Think Critically and Live

   Proverbs 9:6 Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

   “Come on live a little!” Have you ever heard that phrase? Interestingly, that very phrase can lead to foolishness, which robs people of life. It’s as if the foolish are calling others to become like them. Then of course, there’s, “Get a life.”

   How many do you know who seriously struggle? Nothing seems to go right for them, and if something does start to move in a positive direction, it suddenly reverses course. It gets flushed down the toilet for no apparent reason. Perhaps, you’ve experienced some of this, and would love to see positive change.

   Such change requires honest self-assessment. Yes, brutal honesty is the order of the day. If you’re not prepared to start there, don’t complain if things continue the same direction. On the other hand, if you’re ready, here’s a place to start. Ask yourself, “have I been foolish?” Ask Holy Spirit to show you the answer.

   Our opening Scripture states, “Forsake the foolish, and live.” This is where this question comes into play. Instead of blaming other people or circumstances for your troubles, examine your thoughts and behavior. By the way, it’s easy to blame the devil for all your woes, if you want to avoid taking personal responsibility.

   Do you avoid critical thinking? How rash are your decisions? These two go hand in hand. If you fail to think critically, you may very well make hasty decisions that have negative consequences. Emotions often play a big factor in this one. If you’re short-sighted, you won’t consider the long-term effect of those decisions.

    For instance, if someone buys something on impulse, using credit, he may find himself struggling to pay his bills. He goes from having a surplus, to having to live paycheck to paycheck. It’s not always the amount of money you generate, it’s what you do with it that makes a difference. Some people can survive on very little, while others are always in the hole, no matter how much money they have. If you never have enough, look at your spending habits.

   In short, part of change is putting away those things that are hurting you. So be brave, and ask what needs to change?

Seek Understanding

   Be willing to learn. In most cases, change means acquiring knowledge, wisdom and understanding. Just because one doesn’t know how to do something doesn’t mean he or she can’t learn how. That states the obvious, but people stay in the same mess because they fail to seek new understanding.

   Proverbs 5:4-7 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.

   There are many resources available to us, especially in this day and age. We have so many opportunities to learn new things. Most importantly, we have God. If you don’t understand a particular area in life, ask for help. Holy Spirit can you lead you to right resources for learning, whether it’s the Bible, people, books and so on. If you’re willing to listen, He will tell you what you need to hear.

Don’t be Lazy and Thrive

   Another part of the puzzle is being diligent. Some desire change, but they’re not willing put in the work necessary for it happen. The process does require action for change to materialize. For instance, read the book and learn. Apply what you learn, and see what happens. No one owes us a living; we are not entitled. Luck will not get the job done. People may help, but they can’t do our work for us. Obedience requires action on our part. After all, faith requires a response in order for it to be fruitful.

   Proverbs 6:9-11 How long will you lie down, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? “A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest”— Your poverty will come in like a vagabond And your need like an armed man.

   Proverbs 13:4 The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat (will prosper).

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The Basics (Part 7): Baptism is a Spiritual Act

The Basics (Part 7) continues with basic #3, the Doctrine of Baptisms. In it we address water baptism being preceded by Spirit baptism.

 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

   Through the agency of Holy Spirit we are baptized into Jesus. A Roman Centurion, named Cornelius, serves as an example of baptism being a spiritual act, and how it precedes water baptism.

   Acts 10:44-47 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God. Then Peter answered, “Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?” And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay on for a few days (Read entire chapter for full context).

   Upon hearing the Gospel through Peter, Cornelius and his household received the gift of Holy Spirit, before being water baptized. Revealing once again that water baptism is not the prerequisite for salvation. Nevertheless, it is important to be baptized in water, as it is the Lord’s desire. Moreover, it serves as a public confession of Jesus Christ. In the early Church, there was great importance placed on it.

   1 Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ (please read verses 8-22 for full context).

   Notice the phrase, the answer of a good conscience toward God. What do you suppose is its significance? Answer in the Greek (EPEROTEMA 1906) comes from EPEROTAO (Strong’s 1905), to question, or inquire.

    In the New Testament, this verse speaks of a question put to a convert at baptism. It’s a process of question and answer, or examination, or the response to the inquiry, a pledge or confession. They made sure those being baptized understood that it was spiritual in nature, and not some mere external rite. For the one being baptized, it was both a profession of faith and a vow to continue to follow Jesus.

   In essence, when a person is baptized, he or she is confessing the Lord Jesus, along with making a vow to remain bound or connected to Him. In short, it’s a confession and a vow, as the result of an internal work done through the Spirit.

   Galatians 3:26-27 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

   Colossians 2:11-12 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, Who hath raised Him from the dead.

The Baptism with The Holy Spirit

   Earlier, we read about Cornelius and his household receiving the Gift of the Holy Spirit, and as the result they spoke in tongues, exalting God. This refers to the Baptism with Holy Spirit. John the Baptist prophesied about Jesus baptizing those who believe with the Holy Spirit and with fire (Matthew 3:11). Later, Jesus confirmed this prophecy just before His ascension to the Father.

   Acts 1:4-5 Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

   He goes onto say, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

   In these few verses of Scripture, we find a major purpose for this baptism: to receive power to be His witnesses. To do what Jesus called us to do requires power beyond ourselves. To do spiritual things, and actually be spiritual people, we require Holy Spirit. Apart from Him, neither of these are possible.

   How did Holy Spirit first manifest in believers? It happened in the Upper Room where 120 disciples met in one accord.

   Acts 2:1-4 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.

   Be sure to read Acts 1 and 2 for a much fuller picture. These two chapters mark the beginning of the Church, and what a beginning it was. After receiving Holy Spirit, Peter preached the Gospel that day, which happened to be The Day of Pentecost. What was the result of that first day?

   Acts 2:41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.

   3,000 were added to their number. If you recall, prior to Pentecost, Peter denied Jesus three times, before He was crucified. He was afraid then, but after receiving Holy Spirit, he was endued with power and boldness to speak.

   There are numerous ways Holy Spirit manifests through believers. At this juncture we will not address them. Suffice to say, He empowers us to do things far beyond our natural capabilities. Perhaps in the next installment, we can go in more detail.

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Transitioning into Basic #2: Faith Toward God

   Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God.

   As we shift into faith toward God, there’s one more area to cover in relation to repentance from dead works, which will make for a great transition. In part one, we discovered dead works are anything not of faith, or outside of Jesus. Some could be considered religious acts rooted in self-righteousness and hypocrisy. Much of it leans toward unbelief.

   Okay, here is one part to really consider as we begin to focus more on faith, because it can have an adverse effect on your walk. Be wary of trying to add things to the righteousness that is of faith. The religious dos and don’ts take away from the relational value of faith. In fact, it can move you into doubt and self-righteousness.

    Moreover, don’t allow others to place you into bondage by projecting their idea of righteousness on you. This refers to those things not backed up by Scripture, and rooted in the traditions of men. Something Jesus talked about in the Gospels. To be clear, we need to give each other latitude in terms of exhortation and correction. Just be aware of bondage.

   It is important to remember; Jesus alone is our righteousness. There is nothing on our part that can be done that can make us righteous, much less, increase it. It’s faith in Him alone.

   Colossians 2:6-8 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him: Rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

   Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments (elementary principles) of the world, and not after Christ.

   Colossians 2:16-17 Let no man therefore judge you in meat (food), or in drink, or in respect of an holyday (festival), or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Defining Basics #2: Faith Toward God

   By definition, faith is assurance, firm persuasion, or conviction by inward certainty, which is PISTIS (Strong’s 4102) in the Greek (New Testament language). Scripture defines it this way: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).

   As we examine this passage in the Greek text, we find that faith is the substance or foundation, the essential nature or essence of the things hoped for, the evidence or proof of things not perceived by the natural senses. Or simply put, God’s unseen reality.

   Faith pleases God, not our works. Unless of course, they are works of faith, which we’ll touch on later.

   Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

   Faith toward God means our faith rests on Him alone. Without God, we would have no faith. He provided us with faith; we could not manufacture it.  

   Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith (but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith -NASB).

Righteousness is of Faith

   It is important to understand that our works could never make us righteous before God. Without righteousness and holiness, none of us would have access to Him. This is one thing that makes the Gospel so powerful: God provided us way when there was no way. This is why faith toward God is such an important component to the Doctrine of Christ.

   Romans 5:1-2 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By Whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

   In a world filled with works and earned love, this idea of not earning salvation, much less God’s love, is foreign to many. This really calls for trust on our part. This proves difficult for those who want to be in control, because it means they have to relinquish all control over their destiny. He is God and we are not, which means we have to come to Him on His terms. Faith is a part of them.

   Some have the idea their works can balance out the scale of justice. In their mind, they place their “good works” on one side of the scale, and their sins on the other. If their good outweighs the bad, they’re good to go, but what does God say?

   Romans 3:10-12 as it is written, “There is none righteous, not even one; there is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God; all have turned aside, together they have become useless; there is none who does good, there is not even one.”

   Do you see a problem with the idea of having good to put on the scale? No one does good! Sin is the separator, which means sin had to be removed from the equation, and our works would never get the job done. Our righteousness comes by faith in Jesus Christ alone. But if you want to work for it, knock yourself out.

   Romans 3:21-26 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

    Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a Propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the Justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

   One thing is for certain: repentance from dead works is connected to faith toward God. You cannot have one without the other. Where do works come into the picture? They are the result of faith. Lord willing, we will address this in more detail in the installment of The Basics.

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What Does Forgiveness Look Like For Me?

Confidence with God begins to set in your heart when you realize your sin has been forgiven. Realizing there is no chasm between you and God vastly changes the relationship with Him. The question mark has been removed from the back of your mind in relation to salvation. Peace has found a wide-open door through which to invade your heart. Hope solidifies, and your feet feel firm for the first time, because you realize you’re standing on the Rock. No storm with its wind and driving rain can remove your newly discovered foundation.
   How does one know emphatically he’s been forgiven?  Three things emerge: one is the reliability of the Word of God. It transcends what our emotions may try to suggest to us, such as, “I don’t feel forgiven.”

If you were sincere with God, then know the sincerity of His Word. When He says He forgives those who repent and ask for forgiveness, He does.  When God says those who call on the Name of Jesus will be saved, it is so. As trite as it may sound, you know you’re forgiven because He says you’re forgiven.
   Hebrews 10:1-2 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
   Secondly, sin-consciousness vacates your mind. You no longer worry about sin ruling your life. In the process of trusting God’s Word, you’ll find you no longer give the sin you committed any further consideration. You may remember things you’ve done, but they no longer haunt you.  They’ve become a nonissue.

It is like reading a book in the third person in which you read about someone else; it’s no longer a biography or an autobiography. Why? Because it really is about someone else -the old man. In Jesus Christ, you are a completely new, never existed before creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).  That means it really is not you.
   Hebrews 10:7-10 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. Above when He said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law.

Then said He, Lo, I come to do Thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that He may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Be sure to read Hebrews 10:1-25.
   Confidence in prayer emerges as well. No one is confident with God when they feel as if sin is lurking in his heart. Of course, if he truly does have sin, there is no assurance of answered prayer, until he properly deals with it.

When the weight of sin no longer rests on your shoulders, you are free to move in the Spirit. Boldness with God increases in your heart. There is nothing in the way of your prayers getting to His ears. You know it! You are at the point where Holy Spirit bears witness to your spirit that you are a child of God. A young child has absolute confidence with his or her Abba (Daddy).

Forgiveness: Stop Holding Yourself Accountable

No one is saying there is no accountability for our actions, because we are accountable. However, the way we handle that accountability makes a big difference. By now, most realize we repent, ask and receive forgiveness when we blow it. That’s a no-brainer. Once you’ve received forgiveness, there is another critical step.
   Forgive yourself and move on. Learn from your mistakes, press toward to the mark of your high calling. Stop digging up your past, or more appropriately, stop trying to dig up the old man. He’s dead, and you are new. It’s over, even if someone tries to throw your past in your face. Let it go!
   “I can’t!” Yes you can by the grace of God. It’s time to believe God when He says you’re forgiven. Remember, justice was served at the Cross. It would be unjust on your part to not forgive yourself, if God already has for the sake of Jesus. In short, Jesus is worthy for you to be forgiven. Ask for help and come into agreement with Him.
When you’re free from sin, you’re free to love, pray, serve and enjoy the relationship with Him! That’s His will for you, embrace it! That’s what forgiveness looks like for you, if you receive it.
One final thought to leave with you: in Jesus Christ, sin has no dominion over you.
   Roman 6:6-9 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
   Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

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   Can we translate Jesus’ example of forgiveness into our own lives? Absolutely! He has empowered each of us to do just that; otherwise, we wouldn’t be exhorted to forgive.
   Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
   Negative emotions can interfere with forgiveness. Emotions in general make great servants, but they should never be our masters. They can be tyrants when left to themselves. If we’re honest, we have to admit forgiveness does not come easy when heated passion is overwhelming our senses. Hence, the exhortation to rid ourselves of these volatile emotions and behavior.
   Have you ever felt stuck, and it took a long time to forgive someone? Maybe even now, you feel like you cannot forgive. Again, don’t let your feelings stop you. It starts with a decision, not an emotion. We’ll drill down on this one in a moment. Just know God’s grace is there is to help.
   It may appear as if justice or the sense of fair play would be diminished by forgiveness. Biblically, it does not lessen them at all; in fact, it would be unjust if you did not forgive. And yes, you would be totally unfair by withholding forgiveness. How could we not forgive another, when we ourselves have been forgiven so much? Was it fair for Jesus to take on our sins at the Cross? At the Cross, justice was served. The price of sin was paid in full. What did Jesus teach?
   In the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, Jesus tells us of a servant who was forgiven an un-payable debt by a certain king. After being forgiven, he refused to forgive another servant who owed him considerably less. When the king heard about it, he was extremely angry. This is how he responded to the servant:
   “O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: ” Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? ” And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. (Matthew 18:32-34).  
   Moreover, Jesus said, “So likewise shall My heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses ” (Matthew 18:35). In short, if you do not forgive, you will not be forgiven. Be sure to read Matthew 18:15-35 and Matthew 6:14-15.
   Great! I know I’m supposed to forgive, but I’m still on the struggle bus. Time to drill down. God never asks or commands us to do anything we could never do. He made provision for everything. In this case, He provided grace and mercy. Grace enables us to do the “impossible;” like extending mercy.
   Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
   Talk to Him about your struggle. Ask for the ability to make the decision which will override the emotions and false narratives. Ask for His compassion to flood your heart. Submit to Holy Spirit, thereby bringing your emotions under His control.
    And if you feel the need for revenge, forgive! Forgiveness is the ultimate revenge, especially, when you consider the enemy of your soul would love you to withhold forgiveness. He does not want you to forgive anyone, and he most certainly doesn’t want you to receive forgiveness. Revenge would be gaining a brother or sister by extending undeserved mercy. But then, none of us deserved mercy.

What Forgiveness Looks Like for Us

Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender feelings of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering, forbearing one another and forgiving yourselves, if anyone has a complaint against any. As Christ forgave you, so also you do. And above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness.
   Do you like to set yourself up for success? Here are some things you can do to make forgiving others a winnable endeavor:

• Purpose to be kind. Kindness is a quality that leads to repentance (see Romans 2:4).
• Be tenderhearted: determine to keep your heart soft and teachable. This fends off bitterness.
• Be humble: forgiveness requires humility.
• Stay meek. Meekness is restrained strength, or strength under control. You don’t have to demand your way. You do not have to be “right,” or win the argument. A gentle answer turns wrath away, and lends itself to reconciliation.
• Cut people slack. Remember, not everything is black and white. Not every transgression is premeditated. Things happen. Sometimes people are unaware they were offensive. Similarly, not everyone thinks like you. For instance, what you consider wrong, may not be to someone else.
• With that, employ empathy. People struggle. Sometimes, they’re in a bad place and need mercy. They need healing, and they need someone to be Jesus for them. Some self-sabotage by hurting others. Ask God for wisdom.
• As already stated, submit to Holy Spirit. He gives the self-control required to do all the previous things mentioned.
• Love is the bow on top of the package.

   1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent love to yourselves, for love will cover a multitude of sins.

• Forgive and forget.

To this last point. With forgiveness comes healing; but in some instances, healing takes time. Feeling pain or even anger, doesn’t necessarily mean you didn’t forgive. It means the healing is in process. As you focus less on the past, and turn to the present, it will have less of a hold on you. The more submitted to Holy Spirit, the quicker the process. Do not bring things up again. Let love win!
   By the grace of God, you can come to a point where it seems as if an event never took place. At least from an emotional standpoint. Meaning, your emotions are no longer vested in the event. Emotionally, it would be similar to reading a story, where you are not a main character. It feels like you’re reading it from a third person point of view.
   Like love, forgiveness is not something meant to be earned. You could not earn forgiveness from God; it was freely given to you. Albeit, there most certainly was a Price paid. Trust on the other hand may be a different story. When someone was willful in his deed and is unrepentant, you cannot exactly whole heartedly trust him. Not unless, you’re looking to get hurt again. That itself is another topic to consider if you’re one who keeps getting burned.
   To be sure, people have to be given space to repent and change. They can gain back your trust, if you allow them. Some might push back on that idea, but that’s self-preservation kicking in. In the meantime, pray for them like their souls depend on it. Allow Holy Spirit to lead you in how to interact with those who break the trust.
   Remember how God treated you those times you blew it. He forgave and kept the relationship. He didn’t throw it out the window. He continuously gives us mercy and room to grow. If we can change, so can others! Jesus is worthy for us to forgive one another. God forgave us for His sake.

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Christianity 101 teaches us forgiveness is key to reconciliation with God. Without it, we would never have a relationship with Him. Moreover, if we will not forgive others we will not be forgiven (Matthew 6:14-15). What if you struggle to forgive others? What about forgiving yourself? What does forgiveness look like? Let see what we can find from God’s perspective.

What Does Forgiveness Looks Like For God

Luke 23:33-34 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted His raiment, and cast lots.

At the Cross, Jesus presents us with the perfect example of forgiveness in a graphic form. In the midst of suffering beyond anything anyone of all time could ever imagine, much less endure, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” How many of us would go out their way to forgive?

Stop, and really consider what’s being said here: how many of us would say, “Forgive them, they don’t know what they’re doing” while under severe pain and suffering? Now take it another step, would you willingly suffer for others in order to forgive them?

He not only laid His life down for those you might consider “decent human beings,” He asked God to forgive the very ones who nailed Him to the Cross. That reveals a love beyond human rationale. So yes, it absolutely can be said it was love that kept Jesus on the Cross, not so much the nails.
   John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.  
   2 Corinthians 5:18 And all things are of God, Who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation (putting in us the word of reconciliation).
   The goal of forgiveness is reconciliation. While on the Cross, Jesus did not hold us accountable for our sins; in fact, He took our sins unto Himself. In essence, He sought to place our sins on His account. It’s still up to each person to take Him up on His offer. He didn’t force anyone to receive forgiveness, He left that decision to the individual.                                                                                                                          
   2 Corinthians 5:21 For He hath made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.
   Even though, we were the transgressors, God made the first move to reconcile with us. He didn’t wait on people; He went to them. He made it clear He would forgive if we would repent and ask. Just because someone else trespassed against you, doesn’t mean you have to wait for him or her to make the first move -even if you’re totally innocent.
   When you read The Parable of the Parodical Son, did you notice the father went running toward the son when he saw him in the distance (Luke 15:11-32)? He didn’t wait for him; he went after him. Isn’t that what our Father did with us? Scripture reveals you could never approach Him, without Him making the first move. He drew you; you did not draw Him! Check it out in the Bible, if you haven’t already done so.
   Psalms 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
  People love this verse in the Bible, and so they should. We know east never meets west; thus, God never reminds us of our past. It is over as far as He is concerned. By the way, if it’s over as far as He is concerned, why would you remind yourself over and over? If you repented and received forgiveness, let it go.
   This leads to another point: if you told someone you forgave him or her, it would be illegal for you to ever bring the issue up again. If you you’re ever tempted or it’s been a habit, ask yourself: Is this the way God treats me? If the other brings it up, it would be a great idea to make it clear you have already forgiven him or her. It is not cool to make someone grovel for forgiveness.
   Next round, we’ll take a look at what forgiveness looks like for us, and how to forgive others should emotions overwhelm you.

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Questions About How You Create Your Reality

 Are you chasing that proverbial best version of yourself? Are you trying to create a new reality? How often have we heard, “You have to face reality?” Here is a different take on that statement: you can change the reality you’re in, but you’ve got to think outside of the box. To change it, you have to change first.
   How do you see yourself now? Do you have a vision or idea of who you want to become, if it’s different than you are now? Here’s a very important question: through what lens are you looking? Perhaps more importantly, through whose lens? If you look through the wrong one, you will have a distorted view. If you chase that vision, you’ll be miles away from your best self.
   Is the lens a worldly one or is it of the Kingdom? They are diametrically opposed, and have different ideas of what success looks like. If you look through someone else’s lens, it will more than likely be a skewed vision. If you allow someone to project their idea of who and what you should be, you will be trying to live up their expectations. In essence, you would be giving them power over your life. There is a place where people speak into one another’s life, but no one should run the other’s life!
   Some look through the lens of society, and think in terms of success. What’s your definition of success? Does it include wealth, possessions, power and prestige? Is it having the freedom to do as you please? Would that be true freedom and would you actually feel fulfilled if you had all of these things?
You are uniquely made, and were never meant to be like anyone else, much less conformed to someone else’s expectations. When it comes to your best version, would it be wise to ask the One Who designed you in the first place? Being in alignment with His design, is the sweet spot. That is where you will find yourself the most fulfilled. What are some things we know about that design?

   God’s Intended Reality For You

 Genesis 1:26-27 And God said, Let Us make man in Our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in His Own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them.
   Romans 8:29 For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the Firstborn among many brethren.
   These clear-cut statements answer that question: we were created to be in God’s image. Unfortunately, the image was marred when sin entered into the picture. In His infinite wisdom, God both foresaw humanity’s plight and made provision for it. That provision of course is Jesus Christ, in Whose image He predestinated us to be fitted.

   Ways to Distort Reality

   1 Corinthians 13:11-12 When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.  For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.

   If we’re honest, we have to admit we don’t really see ourselves very clear. “For now we see through a mirror dimly” reveals this truth. Left to ourselves, we begin with a distorted view of ourselves. Hence, the reason to ask God to show us our design. There are some definite ways to have an even more distorted view. How can you distort reality? Again, let’s go back to the beginning.
   Genesis 3:1-7 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? . . . For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil … (read the entirety of the passage).
   One of the first ways to distort reality is questioning God and His Word. Most in the Christian community already recognize deception is hidden in that kind of questioning. It leads to doubt. Without realizing it, when we question God and His Word, we will question ourselves too. Obviously, if you eliminate God from the picture, game over. Without Him, we lose our purpose for living; not to mention, losing sight of who we really are in Jesus. People lose value without Him.

   We know from 2 Peter 1:4, corruption entered into the world through lust. When one lusts for ungodly things, the things of God lose preeminence in his life. Of course, if he acts on those lusts, the chasm between him and God increases. The further away you move from God, the more distorted reality becomes. Ultimately it leads to idolatry (see Romans 1:18-32). Getting back to the phrase, “You’ve got to face reality.” It’s interesting to see those who are completely lost think they live in reality, and the Christians have lost their minds.
   Romans 1:21-22 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.
   Thirdly, when pride enters into the picture, distortion is off the charts. When someone plunges deep into pride, they actually depart from love. Self-centeredness takes over at that point. We are created for love, since we’re made in God’s image. God is love. The most unfulfilled humans on the planet are in it for themselves, period. In truth, as long as anyone does things his or her own way, he or she will never become their best self.

   How Can You Come Into His Reality

Ephesians 2:4-10 But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.How do you create your best reality? That’s a trick question: you can’t! You never could, and that’s the deception many have fallen into. Many believe they can achieve their best version through their own effort. They are striving to reinvent themselves. Yes, people can change their living conditions, and in one sense become better individuals. But apart from God, they’ll be incomplete and lost in sin. Changing thoughts and habits certainly lead to improvement, but not to the level God has for them.
   The change required for your best reality can only be accomplished by God. How do you become a better Christian? That’s another trick question: you cannot improve on what Jesus already did. Your righteousness and goodness are strictly found in Him (see 2 Corinthians 5:14-21).
   God is the One Who does all the necessary changes. Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
   So what’s our part in all of this? Three words: love, believe and submit. When you love God with your whole being and love others with the love of Jesus, you are being your best version. Jesus gave us His love, so we can love others as He does (see John 17:18-26; Galatians 5:22-23).
    1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
   There’s so much that could be said about this verse, but let’s keep this simple. If you truly believe you are a welled love child, self-esteem issues disappear. Your best version believes God, which includes believing He loves you. He said so, after all! You don’t need someone else to tell you that you’re valuable. You’re here because He loves you and has made you worthy through Jesus Christ. In short, you are everything God says you are, and are able to do everything He says you can do.

Submitting to Holy Spirit enables you to be and do all things. It’s His grace!

Galatians 5:16   This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
   Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
   Romans 8:15-16 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.

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