20 April 2008
Take it or leave it — You decide.
How fitting that my time with the Lord told of the paranoia of Joseph’s brothers after their father (Jacob) passed away. Today, at church we talked about getting mired in the muck of guilt.
Guilt can actually be a good thing when it helps lead us to repentance and change. But guilt is also like milk—keep it around too long and it will sour on you. It will cause you to doubt God’s forgiveness and create trust issues in every areas of our lives.
Joseph already forgave his brothers, but they could never really believe it because (to them) their sins were too great to simply have the slate wiped clean.
What a shame. They missed out on a lot because of their lack of understanding of the power of this great and wonderful thing called ‘forgiveness.’
You can read about it here.
I don’t know about you, but I for one love the fact that God is a God of second chances.
I’ve needed plenty of them.
5 Comments currently posted.
Kim says:
Lance Ratliff says:
I am one for sure that knows God is Great and I am very happy he does not stop and 2nd chances.
Starting to Grow says:
I think Pastor Rob mentioned it a few weeks ago in church about how guilt can keep you from growing in the Lord. Guilt is one of the ways that Satan has kept me down and kept me from experiencing the forgiveness that God has freely offered me. I find myself praying now that God will allow me to experience His forgiveness rather than continually ask for forgiveness (for the same sin from years ago). Because I have never really believed that God actually did forgive me, I have lived for years under this constant blanket of guilt - suffocating.
But you know…. just like all the preachers in my past have said and now also Pastor Rob, it’s funny how when you read the Bible AND PRAY, and you actually start to learn about God, instead of relying on the knowledge of others, His principles start to solidify in your spirit.
Also, I would like to mention a 2-part series that I have been listening to over and over called Laws of The Harvest by James MacDonald. (Goggle it - it can be dowloaded in MP3 format) While there can be negative consequences to reaping what you sow…. It is never too late to turn that around and start planting a good crop of seed so that you can reap blessings in the time of harvest. Start planting now!
Elizabeth says:
Great message on Sunday!!! I totally believe in God’s forgiveness and 2nd chances. I wouldn’t be where I am without it.
Mark Cianciosa says:
Rob … so accurate … many times (even now) I am thinking about how bad I am and how the LORD could not forgive me … but I need only to read the word and it will come back again … he is the GOD of MANY chances … back to my knees again …
In HIS Service,
Mark
Great message on Sunday! Would like to read more about the man with ALS in the video, what was his name and is there a website about him?