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Forgiveness is Not a Dirty Word
Forgiveness. It is not in our human nature to forgive. We are attacked. We defend ourselves. Someone treats us unjustly and we want justice. Someone is mean to us. We want to hit back, even as the event recedes into the past. We keep it alive with our revenge fantasies. Yet, Jesus was extremely clear that we need to forgive. Mark 11:25: And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them so that your father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” God has told us in no uncertain terms to forgive. It’s true that God does not automatically forgive anyone ever born. He loves us,…
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The Seven Last Words of Christ
Who was crucified? “Crucifixion was the standard Roman mode of punishment for capital offenses against Rome, and hence was practiced on a large scale in Judea under the Roman occupation. All acts of rebellion against Rome were a capital offense.” Slaves could be crucified for less crimes but free men only for capital offenses. However, Roman citizens were not crucified at all. They were beheaded, which is why Paul was not crucified but Peter was. The four gospels collectively report seven “words” (phrases) that Christ spoke from the cross. The words differ between the four gospels, but this is neither surprising nor alarming: if you get four people to watch…
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How to Listen to God
First, ask! “[Jesus said] ‘Listen! I stand at the door and knock; if any hear my voice and open the door, I will come into their house and eat with them, and they will eat with me.’” (Rev. 3:20) Ask Jesus Christ to transform your mind, to help you to become the person He created you to be. Take Time. Breathe deeply. “Be still and know that I am God.” Quiet your spirit before God. Relax physically and mentally. Wait receptively. Find a place and time where you can be alone, and stay quiet and uninterrupted. Early morning is the best time for many people, but whatever works for you.…