couple of your comments from yesterday on yesterday's post...

Donald, since I don't have siblings, I can't even imagine what that would feel like...but you're in my thoughts and prayers...I've missed you here...

And thanks for your sensitivity in wanting the comments to continue as usual...and they should, and will...but also, people want and need to minister to you, so let it happen...

You and Her Highness need to come see us as soon as you can and let us love on you...

Anonymous said...

Donald I pray peace over you and your family.

Anonymous said...

DONALD, THE LORD IS YOUR EVERLASTING STRENGTH AND PEACE.
LOVE, MERCY

Rosette_Uganda said...

Hello Bish and fellow Bloggers.Its nice hearing from you all. I am really touched by today's topic "forgiveness" and for sure, I have already found my self guilty of unforgiveness. May God change me accordingly. condolensces to all who have lost loved ones, I'll not lie that I understand or feel your pain. But I pray God strengthens you and gives you comfort all through. I am also wondering whether its not lonely or boring not to have a sibling...I'll wait to hear from the Bishop about that.

Thanks to everyone who has contributed in whichever way to support Pastor Ben and the Good shepherd's touch Ministry as a whole.Events keep unfolding every day, yet we keep encouraged by you people out there standing with us.

Bishop, I havent been able to check my yahoo mail. I have failed to log in since morning, so I wish I could have a copy on my work email, its more accessible...rnalugonda@bou.or.ug
I promise to respond ASAP. And to Yvonne, I was interested in your document/email about the grants, but unfortunately the mail i sent to 'reconcilliationoutreach@gmail.com bounced. Please get in touch.

God's blessings to you all

Rosette.

NTL said...

I mispelled embarrassed on my last post. Singing unto the Lord is one thing, but to mispell embarrassed is rather embarrassing.
I sorry, please forgive me. I have already forgiven myself. I can't let anything interfere with my singing. (lol)

Anonymous said...

Pic 1 - Maybe coincidental, but I appreciate how the dark, blue splotch over Ghandi's left brow resembles a dove flying towards a PEACE symbol.

Also, how his bottom lip and jaw seem to form a whale (a la Jonah) while another dove hovers above.

What fascinates me about today's Scripture verse and topic is that these were visionaries. When I read about their backgrounds, I was horrified to learn how the world responded to their messages of hope.

Not only did this remind me of Jesus, but, also of Stephen, in the Book of Acts. Under the influence of the Holy Ghost, he asked God not to charge the Jewish leaders with the sin.

And because his trust was so set in God, he just, "fell asleep".

Unknown said...

Donald, we share your loss as one body.

Witnesses, once related to CITNers on earth, please find Donald's brother and tell him about all of us.

Haven't gotten through the other comments yet. Back later.

Anonymous said...

Doanld...peace & comfort that only the Holy Spirit can give to you & your family...We lift you up with our prayers also...

About the post...Just watched the Movie, The Five People You Meet in Heaven...Goes along with the topic you wrote about(Peace - Love & Forgiveness)...A man dies at the beginning of the movie.. bitter & lonely..resents how his life here on earth turned out and thinks that his life was wasted...Whe he gets to Heaven...Sorry guys... Jesus was not the first person he meant, BUT.. 5 lives that he had affected when he was here and the impact that he had on each of thier lives.. each one had to do with asking for forgiveness & unconditional love which gives you true peace.. which was what he was searching for.. that is really what matteres in the end. Let us ALL make this a part of our daily lives... you never know.. today may be our last chance to show the real meaning of LOVE!
Peace & Love to ALL..

Here to Worship & Serve

linda said...

Ghandi, forgiveness is attribute of strength. Wow

Donald, praying for you and her majesty, peace

let there be light
Linda

word ver: littorc: let it torrentially, tumultuously overflow rockdale county??

Anonymous said...

Here to Worship & Serve,

or first...

Iris said...

Donald,

We speak peace and comfort to you and your family. Feel us through our post as we wrap our arms of love around you all.

Iris

Anonymous said...

Bishop,
When you went to Uganda there were 10 people who went, right?
It's really interesting that in the story of Joseph in Gen. 40:3,4 there were 10 brothers who went to Egypt and 1 who stayed behind.

I mentioned this to P. Avery and she said that one stayed behind. When I told her, she said she had to let it process a bit. Thought it was cool...your thoughts?

Haven't read the blogs just yet but will be here til about 2:10...and then maybe not until tomorrow. Have an incredible day!

Anonymous said...

Today's AYITN - "desert rose" made me think of Sting's song of the same title.

"Desert Rose"

I dream of rain
I dream of gardens in the desert sand
I wake in vain
I dream of love as time runs through my hand

I dream of fire
Those dreams are tied to a horse that will never tire
And in the flames
Her shadows play in the shape of a man's desire

This desert rose
Each of her veils, a secret promise
This desert flower
No sweet perfume ever tortured me more than this

And as she turns
This way she moves in the logic of all my dreams
This fire burns
I realize that nothing's as it seems

I dream of rain
I dream of gardens in the desert sand
I wake in vain
I dream of love as time runs through my hand

I dream of rain
I lift my gaze to empty skies above
I close my eyes
This rare perfume is the sweet intoxication of her love

I dream of rain
I dream of gardens in the desert sand
I wake in vain
I dream of love as time runs through my hand

Sweet desert rose
Each of her veils, a secret promise
This desert flower
No sweet perfume ever tortured me more than this

Sweet desert rose
This memory of Eden haunts us all
This desert flower
This rare perfume, is the sweet intoxication of the fall

Anonymous said...

I say to all today...

LET IT RAIN!

Let all who are thirsty drink...let it flow through the garden of the Lord today...trees of righteousness be refreshed...be fruitful...flourish!

Draw out the water...sing and dance...play and splash! Celebrate the King in His palace, the King on His throne, the King in Zion.

Bloom like a rose today, love you ALL!
-karl

word ver: stlysit

Anonymous said...

During my writing - One Love- was playing.

Iris said...

Forgiveness… It can be the hardest thing one can possibly do… or the easiest. It is based on our perspective. I know for me even in the last few hours, there have been some things that I have had to forgive and let go. Some of the people in my life know how to push the right buttons and get me very angry…. And yes my blood pressure raises as well Bishop. I hope that some day I can put a permanent “Out Of Order” sign on those buttons, were they don’t respond to being pushed any more. But until that happens, I have to continually forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.

There is something that Reba McGuire said to me once…. It has stuck with me… In fact I think it got engraved on my heart. She said…. “It’s your choice how you handle the circumstances in life… you can choose to be bitter, or you can choose to be better.” Hummmm…. Bitter or better…. I know if I don’t forgive, bitterness will always be the nasty eating maggot that will eat away the entire person God has placed in me to be, eventually killing all that I am. But to be better is to forgive, love, have mercy, and give as much grace that has been bestowed upon me through Christ. Yes my flesh doesn’t’ like my buttons pushed…. But my spirit cries for me to forgive them as I have been forgiven, pressed down and running.

So, until I can put an “out of order” sign on those buttons. I not only have to forgive my self for allowing them to be pushed but forgive the other person as well.

Bishop, you’ve preached a lot on forgiveness. I remember you saying that forgiveness is as much for the person who forgives as it is for the one who is being forgiven. If you don’t forgive the other person, they become a part of every moment of your day, we eat breakfast with them, lunch and dinner with them, go to sleep with them, they are always there. So if we release them in forgiveness, we can enjoy each moment of the day without them hanging around in our thoughts. Now that is freedom. In stead of the unforgiven in our thoughts, it allows us to enjoy or day with all of the grace and mercy, joy and love that God is, and notice how wonderful our lives are without the veil of unforgiveness. WOW what a powerful word you gave and has stuck with me for a long time.

Now about those signs I’ve been talking about…”Out Of Order.” Maybe, if I put the sign on those buttons now, even though those buttons still work. Maybe those people will read it, and will just walk away…And maybe with the lack of uses of those buttons… they will permanently become disabled. Hummmm, that is a thought…. I will have to ponder on that one.

Love you all
Iris

Word Veri: ydyhtytf
Your destiny (is in) your hands through your thoughts (and) feelings.

Son of Zadok said...

There's no other love like the love for a brother. There's no other love like the love from a brother.

~Astrid Alauda

A brother shares childhood memories and grown-up dreams.

~Anonymous

The highlight of my childhood was making my brother laugh so hard that food came out his nose.

~Garrison Keillor

Donald,

My prayers are with you. May your heart be comforted during this difficult time. May you and all yours be able to grasp that although separated for a season, the best days truly do lie ahead. We have only just begun.

Karl,

Desert Rose one of my favorite songs.

A classic blend of East & West.

youtube.com/watch?v=5ECFEJFl1LA

dgm2007 said...

lovely lovely forgiveness. be sure to forgive yourself it will make you feel a lot better. Its my new thing. if i mess up i just say "no worries self i forgive you.."You cant do it all. So just forgive yourself and you will shortly fall in love all over again with the personality body and spirit that God gave ya..

Son of Zadok said...

To anyone who's lost a loved one and seeks comfort from the Lord. This 19th century spiritual classic is a timeless journey that peers beyond the looking glass and into some of the blessed life that awaits us. Books on heaven come and go, but this little treasure has stood the test of time. Used copies can be picked up online for as little as 3.00, but the blessings inside it are worth a thousand times that.

The link is to long, so you must cut and paste it as two links...

amazon.com/Dream-Heaven-Nineteenth-
Spiritual-Originally/dp/1577944704

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

Good stuff, everyone...


Rosette,

I've e-mailed both of your accounts, but the time difference was a little challenging since I have been in meetings all day.

Also, I called last night and left a message at what I believe is the number you sent, but today I can't seem to get through at all.

Anyway, I'm going to mention it in church tonight...I know that there are some people here who want to give toward your recovery of property. Whatever comes in we will wire to you tomorrow.

I did get your e-mail, however, and don't worry...my blood pressure is fine, and you guys didn't make it go up...a lot of other people and things did that...but it's all good now.

Stay strong,

Bishop

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

SOZ, I was sad for Donald today, but then your quotes made me sad for me in that I never had a brother at all...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

And I know that Jesus is my Elder Brother, and that I have brothers in Christ...so no one needs to tell me that...just leave me alone and let me be sad...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

But the joy of the Lord is my strength...

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

I don't know, Karl...I don't remember who we left behind...

Anonymous said...

I have no problem being a brother.

What is a brother other than one who is willing to respond to the needs of a blood borne friend from the womb of a mother.

Holy Ghost pretty much has the mother part covered.

It is just up to us as to how much we are willing to recieve what God has given us.

Jesus Brother

PS; veriword dalphin, sounds like a southern way of saying dolphin.

Dolphins have been noted to rescue stranded swimmers by pushing them to shore. They are obviously curious of humans and seem to like us. They are a novelty to me and I love their apparently permenant smile. Their ability to forget the wrongs that are done to them is remarkable.

Unknown said...

Bishop@3:19, reminds me of a story about a woman who miscarried. Her daughter watched as a friend joined them and sat down, embracing the woman and sobbing. After a time, she left, never saying a word.

The daughter said, "Mom, if that's a Christian, I want to be one."

Linda Luke said...

Donald~I also add my prayers and thoughts with everyone! May the Father hold you close to his heart and you feel His comfort!!

Cute dgm2008...no worries self, I forgive you...you can't do it all! =)

Refreshing Karl and Iris and everyone!!!

I am right in the middle of having to walk this out and is the biggest test I think I've ever had! =( So this is an ontime word for me to get back in the flow! Forgiveness is most definitely not for the weak! It is a wonderful thing~love & forgiveness...like a protective covering or coating that causes things to slide or bounce right off of us and keep our vision clear and world sunny!!! It's a beautiful thing!

Love you all~PeAcE

Unknown said...

SOZ - You quoted, "I say to you it is harder for him to believe that his sins are forgiven". This is so true in so many locked hearts! For me, it was the receiving of forgiveness-love from a human being that was the key that made it possible to deep-down-can't-take-it-away-believe that God does the same thing.

Which reminds me of a related (paraphrased) Bishop statement: "somewhere, sometime there has to be a people who will forgive each other and not let every little thing separate them."

It has been said many times about CITN (especially through the building phase of this sanctuary) and I totally agree with you that "That day is soon approaching when we will say, 'Your sins are forgiven!' and the lame will walk. You will breathe on them saying, 'Receive the Holy Spirit'. And they will receive Him. You will look into their eyes and they will see God."

The whole earth groans...

Anonymous said...

Word: Bublesse > Be Unifies Because Love Ease! Salvation Savior Embrace!

FOGIVENESS:

I have to learn to forgive and how to be forgiven. The Lord teaches me how! He made me a servant to all my siblings. He told me to clean their homes, cook, etc. And after all that asked forgiveness from every one of them, it did not matter whether I was at fault or not. After they finished forgiving me I have to turn around and forgive them for my own healing to take place.
Before I moved here to Georgia, every part of me did not want to be here, because of my relationship with my siblings. After my parents died the Lord said I have to move to Georgia, I said Lord I love you; but no can’t do! I told the Lord you know I don’t get along with these people (my siblings) why do you want me to have to move where they are. It was not easy been in the midst of them. But I did. Then, if you were in the outside looking in you probably will say I was not related to them. For the reason I really don’t care to discuss I resented them, and I did not want to be around them. Glory be to God. He knows my heart, and He also sees how very much I love my sisters. After I asked them to forgive me and I forgive them, the Lord asked me to start spending time with them so that I can see myself around them, get involved with them, it was one of the hardest process I have to go thru, in order for me to be free and also learning to be humble. As hard as it was to forgive and to be forgiven, it becomes the easiest thing in the world for me to do. Because thru it all I’ve learned to trust in God, and experience the beauty of been in unity with mine family.
Forgiveness teaches me how to love, and how to freely experience the gifts and the blessings of God.

Son of Zadok said...

Bishop,

I think if you would have had a brother you would have never spent all those days locked up with the Holy Ghost, studying the word and asking all those questions. What is, is. We'll see the full glory of our purpose in this life here someday and rest assured you are already entering into many eternal bonds and beloved friendships.

I see the world so differently now. I know that everyone I meet is an eternal being whom I will meet again. It makes life, the value of each soul, and even every encounter so very sweet.

Be with you all tonight in the Spirit. God Bless you all and Big, Big Love!

Anonymous said...

Not "mine" family
My family

tracy said...

Avatar -loved what you said that it was someone loving you and forgiving you that was they key to a locked heart. WOW- That is why earlier I said this subject was close to my heart..the person I love more than anything in and of this world forgave me 12 years ago for the unspeakable. Actually came and washed my feet and cried for MY forgiveness. We have been married now for 20 years. That is the VERY moment I realized the love of God. If He lives in us and this person could forgive me and humble themselves to that degree then what choice do I have but feel the love of God and display that to others. Who am I to hold unforgiveness towards anyone....Thanks for reminding me where I have come from. Word ver paspert??? Am I going somewhere? I sure hope so!!

Anonymous said...

I remember the moment that “I got it” about forgiveness. I had analyzed the word many times, realizing that forgiveness was not about condoning bad behavior; rather, it was about forgiving persons, not actions. I had studied the relevant scripture passages. I had prayed to experience God’s healing forgiveness for myself. I had prayed to be able to forgive someone who had hurt me in a life-changing way. I had prayed to BE forgiven by my children for the times when I was an inept and uninformed mother. I knew that any Christian worth her salt should search for and strive toward forgiveness.

However, when I read the words of Frederick Buechner in Wishful Thinking, I realized I had not plumbed the depths of the process. I hadn’t admitted to myself that, at its core, forgiveness is an act of radical self-interest. The truth of his words made my scalp prickle.

Of the Seven Deadly Sins, anger is possibly the most fun. To lick your wounds, to smack your lips over grievances long past, to roll over your tongue the prospect of bitter confrontations still to come, to savor to the last toothsome morsel both the pain you are given and the pain you are giving back—in many ways it is a feast fit for a king. The chief drawback is that what you are wolfing down is yourself. The skeleton at the feast is you.

My heart stood still at the power of the words. My reliable “truth bell” rang in my head. I realized that the saving grace of God’s forgiveness was a free gift, yes, but one that required our center of consent, our voluntary participation, our vulnerable openness.

Something inside me raced ahead to anticipate the release—the reality of the biblical assertion that “the truth shall set you free.” I began to sense the value of accepting things as they were and as they had happened. I saw the bitter cost of unforgiveness: nothing short of the utter erosion of one’s life. And, in my basic selfishness, I wanted no part of it.

Which set me thinking about something else… Perhaps God’s gift of self-preservation, of self-interest could be experienced as a benevolent guide instead of an ego trip (the negative tag of our self-judgment!). Perhaps God had created us in such a way that to forgive another is to break the chains that bind US, to free ourselves from the prison which limits our own freedom. Perhaps C.S. Lewis had it right when he wrote that “… the gate to hell is locked from the inside.”

The invitation to forgive reminds us that we hold the key

Ebony said...

Good comments on forgiving others. But what do you do when the person you have the hardest time forgiving is you? I've never been a grudge holder and one of the things I'm always telling people is to forgive. Not to forget or "get over it or get past it" and not to say forgiveness means acceptance or thinking what happened was ok, but to release the hold that unforgiveness-and the person you can't forgive-over you. In forgiving them you get closure and freedom. But, when I have struggles I'm harder on myself. It's this wierd internal paradox, I can encourage people all day long that God still loves them, wants to commune with and bless them, is still their Savior, but can't encourage myself. I love the people around me the way they are, don't judge them, but feel like I failure when I stray. I'm getting better about it as time goes by but it's still hard. I know I'm not perfect, but I don't like to disappoint either.

tracy said...

Ebony- He created you in His image. Whatever you have a hard time forgiving yourself for - just remember that. He loves you, flaws and all. You can't live a life of beating yourself up over mistakes though. It is useless....you ARE forgiven. Let it go. Live, laugh and love. Half of the time when we are having a hard time with ourselves whoever we "sinned against" has way moved on. I am in no way saying everything is ok if it is forgiven. If we make the same mistake over and over again we should definately make for some serious repentance butttt... like what happened in the book Shack if we screw up 1 time God knows the end from the beginning and rejoices because we have only 44 more before we "get" it (paraphrasing yet again!)

Ebony said...

Thanks Tracy, I actually wrote a letter to myself saying all the things I would tell a friend in my same shoes, here's an excerpt

"I know that over the past year or so you've done some things you're not proud of. I also know that you're beating yourself up over these things. You're saying to yourself, "How could I have done this, how could I fall this far? I'm so ashamed." This has got to stop. You've made some mistakes, but here's something you need to know, you're HUMAN, so you're going to make mistakes every now and again. I know in your mind this is the worst possible thing you've done and could possibly ever do. For a while you couldn't even bear to think about it. But, the past is past, you can't change it. All you can do is learn from your mistakes and move on. Take this experience and learn from it. The people who love you still love you despite of what's happened and they don't judge you. You still are a good person, a moral person, not perfect, but not evil either. You made mistakes, but now you have to let them go. You've asked the Lord to forgive you, now you have to accept his forgiveness. It won't be easy, and it will take time, but you will get past this. I've got some news for you; you're stronger than you think. But even though you are stronger than you think, there is more strength in numbers. Don't carry this on your own. Trying to carry it on your own almost broke you. Don't forsake fellowship. Ask for help, ask for prayer. Pray. Above all, learn from this so it won't happen again. The only stupid mistake is one made twice. Learn to keep your heart guarded, be careful of smooth talkers, and realize your true companion will love ALL of you, and will build you up, not break you down, and love God above all. And give yourself time. Restoration doesn't happen overnight. But you're on the journey. Stay on the journey. And when the shame and guilt try to come in again, remind yourself of who you are, who's you are, and that you have no condemnation. Keep your head up, you're gonna be alright. I Love you, but more importantly, God still loves you, he never stopped, and he never will."

word verification:brendw (Brand New: A New Creation in Christ)

Donald said...

I "get it" Bishop. Such a great word.
Also, thank you and Pastor Debye for your prayers as well as gtrgrl, izumi/joy, Johnny, tracy, peacemaker, ntl, crownjewel, SOZ, laura, anon@10:59, rosette_uganda, avatar, anon@1:00, linda and iris and anyone else that I may have missed.
I actually went to work this morning, but couldn't stay too long. When I came home there was a barrage of prayers and encouragement. I was brought to tears once again from that outpouring, but it actually resulted in a flow of strength into my spirit and after awhile I was able to return to work and had a productive day.
I have written a eulogy that is way too long to post here, but I will post it on my pitiful excuse of a blog later, after I get some pictures of my brother to accompany it. I'll let you know when it's thee.
Thanks again everyone, I am already on the up and up.
On a lighter note, Bishop I noticed that you mentioned your dad was raised on a farm and wasn't really impacted by the Great Depression. I remember my dad telling me that he knew the depression was nearing an end one time because he saw a rabbit jump across the road and there were only 8 men chasing it. He also said that he ate collard greens 3 times a day for as long as they were in the garden during that time. He said that he told his mother that when he got grown he would never eat another collard green. And he hasn't. But one time a little old lady from one of the churches he was preaching at gave him a mess of collards. He didn't have the heart to tell her that he didn't eat them and he knew that she was going to ask him how he liked them the next time she saw him.
So he went home and drew a circle in the bottom of the garbage can and wrote the word "SPOT" in the circle and tossed the collard greens on the word. The next Sunday when she asked him how he liked the collard greens, he told her that they hit the spot.

Word ver: funtaxio. All I know is that I see no connection between fun and tax.

Bishop Jim Swilley said...

MY BAD...I was going to mention the Uganda situation tonight, and possibly take an offering for them...but right before church I had a couple of MAJOR distractions that I had to intentionally move past to be able to minister...which I was able to do, successfully...but in the process of flowing in the Spirit to avoid saying what my flesh really wanted to say about a couple of things, it slipped my mind.

But we have some money we can wire to them tomorrow, and I'll say something about it Sunday.

In the meantime, if any of you want to contribute to Good Shepherd's Touch, just bring it by the office, or wait until Sunday to give it, and whatever comes in we'll send to them.

Yvonne said...

John 20 is one of my favorite scripture on forgiveness that really speaks to me for several reasons on this topic for several reasons.

One, the Holy Spirit breathed His breadth into us which was the same power that resurected Jesus from the dead. Well in John 20, Jesus breathed his breath on the disciples and said, receive the Holy Spirit. I believe true forgiveness in part is the empowerment that the Holy Spirit gives us to walk in the spirit of love within our relationships.

God's breathe can resurrect anyone, and a dead relationship. Often times when we believe we are trespassed against, we believe that the relationship is dead and stinkin'. Our feelings are hurt, we often feel neglected, persecuted, uncovered, unloved and none of these feelings are good.

But Jesus says that if we remit sins, they are remitted. He also states that if we retain sins they are retained.

Jesus says in John 20, we have the power to forgive thereby restoring and recognizing the authority that God the father has given us. Also, we are restored to fellowship with God because we are not retaining sins.

The person (including ourselves sometimes) is released from the trepasses he/she may or may not have imposed upon us.

The distinction Bishop made tonight about our soulish realm and our spiritual realm was important to note. As a matter of fact, I started this discussion last night with some of the mentors in the Life Skills group pertaining to the tragedy we learned of this week about Jennifer Hudson's family.

My comment was that she will probably never be able to get passed it in regards to her memoryof it. Certainly, she should and I believe will forgive because it will free her. Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.

However, when something that horrific happens her soul has a right to be angry, hurt, mad, furious, enraged and incensed whenever she thinks about her slain mom, brother and knephew.

I have been touched with this infirmity. Unfortunately, I had a 1st cousin who was raised in my household with me in NY City who was murdered by a gang about 18 years ago. Although he has been deceased for almost 20 years now and my soul is very grieved when I think of how senseless his death was.

Some of the ladies seemed to feel as though Jennifer Hudson could get pass this as in over it, but I don't think so.

When there was a senseless murder a couple summers ago at McDonalds in Covington, I was relieved to know from Bishop that one coud forgive and still never forget a tragedy like the one this young pastor endured.

God doesn't erase our memory (although the mind sometimes will compartmentalize things it doesn't want to deal with at that time). Anyway...

The soulish realm is the mind...the spirit in us is the breadth that God breathes through us or the Holy Spirit is the mind of God. Jesus requires that we forgive, and the Holy Spirit insists on it, at least in my life

It is funny how the Lord deals with me with unforgiveness, He doesn't give me any peace (even when I know I am right). You know, that righteous indignation when you are assured you have the right to hold unforgiveness. He doesn't care what you think, His word is His word.

Forgiveness is a mandate from the Lord, if you are going to truly walk in love.

The ministry of the "forgiving mothers" that was highlighted at the GPF on October 7th at CITN was a beautiful evidence of what true forgiveness is.

Although forgiveness does not negate the feelings of hurt and sorrow about the slain son or the regret concerning the son in the penal system, we are all better seeing "love manifested through forgiveness" which yields the peacable fruit of righteousness.

Peace and blessings, Yvonne

Yvonne said...

Sister Rosette, this is Yvonne responding to your brief message to me. There is a grant that I want to pass on to you so you may find a grant writer to apply for this grant, but I am not sure about the details of your non-profit status.

Anyway, I can discuss the details one on one when contact is made. The email I sent you is one of my ministry emails and it is just two words put together. Reconciliation and Outreach to form reconciliationoutreach@gmail.com. If you are having a time with that long email, you may send it to
fire8water@gmail/that should be easier for you.

I will give you as much information as I can. I look forward to hearing from you.

love, Sister Yvonne

Yvonne said...

Donald,

Please receive my condolescences and my prayers.

Peace and blessings,
Yvonne

Unknown said...

Yes, Tracy, thank you for responding. I had this whole rambling thing going that actually started with thoughts from your post, (like Bishop defined so well tonight, thanks much! Bishop) trying to find the Spirit path that said what I sensed in my spirit. Some things ended up on the cutting floor so it was good to have you make the connection and I'm glad for the opportunity to give props to your morning post--and 7:07pm too!

Donald, your post touches soul and spirit deep and ends with your wonderful humor. Would take me an hour to get out what I would like to say, so I'm hoping "Love ya, blogbro" translates it.

Ebony, "The only stupid mistake is one made twice." May I add a sentence to your letter from Tracy's post? "And if you make that stupid mistake for a 10th time, rejoice that there's only 34 more left before you get it!"

G'night ALL.

Son of Zadok said...

60 !

ver: blest!

aw ya