FORGIVENESS

FAITH:

Matthew 6:14-15
Yes, if you forgive others for their sins, your Father in heaven will also forgive you your sins. (15) But if you don't forgive others, your Father in heaven will not forgive your sins. New Century Translation.

What do you do when people mistreat you or those you love? Does the fire of anger boil within you, with leaping flames consuming your emotions? Or do you reach somewhere, to some source of cool water and pull out a bucket of mercy---to free yourself? Is there any emotion that imprisons the soul more than the unwillingness to forgive?

Don't get on the roller coaster of resentment and anger. You be the one who says, "Yes, he mistreated me, but I am going to be like Christ. I'll be the one who says, 'Forgive them, Father, they don't know what they're doing.' "

The first step toward forgiveness is to see the other person as a fallible human being, not as a source of hurt. That's how God treated us with mercy---he became one of us, he felt as we feel, he understood our frustrations. And as a result, when he hung on the cross, he could look at those crucifying him and as God to forgive them.

When you forgive someone, you as as close to God as you will ever be, because in that forgiveness you are demonstrating the very heart of God, the merciful King. If you want to understand God, if you want to draw closer to him, then forgive someone today.

FRIENDS:

Father, Sometimes forgiving others seems impossible. Forgive us when we hesitate to extend grace to others. And remind us that revisiting the cross is the first step in knowing how to forgive. Thank you for your grace and mercy towards us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
February 7
Matthew 13:1-23; Acts 18:18-28; Psalms 30; Exodus 19-20
February 8
Matthew 13:24-43; Acts 19:1-22; Psalms 31; Exodus 21-23

10 Things I Am Thankful For
1. The patience that God shows me when I am slow to learn a lesson he is trying to teach me
2. The willing spirit of helpfulness I see around me in God's family
3. Food ministries for those who are lacking and the people who work to provide
4. A loving hug shared between two grown sisters
5. Kind words from a good friend
6. The memories of an old friend that just passed away
7. Hearing my children's voices on the phone..."Hi Mom"
8. Having just enough
9. Friends with vehicles large enough to haul furniture
10. Being able to serve God

FOOD:

Crock Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup

2 - 16 oz packages frozen chopped broccoli
2 cans cheddar cheese soup
2 cans evaporated milk
1/4 cup dried minced onions
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Combine all ingredients in crockpot.

Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.


FUN:


Powerful Women's Motto
Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning Satan shudders and says
"OH NO!!...she's awake!!!"