Forgiveness Wins

June 23, 2015

Forgiveness Wins

Our souls fell to their knees at the news that nine beautiful church members in Charleston, SC were shot at a Bible Study by a racist gunman.

As we wept, the world expected rioting. Forgiveness wins. The Holy City, the world UNITED in the unconditional love of Jesus Christ. Beauty from ashes.

The tragedy may have happened in a church. The peace, forgiveness, unity and love happened because of Jesus in the church. Because of Jesus in our hearts.

“…and upon this Rock I will build My church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.” –Matthew 16:18b NLT

“Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. God showed how much He loves us by sending His one and only Son into the word so that we might have eternal life through Him. This is real love…” –1 John 4:7-10a NLT

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

June 16, 2015

Finding the UNITY in CommUNITY

The word “unity” has been pounding on my heart and my mind recently. The first name of the country we are blessed to be born and live in says it all: UNITED States of America.

Just a few minutes reading the newspaper or watching the television news, though,and division seems to be the central theme–from divisive political parties, race relations, sports teams, schools, churches, even Christian denominations. How discouraging.

I was so encouraged this past weekend to be part of The Response South Carolina (www.theresponsesc.com) event, held this past Saturday at the North Charleston Coliseum. What a refreshing time of gathering at least 4,000 people to pray for our nation, our state, our city, our churches, our schools, our families, our court system, our media and arts, and our own hearts. This day of prayer was modeled after similar events in Texas and Louisiana. No political parties or denominations or even names were mentioned from the stage. Only God was glorified.

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley showed much courage to allow and orchestrate such an event and even kicked off the event with a prayer. It revived our hearts and spirit to focus and what we have in common, not what pulls us apart.

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit–just as you were called in one hope when you were called–one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over and through all and in all.” –Ephesians 4:3-6 NIV

May we all be challenged today and every day to find the unity in the UNITED States of America and in our own commUNITY! Let’s unite in love.

Reflect

–What circumstances in your life are you united or divided on with others? Please comment.

–How may your response be different? Please comment.

Renew

–“My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” –Colossians 2:2 NIV

–“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” –Matthew 5:9 NIV

Recharge

–Consider three people this week with whom you will extend the bond of peace.

Resource

www.theresponsesc.com

June 9, 2015

What Is Your Self-Worth Worth?

Do you ever feel beaten down? I do too.

The following story puts our self worth in perspective. You may have heard this encouraging analogy before. It bears repeating…

A conference speaker held up a $20.00 bill.

In the auditorium filled with people, she asked, ‘Who would like this $20 bill?’

Hands started going up.

She said, ‘I am going to give it to someone, but first let me do this.’ She proceeded to crumple up the bill. She then asked, ‘Who still wants it?’

Still the hands went up in the air.

‘Well,’ she replied, ‘what if I do this?’ And she dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with her shoe. She picked it up, now crumpled and dirty.

‘Now who still wants it?’ she asked.

Again the hands went into the air.

‘My friends, ‘ she continued, ‘we have all learned a valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20.

Many times in our lives we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make, the circumstances that come our way, or hurtful words spoken to us by people we love and sometimes even strangers. We may feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what happens to you, you will never lose your value–dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless to God (our Creator and the Lifter of our heads) and to those who love you.’

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” –Ephesians 2:10 NLT

The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or whom we know, but by WHO we are because of WHOSE we are. You are worthy, friend. You are God’s masterpiece.

Reflect:

–How can you relate to this story? Please comment.

Renew:

–“So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” –Genesis 1:27 NIV

–“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.” –Proverbs 31:1-2 NIV

–“And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” –Matthew 10:30-31 NIV

Recharge:

–Name three people you will encourage this week and let them know how much you value and appreciate them.