Super Size, Value Size, Whata Size. It has become the nature of American consumer that when we place an order, we want to go big with it. We all want to get the most bang for our buck.
But, real life is much more complicated than ordering off of a fast food menu. How do I go big on the menu of everyday living?
Jesus may not have frequented fast food establishments (though He was the originator of the super-sized happy meal), but He understood the principles that can make life much bigger and more full than the smallness we often relegate ourselves to. In Luke 6, He tells us:
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” — Luke 6:37-38 (NIV)
Jesus says you are the determining factor of the size of your life. When you measure generously toward others, you measure generously toward yourself.
I pray you find freedom in this remarkable teaching from our Lord Jesus. As you walk in forgiveness and generosity toward others, may it lead you to experience the fullness of life our Lord desires to pour into your lap.
May you experience the joy of a King-Sized life today!
The Word of God is clear. Your relationships with others matter to God.
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” –Mark 11:25 (NIV)
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.” –Matthew 5:23-24 (NIV)
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” –Romans 12:18 (NIV)
“But I just don’t know if I can ever forgive what was done to me.” I’ve looked into the tear filled eyes of many as they have spoken those words with a quivering voice.
But, what if I told you that you didn’t have to forgive WHAT was done to you?
WHAT was done to you was wrong. WHAT was done was unjust. WHAT was done should never have happened, and I pray it never happens again.
You are not expected to forgive WHAT has happened to you in your life. The key to forgiveness is that we must find the grace to separate the offense from the offender. When we are able to untangle the two, then we make the choice to forgive WHO it is that hurt you.
WHAT was done is the action that was committed against you. WHO did it is the actor that was used to bring the pain. In the process of forgiving the person, we must look beyond them to see the true source of the offense that has occurred in our life.
Our battle is not against flesh and blood, and though the WHO that hurt you may have been in flesh and blood form, that person was only a tool in the hands of an enemy. It is the enemy of your soul who has come to lie to and steal from you.
Let’s pause for a moment and consider our own forgiveness and the grace we received from the life and death of Jesus on the cross.
In Colossians 3:13, Paul tells us:
“Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
When we reflect upon our own salvation, we realize that God Himself separated the WHAT from the WHO in our lives.
WHAT we did was paid for through the death of Jesus on the cross so that WHO we are could be forgiven by the grace of God. What an amazing gift!
Now it is our turn to give what we have so freely received as we release WHAT was done to us to the justice of God and allow even it to be paid for on the cross. We then make the decision to forgive WHO it is that our enemy used to commit the act against us.
You can make the choice to forgive today by praying a prayer such as the one below.
Father in Heaven, Thank you for the forgiveness I have received from you. I repent of holding unforgiveness in my heart. Just as You forgave me, I make the choice to forgive_______________. I release what was done to me to Your justice. I ask that Your grace would cover _______________ and free them from the lies of our enemy, releasing them to a life of joy and healing in Your goodness and blessing. Amen.
At the conclusion of yesterday’s service, I referenced a great series of videos on youtube entitled “Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage.” Here’s a clip of Mark Gungor and his humorous revelation about the male and female brain.
The Freedom Weekend is quickly approaching. Have you signed up? Make plans to join us November 6 – 7 for an amazing weekend of discovering the healing and joy found in Christ Jesus. Space will be limited, so sign up early! For more information, a schedule, and registration information, click HERE.
Been trying to remember one of those awesome songs we sang? Here is our worship list from yesterday, for those of you who just absolutely need a copy for yourself. You can usually find them for purchase on itunes.com.
“Happy Day” by Tim Hughes
“Your Love Never Fails” Jesus Culture version-This song totally rocks!
“I Repent” by Barry and Michelle Patterson
“How Marvelous” Chris Tomlin version
Sunday Preview
Next Sunday, October 11, is our final week of “Live Like You Were Dying.” I invite you to join us as we culminate this series by discovering how each of us can “Embrace Eternity.”
Every Sunday a pastor preaches three sermons:
the one he planned, the one he preached, and the one he wished he had planned to preach. This blog is dedicated to that third sermon.
Super Size, Value Size, Whata Size. It has become the nature of American consumer that when we place an order, we want to go big with it. We all want to get the most bang for our buck.
“But I just don’t know if I can ever forgive what was done to me.” I’ve looked into the tear filled eyes of many as they have spoken those words with a quivering voice.
