Canaan’s Rest represents a quiet place “set apart” for the purpose of hearing God's voice, growing in intimacy with the Lord, and being renewed in soul and spirit.
Happy weekend to you! Lots going on here as yesterday we made preparations for a huge rummage sale today and tomorrow at Northern Lakes. Kurt and Brenda and another couple plan to stop by on their way to the lake this morning but the weather prediction is not the best.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
We might ask ourselves today if we are a grateful person, one who is thankful for life itself, even with its ups and downs. I just finished reading, Wrestling with God” by Ronald Rolheiser, and he goes on to say that forgiveness follows gratitude, for the more grateful we are, the more strength is given us to forgive. We all must guard against bitterness for then we find our hearts will not be capable of forgiveness. It seems that the elder brother of the prodigal, had such a problem and couldn’t rejoice when his brother returned. When we refuse to forgive others, we are much like that elder brother who stands afar off and unable to enter into the joy of the celebration.
Forgiving isn’t easy when we have been hurt and suffered wrong and treated badly. If we choose not to forgive our own heart door starts to close and we become cold and end up hurt and carry around our wounds.
But Rolheiser writes that the deep secret of joy is forgiveness, and it is imperative. Jesus taught us in the Lord’s prayer, “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” I almost shutter when I hear persons say, “I will never forgive so and so!” Can’t you almost predict that they will lose their joy and become bitter and hardened? It is like having a closed fist and as they take a protective stance, they are unable to become vulnerable. But when we go through life with open trusting hands and embrace others our heart becomes warm and bigger.
Let us not respond in kind to others who mistreat us but respond with forgiveness and love. May we stay connected to the One who has forgiven us everything we have ever done and let Him transform us into His grateful children who overflow with joy because we have been forgiven much.
Challenge for today: The next time you feel hurt and wounded by another, pause to pray and ask the Lord to help you respond with His love.
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy
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