Forgive!

Mark 11:25-26 show us that when we pray, we must not harbor an unforgiving or bitter spirit. It is imperative that we get rid of the "feuding" spirit. Too often our prayers are hindered because we fail to forgive those who have hurt us. Listen to this verse, ". . .even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." This is only the end of the verse, but it is the part that sets the pre-requisites and guidelines for our own forgiveness of others.

How has Christ forgiven us?

1. He forgives us FREELY.


2. He forgives us FULLY.


3. He forgives us FOREVER.

You can fill in the blanks of this skeleton outline. Fleshing it out will thrill your soul.

It is vitally important that we can experience this forgiveness and then pass this kind of forgiveness on to others. One columnist made the comment that what she envied most about Christians was our ability to forgive. Are you holding a grudge? Has a root of bitterness wrapped its tendrils around your heart? Would you be willing to be made willing to let it go? Quit hamstringing your prayers with an unforgiving spirit!

God's best to you!

Pray In Faith

The purpose of this week's message is to encourage your faith in God and His Word. Our entire Christian lives are the fruit of faith. We are saved by grace through FAITH. We walk by FAITH and not by sight. Whatever we do must be done in faith, or it is sin. Faith is vital, and faith is extremely important in our praying. When we ask for God's intervention we must come to Him in faith, and we must ask in faith. James says that we must ask in faith nothing wavering. We need strong faith especially in these times of great moral and spiritual weakness.

Paul sailed on a ship bound for Rome, but that ship encountered a storm. For days the crew fought to keep the ship afloat. After many days, all hope was lost. Everyone expected to die in the sea. At this point Paul stood up and made a clear statement, "I believe God." The Lord had stood by him in the night and showed him that all would be well. He simply took God at His Word. Let me echo this statement, "I believe God."

I believe that God will save those who call upon Him in repentance and faith.

I believe God answers prayer.

I believe God brings us through trials and troubles without abandoning us.

I believe Christ's promise to return.

Do you? Faith without works is dead. It is like rowing a boat with one oar. If you believe that Jesus saves those who call upon Him, you will call upon Him and urge others to do so as well. If you believe that God answers prayer, you will pray and keep on praying, and pray at all times. If you believe that God stands beside you in the trials of life, you will not give up hope or despair, but take heart and have peace. If you believe Jesus is coming like He said He would, then you will look up and keep your heart and life pure to be unashamed at His appearance.

God will strengthen our faith as we get into His Word and allow It to get into us. "The just shall live by faith." Will you trust God today?

It's JUNE!!

The month of weddings and anniversaries has arrived. Our family has been on the road, and are back in MS for a breather. We will be heading out Monday for another family thing - GRADUATION!! Breanna, will be receiving her diploma down in San Antonio, and we will go and cheer her on. It will be good to visit with the TX branch of the family.

Last week were in SC at a wedding. My sister, Lori's oldest daughter was married! Congrats to Aaron and Melissa as you begin a new home and family in the Lord. May the Lord give you many happy years together.

Here is a tidbit to ponder:
JUSTICE is when we get what we deserve. MERCY is when we don't get what we deserve. GRACE is when we get what we don't deserve. God's grace is amazing!!

Have a great week in the Lord! How many of you have an anniversary this month?