I wonder if the paralytic man knew he was in need of forgiveness?? Did he really have any idea of what was about to happen to him? Does what Jesus did even make sense?
I come to Jesus when I need help - when I am looking for encouragement, when I am needing to be strengthened. Maybe what I really need is forgiveness.
Could it be that my helplessness, discouragement and weakness have entered my life because I have given into sin? I have let Satan have the smallest of footholds and he has taken the greatest advantage of that "lapse."
What the paralytic thought he needed from Jesus was really secondary. Primarily he needed forgiveness.
When it comes right down to it, my spiritual health will get me a lot further than my physical health.
Please forgive!
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
Monday, May 23, 2005
Friday, May 20, 2005
Who is Jesus? #59 (Forgiver Cont.)
Two big F's that somehow go together - faith and forgiveness. Jesus saw the faith of the men who brought the paralytic and forgave his sins; He healed him later.
Jesus was always impressed with those who manifested a strong faith. He we repulsed by those who had a weak faith. I can remember several incidents from the gospels that point out those truths.
Faith - absolute trust or confidence in someone or something. Faith in Jesus is not just acknowledging His existence at a point in time in history, but having confidence in what He was all about, His power, His authority, His compassion, His love - Him totally.
In the story of the paralytic, someone/everyone needed to believe that Jesus had the power and authority to forgive sins.
Maybe that is the first step of faith in all of this. He can do it. No one else can. No man on earth has the power to forgive sins except Jesus.
I believe it!
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
Jesus was always impressed with those who manifested a strong faith. He we repulsed by those who had a weak faith. I can remember several incidents from the gospels that point out those truths.
Faith - absolute trust or confidence in someone or something. Faith in Jesus is not just acknowledging His existence at a point in time in history, but having confidence in what He was all about, His power, His authority, His compassion, His love - Him totally.
In the story of the paralytic, someone/everyone needed to believe that Jesus had the power and authority to forgive sins.
Maybe that is the first step of faith in all of this. He can do it. No one else can. No man on earth has the power to forgive sins except Jesus.
I believe it!
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Who is Jesus? #58 (Forgiver Cont.)
Why is it that sometimes, I don't feel "forgiven?" Is it because my sin is so great that I can't accept the fact that I am forgiven? Is it because I am looking for a "cleansed" feeling that only happens over time? Jesus came to forgive. I need forgiveness. Why don't I feel forgiven?
Matthew 9: they brought a man to Jesus who needed physical healing. He was a paralytic. The Bible says that "when Jesus saw their faith" he told the man his sins were forgiven.
There is some connection between faith and forgivenesss that needs exploring. What I believe about Jesus, who He was/is, His mission and His person all come into play here.
It's too much to think about all at one time.
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
Matthew 9: they brought a man to Jesus who needed physical healing. He was a paralytic. The Bible says that "when Jesus saw their faith" he told the man his sins were forgiven.
There is some connection between faith and forgivenesss that needs exploring. What I believe about Jesus, who He was/is, His mission and His person all come into play here.
It's too much to think about all at one time.
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Who is Jesus? #57 (Forgiver Cont.)
"...how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Peter asks a legalistic question from a heart that does not understand forgiveness. Jesus' answer, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times" is not an indicator of limited forgiveness. Jesus is not playing a numbers game here when it comes to being forgiven.
Jesus says my extending of forgiveness to others is to be like His forgiveness extended to me: total, complete, all inclusive, nothing held back.
The master of forgiveness points the way. I have to forgive it all - every time - just as He did and does.
That's tough. Satan plays with my mind. He want me to remember, to hold grudges, to take revenge - to not forgive.
Being able to forgive others is mastered only when I understand the Master's forgiveness of me.
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
Jesus says my extending of forgiveness to others is to be like His forgiveness extended to me: total, complete, all inclusive, nothing held back.
The master of forgiveness points the way. I have to forgive it all - every time - just as He did and does.
That's tough. Satan plays with my mind. He want me to remember, to hold grudges, to take revenge - to not forgive.
Being able to forgive others is mastered only when I understand the Master's forgiveness of me.
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Who is Jesus? #56 (Forgiver Cont.)
So, what if I sin and know good and well what I am doing? How can Jesus forgive out and out rebellion? How can He forgive me when I, in essence, am shaking my fist in His face and saying, "you're not big enough to make me stop."
I have done that. How can Jesus forgive that?
I am glad we have the example of Peter. The angel addresses the women at the empty tomb and says,"...He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter,....." (Mark 16:6-7).
Peter is specifically mentioned. None of the other disciples are mentioned by name here - not even the one that Jesus loved. This is the Peter that said he would die for Jesus but ended up denying he even knew Him. That denial made Peter remorseful - he wept bitterly. How he must have felt total rejection - failure - outcast.
But Jesus mentions him by name as one that needs to hear the news. Jesus brings him back into His good graces. This is acceptance - this is forgiveness.
Can I hear Jesus call me by name and encourage me back into His forgiving arms?
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
I have done that. How can Jesus forgive that?
I am glad we have the example of Peter. The angel addresses the women at the empty tomb and says,"...He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples and Peter,....." (Mark 16:6-7).
Peter is specifically mentioned. None of the other disciples are mentioned by name here - not even the one that Jesus loved. This is the Peter that said he would die for Jesus but ended up denying he even knew Him. That denial made Peter remorseful - he wept bitterly. How he must have felt total rejection - failure - outcast.
But Jesus mentions him by name as one that needs to hear the news. Jesus brings him back into His good graces. This is acceptance - this is forgiveness.
Can I hear Jesus call me by name and encourage me back into His forgiving arms?
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Who is Jesus? #55 (Forgiver Cont.)
A real forgiver of sins is one who will forgive me even when I do not know what I am doing. These are the exact words of Jesus from the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." They didn't know they were nailing Jesus to the cross?? They didn't know they were exposing my Lord to the worst shame and disgrace imaginable?? They didn't know that this was the most agonizing death imaginable??
They knew, but what they didn't know was that they were playing a part in an eternal scenario that would bring forgiveness to the entire world.
But, there are times when I sin not knowing what I am doing. I am counting on, though I do not deserve, the complete forgiveness of the Master.
I wonder how many times He has observed me and turned to His Father and said, "Forgive him, he doesn't know what he is doing."
Be Strong and Courageous,
L. T.
They knew, but what they didn't know was that they were playing a part in an eternal scenario that would bring forgiveness to the entire world.
But, there are times when I sin not knowing what I am doing. I am counting on, though I do not deserve, the complete forgiveness of the Master.
I wonder how many times He has observed me and turned to His Father and said, "Forgive him, he doesn't know what he is doing."
Be Strong and Courageous,
L. T.
Monday, May 09, 2005
Who is Jesus? #54 (Forgiver Cont.)
Forgiveness. I can't think of anything in my life that I have more earnestly coveted/needed than forgiveness. There was a time in my life when I offended and disappointed many people. I wanted their forgiveness and I needed God's.
David said it this way. "For the sake of your name O Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great," (Psalm 25:11).
It is amazing how that the tremendous burden of sin can be lifted once I accept the forgiveness of God. How refreshing - a sense of stating over. Only God can do that.
The forgiveness of men is sometimes slow in coming, but God's is quick to remove the guilt from a penitent heart.
He will forgive, "though my iniquity is great."
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
David said it this way. "For the sake of your name O Lord, forgive my iniquity, though it is great," (Psalm 25:11).
It is amazing how that the tremendous burden of sin can be lifted once I accept the forgiveness of God. How refreshing - a sense of stating over. Only God can do that.
The forgiveness of men is sometimes slow in coming, but God's is quick to remove the guilt from a penitent heart.
He will forgive, "though my iniquity is great."
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Who is Jesus? #53 (Forgiver Cont.)
Are there conditions for receiving the forgiveness of Jesus? Does He just offer it to everyone? Is it free of charge? Are there those who are disqualified from receiving it?
There was the man who was forgiven a huge debt and, in turn, refused to forgive his debtor a minimal debt, (Matthew 18:23-35). It would be like the bank writing off a $1,000,000 debt that I owed and then I turn around and refuse to forgive someone who owed me lunch money.
There must be something being taught here for me. Is my ability to receive forgiveness based on my willingness to forgive others?
If I do not forgive, I am losing something very important. Maybe it is the thought that if I am not a forgiver, I cannot fully understand and appreciate being forgiven.
Jesus concluded this story by saying, "this is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart," (Matt. 18:35).
I don't want to be treated this way. I don't want forgiveness withdrawn! I need it and I need it desperately!.
Father, forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us!
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
There was the man who was forgiven a huge debt and, in turn, refused to forgive his debtor a minimal debt, (Matthew 18:23-35). It would be like the bank writing off a $1,000,000 debt that I owed and then I turn around and refuse to forgive someone who owed me lunch money.
There must be something being taught here for me. Is my ability to receive forgiveness based on my willingness to forgive others?
If I do not forgive, I am losing something very important. Maybe it is the thought that if I am not a forgiver, I cannot fully understand and appreciate being forgiven.
Jesus concluded this story by saying, "this is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart," (Matt. 18:35).
I don't want to be treated this way. I don't want forgiveness withdrawn! I need it and I need it desperately!.
Father, forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us!
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Who is Jesus? #52 (Forgiver Cont.)
What does it cost to be a forgiver? The Bible makes one things perfectly clear. "Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness," (Hebrews 9:22).
That's a pretty high price to pay. To shed blood means to sacrifice, give up one's life - to die. But I haven't shed any blood. My blood hasn't been spilled to forgive my sins or anyone elses. Forgiveness only comes after bloodshed.
Whose then? My sins but whose blood? I am seeking forgiveness at the expense of whose blood? Who would do that for me?
The cost of forgiveness is too great! Who would offer to pay such a high price and why would He/they do it?
In this life, if I think something costs too much, I don't get it. I won't pay it. I almost feel like parking my car because of the price of a gallon of gas.
Forgiveness comes with a high price tag.
Where's the blood?
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
That's a pretty high price to pay. To shed blood means to sacrifice, give up one's life - to die. But I haven't shed any blood. My blood hasn't been spilled to forgive my sins or anyone elses. Forgiveness only comes after bloodshed.
Whose then? My sins but whose blood? I am seeking forgiveness at the expense of whose blood? Who would do that for me?
The cost of forgiveness is too great! Who would offer to pay such a high price and why would He/they do it?
In this life, if I think something costs too much, I don't get it. I won't pay it. I almost feel like parking my car because of the price of a gallon of gas.
Forgiveness comes with a high price tag.
Where's the blood?
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
Monday, May 02, 2005
Who is Jesus? #51 (Forgiver Cont.)
Is it possible that Jesus knows what I "really" need while I only know what I "think" I need? This paralyzed man, and his friends, came to Jesus for His power to heal physically and received that only after they experienced His power to heal spiritually.
What a bonus! Not! That was what he needed, first and foremost. It was his physical healing that was the bonus! He needed his soul cleansed and then, and only then, could he be healed physically.
Those lawyers were right - only God can forgive sins and He did exactly that on this occassion. Jesus, when I come to you with what I think I need, please give me what I really need - please forigve.
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
What a bonus! Not! That was what he needed, first and foremost. It was his physical healing that was the bonus! He needed his soul cleansed and then, and only then, could he be healed physically.
Those lawyers were right - only God can forgive sins and He did exactly that on this occassion. Jesus, when I come to you with what I think I need, please give me what I really need - please forigve.
Be Strong and Courageous,
L.T.
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