A TRIBUTE TO MOTHERS WHO HAVE LOST THEIR CHILDREN TO GUN VIOLENCE

WRITTEN BY SHIRLEY RHODES

TRAGEDY IN NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT PHOTO BY SHEER INVESTIGATION.COM 03

Just a few months ago, a deranged individual with an assault weapon walked into a school located in Newtown, Connecticut and took the lives of 26 young people.  Since then more than 3,900 Mothers’ have lost their children to gun violence and will not be able to hug their children this Mothers’ Day, nor receive a Mothers’ Day wish from their children.  This is truly a tragedy that none of us can comprehend unless we are one of those Mother’s that have lost a child to gun violence.

So many hearts have been broken; so many tears have been shed because the family chain has been broken. Gun violence has taken many young lives and those Mothers have come to know the meaning of shattered and broken.

For those Mothers who have experienced such tragedy and pain, let me encourage you as one Mother to another, please allow this Mothers’ Day to be a time of release and reflection. Take a moment and look around you and you will see your child in the elements of the world God has created.  Look at the flowers as they bloom and beacon you to come closer, see the beauty of the birds as they cross your path, excited and having fun with one another, see the brightness of the sun as the raise beams down upon your body, feel the gentle breeze of the wind as it sweeps across your face and you here in it a soft and sweet voice that says to you, “Hi Mommy, I love you, then you pause, look all around you, and say, I love you also baby!” Now embrace it as a memory of the child that once occupied your space.  Know that they are always there ready to wipe away the tear drop from your eyes and give you encouragement and strength to carry on and fight the good fight that will help others survive the tragedy that took their young, tender and precious lives.

Remember the words of Job: We are all adrift in the same boat: too few days, too many troubles. We spring up like wildflowers in the desert and then we wilt transit in the shadow of a cloud (Job 14: 1-2, MGS).

Allow the memories of your loved one to linger as long as you like but rest assured your child was blessed to you for a season and within that season take the memories and cherish them.

Allow yourself time to mourn and then embrace life as it is given each day because it is a gift that cannot be replaced.  God bless each Mother who have lost a child to violence and may your journey be one traveled in the assurance that at any given moment you will greet your loved one in a unique way, that’s how God have designed it. May you be blessed abundantly this Mother’s Day, 2013?

MOTHER’S DAY ROSE (PHOTO BY SHIRLEY RHODES)

We send our love an appreciation to all Mothers’ for a happy and joyful celebration.  Let there be Peace on Earth and Goodwill towards all People.

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MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME THE LESSON OF FORGIVENESS

A Mother’s Arms (Photo by Pastor Davis)

MY MOTHER was truly an inspiration to my soul.  Whenever I felt someone had hurt me, she would simply say, “Son, don’t hold a grudge against them, you must find in your heart the words to forgive them.”  I would say, “but Mom, it hurts, how can I forgive them, they hurt me.”  Son, if you truly want to stop the pain, you must release it and let it go, forgiveness is the only way to your personal peace.

MY MOTHER was a godly woman, she loved and feared the Lord, and she made sure that I understood what she meant when she said I must forgive those who would seek to do harm to me. Now let me share with you the lesson MY MOTHER taught me on FORGIVENESS.  She begin by saying, “Son if the LORD can forgive us of our sins, why do we have such a difficult time of forgiving others when we perceive them to have done us wrong?  Getting rid of our heart aches and pains begins with us.  We must learn to free ourselves of all the negative baggage we carry around each and every day with our unforgiving spirit.

FORGIVENESS works the miracle of change.  When Lincoln was asked why he did not destroy his enemies, he replied:  “If I make my enemies my friends, don’t I then destroy them?”  When you forgive you change others and you change yourself.  You change discord to harmony.

FORGIVENESS should span the years.  You should first forgive yourself for the wrongs you’ve done to yourself and others, for the mistakes you’ve made.  Then you should forgive and bless all those who have wronged you during your lifetime.  Thus you release others and you release yourself.  You break the chains of regret and remorse that bind you.  You free your mind from the burdens of the past so you may walk victoriously into the future.

FORGIVENESS works two ways.  You must forgive to be forgiven.  “He who cannot forgive others,” wrote Edward Herbert, “breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass; for every man has the need to be forgiven.”

FORGIVENESS should become a habit.  When THE MASTER was asked how often we should forgive, he answered: “Until SEVENTY TIMES SEVEN.”  He who forgives to infinity will never hate.

FORGIVENESS should start now.  Putting off forgiving only deepens the wound.  Clinging to bitterness postpones happiness.  Life is short, time is fleeting.  Today is the day to forgive.

FORGIVENESS is the way to personal peace.  It is performing mental surgery in yourself, probing deep within to remove hurts, grudges and resentments.  It is forgetting wrongs as though they had never been.  It is flooding your mind with the powerful medicine of forgiveness that cleanses and heals.  It is discovering a serenity you’ve never known before.

Then with her big beautiful brown eyes, looking and penetrating deep into my soul, the softness of her voice changing, she said, “you may not understand all that I am telling you at this moment, but when the time is right it will all come to you and you will get it and use it to help your own children and others to understand that we all must learn the art of forgiveness.

So on this Mother’s Day weekend, I salute My Beloved Mother for teaching me the art of forgiveness.

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BE PATIENCE IN THE MIDST OF TRAGEDY

PATIENCE IS LOVE (PHOTO BY SHIRLEY RHODES)

Today we encourage the people from all around the world, to be patience in the midst of tragedy, in all you do and how you feel in regards to the tragedy that has unfolded in Boston, Mass in the past few days. The people of Boston and the World all have been struck by the Enemy of terror.  This Enemy had a dark and evil Spirit to set off a bomb in the middle of innocence people that would kill and injury so many people.  But let there be no mistake, our President and all the leaders that are involved in the mystery of solving this problem has promised us that the Enemy of Terror would feel the full weight of the American Justice System.

We can take comfort in the fact that our first responders, and the many heroes that rushed into chaos to help those that were injured, and now our hospitals, nurses and Doctors from around the world are still responding with courage and a Spirit that has shown the World the strength of the people of Boston and the American Spirit of all its Citizen.

Let us not forget this very important fact, and that is this enemy was truly a thief, and his aim was to take the lives of as many people as he possibly could.  In John 10:10, we see that Jesus warned us of this thief.  Jesus said, “A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.”

Therefore, I encourage all of you, in all that you do, “BE PATIENCE!” Allow the authorities the time an opportunity to do their jobs.  Be informed by the facts and allow the WORD OF GOD to guide your hearts and minds in all things.

Finally, listen to how the word of God informs us to act, it says, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath!”
Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil, for the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land. (Psalm 37:7-9 ESV)  “BE PATIENCE IN THE MIDST OF TRAGEDY!”

Now let us continue to pray for the victims and their families in the Boston Tragedy.  When prayers go up, blessings come down.

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EASTER SUNDAY PRAISE SERVICE JESUS IS ALIVE I BELIEVE

The Tomb was Empty Jesus is Alive (Photo by Pastor Davis)

Good Morning to all God‘s Beautiful Children of the World and a Happy Easter Resurrection Sunday Morning to each one of you.   No matter who you are, where you are, what religion you are, what race, creed are color you are, we all are God’s Children and we recognize this day as a Holy Day of Worship.  Know that you are Welcome here at Vine and Branch World Ministries to share in the truth of the word of God.  On this Sunday Morning more than 2000 years ago, Jesus rose from the grave, and He is alive today.  So we ask you this simple question, “What do you believe?  Just click on each video link and follow the order of the service, we promise you a joyful Sunday Morning filled with high praise and worship.  Now take your seat and become part of this VIRTUAL CHURCH SERVICE THIS SUNDAY MORNING!

JESUS IS RISEN, JESUS IS ALIVE, WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE?

The Bible teaches us to know the truth and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32)  What do you believe?

Do  you believe that Jesus is the Son of God?

Do believe that Jesus can give you eternal life?

Do you believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sins and the sins of the world?

Do you believe that Jesus was put in a tomb and after three days he got up walking like a natural man?

Do you believe that Jesus lives today and he is directing the affairs of the world from heaven?

What do you really believe?  Let us watch and see the mysteries unfold.

The Bible teaches us this, “The work of God is: to believe in the one he has sent.”

Jesus came into this world, born of a virgin, do you believe?

He spent his life teaching us about his father who could do all things but fail, do you believe?

He heal the sick and raised the dead, do you believe?

He feed the hungry and gave sight to the blind, do you believe?

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE?

Do you believe that Jesus came down from heaven and gave life to the world?

Do you believe that you now have eternal life through the death and resurrection of Jesus?

Do you believe that Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God?

Do you believe that Jesus lives this morning and he lives in each believer’s heart?  Now let us watch Brother Ron Kenoly sing Jesus is Alive!  What do you believe? Listen and be blessed!

Jesus declares today Church,  “I am the bread of life.  He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.

Do you believe today church that he is who he says he is?

Do you believe that he can feed the hungry with two sardines and three packs of saltine crackers?

Do you believe that he can create in you a brand new creature?

Do you believe that he can provide you with prosperity beyond that which your bank account will not be able to contain?

Do you believe he is holy and merciful?

Do you believe he is lavish and filled with forgiveness?

If you believe this you ought to be on your feet praising God.

You should be screaming, I believe, I believe, I believe, do you believe?

Thank you Jesus for this message, I am now and forever a believer.  You delivered me from my sins, my depression, my unforgiving spirit, my sickness, my weakness, my lack, my limitations and you gave me eternal life.  I stand before the world today and declare, you are alive and you are living in me.  No more heartache, no more pain, or sorrow.  I stand filled with a heart of gold, love, pure joy and happiness.  I can declare this day that I am redeemed and I believe.  Now let us close with Richard Smallwood singing Bless the Lord.

We pray that this Easter Praise and Worship Service has been a blessing to your soul.  Please come back and visit with us each and everyday, and especially each Sunday Morning at 0700 as we present our special Sunday Morning Praise and Worship Service just for you.  All the video clips that you watch here can be found on our teaching channel on youtube.  Just click on the link below and share them in your social media, and with family and friends.

http://www.youtube.com/user/davistheteacher?feature=mhee

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HOW YOU CAN ENJOY ETERNAL LIFE

THE HEART OF THE CROSS IS KING JESUS HE DIED UPON THE CROSS THAT WE MAY HAVE ETERNAL LIFE (Photo by Pastor Davis)

The word “eternal” means without beginning and without end, denoting a continual existence including past, present, and future. As applied to human existence, the Bible indicates that the spirit or soul is indestructible and eventually returns to God who gave it (Eccl. 12:7). This thought is expressed by Paul who attests to God’s overall plan whereby God is “all in all” (I Cor. 15:24-28). Thus, one might well say that eternal life includes the present, or “Today is the first day of the rest of your eternal life.”

Just as there are rewards for followers of Christ, there are judgments of the works of both believers and nonbelievers. Jesus said that all authority to judge the living and the dead is his (John 5:22;17:2; Acts 10:42;I Peter 4:5). In a sense, failure to receive blessings because of failure to ask, asking wrongly, or continued anxiety and fear by not heeding the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount are all indicative of a present judgment. As the proverbs say, “The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion” (Prov. 28:1) and “the way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble” (Prov. 4:16). As we have seen, Jesus assured his listeners that a follower of his and a doer of his words is assured of having his or her needs met and eternal life, including the glories of the resurrection-life (Mk. 10:28-30).

The New Testament sets out a concept of a gradation of regard for believers based upon their Christian good works (Matt. 16:27), their works being tested as by fire (I Cor. 3:13-15). In this respect, the epistles frequently warn believers against backsliding and the loss of reward.  [Note the six warnings in the book of Hebrews 3:7-13;4:1-11; 5:11-14; 6:1-9; 10:26-39; 12; also II Peter 2:20-22] A righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward (Matt. 10:41), and one who shows compassion in Jesus’name will not lose his or her reward (Matt. 10:42;Mk. 9:41). Those who reject the Father and the Son will be judged, and punishment will be meted out for the wrongs which they have committed (Col. 3:25). They are as “cast into outer darkness where there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matt. 22:13;24:51; 25:30).   Those who seek after the plaudits of men have their reward (Matt. 6:2). One should enter in by the “narrow gate” to life, for “broad is the way which leads to destruction” (Matt. 7:13-14). Therefore, one should not lay up for himself or herself material treasures on earth, but should lay up treasures in heaven, for “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt. 6:19-21).

God is merciful, and Jesus stands at the door and knocks. If anyone hears his voice and opens the door, he will enter and they shall dine together. But there is a reckoning, and the son of man will separate the “sheep” from the “goats. “Those who have helped the less fortunate and have done it for Jesus shall inherit the kingdom. Those who have not helped others have failed Jesus and will receive punishment (Matt. 25:31-46). The meting out of judgment is portrayed in Revelation depicting God as sitting on a great white throne judging the dead according to their works. The books are opened including the book of life. Anyone whose name is not found in the book of life is subject to punishment. It is decreed that the enemies of God and mankind be cast into the “lake of fire.” These include Satan, the false prophet, and the beast who has opposed God, death, Hades, and “whoever was not found written in the book of life” (Rev. 20:10-15). There is also described a new heaven, a new earth, and a new Jerusalem in which there reside only those who are over comers and those who are “athirst of the fountain.” These are given the water of life freely (Rev. 21:1-27). “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last” (Rev. 22:12-13).

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HOW DID THE FORTY DAYS OF LENT COME INTO BEING?

Lent silver-word-on-ornament

Today, we begin a forty day journey and encourage each of you to join us here daily, as we move in a powerful way towards Jesus Resurrection on Easter Sunday.  This is the first day of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday every year and ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday.  This journey is to help each one of us prepare for the celebration of the greatest Christian mystery of all times, the death of our Lord and Savior on Good Friday and His Resurrection on Easter Sunday.  During this forth day period each person have the opportunity to chose how they will spend their time.  Jesus spent His time in prayer, fasting and abstinence.  How will you spend yours?

According to the Synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus spent forty days fasting in the desert before the beginning of His public ministry, where He endured temptation by Satan. Thus, Lent is described as being forty days long.

Therefore, as we understand it, the number forty has many Biblical references: the forty days Moses spent on Mount Sinai with God (Exodus 24:18); the forty days and nights Elijah spent walking to Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:8); the forty days and nights God sent rain in the great flood of Noah (Genesis 7:4); the forty years the Hebrew people wandered in the desert while traveling to the Promised Land (Numbers 14:33); the forty days Jonah gave in his prophecy of judgment to the city of Nineveh in which to repent or be destroyed (Jonah 3:4).

Jesus retreated into the wilderness, where He fasted for forty days, and was tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1–2, Mark 1:12–13, Luke 4:1–2). He overcame all three of Satan’s temptations by citing scripture to the devil, at which point the devil left Him, angels ministered to Jesus, and He began His ministry. Jesus further said that His disciples should fast “when the bridegroom shall be taken from them” (Matthew 9:15), a reference to his Passion.

Now as we see it in many of the Christian churches, Lent is regarded as being forty days long, but the Sundays between Shrove Tuesday and Easter Sunday are not typically regarded as being part of Lent; thus, the date of Shrove Tuesday will typically be slightly more than forty days before Easter Sunday.

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LEARNING TO FORGIVE AND BE FORGIVEN

PASTOR DAVIS STANDS IN THE SHADOW OF DARKNESS SEEKING FORGIVENESS OF HIS SINS

The art of forgiveness begins when you forgive someone.  It is the miracle that works the art of change.  When you forgive you change others and you change yourself.  You change discord to harmony.  You should first forgive yourself for all the wrongs you have done to yourself, for the mistakes you have made.  Then you should forgive and bless all those who have wronged you during your lifetime.   By doing this you release others and you release yourself.  You break the chains of regret and remorse that keeps you locked in a prison that always seems impossible to escape.  Forgiveness frees your mind from the burdens of the past so you may walk victoriously into the future. Now watch this short video and we will continue this discussion on the other side.

As you watched this video clip you saw where it said, “Forgiveness is an adventure, it is making peace with the past, it also means to give up and let go.”  I say to you, forgiveness works two ways.  You must forgive to be forgiven.  “He who cannot forgive others,” wrote Edward Herbert, “breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass; for every person has the need to be forgiven.”

Forgiveness should become a habit.  When Peter asked Jesus, how often should we forgive others, he answered;  “Until seventy times seven.”  He who forgives to infinity will never hate.

Forgiveness should start now.  Putting off forgiving only deepens the wound.  Clinging to bitterness postpones happiness.  Life is short, time is fleeting.  Today is the day to forgive.  Take this moment and search your heart for the list of those persons who you know you should be forgiven and take the first step and make it happen.  This next clip is from an interview that Tyler Perry did with Dr. Phil.  Take a moment listen to it and then meditate upon all that has been discussed in this lesson, then make your comments known to the world by simply telling us how you feel about forgiving and been forgiven.

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THIS IS GOD MESSAGE FOR HIS PEOPLE

Written by: Shirley Rhodes

FORGIVENESS–FAITH (Photo by Pastor Davis)

 In today’s lesson, I present to you, “GOD’S MESSAGE FOR HIS PEOPLE!”  The journey of life often aligns our purpose in such a way that challenge is very much present. We may experience many levels of emotions and some of those emotions will find our weak point or may enter when the physical body is at its weakest point. Faith is the key that unlocks the mystery of power and light, the source which is always plentiful to meet every need. No matter how bad things may seem, feeling that connection will lift our spirit, as a reminder that we are never along. In times when we may find  it difficult to smile or share a sense of humor, feel overwhelmed, abandoned, alone, sick and tired, be reminded that there is a message in God’s word.  God’s Message for His People, is simply this: stand firm in faith, trust God to come through no matter how bleak the circumstances may seem. We must be obedient and determined to live life in a state of expectancy. Trust the “Promise”

MORNING SILHOUETTE–OUR LIGHT SOURCE (PHOTO BY SHIRLEY RHODES)

This is what the Lord says, In His Message for His People:  “We learn by example!”

“What fault did your ancestors find in me, that they strayed so far from me?

I had planted you like a choice vine of sound and reliable stock⁷ I brought you into a fertile land to eat its fruit and rich produce. But you came and defiled my land and made my inheritance detestable.

How then did you turn against me into a corrupt, wild vine?  You broke off your yoke and tore off your

THE VINE AND BRANCHES

bonds; you said, “I will not serve you!” They did not ask, “Where is the Lord who brought us up out of Egypt and led us through the barren wilderness, through a land of deserts and ravines, a land of drought and utter darkness, a land where no one lives?” They followed worthless idols and became worthless themselves, the stain of your guilt is still before me,” declares the Sovereign Lord.

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” (Jeremiah 1:5 NIV)

God’s Message for God’s People was always solid as a rock.  He said, “I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised, I know what I’m doing, I have it all planned out–plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen. When you come looking for me you will find me, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed, I’ll turn things around for you” (Jeremiah 29:10-14 MGS).

With assurance such as this why not submit all our cares and struggles to the only one who holds the answers? In order to receive our blessings we must be willing to make the sacrifice and with pure hearts rely on the source, follow the pattern. God watches over us and knows all about our circumstances and needs, when we are faithful we know that he will come through when his timing is right.

Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:

He appeared in the flesh, Was vindicated by the Spirit, Was seen by angels, Was preached among the nations, Was believed on in the world, Was taken up in glory. (1 Timothy 3:16)

Now this is truly God’s Message for His people. He gives it freely, and asks only that you be obedient to His word.  Study to show yourself approved, and then know the truth and the truth will set you free.  May God’s grace and mercy be upon you and cover you in all that you do, now and forever, in Jesus name, AMEN!

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MY MAXAMIZED PRAYER FOR PEACE AND CONTENTMENT

IN PRAYER BEFORE GOD (PHOTO BY SHIRLEY RHODES)

Heavenly Father, In the name of Jesus, I bow my head in your present this day in complete peace and contentment. I empty my soul unto you Heavenly Father; for I know that it is you, and you only that provide me with all peace and contentment.  My sins are before you this day Heavenly Father, you know my weakness, my strength and my heart desires.  I seek your forgiveness as well as your blessings over my life Heavenly Father, and the lives of all those who you have placed before me that my life will touch this day in some way. I seek healing for our NATION that you will bind up the wounds that so many have suffered during our Presidential election.  Renew their Spirits Heavenly Father, and teach them how to live in Peace and Contentment.  There are many lives that have been lost during Hurricane Sandy this past week.  Much destruction and devastation took place causing pain and suffering.  But you know the real needs of all your children and especially those who suffer the most.  My prayer this day for all of your children that are suffering the most Heavenly Father, is that you will rain down from Heaven your blessings that will relieve the pain and suffering, restore the power to the homes, business, shelters and hospitals that are in the greatest need, provide food and shelter for those who have lost so much and show them how they can still live in peace and contentment in the face of the enemy who has taken so much from them.  Teach us all as a Nation how to live in Peace, enjoy the fruits of all that you have provided and have complete Contentment in all that we do.  In Jesus name, I pray, AMEN!

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MY MAXIMIZED PRAYER FOR RENEWING MY SPIRITUAL VITALITY

PASTOR DAVIS PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL VITALITY

Father in the name of Jesus, I stand today at the foot of the cross in complete humility of the pain and suffering that your Son Jesus endured as he suffered and died for my sins and the sins of the world.  As a Christian and a true believer, I have come into the realization that my life and the lives of so many of my family and friends have not been lived as it should have.  A big part of our lives have been lived out in a traditional manner, doing what others do, acting the way that others act, rather than keeping our minds stayed and focus on your Son Jesus and the suffering at the cross and being obedient to your word.  Father, instead of doing your will, we have become stagnated as a Christian and in the manner we worship and serve you.  Heavenly Father, we seek your forgiveness, and pray for your blessings over all of your Children lives, that on this day Heavenly Father, we will receive your blessings of forgiveness as you lift us up out of Spiritual darkness, and revive our souls, fill our hearts with your saving grace, guide us towards the cross that we once again may be lifted up and renewed with Spiritual Vitality.  We seek this in the name of Jesus, AMEN!

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MY RELATIONSHIP STRATEGIES PART 22

Two Different points of view (Photo by Shirley Rhodes)

I WONDER WHY SOME PEOPLE FIND IT SO HARD TO FORGIVE

By Shirley Rhodes

One thing I’ve determined about life is that at some point we will be hurt, and that is to be expected, because we are human.  Jesus often spoke about forgiveness and there actually is healing in forgiveness. The main problem is that many of us don’t want to forgive; holding on to grudges, anger, disappointments gives us a sense of power/control over those we’re angry with. For some reason we feel that if we forgive someone we’re letting them get off easy but the truth is that when you forgive you’re releasing, letting go sets you free. Many do not know that by holding on to resentment, they create a mental bond to that person they claim to want no part of, like a game of chess it keeps them locked into the game.

The Flower of Forgiveness (Photo by Shirley Rhodes)

If someone has done you wrong tell them what they did, why it hurt and then let it go. This can be accomplished by writing a note or talking with the person; once everything is out in the open and the person you’re angry with is willing to make amends, open up and with clear thoughts, seek to gather an understanding of what each of you are feeling. It may all boil down to a simple “I’m sorry I let you down” and I’m here because I want to make amends.

In order for us to be able to put the past behind us we must be willing to forgive. Pride and miscommunication often lead to broken relationships/bonds because no one wants to be the first to say “I’m sorry.”

FORGIVENESS —“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no man than this, that he will lay down his life for his friends. John15:12-13. Love is patient and kind.

St. Mary Magdalene in the House of Simon the Pharisee (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

WHAT DOES EMPATHY MEAN TO YOU

OUR CAPACITY FOR EMPATHY IS A RESOURCE OF LIMITLESS POTENTIAL

Here is how the dictionary defines the word EMPATHY.  It says empathy is defined as the identification with and understanding of another’s situation as in; if I put myself in your shoes, I can understand how angry you must be about not getting that promotion.  Empathy is distinguished from sympathy which is defined as the ability to share the feelings of another as in I am so sorry about the death of your co-worker.

My Bishop, who I considered a Prophet that was filled with wisdom once made the wise observation, and he said to me, “That a person wrapped up in his or her own self, makes a very small package.  Such a person is a self-centered individual.  The dimensions of their life are dwarfed and limited.”

This was the situation that Jesus found himself in when he attended a dinner party in his honor at the home of Simon.  Jesus teaches us a real down to earth lesson when a sinful woman enters into his presents; now listen to how Jesus handles the situation:

One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee‘s house and reclined at the table. And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.”

“A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five-hundred denarius, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?”  And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”  (Luke 7:36-50 ESV)

Now let us example some of the lessons Jesus taught us in this story:

1. Through empathy a person learns not to judge others in terms of his or her own personal interests, likes and dislikes, but in terms of what life means to them.

1. Through the power of a person’s creative imagination, empathy enables a person to project themselves into the consciousness of others that they may know how the other person may think and how they feel.  Sympathy merely mirrors another person’s trouble, empathy discovers the causes of the trouble with the searchlight of insight.

1. Through empathy a person may closely identify themselves with anyone he or she may wish to understand.  They may seek inspiration from the gifted, the victorious, the happy.  They may develop a deep comprehension of the problems of the blind, the crippled, the sorrowing and the defeated.

1. Empathy helps to create harmony in the home.  Family members may play the roles of each other.  For instance, the father can play the part of the son and the son the part of the father, that each may learn to know and appreciate the feelings of the other.
2. Practicing the art of empathy will enlarge a person’s life.  It will broaden their humanity, expand their understanding and inspire tolerance and forbearance, compassion and forgiveness.

Finally, all of you have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.  (1 Peter 3:8 ESV)

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WE ARE COMMANDED TO LOVE HEAL AND FORGIVE

Flowers of the Field (Photo by Pastor Davis)

How do we repair a major breach in our lives, when that breach is the glue that binds us together?  Jesus commanded us to love one another.  Love our neighbor as ourselves.  The very first thing we need to do is to get Jesus into our homes, schools, communities, workplace and everywhere we work and play.  Jesus is love; he is alpha and omega, the beginning and the end.  He is the author and finisher of our faith.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48 ESV).

Now my friends, take a few more minutes of your valuable time, and watch this video clip about love, healing and forgiveness.  Then make this day, your day of healing as you pray and meditate on the word of God that his promises will be fulfilled in the lives of those who are in need of God’s blessings this day.

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Return of the prodigal son (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

THE PRODIGAL SON

AN ANIMATED CHRISTIAN FULL LENGTH MOVIE (LUKE 15:11-32 ESV)

And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them.  Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living.  And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need.  So he went and hired himself out to[a] one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs.  And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.

“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger!  I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.  I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”  And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants,[c] ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.  And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate.  For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.

“Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.  And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant.  And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’  But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat that I might celebrate with my friends.  But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes; you killed the fattened calf for him!’  And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”

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WHEN YOU SERVE AND FOLLOW JESUS YOU MUST MAKE A RADICAL LIFESTYLE CHANGE

Now Faith Is (Photo by Pastor Davis)

True followers of Jesus must have their priorities in order; if they choose to love their life more than their Master, they will lose the very life they seek to maintain.  True disciples must be willing to suffer and experience rejection, even unto death if need be.  To serve and follow Jesus means making radical lifestyle changes.  To follow Jesus means going the way he went not the way of earthly power and honor but the way of humility and death.  Everything Jesus did was for God’s glory.  When we choose to follow him we must live for God’s glory alone.  This does not mean we have no fun, no joy, and no security.  Rather, it simply means we live to honor God and then the Father will honor us.

In this lesson Jesus speaks truth to power in a no non sense manner in order that there will be no doubt whatsoever in our thinking about what we must do. He says, “Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you’ll have it forever, real and eternal.”

“If any of you wants to serve me, then follow me. Then you’ll be where I am, ready to serve at a moment’s notice. The Father will honor and reward anyone who serves me.”

“Right now I am storm-tossed. And what am I going to say? ‘Father, get me out of this’? No, this is why I came in the first place. I’ll say, ‘Father, put your glory on display.’”

A voice came out of the sky: “I have glorified it, and I’ll glorify it again.”  (John 12:25-28 MSG)

The honor from God that Jesus promises May in fact is partly experienced in this life, but never entirely.  And for many believers, what God has planned by way of honor we can only guess.  Meanwhile we can derive real comfort and security from knowing that God observes and remember each and every act of service we do in is name.  None will be forgotten.

Therefore, let us learn to live our life for God, in the online world as well the physical world, thinking globally and working locally to make God the center of all that we do.  I remain your brother in Jesus Christ, Pastor Davis/Master Teacher!

Now take a moment and focus on this prayer and allow it to sooth your soul, calm your mind and renew your spirits.

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MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME THE LESSON OF FORGIVENESS

A Mother’s Arms (Photo by Pastor Davis)

MY MOTHER was truly an inspiration to my soul.  Whenever I felt someone had hurt me, she would simply say, “Son, don’t hold a grudge against them, you must find in your heart the words to forgive them.”  I would say, “but Mom, it hurts, how can I forgive them, they hurt me.”  Son, if you truly want to stop the pain, you must release it and let it go, forgiveness is the only way to your personal peace.

MY MOTHER was a godly woman, she loved and feared the Lord, and she made sure that I understood what she meant when she said I must forgive those who would seek to do harm to me. Now let me share with you the lesson MY MOTHER taught me on FORGIVENESS.  She begin by saying, “Son if the LORD can forgive us of our sins, why do we have such a difficult time of forgiving others when we perceive them to have done us wrong?  Getting rid of our heart aches and pains begins with us.  We must learn to free ourselves of all the negative baggage we carry around each and every day with our unforgiving spirit.

FORGIVENESS works the miracle of change.  When Lincoln was asked why he did not destroy his enemies, he replied:  “If I make my enemies my friends, don’t I then destroy them?”  When you forgive you change others and you change yourself.  You change discord to harmony.

FORGIVENESS should span the years.  You should first forgive yourself for the wrongs you’ve done to yourself and others, for the mistakes you’ve made.  Then you should forgive and bless all those who have wronged you during your lifetime.  Thus you release others and you release yourself.  You break the chains of regret and remorse that bind you.  You free your mind from the burdens of the past so you may walk victoriously into the future.

FORGIVENESS works two ways.  You must forgive to be forgiven.  “He who cannot forgive others,” wrote Edward Herbert, “breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass; for every man has the need to be forgiven.”

FORGIVENESS should become a habit.  When THE MASTER was asked how often we should forgive, he answered: “Until SEVENTY TIMES SEVEN.”  He who forgives to infinity will never hate.

FORGIVENESS should start now.  Putting off forgiving only deepens the wound.  Clinging to bitterness postpones happiness.  Life is short, time is fleeting.  Today is the day to forgive.

FORGIVENESS is the way to personal peace.  It is performing mental surgery in yourself, probing deep within to remove hurts, grudges and resentments.  It is forgetting wrongs as though they had never been.  It is flooding your mind with the powerful medicine of forgiveness that cleanses and heals.  It is discovering a serenity you’ve never known before.

Then with her big beautiful brown eyes, looking and penetrating deep into my soul, the softness of her voice changing, she said, “you may not understand all that I am telling you at this moment, but when the time is right it will all come to you and you will get it and use it to help your own children and others to understand that we all must learn the art of forgiveness.

So on this Mother’s Day weekend, I salute My Beloved Mother for teaching me the art of forgiveness.

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Christ forgives the prostitute (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“YOUR SINS ARE FORGIVEN.” LUKE 7:36-50 MSG

If a prostitute can display humility and love, why can’t we?  I ask the question because we as Christians consider the prostitute to be less of a person than we are.  Yet when it comes to showing humility and love to our brothers and sisters we display an attitude of superiority.  This was true when Jesus was ministering and it is true today.

In this lesson, we will show you what happens when a prostitute came into Jesus present and kneels at Jesus feet where he was dinning with a room full of religious leaders.  Jesus often dines with tax collectors and others whom the religious elite thought to be sinners.  On this occasion, Jesus was dinning with the Pharisee and was a guest at the home of Simon.

Now just image for a moment when you have prepared this great dinner party for some of your best and most influential friends and invited a very important leader of the community to be your special guest.  In walks this prostitute whom your entire guest knows is a prostitute except your special guest, and she goes and sits at the feet of your most important guest.  How would you handle the situation?  Now pause, and think deeply on this for a moment before continuing to read the rest of the story.

This story begins when one of the Pharisees asked Jesus over for a meal. He went to the Pharisee’s house and sat down at the dinner table. Just then a woman of the village, the town harlot, having learned that Jesus was a guest in the home of the Pharisee, came with a bottle of very expensive perfume and stood at his feet, weeping, raining tears on his feet. Letting down her hair, she dried his feet, kissed them, and anointed them with the perfume. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man was the prophet I thought he was, he would have known what kind of woman this is who is falling all over him.”

This woman understood that Jesus was very special.  Perhaps she, as a sinner, had come to Jesus with great sorrow for her sin.  Perhaps she had followed John the Baptist and had confessed her sins.  She may have been in the crowds that had been following Jesus and had come to believe in Him.  She may have come to Jesus grateful for being forgiven and so offering him the gift of her valuable perfume.  To wash Jesus feet was a sign of deep humility it was the job of a slave.

But as we can clearly see here, this religious leader had no concern for this woman’s plight, no desire to lift her from her sinful life, or to help her become a better Jewish woman.  Instead, he judged her as a sinner, shoved her aside, and presumed that any other rabbi (and especially one who was a “prophet” would do the same.

Jesus knew the Pharisee’s thoughts and so spoke up and answered them.  Simon had already made a judgment of Jesus and probably felt morally superior to him as well. But Jesus had asked for his attention, so he acted like the good host.

Now here is what happen next, Jesus said to him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”Oh? Tell me.”  Simon said!

Then Jesus spoke and here is what he said:  “Two men were in debt to a banker. One owed five hundred silver pieces, the other fifty. Neither of them could pay up, and so the banker canceled both debts. Which of the two would be more grateful?”

Simon answered, “I suppose the one who was forgiven the most.”

“That’s right,” said Jesus.  Jesus then turns to the woman, but speaking to Simon, he said, “Do you see this woman? I came to your home; you provided no water for my feet, but she rained tears on my feet and dried them with her hair. You gave me no greeting, but from the time I arrived she hasn’t quit kissing my feet. You provided nothing for freshening up, but she has soothed my feet with perfume. Impressive, isn’t it? She was forgiven many, many sins, and so she is very, very grateful. If the forgiveness is minimal, the gratitude is minimal.”

Let us understand that Simon by inviting Jesus to be his special dinner guest had committed several social errors in neglecting to wash Jesus feet (a courtesy extended to guests because sandaled feet got very dirty), offer him the kiss of greeting, and anoint his head with oil.  The sinful woman, by contrast, lavished tears, expensive ointment, and kisses on Jesus.  In this story it is the grateful prostitute, and not the self-righteous religious leader, whose sins were forgiven.

Then he spoke to her: “I forgive your sins.”

That set the dinner guests talking behind his back: “Who does he think he is, forgiving sins!”

He ignored them and said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

This woman’s act of humility and love show that she had been forgiven.  Jesus did not overlook her sins.  He did, in fact, know that this woman was a sinner, and he knew that her sins were many.  But the fact that her many sins were forgiven caused her to overflow with much love for Jesus.  The woman’s love did not cause her forgiveness, for no one can earn forgiveness.  Her faith in Jesus, despite her many sins, saved her.  By contrast, self-righteous people, like Simon, feel that they have no sins’ that need to be forgiven; therefore they also have little love to show for it.

Although it is God’s grace through faith that saves and not acts of love or generosity, this woman’s act demonstrated her true faith, and Jesus honored her faith by telling her in no uncertain terms, “YOUR SINS ARE FORGIVEN.” Jesus supported this woman and treated her with dignity.  Believers need to demonstrate Jesus’ approach in dealing with people.

We leave you with our blessings of peace, love, purpose and power.  I remain your brother in Jesus Christ, Pastor Davis/Master Teacher!

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prayer.. (Photo credit: aronki)

MY MAXIMIZED PRAYER TO CANCEL NEGATIVE WORDS

Father, your words have power and they are alive.  They live in my thoughts daily. They empower me to come before the throne of grace and speak truth to power.  I do understand that Satan will put road blocks in my pathway in order to keep the truth hidden from your people; he will do this by attempting to sow negative seeds in my mind and putting a detour sign to direct me towards his band of lies and half truths.  However, I choose to agree with what you have said about me and my future, and I choose to cancel every negative seed of thought that have entered into my mind, every negative word that I have ever spoken, and focus my mind on your love and goodness for my life.  I do this in the name of Jesus, AMEN!

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THE TIME IS NOW FOR DISCIPLINE AND FORGIVENESS IN THE CHURCH

UPON THIS ROCK I SHALL BUILD MY CHURCH AND THE GATES OF HELL SHALL NOT PREVAIL AGAINST IT!

Upon this Rock I shall build my Church (Photo by Pastor Davis)

Church discipline should always seek the restoration of the offender.  Two mistakes in church discipline should be avoided, being too lenient by not correcting mistakes and being too harsh by not forgiving the sinner.  There is a time to confront and a time to comfort.

Sometimes the most loving action a person can do for a fellow Christian is to confront him or her with the truth.  The truth often hurts.  Confronting a person in the wrong with the truth, however, can be the best thing a friend can do.

Knowing the appropriate time to rebuke and the appropriate time to forgive is the key to compassionate church discipline.  This type of discernment is crucial for a church plagued with problems.  Christians in positions of authority must consistently check their motives when it comes to church discipline.  They must ask:  Am I keeping the spiritual welfare of my church members, especially that of the offender in mind?

When punishing an offender, a leader must be careful not to command obedience to himself but, instead, to Christ and the gospel, carefully explaining that he possesses the authority from God to build up the church, not to tear it down.  When Paul was confronted with having to discipline an offender in the Church of Corinth, here is the authority he used:  “For even though I boast rather freely about our power and authority, which the Lord gave for your up building and not for demolishing you, yet I shall not be put to shame [for exceeding the truth],” (2 Corinthians 10:8 AMP).  Leaders must learn that although God has given them the authority over the Church, they must never take advantage of that authority and beat up on the body, but be wise as a serpent in using the powers granted to them by God.

The entire Church must have a spirit of forgiveness, because forgiveness is a central point of the gospel.  The word “forgive” is derived from the Greek word “grace.”  It is only through God’s grace—that is, his undeserved favor—that anyone is saved at all.  Therefore, understanding that forgiveness of any offender among you must be fundamentally based on Christ’s forgiveness of you.  Listen to what the bible teaches you, it says, “And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you.”  (Ephesians 4:32 AMP).

Now my brothers and sisters, let me leave you with God’s final word on the matter, he says, “For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons.

For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds,

[Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasoning and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One),

Being in readiness to punish every [insubordinate for his] disobedience, when your own submission and obedience [as a church] are fully secured and complete.

May the grace and mercy of God be an everlasting  present in your life day and night, night and day in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.  Amen.  I minister this word to you this day in truth, love, power and purpose.  I remain your brother in Christ Jesus, Pastor Davis/Master Teacher!

Related articles

• What Happens When God’s People Ignore Church Discipline? (verticalviewer.wordpress.com)
• Forgiveness: An Act Of Obedience (bummyla.wordpress.com)
• Bloggable Grace: More On The Purpose of Confession (randythomas.co)
• Forgiveness: The consequence of love (lifereference.wordpress.com)
• Some Thoughts on Church Discipline… (andrewbmills23.wordpress.com)