2/8/15
UnForgiveness A Hindrance to God’s Blessings
Matthew 6:13-15, 18:21-22
FORGIVENESS is defined as Giving up RESENTMENT against someone and surrendering One’s right to RETALIATE, No matter what the other person did.
UNFORGIVENESS is a deliberate, willful refusal to give up resentment or an insistence that someone pay for a wrong that was committed.
No believer is ever to take matters into their Own hands to retaliate or get even, Our only responsibility is to FORGIVE and let the Lord take care of the rest.
The Nature of UNFORGIVENESS
It doesn’t fit Our identity in Christ. Since we have been forgiven of all Our Sins. Past, Present and Future, we shouldn’t hold grudges against those who have wronged us.
It Plants a Seed of bitterness. A refusal to Forgive is Not an isolated act; it can take root and cause heartache in Our lives (Hebrews 12:15).
It is Rebellion against God. UNFORGIVENESS is sinful because it’s a refusal to do what Our heavenly father asked us to do.
It becomes A Barrier. Those who blame others and refuse to Surrender the bitterness that is Poisoning them cannot Progress in life or achieve the blessings God wants to give.
The Consequences of UNFORGIVENESS
Our Prayer lives Suffer, Our Prayers will be ineffective Until we deal with Our bitterness.
Our Witness is damaged. We can’t tell others about God’s FORGIVENESS when we are are holding grudges.
It hinders people around us. A bitter Spirit can be passed on to others especially children.
DEALING WITH UNFORGIVENESS
Acknowledge it’s serious business, we can’t afford to take unforgiveness lightly. It affects our lives and our relationship with God.
Rev. Jack L. Reed, Pastor
2/22/15
Staying On Track
Proverbs 3:5-6, Matthew 6:25-33
Many believers Started the New Year with Resolutions to stay in tune and on track with God to be better this year than last year. We tend to think, where am I and how I’m doing in my walk with Christ. Think of it this way, God’s paths for us are like railroad tracks.
As long as a train stays on track it’ll keep moving and eventually arrive at its destination. But if it runs out of rails or jump off of them, it becomes useless; the same can be said of believers. Our paths are composed of several basic principles, and if we faithfully put them into practice, we’ll experience the blessings God has for those who stay on course.
It starts by, Making Prayer and Meditation on God’s Word Daily Priorities (Psalm 1:1-3).
Trust God in Every Circumstance (Proverb 3:5).
Waite upon the Lord for his direction (Psalm 27).
Depend on the Holy Spirit to equip you (John 14:16-18).
Remember God loves his children Unconditionally (Roman 8:38-39).
Give generously to the Lord (Luke 6:38).
Recognize that God is in Complete Control (Psalm 103:19).
Keep the destination in Sight (John 14:2-3).
Rev. Jack L. Reed, Pastor