Forgiveness is a gift

Blooming cactus at Frederick Meijer Gardens

Blooming cactus at Frederick Meijer Gardens

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” — Ephesians 4:32.

When someone wrongs me, the last thing I want to do is to forgive him and move on. If you’re like me, I want to think on it, mull it over, and play it again over and over in my head. When I rehearse the dirty details blow by blow, I notice I become angrier too. This isn’t how God desires me to act or think.

The Message reads, “Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.”

Ouch! The last thing on my mind are the words gentle and sensitive. Forgive quickly? Not my style. Forgive thoroughly? Seriously — this is a suggestion, right? Wrong.

The reason for this tough assignment … God forgave me. Not just once, but over and over and over again. He continues to forgive me and take me back under his wings of love and protection.

How can I do any less for those who harm or hurt me intentionally or unintentionally?

Thank you, God, for forgiving me too many times to count. With your help and strength, I can forgive any wrong inflicted upon me.

Is there someone you harbor a grudge against? When you hear their voice or see them, does it bring up bitter feelings? Can you step back and remember the times God forgave you? Take time to thank God today for forgiving you. Ask him to give you the strength and the desire to forgive that person who wronged you.

Harmony

Harmony — what most of us strive for in our everyday life. What many are unable to grasp. The opposite of harmony might be stress or frustration.

When two or more individuals sit together in a room, a sense of harmony is either felt or not. If harmony is felt, productivity rises. Camaraderie boosts self-esteem and a sense of belonging reigns.

I look forward to being captivated for an overnight retreat with a group of fellow writer friends. Some I know; others I do not. We’ll be together for 24 hours participating in various activities such as:

  • Goal setting
  • Journaling
  • Writing
  • Self-editing
  • Critiquing

Will it be hard work? Yes. But, ‘twill be worth it!

All the people invited and attending will be of the same mind. The same attitude of goal seeking with an attempt to better themselves and learn more of the craft of writing. Do we all write the same type of pieces? No … some write fiction, others non-fiction, screenplays or poetry. We are created different, but similar in many respects.

Like-mindedness. Unity. Compatibility. Respect. Artistic talents.  These qualities achieved by thinking highly of others and not thinking too highly of self. Most possess sensitive spirits; some harbor bruised lives and egos. Yet, we carry on the mission and passion God instilled in our hearts long ago. Desiring to put down on paper what God has taught us. Eager to share personal knowledge and words of wisdom from having walked dusty, bumpy trails.

In the book of Galatians, Paul tells believers in Christ about the fruits of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23). These are traits God is pleased with and would smile upon.

This is what I see manifest when I rub shoulders with my fellow harmonious comrades.  It’s almost like being with family; except with friends, I can choose them!

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” — Psalm 139:14.

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You have been created for great things!

Don’t allow anything to interfere with your love for Jesus. You belong to him. Nothing can separate you from him. That one sentence is important to remember. He will be your joy, your strength. If you hold onto that sentence, temptations and difficulties will come, but nothing will break you. Remember, you have been created for great things. —

Mother Teresa

21-Rifle Salute

Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta-Michigan

Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta-Michigan

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a military funeral memorial for a friend’s brother at Fort Custer National Cemetery. I was impressed by the orderly (almost reverent) way in which the United States flag was handled and meticulously folded. Every inch was precisely hand-pressed before the flag was presented to his widow. The sound of taps was heard in the distance as a bagpiper played Amazing Grace.          

All stood at attention when an honor guard squad shot three rounds in the air. One shot for his birth, the second shot honoring his military service, and the last round for his death.

This individual’s time on earth ceased when he breathed his last breath. But for those of us who heard the shells clink-clink on the pavement — we still inhale and exhale.

Family and friends chuckled as his sister reminisced about brother-sister antics while growing up. Others reflected on his fix-it ability and honorable service to his country and the community. Without a doubt, this man was loved and gave of himself to many people.

Their words caused me to consider my own life and motivation for doing what I do. What struck me was the finality of life. I’ll admit that the thought is somewhat frightening. I only have one chance to make a difference here on earth. Am I using my time wisely? I still have time to speak a kind word, make a new friend, and forgive a wrong.

Missionary C.T. Studd wrote a poem entitled Only One Life reflecting on life issues such as:

  • Brevity of life
  • Cleaving to God’s holy will
  • Asking: do I live for self or in His will?

We’ve only one life ~ it soon will be past ~ Only what’s done for Christ will last

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” –                     (2 Corinthians 5:10).

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My anchor holds

We sang a song in church a few weeks ago and my mind still rehearses the words. For some reason, this week I cling desperately to the words and meaning behind them. I must not allow the storms to shade the light of day.

Muskegon, Michigan pier - photo by Steve Lasher

Muskegon, Michigan pier - photo by Steve Lasher

“Though the angry surges roll on my tempest-driven soul, I am peaceful, for I know …

I’ve an anchor safe and sure, that can evermore endure. But in Christ I can be bold …”  – (My Anchor Holds – lyrics by William C. Martin)

The winds do wildly blow on my bark so small and frail. It’s as though I feel there’s no relief in sight and I may crumble at any moment.

But that’s when my God speaks peace to me, “Be still, my child — you are worried about things that I can handle. Your job is to rest in me and let me be your strong anchor in the midst of the storms.”

Rest. Abide. Trust.

The Lord is my Shepherd

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” — Psalm 23:1–3.

As I read this passage, my mind and soul feel wrapped in comfort and peace. Through the flurry of the week’s events, God’s words speak restoration and renewal.

It’s difficult to come aside and take time to read scripture, let alone, practice what is written. Yet, I know from past experience that when I do make the time to meditate and pray my day goes smoother. My mind stays focused and uncluttered and I accomplish much more than when I constantly worry.

Dear God, forgive me when I want more than I really need. Help me to be content with the many blessings you’ve already give. When I’m content and appreciative, it’s then that you can teach and lead me. I look forward to quiet waters and green pastures.

Are you at a place where it’s hard to look around and see calmness in your life? Can you step aside for even 10 minutes and name your blessings one by one?

Los Cabos shoreline – photo by Steve Lasher

Riding on the wings of the wind

Muskegon pier lighthouse - photo by Steve Lasher

Lake Michigan – photo by Steve Lasher

Muskegon pier - photo by Steve Lasher

“He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind. He makes wind his messengers …”  (Psalm 104:3-4)

Are you missing a sign from God?

“The very fact that God has placed a certain soul in our way is a sign that God wants us to do something for him or her. It is not chance; it has been planned by God. We are bound by conscience to help him or her.” – Mother Teresa

Keep your eyes on the prize!

Feet on Hammock

photo by Steve Lasher

“When you have no vision from God, no enthusiasm left in your life, and no one watching and encouraging you, it requires the grace of Almighty God to take the next step in your devotion to Him, in the reading and studying of His Word, in your family life, or in your duty to Him. It takes much more of the grace of God, and a much greater awareness of drawing upon Him, to take that next step, than it does to preach the gospel.” – quote by Oswald Chambers in My Utmost for His Highest

I am tired and grow weary in the everyday tasks. Dishes and clothes continue to get dirty, meals must be prepared, and bills paid. And then there’s the job outside my home. It’s easy for discouragement to settle in. I feel my enthusiasm for life decrease.

Yet Paul persevered in the middle of tribulations, distress, beatings, imprisonment, hard work, sleepless nights and hunger. He relied on his ever-constant faith in God. In fact, trials and misunderstandings caused him to lean in closer to God.

Dear God, I’ve never experienced anything as severe as what Paul went through. But just like him, I know when I keep my eyes fixed on you; my life is smoother and my disposition more joyful.

Do you feel defeated, physically stressed and worn out? Is it difficult to focus on a task and see it through to completion? Try reading Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 6:3–13. Can you replace your discouragement with rejoicing and open wide your heart to him?

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“What do you want me to do for you?”

My reading for the day takes me to the story of a blind beggar who receives his sight (Luke 18:35–43). Day after day the beggar sat beside the road. One day a crowd passed by. He asked what all the commotion was about and was told, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”     eye glasses

The beggar knew in his heart he needed to get near Jesus — one way or the other. But he couldn’t see to make his way in Jesus’ direction.

So he did the next best thing, he shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” The people around him told him to be quiet. They were annoyed with his constant noise making having only their own agenda in mind. He ignored them and continued to shout out Jesus’ name in hopes that his pleas would capture the Son of David’s attention. And his persistence paid off.

Jesus stopped and asked the beggar, “What do you want me to do for you?” Now that sounds like a leading question if I ever heard one.

“Lord, I want to see.”

Jesus said, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God.

This story makes me think about my own life. God gave me the gift of sight, so I don’t need to ask for eyes to see. But there are things that disturb me that I should be asking for on a daily basis. For instance … the ability to see people through God’s eyes feeling their pain and trying to understand and relate to their needs.

It helps to remember that God works in supernatural ways and is still the God of the impossible. I must believe he is almighty and willing and able to restore healthy relationships to unity and joy.

Thank you, God, that you are mighty. You care about me and desire unity in this strained relationship. You created both of us uniquely. Help me to be patient for your perfect timing in restoration. Give me wise words when we are together so I will not hinder the process. Thank you for forgiving me when I sin and falter time and again.

Is there something that is troubling your soul? Something you’ve been asking God to do for you for a long time? Can you tell him and hold nothing back? Bare your soul to the God of the universe who wants to be your counselor. Allow him to comfort and answer that thing which plagues your soul causing distress and lack of sleep.

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