Played: 0 | Download | Duration: 00:02:26

Get Out of The Way

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

When does salvation come? When we embrace Christ as our personal Savior? Salvation came to us before we ever realized it. God has been working before we were ever born. We don't earn salvation or grab hold of it. It is God's power, through the waters of Baptism that "Cleans us and calls us his own". Simple, isn't it, Christ the Savior! But does that mean the old nature never rears its ugly head again, or that we’ll instantly be able to resist any and all temptation? No, compare your new birth to a newborn baby. Can it walk? Feed itself? Not yet, but someday it will. Is the mother in the delivery room ashamed of the baby? Is she embarrassed that it can’t spell, or give a speech? Of course not! She’s proud. She knows that growth will come with time - so does God. Listen: "...God is being patient with you. He does not want anyone to be lost" (2 Peter 3:9). God is more patient with us than we are with ourselves. We assume that if we fall we aren’t born again, or if we have old desires we must not be a new creation. Paul writes: "God began doing a good work in you, and 'He will continue it until it is finished'" (Philippians 1:6). Your new birth is like your first birth: God provides what you need and someone else does the work. Just as parents are patient with their newborn baby, so God is patient with you. At the cross the work was God's. Now the choice is yours! Will you surrender your life to Jesus Christ so that HE (by the Holy Spirit) can work in, with and through you? Why not get out of the way and let Him be Lord of your life today?

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to bury "self" – that ole Adam in me, so that you can clothe me anew. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Played: 32 | Download | Duration: 00:02:21

Be Teachable

In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!
Hebrews 5:12

Just about everybody recognizes the little man with the tiny black moustache carrying a cane, sporting baggy pants, clumsy shoes and a bowler hat. In fact, in the l920s, Charlie Chaplin was the most famous person on the planet. Born into poverty, he worked on stage to support himself and by the age of 17 he was a veteran performer. Then in 1918, he did something unheard of: at 29 he signed the entertainment industry's first million-dollar contract! But Chaplin was successful not just because he had talent and drive, he was also teachable. He kept learning and perfecting his gift. Even when he was at the height of his popularity, the highest paid performer in the world didn't rest on his laurels. No, he said, "When I watch one of my pictures I pay attention to what the audience doesn't laugh at. If several audiences don't laugh at a stunt, I tear it apart and try to discover what's wrong. On the other hand, if I hear laughter I hadn't expected, I ask myself why that particular thing rang the bell with the audience." If, when Charlie Chaplin became famous, he'd exchanged teachability for arrogance, he'd most likely be forgotten. But he didn't. Instead, he remembered the basics and always kept learning. Eventually, he co-founded United Artists, a company that's still in business today. Listen: "You need someone to teach you 'basic things'" There's no place in God's Kingdom for know-it-alls. When you stay teachable God can use you! So, what do you need to work on learning today?

Prayer
Heavenly Father – help me remain teachable – clay that you can shape and mold each day! Don’t let me get old and hard! In Jesus' Name, Amen

Played: 33 | Download | Duration: 00:02:20

The Invisible Epidemic Part 2

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:4

If you're stressed, and who isn't these days, you've three options. You can opt to: 1) Explode - by dumping your frustration on those around you! But before you do, listen: "The tongue is 'small' but what enormous damage it can do" (James 3:5) If you keep giving everybody a piece of your mind, you'll have nothing (and nobody) left! Unless you're prepared to handle the fall-out, don't say things you'll regret later. 2) Implode - by internalizing stress instead of dealing with it in healthy ways! When you're a "stuffer" your blood pressure soars and your cortisol levels skyrocket making you a prime candidate for ulcers and heart disease. You literally become a walking time bomb! Internalizing stress is like keeping a skunk in your basement. Don't feed it and encourage it to stay - get rid of it! 3) Flow - by learning to accept what you can't change! Paul said, "I know whom I have believed, and am convinced He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him" (2 Timothy 1:12). Notice the words "entrusted to Him..." That's acceptance in its truest sense. It's also how you experience peace. Learning to "go with the flow" is the only way to live, because it allows God to determine the flow. Paul writes: "rejoice when we run into problems, they are good for us" (Romans 5:3). James adds: "when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character, ready for anything." How you handle stress doesn't just reveal your character, it strengthens it.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to deal with stress and manage it positively in my life! In Your Precious Name I pray, Amen

Played: 41 | Download | Duration: 00:02:08

The Invisible Epidemic Part 1

But you, Daniel, close up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge."
Daniel 12:4

When Daniel said that in the last days, “there is going to be a lot of frantic running around” he painted an amazingly accurate picture of our day. There’s an invisible epidemic called S-T-R-E-S-S, and it’s making us feel burned-out, used up and overloaded. Since we can’t change life, we’ve got to change our approach to it. Here are two ways to do that: 1) Simplify your lifestyle! Somebody quipped, “I started out with nothing and I’ve still got most of it!” But most of us have enough to last ten lifetimes! Ask yourself, “Do I really need all these clothes, books, CDs and stuff I’ve accumulated?” Why not unload what you’re not using and give it to someone who can? If you do, your stress levels will decrease and you’ll feel liberated, because the more you have, the more you have to take care of! That’s why Jesus said, “You’re far happier giving than getting” (Acts 20:35). 2) Strive for progress, not perfectionism! Louis de Fontanes said, "The desire of perfection is the worst disease that ever afflicted the human mind.” Perfectionists aren’t just their own worst critics; they’re hard on anyone else who can’t maintain their impossible standards. Learn to live with loose ends and trust God more. If you want progress, you’ve got to be at peace with the mess that accompanies it!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to simplify my life by living with less. Help me accept the mess that comes with progress. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Played: 29 | Download | Duration: 00:01:54

Honesty is the Best Policy

“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”
Ephesians 4:25

It has been said on many occasions and in many ways that honesty is the best policy. For developing disciples of Jesus Christ, it is far more important to note that honesty is God’s policy. And if we are to be servants worthy of our Savior, Jesus Christ, we must be honest and straightforward in our communications with others. 

Sometimes, honesty is difficult; sometimes, honesty is painful; always, honesty is God’s commandment. In the Book of Exodus, God did not command, “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor when it is convenient.” And he didn’t say, “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor most of the time.” God said, "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.” Period.

Sometime, soon, perhaps even today, you will be tempted to bend the truth or perhaps even to break it. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you resist that temptation. Truth is God’s way…and it must also be yours.

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, You are a God of truth; help me be a person of truth. Sometimes speaking the truth is difficult, but when I am weak or fearful, Lord, give me the strength to speak words that will build up and encourage. Holy Spirit help me resist the temptation to bend the truth or to be dishonest, so that others might see Your eternal truth reflected in my words and actions. I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen

Played: 28 | Download | Duration: 00:01:35

What Are You Thinking?

“The purposes of a man's heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.”
Proverbs 20:5

How will you direct your thoughts today? Will you dwell upon those things that are admirable, true and pure (Philippians 4:8)? Or will you allow your thoughts to be hijacked by the negativity that seems to dominate our troubled world?

God intends that you be an ambassador for Him, an enthusiastic, hope-filled follower of Jesus Christ. But God won’t force you to adopt a positive attitude. It’s up to you to think positively about your blessings and opportunities…or not. So, today, celebrate this life that God has blessed you with by focusing your thoughts and your energies upon things that are “excellent or praiseworthy.” Count your blessings instead of your hardships and thank the Giver of all things good for gifts that are simply too numerous to count.

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, Keep my thoughts focused on Your love, Your power, Your promises, and Your Son. When I am worried, help me to turn to You for comfort; when I am weak, empower me to turn to You for strength; when I am troubled, guide me to seek You for patience and perspective. I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen

Played: 40 | Download | Duration: 00:02:33

Unmovable and Steadfast

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58

Ninety-nine percent of all failure involves quitting too soon! Listen to this paraphrased excerpt from John Wesley’s journal: “May 5th: AM: preached in St. Ann’s; was asked not to come back. PM: preached at St. John’s; Deacons said, ‘Get out and stay out.’ May 12th AM: preached at St. Jude’s; can’t go back there. PM: preached at St. George’s; kicked out again. May 19th AM: preached at St. Andrew’s; Elders called special meeting and said not to return. PM: preached on the street and was run off. May 26th AM: preached in a field; got chased by a bull that was set loose. June 2nd AM: preached at the edge of town; police moved me. PM: preached in a pasture and 10,000 people came!” Listen: “be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord…” What if Wesley had given up? What would have become of the multitudes that were told about Jesus Christ? Don Owens says, “People fail because they believe that if at first you don’t succeed 'try something else!’” No, failure’s a sure thing for those who follow that advice! Visions are fulfilled because visionaries refuse to quit. They never let disappointment get the upper hand. Adversity just spurs them on to greater efforts. Nobody faced greater challenges than Paul, yet he wrote: “These troubles won’t last "this short time of distress will result in God’s richest blessing” (2 Corinthians 4:17). So hang in there! Often the last key on the ring is the one that opens the door!

Prayer
Heavenly Father – help me be unmovable in my faith in you and your Word, and help me be faithful and steadfast in doing your will. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Played: 42 | Download | Duration: 00:02:08

Christ Seekers and Church Builders

having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
2 Timothy 3:5

When the Emperor Shah Jahan’s favorite wife died, he decided to honor her by building an elaborate temple for her tomb. So he placed her wooden coffin in the middle of a field and the builders began to build around it. No expense was spared; her final resting place would be spectacular. However, as the years passed the building project itself consumed them, crowding out everything else. Then one day while he was working on the site, the Shah noticed an old, dust-covered wooden box and ordered it to be thrown out. The one he’d originally planned to honor was discarded - but the temple was erected anyhow. If you think that’s hard to believe, just look around next time you’re in church! Those who truly know Jesus never forget Him. They stand impressed before His empty tomb and occupied throne like servants before a king, while those who see just the edifice, doze and yawn. Their eyes wander. Their feet shuffle. They’re bored. Oh, they love the building, know the programs inside out and even praise the pastor. But the Bible describes them as, “Having a form of godliness but denying its power”. Why? Because the One they originally came to worship, is missing from among them. Church builders and Christ seekers in the same church, on the same day, at the same time. One sees the building with all its activities and says, “What a church!” The other sees the Lord and says, “What a Christ!” Which one are you?

Prayer
Heavenly Father – help me stay focused on YOU and not distracted by the things man makes. In Your Precious Name, Amen

Played: 45 | Download | Duration: 00:02:31

Rag Dolls

All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.
Isaiah 64:6

Growing up, Ruthie had an ongoing love affair with a tattered rag doll she named Suzy. Suzy had survived a flood, lost an arm, and her head drooped to one side. But Ruthie didn’t care; she loved Suzy enough to see beyond her condition. And that’s a picture of God’s unconditional love for you. The world’s full of Suzy’s: divorced, abused, abandoned, addicted, wounded, broken rag dolls that sin has left its mark on. Maybe you were one! Maybe you still are! Isaiah asks, "How can people like us be saved, our righteous deeds are but filthy rags..." The answer is - God specializes in reconstructive surgery! That’s why there’s a cross! There, Jesus went to the ultimate length to prove His love for us. And that love creates value by attaching itself to ragged humanity, transforming each of us into priceless treasure! Listen: "We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for. But God put His love on the line for us while we were of no use whatever to Him" (Romans 5:7-8). God didn’t create you because He was bored and needed a project, He did it out of love. C S Lewis said, "God, who needs nothing, loved into existence wholly superfluous creatures in order that He may love and perfect them." Amazing! We were so damaged by sin that, humanly speaking, the smart thing would have been to discard us and start again. But for reasons we’ll never comprehend, God’s love attached itself to us at Calvary and refused to let go - making us immeasurably valuable in His eyes. Aren’t you glad?

Prayer
Thank you Heavenly Father for your ongoing reconstruction surgery in my life! Can’t wait to see what I will end up looking like! In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Played: 34 | Download | Duration: 00:02:04

Be Tenacious!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with patience the race marked out for us.
Hebrews 12:1

At the 19th mile of the Boston Marathon you come to ‘Heartbreak Hill’. Here, even world-class runners ‘hit the wall’. It’s the longest, steepest part of the race and by the time you reach it your muscles are screaming for oxygen. Even though the Bible says, “let us run with patience” we generally associate patience with inactivity and waiting. But there’s a kind that’s harder to acquire. It’s the patience that runs. It helps you persevere in the face of setbacks and gives you the tenacity to perform despite your heavy heart! It not only enabled Jesus to turn water into wine so that a wedding wasn’t ruined, to feed a hungry multitude in the desert, to heal a man blind from birth, but also to shoulder a burden He couldn’t share with anybody - that He was facing betrayal and death. At the 1968 Mexico City Olympics a solitary figure wearing the colors of Tanzania limped into the stadium. He was John Steven Aquari, and his leg was bandaged because of an earlier fall. He came in last. As he crossed the finish line a spectator shouted, ‘Why didn’t you just quit’’ With quiet dignity Aquari replied, “My country didn’t send me 7,000 miles to start this race, they sent me to finish it!” The great scientist, Louis Pasteur, said, “The secret that has always led me to my goal, lies solely in my tenacity.” Remember, God didn’t just send you to start this race, He sent you to finish it - and by His grace you will. So be tenacious!

Prayer
Heavenly Father – help me not only to run the race but to finish well. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Played: 31 | Download | Duration: 00:02:06

Being Happy

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Philippians 4:12

In "What Happy People Know," Dr. Dan Baker writes: "The man in front of me seemed to have it all; money, freedom, friends and family. But he didn't have the one thing he wanted most - happiness. His home life would horrify most people; alienated kids, a wife who resented his obsession with work, no time to kick back. His biggest concern? 'Keeping what I've got.'" Sound familiar? Maybe you're reading this thinking, "Yeah, but that doesn't apply to me. In his situation I know I could be happy!" But it does apply to you! The road to happiness is filled with pot-holes and one of the biggest of them is that the very things we think will feed our souls, end up feeding our fears, stressing us out and making happiness elude us. Paul says, "I've found the recipe for being happy. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it [because of my relationship with Christ]..." Happiness isn't about being on an emotional high all the time and never feeling down. And it doesn't change with circumstances. Paul says in essence, "I can make it - because I've a life-giving relationship with One who gives me the courage, love and fulfillment I need each day." Happiness also involves: a) taking responsibility for your own actions b) realizing that life is precious and maximizing every moment of it.

Played: 29 | Download | Duration: 00:02:06

Be Careful What You Watch

Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a "fool" so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness."
(1 Corinthians 3:18-19)

If you have acquired the bad habit of watching whatever happens to pop up on your TV screen, it’s time to rethink the way you control your clicker. Most television networks (as well as the other forms of popular media) can be dangerous to your emotional and spiritual health. The media is working around the clock in an attempt to rearrange your priorities in ways that are definitely not in your best interests. The media is trying to teach you that physical appearance is all-important, that material possessions should be acquired at any cost, and that the world operates independently of God’s laws. But guess what? Those messages are lies. 

In the pursuit of profits, the media glamorizes violence, exploits suffering, and sensationalizes, all in the name of “ratings” (translated: “money”). So here’s a question for you: Will you control what appears on your TV screen, or will you be controlled by it? If you’re willing to take complete control over the images that appear inside the four walls of your home, you’ll be doing yourself a king-size favor. So forget the media hype, and pay attention to God. Stand up for Him and be counted, not just in church where it’s relatively easy to be a Christian, but also when you’re deciding what to watch.

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father. This world is filled with temptations and distractions. Help me to focus, not on the things of this world, but on the message of Your Son. Empower me to keep Christ in my heart as I follow Him in all I do. I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen

Played: 37 | Download | Duration: 00:01:33

Life’s Lessons

He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.
Proverbs 15:31

One way that we learn about God is by learning the lessons that He is trying so desperately to teach us. But when it comes to learning God’s lessons, most of us can be quite hardheaded. Why? Because we are, by nature, stubborn creatures; and because we seem destined, at times, to make things hard on ourselves. As we go about the business of learning life’s lessons we can either do things the easy way or the hard way, the easy way can be summed up as follows: when God tries to teach us something, we learn it…the first time! Unfortunately, too many of us (like myself) learn much more slowly than that. When we resist God’s instruction, He continues to teach, whether we like it or not. Our challenge, then, is to discern God’s lessons from the experiences of everyday life. Hopefully, we learn those lessons sooner rather than later because the sooner we do so, the sooner He can move on to the next lesson and the next, and the next…

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I have so much to learn. Help me to watch, to listen, to think, and to learn what You are trying to teach me. Guide me by Your Holy Spirit so I can be a moldable and teachable follower of Jesus Christ. I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen

Played: 37 | Download | Duration: 00:01:33

Played: 38 | Download | Duration: 00:02:14

Unmet Expectations

"Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?"
Matthew 11:3

John didn't deserve imprisonment in a filthy dungeon. After all, he was the forerunner of the Messiah and the voice of repentance in the community; plus he was Jesus' cousin! So, he sent a message to Jesus asking, "Are you really the Messiah or should we keep looking?" Paraphrased: "When are you going to get me out of here?" It was a human question motivated by unmet expectations. Have you ever been there? Have you ever wondered, "Where's God when I'm hurting?" And it feels even worse when you're working for Him! Writing about her daughter's death, Meg Woodson says: "I'll never forget those shrill, piercing screams; that the God who could have helped, looked down on this young woman who was devoted to Him, and decided to sit on His hands and let her death top the horror charts." Talk about unmet expectations! The Jesus who walked on water, cast out demons and raised the dead could easily have saved John. But He didn't. Instead He sent back word, which, in essence, said, "Don't worry, everything's on target. The Kingdom is being built; you fulfilled your assignment well" (See Matthews 11:4-5). It probably wasn't the answer John hoped for or expected. He was looking for solutions to temporal problems, while Jesus was busy establishing an eternal kingdom. So, next time God doesn't seem to meet your expectations or time frames, it's not that He doesn't care, it's that He sees the big picture, and is handling issues you can't begin to comprehend. So trust Him!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to accept I don’t have to know everything that you are doing in building your Kingdom, help me rest in knowing that you have not forgoten me in that Kingdom! In Jesus' Name, Amen

Played: 32 | Download | Duration: 00:02:06

Getting Off The Pump, Into The Flow!

Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way.
Exodus 33:3

In Egypt God's people had to pump water from the Nile to irrigate the crops and stay alive. What a picture! Slaving on an old foot pump just to survive. But then the season changes. Listen: "go in and take over the land flowing with milk and honey, not like the land of Egypt where you planted your seed and irrigated it by foot" (Deuteronomy 11:8-10). There's a place in your spiritual walk where you can get off the pump and get into the flow; where you stop sweating over everything because God's goodness simply flows into every area of your life. But this promise is only to the obedient! Listen: "Observe therefore all the commands I am giving you today, so that you may have the strength to go in and take over the land" (Deuteronomy 11:8). It's like having the right access code and account number. All you have to do is make withdrawals, because now you're walking in harmony with God. We all want to live in the flow of God's blessings, yet only a handful of Israelites made it into the Promised Land. Who were they? a) Those who dared to act on the instructions God had given them b) Those who were willing to confront the giants of fear c) Those who refused to be swayed by the opinions of others d) Those whose faith said, "The Lord will lead us into that land [He] will give it to us, do not be afraid" (Numbers 14:8-9). And you can be one of those people!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me from being enslaved by the pressures of life and to see the Promised land that you are calling me to enter! In Jesus' Name, Amen

Played: 41 | Download | Duration: 00:02:13

Self-Forgiveness - Part 3

He has made my skin and my flesh grow old and has broken my bones.
Lamentations 3:4

Refusing to forgive yourself is like trying to drive your car with the brakes on; it prevents all forward momentum. Here are some contributing factors: 1) Unrealistic expectations! We each have a set of subconscious rules about how we should behave. Many come from childhood and no longer work. For example, how realistic is it to think you can work 12-hour days, attend all school functions, maintain a perfect house, get enough rest and still have time for God and your family? Listen: "Let's look at the way we're living and reorder our lives..." 2) Feeling bad, instead of doing good! Listen: "If you fail the test, do something about it" (2 Corinthians 13:5). If you feel like you failed as a parent, work to become a terrific grandparent, or reach out to some needy child or teenager. There are lots of opportunities around you. Remember, "those who help others are helped" (Proverbs 11:25). The roots of happiness grow in the soil of service - so get busy! 3) Getting things out of perspective! Instead of telling yourself what a terrible person you are, remind yourself of the good things you've done. If you can't think of any, begin making some memories. If Ebenezer Scrooge could do it, you can too. Above all, keep these words in mind: "When it's sin versus grace, grace wins hands down," (Romans 5:20). That means regardless of how badly you've messed up, God stands ready to give you a fresh start.

Prayer
Heavenly Father – thank you for your grace that gives me a fresh start each day! Help me live in that grace each day and reflect that grace with all who you place in my path today. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Played: 36 | Download | Duration: 00:02:11

Self-Forgiveness - Part 2

When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.
Psalms 32:3

It's particularly hard to forgive yourself: (a) For failing at a major life task, like a marriage or career b) When your actions have hurt others c) When your lifestyle has hurt you d) Not doing what you know you should have. So, here are some suggestions:

1) Confess what you've done! Thinking you're "unique" makes it harder for you to give yourself a break. Plus, confession stops you from slipping into denial. Once you've obtained God's forgiveness, get support from a trusted friend. The Psalmist said, "When I kept it all inside, The pressure never let up. I said, "I'll make a clean breast of my failures. Suddenly the pressure was gone - my guilt dissolved" (Psalm 32:3-5).

2) Hit the stop button! Often it's the guilt and stress associated with remembering your actions that make you feel bad - not the offence itself. Your habitual reaction is the real problem. Continually revisiting your failures doesn't accomplish anything, it only offends a forgiving God. So, when you catch yourself doing it - hit the stop button and change the channel! Focus on the fact that God's forgiven you, and then put it behind you.

3) Replace your guilt with gratitude! That's not hard to do - just reflect on God's goodness. Walk into any supermarket and thank Him for the abundance of good food you enjoy. Or visit a hospital or rehab and be grateful for your health. When you look for them, you'll find lots of things to thank God for today.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me look for all the things I should be thankful for – and not focus on all the mistakes I have made. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Played: 40 | Download | Duration: 00:02:22

Self-Forgiveness – Part 1

to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
Ephesians 1:6

You’re a product of your past, but you don’t have to be a prisoner of it! When you refuse to forgive yourself, you’re making a decision to be miserable for the rest of your life. And here are some other consequences you may not have considered: 1) It’s not just about you! Misery loves company. When you keep beating yourself up, your loved ones get beaten up too. It’s inevitable, because when you wallow in guilt you’re more withdrawn and critical, and less open and affectionate. That means your spouse, kids, parents, co-workers, friends (even your dog!), suffers along with you. 2) Your mind affects your body! Doctors say that unforgiveness generates chemicals that directly affect your vital organs. They increase your heart rate, raise your blood pressure, disrupt your digestion, tense your muscles, dump cholesterol into your bloodstream and reduce your ability to think clearly. Each time you revisit your past, those bad feelings deliver another zap of corrosive chemicals. Science is only now confirming what God has always known, namely, that those who don’t forgive themselves and others, are more prone to heart attacks, depression, hypertension and other serious illnesses. 3) You get stuck in the past! God said, "To everything there is a season" (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Once you’ve repented and been forgiven, the season for regret is over. You need to start looking ahead, otherwise you’ll get permanently mired in a bog of your own making. The Bible says, "accepted in the beloved, we have forgiveness..." So forgive yourself, and anybody else you need to, and get on with your life.

Prayer
Heavenly Father – help me put the past mistakes behind and forgive others. Thank you Jesus for your forgiveness of my past – let me do the same to others – including myself! In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Played: 43 | Download | Duration: 00:01:27

When Your Faith Is Tested

“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.”
Psalm 31:24

Even the most committed followers of Jesus Christ can find their faith tested by the inevitable disappointments and tragedies of life. After all, we live in a world filled with uncertainty, hardship, sickness and danger. Trials and tribulations, it seems, are never too far from the front door. 

When we focus upon our fears and our doubts, we may find many reasons to lie awake at night and worry about the uncertainties of the coming day. A better strategy, of course, is to focus not upon our fears, but instead upon our loving and caring Heavenly Father.

God is as near as your next breath, and He is in control. He offers salvation and peace to all His children, including you. God is your shield and your strength; you are His forever. So don’t focus your thoughts upon the fear of the day. Instead, trust God’s plan and His everlasting love for you. And remember: whatever the size of your challenge, God is BIGGER!!!

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, when I am fearful, help me to remember that You are my protector and my salvation. Give me the strength and courage to face the challenges of this day as I trust in You. I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen

Played: 33 | Download | Duration: 00:01:56

Forgiveness Isn't An Option

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

Are you the kind of person who carries a grudge? If so, you know sometimes it’s very tough to forgive the people who have hurt you. And that’s too bad because life would be much simpler if we could forgive people “once and for all” and be done with it. But forgiveness is seldom that easy. For most of us, the decision to forgive is straightforward, but the process of forgiving is more difficult. Forgiveness is a journey that requires effort, time, perseverance, and prayer.

Forgiveness is seldom easy, but it is always right. When we forgive those who have hurt us, we honor God by obeying His commandments. But when we harbor bitterness against others, we disobey God – with predictably unhappy results. 

If there exists even one person who you have not forgiven (and that includes yourself), follow God’s commandment and His will for your life: forgive that person today. And remember that bitterness, anger, and regret are not part of God’s plan for your life. Forgiveness is.

If you sincerely wish to forgive someone, pray for that person. And then pray for yourself by asking God to heal your heart. Don’t expect forgiveness to be easy or quick, but rest assured: with God as your partner He will help you forgive.

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, when I am bitter, please change my unforgiving heart. And, when I am slow to forgive, Your Word reminds me that forgiveness is Your commandment. Empower me to be Your obedient servant and to forgive others as You have forgiven me. I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen