Forgiveness

Someone once said, "To err is human, to forgive, divine."

Tonight my sister shared a fair bit of her journey in Ireland prior to her permanent return to Malaysia when she graduated several years ago. She mentioned about taking time to seek forgiveness from everyone that she once hurt or offended, be it small or big. 

Reminded of several occasions in the Bible where Jesus insisted on the greatness and urgency to forgive. The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant is perhaps one of the best examples we should keep in heart dearly.

Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”

Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. (77???)

He continues, “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.

“At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.

“But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.

“His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’

“But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.

“Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.

Take note of verse 35!

“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

In Colossians 3:13 it says, "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

In Matthew 6:14, "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." (ESV)

Often we are just like the servant that owed Jesus way way too much, too vast too insurmountable that there is no way we can ever pay back our debt. A life crucified and sacrificed for us. We in the very first position are not worthy to receive the forgiveness from Him, the Forgiver. There is no greater example, no greater demonstration of forgiveness and love other than the one vividly shown on the Cross.

We are forgiven of our sins, yet when we choose not to forgive others, we sin.

If we think about how great a sinner we are, yet freely we receive the grace and forgiveness through the blood of Jesus Christ that cleanses us, as white as snow, how can we NOT forgive our fellow friends or believers who wronged us, either intentional or unintentionally? When Christ forgives us, there is no condition attached. When we choose not to forgive, there is a sign of bitterness and pride. Danger!

Remove the log from our own eyes. Dare one to boast that he is righteous and have never wronged others. The truth is that we are all imperfect beings, that in our imperfection there will always be occasions that we hurt or wrong others, be it small, huge, unintentionally or being negligent.

Reflecting on my days here on earth, way too many occasions I hurt or wronged someone, the worst is when I couldn't even remember what I have said or done. And surely I gotta forgive all those whom in their weakness did the same to me.

The next time when we struggle to forgive, remember what Jesus once did to us. Forgiveness that has been ready before we even asked for it. Remember the Parable in Matthew 18. Forgive as the Lord forgave us. Sometimes, we don't need a reason to forgive, if we have love. The perfect love doesn't seek a reason to forgive us the unlovable.

Christmas is here! Time to bless and to forgive! Time to say, "Arghh is alright! Don't keep it in your heart!" Time to say, "I forgive you!" Time to say, "I am sorry ..."! Forgiveness makes this world a better place to live in. Forgiveness lightens both the forgiver and receiver's heart. Forgiveness is the antidote to a bitter heart. Forgiveness is Christ's supreme mercy. Forgiveness allows us to find our way up. Forgiveness bridges our relationship with our Father. To forgive is to humble oneself.

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” ~ Colossians 3:12-14

God Loves Us Not Because We Are Lovable

Not that we are lovable, but because Jesus is infinitely lovable and God has made us one with Jesus. 

Consider our weaknesses and flaws, tainted with sins that shame Christ's glory, we are no where close to be lovable. Yet God loves us. That's the truth. Unfathomable.

No matter how good, successful, outstanding, unique, or all the opposites we are, God's love for us is the same. Nothing that we do can make Him love us more, or less. Bible says God doesn't show favoritism ~ Romans 2:11.

If we are saved today, do not undermine those yet-to-be-saved. God loves them equally, for He does not want anyone to perish but everyone to repent. He died for the World ~ John 3:16, not just the American, or the Asian, or ... but the whole world.

You are bought at a price. You are priceless. Your identity and status are not determined by what the world says, but God. Regardless of what the world tells you, God says, "I love you, my Child."

Below is a Letter from God to You, taken from Seek God Ministries.

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To My precious child:

Because I knew even before I created the earth that you would accept My love for you, and that you would seek to know Me thus…

In the beginning I created the heavens and the earth. Then at the right time and in the right place I created you. I created your inner most being, I created every part of you, I knit you together in your mother's womb. You were carefully and wonderfully made; my works are wonderful, and you My precious child are my work. My eyes saw your unformed body. All the days planned for you were written in my book before one of them came to be. How precious are my thoughts for you, How great is the number of them! If you were to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand.

Listen to me, My precious child; I created you and have cared for you since before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime, until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you. I will carry you in my arms, holding you close to my heart. For I know the plans that I have for you plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

My precious child there are some times of suffering in your life. But the temporary suffering of this life does not compare to the glory that shall be revealed in you. Know this that I am with you and I will help you. Your help comes from me, I am the God who created the heavens and the earth, and the one who created you. I will never leave you, I will never reject you. When your parents fail you I will pick you up, hold you close, and adopt you. Nothing can ever separate you from my love for you. When you are in trouble and distress my love is with you. When you are persecuted my love is with you. When you are hungry and cold and naked my love is with you, I am always with you. When you are in danger and threatened with death my love is with you, I will be with you forever.

My precious child know that nothing can separate you from my love, no matter how high you go, no matter how deep you sink, nothing in life and not even death can separate you from Me, and My love for you. No demon or any other power in hell can separate you from my love. My love for you is revealed through Christ Jesus your Lord. In all things and every situation you will have victory, you will conquer, because the victory of Christ Jesus is your victory.

But now, My precious child, I the LORD, who created you and formed you, says: Do not be afraid, for I have purchased you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, they will not over flow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned. I command you to be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid; do not be dismayed, for I, the LORD your God will be with you everywhere you go.

My precious child, know that everything will work together for your good, because you love me. You have been called according to my purpose. For I knew you before you were born and I predestined you to be conformed to the likeness of my Son, Jesus Christ. This is your destiny, and this is your purpose, that you become one with my Son Jesus, and thus one with me. I created you in my image so that you and I can express love to each other. The most intimate relationship you can have is with me because you and I are becoming one. You and your brothers and sisters that believe in me are becoming one with Jesus, and thus one with me. You in me, and me in you, together, unified by my love for you. You were designed for this purpose, nothing else will ever satisfy your deepest needs, your deepest desires, only I can. Because you seek to know me I satisfy your heart with love, joy, and peace that only I can give you.

My precious child if you should forget me, and enter into sin, and not turn back to Me on your own then I will punish you. Because your sin will separate you from feeling My presence, and My influence, and I want you to return to your first love, the One who loves you. I the Lord discipline those I love, and I punish everyone who I accept as my child. Just as a good Father disciplines His children to turn them away from a dangerous path, so I shall discipline you for your good, that you may share in My holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

My precious child, When you confess your sins, I am faithful and just and will forgive you of your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. In repentance and resting in Me is your salvation, in quietness and trusting Me is your strength. I will create in you a clean heart and renew a right spirit within you. I will not send you away from My presence, and I will not take My Holy Spirit from you. I will restore again the joy of your salvation, and make you willing to obey Me. Then you will teach My ways to sinners, and they will return to Me also. Humble yourself, therefore, under My mighty hand, that I may lift you up at the right time.

My precious child do not forget all my benefits, I forgive all your sins and heal all your diseases, I rescue your life from the pit of destruction and crown you with love and compassion. I satisfy your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagles. I The LORD work righteousness and justice for all the oppressed; I The LORD am compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. I will not always accuse, nor will I harbor my anger forever; I do not treat you as your sins deserve or repay you according to your iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is My love for you because you fear Me; as far as the east is from the west, so far have I removed your transgressions from you.

My precious child, call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. Always pray to Me about your every concern, pray from your mouth and pray from your heart, I hear every thought that you think. Everything that you care about, I care about also because it concerns you. Cast all your cares and anxiety on Me because I love you. Trust in Me, the LORD YOUR GOD, with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding; In everything acknowledge Me, And I will direct your paths. Do not worry about anything, but in everything big or small, by prayer, with thanksgiving, present your requests to Me, the Most High God. And I will give you My peace in your heart, peace that is beyond all human understanding, and it will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus. Always be joyful. Keep on praying always. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is My will for you because you belong to Me.

My precious child, Study My Book of law and truth, the Holy Bible, do not let My words depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. My words are Spirit and they are Life. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you will, and it will be given you. For the word of God is living and powerful. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. The most important thing you will ever own is your Bible because it gives you knowledge of Me, The Most High God. It makes the poor rich, it gives hope to the hopeless, faith to the fearful, food to the hungry, water to the thirsty, love to the despised, comfort to the lonely, freedom to the prisoner, health to the sick, light in the darkness, and life to the dying.

My precious child I have set up circumstances and situations in your life to cause you to seek Me and find Me. I desire that you know Me. I am The Lord your God, full of compassion, and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But My precious child glory in this, That you understand and know Me, That I am the LORD, exercising compassion, lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight and take pleasure.

All things are created for My pleasure and My pleasure is to show forth loving compassion. I have compassion on the poor and needy, and I am a Father to the fatherless, I help them, and I defend them. Far below Me are the heavens and the earth, I stoop to look down, and I lift the poor from the dirt and the needy from the garbage dump and I set them among princes. My precious child I want you to do these things also, have compassion on the poor and needy and help them, this is what it means to know Me. For I am Love, and when you live in love, you live in Me, and I live in you. Loving compassion is good, and this is what I require from you, to do what is right, to love compassion, and to walk humbly with your God.

As a father has compassion on his children, so I your LORD have compassion on you because you fear Me; for I know how you were formed, I remember that you are dust. Forever and ever My love is with you because you fear Me, and My righteousness with your children's children; with those who keep My covenant and remember to obey My laws. My law is to love. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments all of My laws are based. When you walk in love you are obeying all My laws. When you walk in Love you are walking in My Holy Spirit for I AM LOVE!

My precious child come and live in My shelter, in the protection of the Most High God, you will find rest in the presence of the Almighty. You will say, "This I declare of the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him." My precious child I will rescue you from every trap and protect you from the fatal plague. I will shield you with My wings. I will shelter you with My feathers. My faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor fear the dangers of the day, nor dread the plague that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. But you will see it with your eyes; you will see how the wicked are punished.

Because you My precious child make the LORD your refuge, because you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your dwelling. For I order My angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you with their hands to keep you from striking your foot on a stone. You will trample down lions and poisonous snakes; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

My precious child, My servant, and My friend, whom I have chosen, I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will hold you up with my righteous right hand. All who come against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, for I myself will help you declares the LORD, your Redeemer. You will rejoice in the LORD and glory in the Holy One of Israel.

My precious child, when you asked Me to forgive your sins and come into your heart I sent My Holy Spirit into you to comfort you, to give you power, and as proof to you that I have adopted you as My child. The Holy Spirit shall lead you into all truth because He shall testify of Jesus, and He will give you power to testify of Jesus. I will speak to you through My Holy Spirit that is in you, He will tell you what is right and wrong, what is love and hate. My Holy Spirit is a gentle whisper inside your heart telling you the path to walk in. If you walk in My Spirit you will walk in love, you will not sin. And you will see great and mighty things happen before you, they will not be accomplished by strength, nor by outside force, but by My Spirit says the LORD ALMIGHTY. Through My Holy Spirit I shall give you supernatural gifts that you may be blessed, and that you shall bless others through demonstrating My love for them. My Holy Spirit will be with you through out your whole life, and after I will receive you into My glory.

I your LORD say to you I will rescue you because you love me. I will protect you because you trust in my name. When you call on me, I will answer; I will be with you in trouble. I will rescue you and honor you. I will satisfy you with a long life and give you my salvation. Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me. It is your destiny. ♥

(Credit to the Owner) 

We Move Forward

The reality of life is that we move forward. We grow up, we become more knowledgeable, more mature. Every tomorrow is a little growth to where we are today as we see, hear, experience, encounter and learn more and more each day. We are created to grow forward or upward and not backward or downward. Likewise, a believer's walk with God is the same. If we are serious about pursuing God, our relationship with God today should be stronger than yesterday. Our understanding and knowledge about God today should increase further as compared to yesterday. Our love for God today should be greater than yesterday. Our faith in God today should be bigger and more audacious than yesterday. If not, we have a problem. Something is not very right. Do not then, dwell in the past, even in the good jolly times. Therefore, our greatest encounter with God should be what is ahead, our greatest testimony should be what is to come, as there is so much more that is yet to come. I hope that 30 years down the track, I will not say that the best year I had with God is 2012, but expecting it to be the year ahead then. 

In His Hands

Closing a chapter in life on this fateful day. My God reigns, he reigns forever and ever. I still trust and believe. My lips will sing forever that God is good, all the time; and all the time, God is good. <3 nbsp="nbsp" p="p">

Resolutions

As the curtain closes for the year 2011, it’s time to prepare for the opening of a new door to welcome 2012. Reflection and evaluation are crucial to measure the goals achieved and to identify those flunked areas to enhance on in the year to come.

Setting new year resolutions indicates the firmness to have a purposeful life. Resolutions are more than just mere decisions. Resolutions keep one going. Resolutions are unshakable determinations. They are deliberative. They are part of life direction.

We might have a whole list of life resolutions each year. They are good but it is imperative to establish God-centered resolutions which are driven by the Love and Passion for God, seasoned with Faith NOT without action and sustained by Grace. Holy Spirit should be the guardian with Scripture as the leveling standard and point of reference. 

Invest some time and ponder about it. Is God tugging our heart for a brand new direction? Is God wanting us to strive for more or just to make some minor refurbishment replacing the old ones? What God wants or what I want? Our resolutions must not be too small or too big to exclude God, or thinking that God will not be interested.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 

Desire to have straight paths in the coming year? Acknowledge God in all our planning. Why? Simply because in his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Remember also that many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. Substitute the “plan” with “resolution” and one shall not go wrong.

Not bothered or too lazy to set some goals or resolutions? Then are we prepared to bear the cost - 365 days at the verge of being scattered and beating the air, chasing shadows. 

I pray that my New Year resolutions will be able to honour and glorify the Master of my life. 

Have a look at Jonathan Edwards’ – 70 Life Resolutions. They will blow your mind away. :) 

My Identity

12.30am

I stood in front of the mirror in my bathroom, gazing and looking forlornly into the mirror to locate my identity. It has been a journey, yet I questioned myself again – “Who am I? Who am I representing? I am created in the image of God, but on this day, can people see Christ in me?” It's a good reflection, a just in-time self-check. 

I know my identity is in Christ. I am called to be the ambassador of Christ on this earth and God is making his appeal through me. Have I been shining? Have I been leading people to the Cross, pointing them to the Truth, or have I been tainting God’s glorious image? 

Ambassadors are sent to a foreign, often unfriendly country. John 20:21, “As my Father has sent me, I am sending you.” Why ambassador? I am reminded that as a traveler in a foreign country (this earth), I must remember I am not at home and deserving comfort. This world is not my home, I am just passing through. I am called the “foreigners and exiles” 1 Peter 2:11. I am a pilgrim, my ONLY abode is in heaven. Yet, have I been diligent and handling my assigned duty well?

Again, I am reminded that I am here not by chance but by God’s choosing. His hand formed and made me the person I am. I am one of a kind. I lack nothing that His grace can't give me. He has allowed me to be here at this time in history to fulfil His special purpose for this generation.

So who am I? I am proud to introduce you, I am Joshua A.K.A Ah Beng . Sing Hoe, God’s chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession. 

I am … 

Fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)

Precious to God (Isaiah 43:4)

Cared about since my conception (Isaiah 46:3)

God's child (John 1:12)

Jesus' friend (John 15:15)

Chosen by Jesus (John 15:16)

Loved dearly by God (John 16:27)

Free from condemnation (Romans 8:1)

A temple - a dwelling place - of God's Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16)

Redeemed and forgiven for all my sins (Colossians 1:14) ~ Verla Gilmore

You can have the same citizenship. Application is free. Let me introduce you my King, Jesus Christ. 

Contentment in God

Contentment is not about having everything, but to have God in everything. ~ J.K.2011. 

Tonight was the first ever church service I had on a Friday evening, except those special occasions such as Christmas, Easter or Good Friday. I thank God for the opportunity to step into the Ablaze Service and be part of her. It has been on my mind for long, wanting to pay her a visit - to have a taste of different worship environment, congregation, culture, setting, style but the same God. It was awesome. 

As I was preparing myself for the service, a word was embedded vividly in my heart - Contentment. I was reminded again about finding satisfaction in God during the worship and amazingly, the first key point of the sermon was about Divine Discontent. That's the reason for penning this down. 

What is satisfaction? What does contentment mean? The worldly context and the godly context - there is distinct difference. 

I have been searching; I have been aiming and setting goals. I have things that I desire, or sometimes I wish I can possess all at once. Some are far fetching, some are just not realistic. Perhaps fame, skills, wealth, recognition, power, influence, life security, relationship, etc. I guess everyone has something in mind that one wishes to attain, if not to possess. I love to observe. As a result, I often made statements - "I wish I can have ..." 

Martin Luther once said, "I have held many things in my hands, and have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess." 

Knowing God marked the process of finding my contentment and satisfaction towards this life. What can this world offer comparable with that insight into spiritual things. Everything on and in this world is temporary and will pass away. I am reminded to fix my eyes on the things unseen. I am reminded that I can't add a single hour to my life by worrying. I want to accommodate myself heavenward, knowing that running after this world is perpetually exhausting, for one will never have enough. Only God can satisfy the craving of our soul. In everyone's heart, there is a God-shaped hole. Only the Creator can fill in. 

So Lord, teach me that in my self I find insufficiency and no rest, but in Christ there is satisfaction and peace. 

To have nothing, is to possess all. Teach me when and what to hold loosely, and when and what to hold tightly. I don't want to waste my life catching the wind and shadow.  

I am Yours - Love Came Down. 

O Lord, hasten that day.