Grateful

This morning I woke up with a grateful heart, not because things could be worse, but because I have the POWER to choose how I receive, process, and navigate through what's happening right now in my life. This does not mean I am not grateful daily, but my spirit is in tune with GOD on another level. I'm unfazed by all that is going on around me to have more than a feeling, but a connection with the spirit of gratitude.

EX: You give a friend a ride to work every day, or you're the one receiving the ride, and the gesture was always expressed with words, coffee, or gas money. Well today, your friend informs you that their schedule has changed at work and it will be impossible for them to drop you off and get to work on time. You tell them you understand, but inwardly you’re upset and you feel that they can do it, even if they have to be inconvenienced. They even follow-up with you to see if all is well, and your tone has changed towards them.
How quick are we to forget what our family and friends have done for us already? How quick are we to forget the goodness of the LORD, when things are not going our way?

Friends, we must be grateful for all that we receive, because help is given when it is needed, not when we take advantage of it or have the means to do for ourselves.

Today: I'm Grateful that my Hope is in the LORD, and that my feet are grounded in his WORD. I know Goodness, and Mercy will surely follow me.

Friends, your Attitude and Conduct can make all the difference. Selah

Colossians 2 Amp Bible
6.As you have therefore received Christ, [even] Jesus the Lord, [so] walk (regulate your lives and conduct yourselves) in union with and conformity to Him.
7 Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving.

There is Healing in Forgiveness

Today's Message

Romans 2:12 Amp Bible
Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].

What is it that you desire of the LORD?

Do you not know that every petition you bring before him has to meet his criteria before you receive it? You are asking for favor in a situation, yet you have not shown any to others. You desire healing from past hurts, yet you harbor bitter feelings.

Friends, holding on to un-forgiveness is a sure way for you prayers to go unanswered. I woke up early this morning to write a message about healing, and nothing would flow. It seems that Change is needed to be healed. Some of you may think that healing is automatic when you confess Christ, and for many it is. However, for many it is a struggle when they hold on to the very thing that Jesus Christ gave so freely to those that believe…forgiveness.

I know it is hard, but your life should not be a library of the most awful things that one can imagine. You have to look past the story to get the message, and be the change you desired once upon a time.

I have learned to take the good, and the bad, and categorize it according to the purpose and plans of GOD for my life. I refused to allow the ugliness to define me.

Below is one of my favorite passages in the bible on the subject, because it points out the lack of compassion, and the inability to self-reflect.

Matthew 18 Msg Bible
21 At that point Peter got up the nerve to ask, “Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?”22 Jesus replied, “Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven. 23-25 “The kingdom of God is like a king who decided to square accounts with his servants. As he got under way, one servant was brought before him who had run up a debt of a hundred thousand dollars. He couldn’t pay up, so the king ordered the man, along with his wife, children, and goods, to be auctioned off at the slave market. 26-27 “The poor wretch threw himself at the king’s feet and begged, ‘Give me a chance and I’ll pay it all back.’ Touched by his plea, the king let him off, erasing the debt. 28 “The servant was no sooner out of the room when he came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him ten dollars. He seized him by the throat and demanded, ‘Pay up. Now!’ 29-31 “The poor wretch threw himself down and begged, ‘Give me a chance and I’ll pay it all back.’ But he wouldn’t do it. He had him arrested and put in jail until the debt was paid. When the other servants saw this going on, they were outraged and brought a detailed report to the king. 32-35 “The king summoned the man and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave your entire debt when you begged me for mercy. Shouldn’t you be compelled to be merciful to your fellow servant who asked for mercy?’ The king was furious and put the screws to the man until he paid back his entire debt. And that’s exactly what my Father in heaven is going to do to each one of you who doesn’t forgive unconditionally anyone who asks for mercy.”

Right now, you should be doing an inventory of your life, and seeking the face of GOD to change how you manage the injustice, hurt, and betrayal from others, because as long as you’re on this side of the living, you will always need to forgive.

The LORD desires for you to be healed today. Do you not perceive it?

A Simple Prayer: 
LORD, I have been carrying around years of un-forgiveness, and guilt. I ask that you forgive me for not releasing those things to you, and believing in the power of forgiveness. I release every hurt to you today. I release every behavior associated with holding on to un-forgiveness, and guilt. I release every person to you, and know that you are the author and finisher of my Faith. I believe I Am Forgiven. I believe I AM Healed, and Delivered from the spirit of un-forgivess. I Declare and Decree Freedom in the Holy Spirit, over my mind, and my heart, in Jesus Name Amen.