Category: faith

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Getting Rid of Toxic Thoughts – the Key to Clear and Creative Thinking

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Agile Methodologies

Dr. Andrew Butterworth is a Content Writer, Author, Coach, Pastor.

Have you ever felt uneasy when somebody’s name gets mentioned? Or when the name of a previous company gets brought up? Perhaps a past relationship that didn’t end well?

All of us go through life. We have good experiences and bad experiences. It’s the nature of being human. Those bad experiences can even make us stronger. We learn lessons and if we are wise, we make sure we don’t repeat the experience again.

But here’s the rub: if things from the past trigger negative emotions inside of you it means there are people or experiences taking up space in your brain that you just don’t need. It’s like a physical wound that doesn’t heal. Physical wounds should heal and scar. But sometimes they don’t. If there is dirt inside they can get infected. They are really sensitive when they get knocked. Ow!

It’s the same for emotional wounds. Most of the time we process the wounds well and they heal. But sometimes they don’t and they linger inside.

You and I don’t need that emotionally. Life’s hard enough without having emotional wounds that aren’t fully healed.

Have you ever been in a stressful time at work and then somebody triggers a wound from the past? Or have you ever been on the end of somebody’s emotion when you’ve triggered that wound? Why did they react so over the top? It’s because you hit a wound.

The good news is there is an answer. We have an inbuilt ability to process pain from the past that allows things to heal. These memories no longer need to take up valuable space in our brain.

Anybody can learn how to do it. It just takes practice.

So what’s the key? The key is forgiveness. Weird I know. But forgiving properly means that you no longer use precious brain power ruminating over the past. That brain power could be put to much better use. Who want’s to live in the past anyway? Life is for the present.

I know what you are thinking: It seems too simplistic. Or, you’ve tried that and it didn’t work. Or even ‘that’s letting them off the hook’. But forgiveness really works. I have helped almost a hundred people process their toxic thoughts and get real freedom. The commonest response people say is ‘I feel so much lighter’ or ‘It’s like a burden has been lifted off me’.

In some ways, you are letting them off the hook because you are choosing something better. You are releasing them from being locked up inside of your brain. But the person who gets free is you.

In reality, not forgiving only harms yourself.

Somebody once said failing to forgive is like buying a poison and then drinking it yourself. Nobody gets harmed more by your toxic thoughts than yourself.

In contrast, forgiving people releases this and creates valuable space in your brain for other things. It makes space for other things, like creativity.

Have a think: How much creativity are you losing out on because your brain power is being taken up with toxic thoughts?

I encourage you to try forgiveness out. It’s incredibly freeing. You can do it by yourself, but sometimes it’s helpful to have somebody guide you through it. There are many people out there who can help. Engaging somebody who is skilled in this is probably one of the best investments you’ll ever make.

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Sleepy-Head!

Jesus Christ as a Project Leader

“How long will you lie there, O sluggard?   When will you rise from your sleep?”   (Proverbs 6:9).   Remember, the same God who “gives to His beloved in sleep” also created the rooster!   It’s time to rise and shine for the Lord!   He has work for you to do!

You city-folks, don’t forget to turn-on and turn-up your “mechanical” and “electronic roosters (i.e. alarm clocks)!   What’s your version of cock-a-doodle-do?

See you bright and early tomorrow morning!   It’s going to be a wonderful day – God wants to speak to us, and listen to us, before we’re on our way!

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Christian Prayers Along Polish Border Called “Anti-Muslim”

Fighting for the right to pray. Has the media converted to Islam?

Tens of thousands of Catholics in Poland prayed together on Saturday 8th October along the country’s 2,000 mile border and prayed for salvation an act viewed by some as anti-Muslim.

People have said that if the roles were reversed and Muslims were praying at the border, some claim that these same media outlets would be weeping and moved to tears.”

A devotee takes part in a rosary prayer on the Baltic beach in Gdansk, Poland, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017. Polish Catholics are holding rosaries and praying together at hundreds of locations along Poland’s 3,500-kilometer (2,000-mile) border, appealing to the Virgin Mary and God for peace in Poland and in the world. (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz)

Godinterest has learned that more than 300 churches supported the event. The organisers stated that the prayer event marked the centenary of the apparitions of Fatima, when three shepherd children in Portugal said the Virgin Mary appeared to them. People take part in a mass rosary prayer, asked God ‘to save Poland and the world’ from the the dangers facing them.

But, the news agency reported, the event also commemorated a large battle in the 16th century, which organizers said saved Europe from Islamization  (also spelled Islamisation, in Arabic: أسÙ”žÃ™”¦Ã˜©’Ž’Ž aslamah), a process of a society’s shift towards Islam, such as found in Sudan, Pakistan, Iran, Malaysia, or Algeria. Fears of Islam were echoed by those in attendance.

“Islam wants to destroy Europe,” Halina Kotarska, 65, told the associated press as she prayed and clutched a rosary. They want to turn us away from Christianity.”

Critics of the event said praying along the border could be seen as celebrating the country’s refusal to accept Muslim migrants, according to the BBC.

Rafal Pankowski, an expert on xenophobia and extremism told the BBC the prayers seemed like a way to express Islamophobia.

“The whole concept of doing it on the borders reinforces the ethno-religious, xenophobic model of national identity,” Pankowski told the news organization.

But organizers say they chose the border because it symbolized wanting to “encompass the world with prayer,” the BBC reported. Nearly 90 percent of the country is Catholic.

“It’s a really serious thing for us,” said Basia Sibinska, who traveled with her daughter Kasia from Kalisz in central Poland. “Rosaries to the border means that we want to pray for our country. That was a main motive for us to come here. We want to pray for peace, we want to pray for our safety. Of course, everyone comes here with a different motivation. But the most important thing is to create something like a circle of a prayer alongside the entire border, intense and passionate.”

 

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7 Faith Based Christian Movies Not to Miss This Year

Traditionally, faith-based films were saddled with microscopic budgets and unable to draw big-name talent, either in front of or behind the camera. However  in recent years there has been some extremely well-made and executed movies  with religion as a theme that have received a lot of press and positive feedback from traditionally harsher critics and viewers.

Finally faith-based films have been able to get the budgets, star power, and wide releases necessary to compete on the national level.

Films studios have created departments geared towards producing such faith-based entertainment, such as Sony’s Affirm Films, which released “War Room,” “Miracles from Heaven,” and “Risen”.

Here’s a list of the seven more notable faith-based films scheduled for release this year.

Hacksaw Ridge

 

“An old-fashioned story that Gibson mainlines with bleeding-edge craft and technique.”

Mel Gibson returns to his religious roots with this true life story of Desmond Doss, as conscientious objector who enlists as a medic and saves the lives of 75 without ever touching a gun. With intense battle sequences and an epic scope, Hacksaw Ridge places Mel Gibson back on the same firm cinematic ground as films like The Passion of the Christ and Apocalypto.

Hacksaw Ridge DVD release was the 22nd May 2017.

The Shack  

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After suffering a family tragedy, Mack Phillips spirals into a deep depression that causes him to question his innermost beliefs. Facing a crisis of faith, he receives a mysterious letter urging him to an abandoned shack in the Oregon wilderness. Despite his doubts, Mack journeys to the shack and encounters an enigmatic trio of strangers led by a woman named Papa. Through this meeting, Mack finds important truths that will transform his understanding of his tragedy and change his life forever.  With star turns from Sam Worthington (Avatar) and Octavia Spencer (The Help).

“The Shack promises to be the Christian cinema event of the year.”

The Case for Christ

THE CASE FOR CHRIST

Lee Strobel’s investigation into the real evidence of Jesus’ life and death has been a touchstone of belief for readers the world over; it touches on the honesty of searching for meaning, and the challenges of what is confronted. Taking the story of Strobel’s journalistic pursuit, the film studio Pure Flix have crafted a cinematic and thrilling chase of one man’s Case for Christ.

Coming to DVD 29th September 2017

Do You Believe?

The creators of God’s Not Dead have changed lanes somewhat.When a pastor is shaken by the visible faith of a street-corner preacher, he is reminded that true belief always requires action. His response ignites a journey that impacts everyone it touches in ways that only God could orchestrate.

The Do You Believe UK DVD release date is 28 July 2017.

The Star

An animated nativity story, “The Star” follows a small but brave donkey who, with the help of other animal friends, becomes an unsung hero in the Christmas story. There is little known about the film for now except that “The Muppet” creators Brian and Lisa Henson from The Jim Henson Company will be producing the film and Oprah Winfrey will be one of the voice talents.

Same Kind of Different As Me

The film is about an international art dealer who builds an uncanny relationship with a homeless man in order to save his struggling marriage. The movie stars Greg Kinnear and Rene Zellweger. “Same Kind Of Different As Me”is based on a true story.

Silence

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silence-neeson

Breakout artist Andrew Garfield stars in this film about  two Christian priests’ quest to find their mentor in 17th-century Japan is sometimes hard work, but is full of conviction

“The film tackles themes of religious persecution, cultural differences and the “real price” of spreading the Gospel. The movie was released last January.”

The movie has received significant praise after getting an accumulated critics score of 85 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Be warned the content is strong and may not be suitable for younger or more sensitive viewers.

The Resurrection of Gavin Stone

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Director Dallas Jenkins brings to us this Christian comedy drama. Former child star Gavin Stone (Brett Dalton) must perform 200 hours of community service after trashing a hotel in his Illinois hometown.

“Temptation strikes when Stone learns that the church he’s assigned to clean is staging a lavish religious production.”

After landing the lead role of Jesus Christ,  Gavin finds himself drawn to the show’s director (Anjelah Johnson-Reyes), a young woman who also happens to be the daughter of the affable pastor (D.B. Sweeney).

 

 

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Weapon of Mass Destruction

In the recent months, I have found that as adept as I am in the art of spiritual warfare, circumstances surrounding my friends and myself have told me I need to overhaul my armory. To do that, I needed instruction. After an extensive search of Amazon, I found The Three Battlegrounds by Francis Frangipane and began studying. Much of what he says, I already know and practice, but there’s a section in it that keeps turning over and over in my head.

“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (Psalm 23:5, KJV).

I can quote the whole Psalm verbatim in the King James from the Sunday school drills of my childhood. And always before this verse has been sandwiched between the others, glossed over to get to the good stuff. You know, the surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. I mean, come on. Who isn’t excited about living in God’s house for all eternity?

But, I digress. So, He’s prepared a table in front of my enemies. Taken at face value, it’s an “Oh, hey, thanks for dinner, Lord. My enemies get to watch me eat—and probably envy the bodacious meal You cooked. That’s cool.” But Frangipane has found a gold mine in those words that I’ve overlooked. Yes, God prepares the table, the meal, and I sit there in front of my enemies. But here’s the kicker: I also eat that meal.

I know that seems rather obvious, but stick with me for a minute. In order to be able to eat a meal, my stomach has to be at some semblance of calm. After all, I’m not hungry when I have a stomach ache or indigestion. So, in order to eat the bountiful meal the Lord made, my stomach has to be calm, at peace—and, in most cases, hungry.

Now wait. My enemies are right across the table, watching every bite I take. Shouldn’t I be afraid? Or at least wary? After all, what if they’ve poisoned the food? What if as soon as I look down, they lunge across the table and take me out? What if? What if?

But remember, I am able to eat.

But remember, I am able to eat. The squeezing, the roiling, and the fluttering I feel in my stomach when I’m fearful isn’t happening. That means, to truly dine in front of my enemies means, I can’t be fearful.

Wait, what? How does that work? Frangipane says the reason I can eat is the peace of God and the confidence of His protection. He says peace is the ultimate weapon against the enemy. “When we maintain peace during warfare, it is a crushing deathblow to satanic oppression and fear” (pg. 56). I don’t know about you, but a crushing deathblow on the battlefields where I war sounds amazing. Matter of fact, I’ll take two.

So, how do I attain this weapon of mass destruction? What must I do to cultivate such a level of peace? Frangipane now returns to the basics. First and foremost, seek God. He is the ultimate source of it. He is never in a hurry. He is never worried or without an answer to a problem.

Second, fully accept and rest in the truth of His Word. Since God said He made Jesus’ enemies His footstool (Matthew 22:44), and Jesus said “all authority on heaven and earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18), and Paul said I am seated with Him in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6), then I need believe it. After all, God cannot lie – and while Paul is not God, few would argue his writing wasn’t inspired by Him. Ergo, if He said it, then it is true. Which means, Satan and his minions are my personal ottoman.

Can I truly believe that God is rooting for me in the war and has an arsenal prepared for me to use?

Almost sounds too good, right? So, the question then becomes, can I believe that? Can I fully believe something that audacious is possible? Can I truly believe God is rooting for me in the war and has an arsenal prepared for me to use?

Seems like an easy yes, but I know it isn’t. It never feels that black and white in the midst of the battle, when fear and circumstance confuse the mind and paralyze the body. It’s as if that level of peace is Excalibur lodged in a stone held apart for only one to wield.

And in a sense, that’s true. This weapon is wielded by a few. But not by God’s doing.

God has made it available to all, but it is I who releases the MOAB for my use. As I experience more of God’s goodness and the truth of His Word, I grow my faith. As I experience His faithfulness when all appears lost, I build my certainty in Him. And in doing each I grow in my ability to choose. I can choose to trust His promises in the presence of the giant. I can choose to seek His face first, last, and always in the midst of the battle. I can choose to be at peace even though the war rages around me.

And then, I am able to dine heartily, knowing that with every swallow I am laying waste to their ranks, armed with the ultimate weapon of mass destruction. Peace.

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The Judgement

Over five years ago my Aunt adopted a little girl who has become an integral part of our family. This summer, as part of the legal process of adoption, the family attended a celebration hearing where the judge declared that she was an official part of the family and gave documents to my cousin and her ‘forever family.’ It was not lost on me that the last time I had been in a similar courtroom, it had been a fear-inspiring experience; the judgement had been uncertain.

Yet as my family sat waiting for the judge, there was laughter and happiness. We were full of expectation: there was no doubt about the court’s judgement. My cousin delighted in the deluge of attention, wore the Judge’s traditional wig and sat on the judicial seat. Even the adults in the room were eventually coaxed into taking pictures with the judge. A far cry from the daunting experiences that so many associate with courtrooms.

Similarly, Daniel 7 expresses that after the books were opened, ‘judgment was made in favour of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom. ’vs22 (NKJV) The New King James Version of the Bible emphasizes that the judgement is ‘in favour’ as these two words determine the way in which we should accept the message. Judgement in favour of the saints guarantees our eternal freedom from sin and all its consequences. Why would we fear it?  As Christians, we should be excited about the judgement. The judgement is indeed a solemn event, but we are assured of the outcome. It heralds our imminent repatriation to our true home.

The Psalmist David adds a celebratory note to the judgement:

Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; Let the sea roar, and all its fullness; Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the Lord.For He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with righteousness, And the peoples with His truth. Psalms 96:11-13

David personifies nature as it rejoices in and yearns for the return and judgement of God. If nature rejoices at the return of a righteous judiciary, even more so should we as the people of God.

Even the structure of Daniel 7 should fill us with hope. In the midst of persecution of the saints of God and the immergence of one tyrannical kingdom after another, this is juxtaposed in verse 8 with an awesome description of God on the seat of judgment with, ‘hair as white as wool’ and a throne described as a, ‘fiery flame’. Added to the glory, whilst earthly kingdoms are wreaking havoc and dominating the earth, we are shown a scene in heaven where God is administered by ‘ten thousand thousand’ angels with another ‘ten thousand thousand’ angels standing before God as witnesses (Dan 7:10). It’s as if the heavens are peeled back so that we can see the workings of our salvation. The universe is watching the judicial process and God’s character is being examined and vindicated—as are the people of God.

Nevertheless, I believe that the judgement is misunderstood by many of us. Instead of causing us to praise God, it induces fear and uncertainty. Joining a Bible study group in my early twenties, I hoped to discover more about the Bible. The singing was infused with close harmonies and the fellowship was great.  It was only after a few months, I realised that the studies only seemed to focus on the books of Daniel and Revelation. Judgement was at the forefront of each study, with a ubiquitous tone of perfectionist legalism. One day after church, I invited a good friend, one of the core members, to spend lunch with my family. He sat in ominous silence for most of the time, until someone mentioned end time prophecy, at which point he then dominated the conversation. Later, I asked him why he had been so quiet at the dinner table. He replied that the heavenly angels were recording every word and thus he preferred to use his words sparingly. How sad! Such misunderstandings of the Christian’s relationship to Christ’s heavenly ministry, are unhelpful and damaging to mind, body and spirit.

As Christians, with such a rich heritage of prophetic interpretation, we must be cautious of extremes. Prophetic imagery with: beasts, plagues, judgement and warnings are to help us understand world history, future and God’s place in it, not reduce us to a catatonic state.  Neither should a sure judgement lead to complacency.  The writer Ellen White states that, ‘presumption is Satan’s counterfeit of faith. Faith claims God’s promises, and brings forth fruit in obedience.’ (Desire of Ages p.126) Indeed, judgement is given in favour of the saints, let us live our lives in a way that reflect the graciousness of God’s favour.

Ultimately, we should be confident in understanding and appreciating the judgement as we get to know God more.

The judgement is part of God’s plan of salvation and heralds the universe accepting Jesus’ shed blood on our behalf. Be confident, the judgement is not about our goodness—we have none. It is about the wise, judicious and bountiful mercy of our Father.  The 17th century, English poet George Herbert put it like this:

Open the bones, and you shall nothing find. In the best face but filth; when Lord, in thee. The beauty lies in the discovery. (A sonnet, by Geroge Herbert)

Author  – The author of this article has chosen to keep their identity private. 

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The Real Face of Jesus – What Did Jesus Look Like?

Dr. Andrew Butterworth is a Content Writer, Author, Coach, Pastor.

Images in Western art have no bearing on the historical Jesus. From the best information we have, Jesus of Nazareth grew up in a village of a hundred families. Ethnically Jewish, he wouldn’t have had long flowing hair, deep blue eyes and fair skin. Hipster Jesus is simply a fallacy.

(John Jay Cubuay/for The Washington Post)

Middle-eastern Jews in the first century were only, on average, 5ft 1in in height. In fact, most people 2000 years a go were a lot shorter than we are now. Height is based on genetics, but it is also about nutrition. Generation-on-generation we are getting taller because of better nutrition. As a Jewish peasant-artisan, Jesus wouldn’t have had access to amount of protein that is common in Western diets. Meat would have been a luxury, not a staple – so like his peers, to a modern observer, he would have been short.

And the brown eyes?

Well, definitely either brown or green. Genetically, blue eyes is a European thing and newsflash: Jesus wasn’t European (or North American!).

What about him being muscular? Well, he spent the majority of his adult life doing manual labour as a tekton, the Greek word for a skilled construction worker, carpenter or builder. Rather than having manicured delicate hands, his skin would have been weathered from outdoor work and callused.

Long hair was a no, no. Look at this passage in the Bible indicating a common cultural view at the time (1 Corinthians 11:14):

Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him

Male fashions were far more conservative, particularly among the working class.

Talking of working class, his appearance was so typically working class that towards the end of the his life Roman soldiers couldn’t tell him apart from a gathering of mainly commercial fisherman (See Matthew 26:47-9).

So what did he actually look like?

You’ve probably seen this reconstruction that medical artist Richard Neave did using skulls from Jewish males from the 1st Century. This is far more likely to be the face of Jesus than any of the one that show up in Western art:

Popular Mechanics: The real face of Jesus

For the sake of accuracy, it’s probably time for you to dump those original Da Vincis and Raphaels.

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Meet the Former Traffic Policeman Turned Jesus

‘When Jesus Christ foretold the major trends that would precede His return to earth, the first sign He mentioned was religious impostors who would come in His name. Do you take that warning seriously?

Sergey Anatolyevitch Toro is the latest to the list of impostors. He claims he returned to Earth to work as a soldier in the Red Army and then as a traffic policeman in Russia,  but now he claims to be Jesus Christ. Sporting wispy hair, a white cloak and sandals over his socks, the bearded 56-year-old says he was ‘reborn’ in 1991 and is the founder of the Church of the Last Testament.

Sergey Anatolyevitch is the spiritual leader of at least 5,000 devoted followers who all live in the small isolated village of Petropavlovka – more than 2,000 miles from Moscow.

Unfortunately, many have been deceived into following this counterfeit Jesus.

Sergey Anatolyevitch Toro believers, who have given up their lives to follow him, are strict vegans and are banned from smoking and drinking or handling money. Many thousands more have made their homes in the small villages that surround Petropavlovka and survive the vicious Siberian winters so that they can be close to their Messiah.

On a mountain close by their village a large bell rings three times a day so the followers know when they should break   to kneel and pray.

We must examine the fruits of all those who claim to represent Jesus Christ—in the way they live and the doctrines they teach.
We must examine the fruits of all those who claim to represent Jesus Christ—in the way they live and the doctrines they teach.

One of his followers told the BBC: ‘We have a school of noble maidens here. We’re preparing girls to become future wives, future brides for worthy men.

‘They will be taught to understand not to rise above the man, not to be proud of their independence but to be shy, inconspicuous and weak…?

This cult is very ‘scary. They’re apparently teaching Vissarion’s ten-volume sequel to The Bible.’

Critics in Russia have accused him of fleecing his loyal community of followers for personal gain. In recent years he has travelled to France, Italy and Holland to ‘convert’ new followers although he claims that his visits were sponsored by his hosts and that his Church makes no money.

Who is behind these false christs?

It is none other than Satan himself.  Paul wrote, “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ.  Remember, most of those who claim to represent Jesus actually don’t. Moreover, as time goes on, ever more pretenders will arise, however sincere they may be. And finally, bear in mind that the greatest period of deception ever is just ahead of us.  

Tragically, those who are deceived in the last days by these false Christs will sincerely regard themselves to be genuine believers, actively doing the work of Christ. They will cast out demons in the name of Jesus, and work miracles in His name. But they are serving a false Christ – not the real Jesus.  

Read more:  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4951362/Traffic-cop-quits-job-Jesus-Christ.html#ixzz4uvs34tLG

 

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Spiritual 911: Secret Place of God

On September 11, 2001, 19 militants associated with the Islamic extremist group al-Qaeda hijacked four airplanes and carried out suicide attacks against targets in the United States. Two of the planes were flown into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, a third plane hit the Pentagon just outside Washington, D.C., and the fourth plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. Almost 3,000 people were killed during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which triggered major U.S. initiatives to combat terrorism and defined the presidency of George W. Bush.

Gross darkness and evil things are now covering the world. Evil influence and events are very real and are happening all around.   Sickness, depression, suicidal, epidemic, etch are really dominating the world. It steals, destroys and kills the world, countries, cities, businesses, schools, technology and even our families.

Is there a place where we can hide and escape from this evil situation?

Yes, there is!! It’s time to call our biblical 911.

It is Psalm 91:1 “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”

Yes!! There is place where we can hide and run to, this is the Secret Place of the Most High GOD.!

It is a real and actual place owned by GOD. It is place surrounded by His presence where evil is not allowed. He created this place for His children for them to dwell, not only visit. It is a place of refuge where His children is untouched by any evil spirits trying to steal and kill.

In His secret place we can have peace; wisdom in this deceptive world; truth in a world full of lies; joy in a world of hypocrisy;  security in dangerous times and faith in a doubtful and fearful generation;

Being in His secret place will also sharpen our ears to hear God’s voice. We will become more sensitive and familiar to His voice. By this we can hear clearly and differentiate His voice from the voice of enemy.

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27.

The more we are in His presence the more we become one with the Lord. His thoughts, ways, instructions and plans will be revealed to us. This is also His opportunity to pour out all the grace we need that will enable us to follow Him.

How to enter in the secret place?

Find a solitary place where you can have time privately with GOD. A place where you can focus on Him away from distractions.  Then as a respect bow down and kneel before the Lord as a protocol and sign of humility. Ask forgiveness and cleansing from Him then sing praises as you worship Him. After you present all your needs before the LORD in prayer it is very important to give HIM time to speak. Be still and feel His presence like liquid love. As we stay in this secret place, His heart will become our heart. From this we can walk together, abide in Him and remain safe in this sin sick world.

 

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To Avoid Darkness, Stay Close to God

His is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory and the majesty. Let us not limit the Holy One of Israel.

What a source to which we can look in all times of trouble; the heart can have no misgivings! is erring, stubborn,rebellious, and defiant even against God; but the Lord is kind and patient and of tender compassion. He has heaven and earth at His command, and He knows just what we need even before we present our necessities and desires before Him.

We can see only a little way before us;

“but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.”
He never becomes confused. He sits above the confusion and distractions of the earth, and all things are opened to His divine survey; and from His great and calm eternity He can order that which His providence sees is best.

If we were left to ourselves to plan, we should make mistakes. Our prejudices, our weaknesses, our self-deceptions, and our ignorances would be manifest in many ways. But the work is the Lord’s, the cause is His; He never leaves His workmen without divine directions.

Whatever burdens lay heavily, cast them on the Lord. He that keepeth Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps. Repose in  God. He is kept in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on God.

At times it will seem that you cannot take another step. Well, wait and know that

“I am God.” “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
We need to cherish faith.

You must learn the simple art of taking God at His word; then you have solid ground beneath your feet.

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Top 40 Inspirational Christian Quotes

Are going through  one of life’s storms? Whether you  need encouragement  for yourself, or you wish to encourage someone else, these quotes will help when you need it most.  Take a moment and really ponder and reflect on the timeless truths that have been presented with these faithful sayings. This list includes Christian quotes and bible verses about hope, love, obedience, God and life.

  1. “God grades on the Cross not on the curve.” ’-  Adrian Rogers
  2. “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him” ’-  John Piper
  3. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. ’- Proverbs 16:3
  4. “The will of God will not take us where the grace of God cannot sustain us.” ’- Billy Graham
  5. “I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become.” ’- Emma Watson
  6. “God will meet you where you are in order to take you where He wants you to go.” ’- Tony Evans
  7. “Let God’s promises shine on your problems.” ’- Corrie ten Boom
  8. “Christ literally walked in our shoes.” ’- Tim Keller
  9. “Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its troubles, it empties today of its strength.” ’- Corrie Ten Boom
  10. “You don’t get to choose if you get hurt in this world, but you do have some say in who hurts you.” ’- John Green
  11. “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.” ’- Jim Elliot
  12. “Remember who you are. Don’t compromise for anyone, for any reason. You are a child of the Almighty God. Live that truth.” ’- Lysa Terkeurst
  13. “If you can’t fly, then run, If you can’t run, then walk, If you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” ’- Martin Luther King Jr.
  14. “Our greatest fear should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don’t really matter.” ’- Francis Chan
  15. “If God is your partner, make your plans BIG!” ’- D.L. Moody
  16. “If we understand what lies ahead for those who do not know Christ, there will be a sense of urgency in our witness.” ’- David Jeremiah
  17. The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. ’- Proverbs 18:10
  18. “You are the only  Bible  some unbelievers will ever read.” ’- John MacArthur
  19. “The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time.” ’- Abraham Lincoln
  20. “Your potential is the sum of all the possibilities God has for your life.” ’- Charles Stanley
  21. “The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart.” ’- Helen Keller
  22. “New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings.” ’- Lao Tzu
  23. “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him” ’- John Piper
  24. I’ve read the last page of the Bible. It’s all going to turn out all right. ’- Billy Graham
  25. If God called us to a task, He will then qualify us for the job. ’- Jack Hyles
  26. When you understand that life is a test, you realize that nothing is insignificant in your life.   ’-  Rick Warren
  27. God loves each of us as if there were only one of us. ’- Augustine
  28. “Storms make trees take deeper roots.” – Dolly Parton
  29. We have a God who delights in impossibilities. ’- Billy Sunday
  30. Christ literally walked in our shoes. ’- Tim Keller
  31. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. ’- Psalm 28:7
  32. One touch of Christ is worth a lifetime of struggling.   ’- A.B. Simpson
  33. Let God’s promises shine on your problems. ’- Corrie Ten Boom
  34. When we lose one blessing, another is often most unexpectedly given in its place. ’- C.S. Lewis
  35. He said “Love”¦as I have loved you.” We cannot love too much.   ’- Amy Carmichael
  36. The ultimate measure of a man [or women] is not where he [she] stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he [she] stands at times of challenge and controversy.   ’- Martin Luther King Jr.
  37. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. ’- Psalm 18:2
  38. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ’- Jeremiah 29:11
  39. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. ’- Romans 8:38-39
  40. Hear my cry, O God,  listen to my prayer;  from the end of the earth I call to you  when my heart is  faint.  Lead me to  the rock  that is higher than I,  for you have been  my refuge,  a strong  tower against the enemy. ’- Psalm 61:1-3

Which of these 40 quotes do you consider as the most inspirational? Any verses that have been inspiring you lately?

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The Full Gaze of Adoration

What do you feel when you look at the cross? In other words, what is your emotional response to the sight of our Lord’s sacrifice? Do you feel horror, guilt and shame that Jesus had to go through such suffering?

As Christians, most of us have favorite pictures of Jesus we can easily call to mind. Jesus as the Good Shepherd or Jesus loves the little children. These are the time honored “comfort foods” of our faith.

But how do you most frequently endeavor to see his sacrifice in your mind’s eye as you pray; as you worship on Sunday; and as you work with others throughout the week?

The Pazzi Crucifixion, Pietro Perugino 1494-1496, fresco, Santa Maria Maddalena dei Pazzi, Florence Italy, image source wiki art.org
The Pazzi Crucifixion, Pietro Perugino 1494-1496, fresco, Santa Maria Maddalena dei Pazzi, Florence Italy, image source wiki art.org

Over the centuries, we have inherited a wealth of art and music that reveal varied perspectives of the Cross. Spending time with such works can help us form a powerful bond that nourishes our relationship with our Lord in new ways.

With this work by Pietro Perugino, we stand firm at the foot of the cross, planting our hearts into the “full gaze of adoration” as we experience Mary Magdalene’s upwardly turned face.  She is often thought to be the woman who bathed Jesus’ feet in her sweetly perfumed tears and drying them with her hair. Because of this, she has become the ultimate symbol of the repentant sinner who whole heatedly falls at Jesus’ feet.  She then is most frequently posed in iconography as the woman who is tearfully gazing at Jesus’ feet at the foot of the Cross.  ( see Luke 7: 36-38)

But here, Perugino, poses her differently. She strikes a sacred gesture of kneeling in prayer as she looks upward with an expression of love and complete devotion.

Since we find this fresco in the Santa Maria Maddalena church, I can only imagine that someone, perhaps a wise old abbess, gently suggested to Perugino that Mary Magdalene had been worshiping Jesus’ feet long enough:)

It is marvelous to see how this artist places here center stage within her own space to carry on her private act of devotion.

 

To adore is to recognize the whole of the object and the nothingness of the adorer. Adoration is nonentity swooning away and gladly expiring in the presence of infinity.  ~ Pere Sertillanges

Just as we are bonded to our mothers with a special kind of gratitude for the pain and suffering they endured to give us life, the sight of Jesus’  suffering reminds us of his broken body and the blood he shed for us to give birth to our  spiritual life.

Paul writes:

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes…For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.   ~ Romans 1:16-17

and in Habakkuk 2:14

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.

Dear Lord,

Help us now to look on with devotion at your sacrifice. Lead our thoughts so we might be purified to honor you. We adore you. We worship you. We love you. May we see the beauty and feel the loving hand of the Father’s care for us, when we close our eyes to sleep and when we rise to greet each new day. Cure us of all our blindness so we might see your love in tangible ways and give us the courage and the strength to care for others more than ourselves.

In Jesus we hope and pray Amen. Peace be with you:)

#newperspectivesofthecross

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Top 100 #Christian Hashtags on Godinterest

Most Popular Godinterest Christian Hashtags & Searches

A hashtag is a type of tag used on the Godinterest Social Networking Service that allows users to apply dynamic, user-generated tagging that makes it possible for others to easily find posts with a specific theme or content.  Users create and use hashtags by placing a pound sign  #  (colloquially known as the  hash character) in front of  a word or unspaced phrase. Searching for that hashtag will find each message that has been tagged with it.

Some faith leaders use trending topics or hashtags to build momentum around a certain conversation. The idea is that by pointing followers to a catchy hashtag, activists can spark conversation and rally supporters around a cause.

We  searched  Godinterest for top Christian hashtags and created a list of  the ones we’ve come  across. If you know of one that should be added here let us know in the comments below.

  1.  (10,715)
  2.  (9,832)
  3.  (7,233)
  4.  (6,595)
  5.  (6,411)
  6.  (6,250)
  7.  (5,411)
  8.  (4,955)
  9.  (4,373)
  10.  (4,263)
  11.  (3,701)
  12.  (3,648)
  13.  (3,316)
  14.  (3,221)
  15.  (3,200)
  16.  (3,171)
  17.  (3,122)
  18.  (3,028)
  19.  (2,996)
  20.  (2,963)
  21.  (2,930)
  22.  (2,515)
  23.  (2,395)
  24. #instapray  (2,363)
  25.  (2,338)
  26.  (2,183)
  27.  (2,086)
  28.  (2,078)
  29.  (1,915)
  30.  (1,898)
  31.  (1,882)
  32.  (1,841)
  33. #bibleverses  (1,802)
  34. #Jesusislove  (1,775)
  35.  (1,758)
  36.  (1,670)
  37. #teamjesus  (1,653)
  38.  (1,652)
  39.  (1,518)
  40. #JesusFreak  (1,489)
  41.  (1,447)
  42.  (1,253)
  43.  (1,231)
  44.  (1,223)
  45.  (1,165)
  46. #TopShot  (1,133)
  47.  (1,050)
  48. #jesuslovesme  (1,045)
  49.  (1,044)
  50.  (1,026)
  51.  (997)
  52. #repost  (980)
  53. #instagood  (978)
  54.  (972)
  55. #verseoftheday  (873)
  56.  (859)
  57. #instadaily  (856)
  58. #Saved  (848)
  59.  (834)
  60.  (833)
  61.  (826)
  62. #godlywomen  (810)
  63.  (806)
  64. #Godlovesyou  (805)
  65.  (803)
  66. #biblestudy  (784)
  67. #WordofGod  (782)
  68. #OurDailyBread  (779)
  69.  (777)
  70. #GodsNotDead  (743)
  71.  (741)
  72. #Thankful  (738)
  73. #Bibleprophecy  (723)
  74. #christianliving  (695)
  75.  (689)
  76. #repent  (678)
  77. #inspirationalquotes  (676)
  78. #Godfirst  (676)
  79.  (672)
  80. #trustGod  (670)
  81.  (669)
  82. #Endtimes  (656)
  83.  (656)
  84. #ilovejesus  (649)
  85. #GodsWord  (648)
  86.  (639)
  87. #photographershour  (633)
  88.  (627)
  89. #beautiful  (617)
  90.  (612)
  91. #godbless  (597)
  92. #follow  (589)
  93. #photooftheday  (586)
  94. #KingofKings  (585)
  95.  (585)
  96.  (582)
  97. #followme  (581)
  98. #Godisnotdead  (567)
  99. #GodsGrace  (560)
  100.  (557)

Ready to see what’s happening on Godinterest?

Sign up today at Godinterest.com

 

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The No. 1 Career Mistake Capable People Make

Republished with permission from  Greg McKeown, New York Times Bestselling Author.

I recently reviewed a resume for a colleague who was trying to define a clearer career strategy. She has terrific experience. And yet, as I looked through it I could see the problem she was concerned about: she had done so many good things in so many different fields it was hard to know what was distinctive about her.

As we talked it became clear the resume was only the symptom of a deeper issue. In an attempt to be useful and adaptable she has said yes to too many good projects and opportunities. She has ended up feeling overworked  and  underutilized. It is easy to see how people end up in her situation:

Step 1:  Capable people are driven to achieve.

Step 2:  Other people see they are capable and give them assignments.

Step 3:  Capable people gain a reputation as “go to” people. They become “good old [insert name] who is always there when you need him.” There is  lots  right with this, unless or until…

Step 4:  Capable people  end up doing lots of projects well but are distracted from what would otherwise be their  highest point of contribution  which I define as the intersection of talent, passion and market  (see more on this in the  Harvard Business Review  article  The Disciplined Pursuit of Less). Then, both the company and the employee lose out.

When this happens, some of the responsibility lies with out-of-touch managers who are too busy or distracted to notice the very best use of their people. But some of the responsibility lies with us. Perhaps we need to be more deliberate and discerning in navigating our own careers.

In the conversation above, we spent some time to identify my colleague’s  Highest Point of Contribution  and develop a plan of action for a more focused career strategy.

We followed a simple process similar to one I write about here:  If You Don’t Design Your Career, Someone Else Will. My friend is not alone. Indeed, in coaching and teaching managers and executives around the world it strikes me that failure to be conscientious about this represents the #1 mistake, in frequency, I see capable people make in their careers.

Using a camping metaphor, capable people often add additional poles of the same height to their career tent. We end up with 10, 20 or 30 poles of the same height, somehow hoping the tent will go higher. I don’t just mean higher on the career ladder either. I mean higher in terms of our ability to contribute.

The slightly painful truth is, at any one time there is only one piece of real estate we can “own” in another person’s mind. People can’t think of us as a project manager, professor, attorney, insurance agent, editor and entrepreneur all at exactly the same time. They may all be true about us but people can only think of us as one thing  first. At any one time there is only one phrase that can follow our name. Might we be better served by asking, at least occasionally, whether the various projects we have add up to a longer pole?

I saw this illustrated some time ago in one of the more distinctive resumes I have seen. It belonged to a Stanford Law School Professor [there it is: the single phrase that follows his name, the longest pole in his career tent]. His resume was clean and concise. For each entry there was one impressive title/role/school and a succinct description of what he had achieved. Each sentence seemed to say more than ten typical bullet points in many resumes I have seen. When he was at university he had been the student body president, under “teaching” he was teacher of the year and so on.

Being able to do many things is important in  many  jobs today. Broad understanding also is a  must. But developing greater discernment about what is distinctive about us can be a great advantage. Instead of simply doing more things we need to find, at every phase in our careers, our  highest point of contribution.

I look forward to your thoughts below and  @gregorymckeown.

Greg McKeown is the author of the New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller “Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less.” He is among the most popular bloggers for the Harvard Business Review.

He is an accomplished public speaker. He regularly speaks to business communities, giving dozens of speeches per year. He has spoken at companies including Apple, Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Pixar, Salesforce.com, and Twitter and organizations including SXSW, Stanford University and the World Economic Forum. He speaks about innovation, focus, leadership, discipline, simplicity, execution and of course the power living and leading as an Essentialist.

Greg has recently taken the best insights from his book “Essentialism” and combined the best exercises from his popular course, “Designing Life, Essentially” at Stanford University into a life-changing, one-day workshop.

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6 Toxic Behaviors That Push People Away: How To Recognize Them In Yourself and Change Them

Sin - exceedingly sinful

In my line of work, I hear from hundreds of people a month, and connect with professionals in a more public, open way than ever before. Through this experience, I’ve seen scores of toxic behaviors that push people away (including me). And I’ve witnessed the damage these behaviors cause – to relationships, professional success, and to the well-being of both the individual behaving negatively, and to everyone around him or her.

Let’s be real – we’ve all acted in toxic, damaging ways at one time or another (none of us are immune to it), but many people are more evolved, balanced, and aware, and it happens only rarely in their lives.

Whether your toxic behavior is a common occurrence, or once in a blue moon, it’s critical for your happiness and success that you are able to recognize when you’re behaving badly, and shift it when it emerges.

The 6 most toxic behaviors I see every day are:

Taking everything personally

In the powerful little book  The Four Agreements, don Miguel Ruiz talks about the importance of taking nothing personally. I teach this in my  coaching programs  and my book  Breakdown, Breakthrough  as well, and there is so much pushback. “Really, Kathy – don’t take  anything  personally?”

People are toxic to be around when they believe that everything that happens in life is a direct assault on them or is in some way all about them. The reality is that what people say and do to you is much more about them, than you. People’s reactions to you are about their filters, and their perspectives, wounds and experiences. Whether people think you’re amazing, or believe you’re the worst, again, it’s more about them. I’m not saying we should be narcissists and ignore all feedback. I am saying that so much hurt, disappointment and sadness in our lives comes from our taking things personally when it’s far more productive and healthy to let go of others’ good or bad opinion of you, and to operate with your own heart, intuition and wisdom as your guide. So yes – don’t take anything personally.

Obsessing about negative thoughts

It’s very hard to be around people who can’t or won’t let go of negativity – when they dwell on and speak incessantly about the terrible things that could happen and have happened, the slights they’ve suffered, and the unfairness of life. These people stubbornly refuse to see the positive side of life and the positive lessons from what’s transpiring. Pessimism is one thing – but remaining perpetually locked in negative thoughts is another. Only seeing the negative, and operating from a view that everything is negative and against you, is a skewed way of thinking and living, and  you can change that.

Treating yourself like a victim

Another toxic behavior is non-stop complaining that fuels your sense of victimization. Believing you’re a victim, that you have no power to exert and no influence on the direction of your life, is a toxic stance that keeps you stuck and small. Working as a therapist with people who’ve suffered terrible trauma in their lives but found the courage to turn it all around, I know that we have access to far more power, authority, and influence over our lives than we initially believe. When you stop whining, and refuse to see yourself as a hapless victim of fate, chance or discrimination, then you’ll find that you are more powerful than you realized, but only if you choose to accept that reality.

Cruelty – lacking in empathy or putting yourself in others shoes

One of the most toxic and damaging behaviors – cruelty – stems from a total lack of empathy, concern or compassion for others. We see it every day online and in the media – people being devastatingly cruel and destructive to others just because they can. They tear people down online but in a cowardly way, using their anonymity as a weapon. Cruelty, backstabbing, and ripping someone to shreds is toxic, and it hurts you as well as your target. I had a powerful learning experience about this a few years ago. I came into the house one day in a nasty mood, and shared a mean, sniping comment to my husband about the way a neighbor was parenting her child through one of his problem phases. In less than 24 hours, that very same issue the parent was dealing with came home to roost in my house, with my child. It was as if the Universe sent me the message that, “Ah, if you want to be cruel and demeaning about someone, we’ll give you the same experience you’ve judged so negatively, so you can learn some compassion.” And I did.

If you find yourself backstabbing and tearing someone else down, stop in your tracks. Dig deep and find compassion in your heart, and realize that we’re all the same.

Excessive reactivity

An inability to manage your emotions is toxic to everyone around you. We all know these people – men and women who explode over the smallest hiccup or problem. Yelling at the bank teller for the long line, screaming at your assistant for the power point error he made, or losing it with your child for spilling milk on the floor. If you find that you’re overly reactive, losing it at every turn, you need some outside assistance to help you gain control over your emotions and understand what’s at the root of your emotionality. There’s more to it that appears on the surface. An outside perspective – and a new kind of support – is critical.

Needing constant validation

Finally, people who constantly strive for validation and self-esteem by obsessing about achieving outward measures of success, are exhausting to be around. Those men and women who get caught up in the need to prove their worth over and over, and constantly want to “win” over their colleagues or peers, are toxic and draining.

Overly-attaching to how things have to look and be, and to achieving certain milestones and accomplishments rather than going with life in a more flexible, easy manner, can wear you out and bring everyone else around you down . There is a bigger picture to your life, and it’s not about what you achieve or fail at today. It’s about the journey, the process, the path – what you’re learning and applying, how you’re helping others, and the growing process you allow yourself to engage in.

Stop stressing over the particular outcomes like, “I need that promotion now!” or “My house has to be bigger and more beautiful than my neighbor’s.” Your desperate need to prove your success and build your self-esteem through outer measures of success is (sadly) apparent to everyone but you, and it’s pushing away the very happiness outcomes you’re longing for.

To build a happier, more rewarding career,  work with me, join my  The Amazing Career Project  video training, and watch my TEDx Talk “Time to Brave Up.”  

Original Post Link  https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140620200646-17850276-6-toxic-behaviors-that-push-people-away-how-to-recognize-them-in-yourself-and-change-them/

Republished with permission from Kathy Caprino,

Kathy Caprino, M.A. is a women’s career and personal growth coach, writer, speaker and leadership developer dedicated to the advancement of women worldwide. A former corporate VP and trained family therapist, Kathy offers career and leadership consulting and personal development training programs, keynotes, her Amazing Career Project online course, the Amazing Career Coach Certification program, and workshops that help women “brave up” to dig deep, discover their true self, and illuminate the world with it.  

Founder/President of Ellia Communications — a premier women’s coaching firm — and the co-Founder of the Best Work/Best Life weekly podcast, Kathy is a seasoned coach and sought-after speaker as well as Forbes Leadership, Huffington Post and LinkedIn contributor and a top media source on career and leadership issues. She’s appeared in hundreds of leading publications (including Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Chicago Tribune, Business Week, Forbes, More Magazine, SELF, etc.) and on national TV and radio.  

Ellia Communications offers a wide range of programs, workshops, classes and resources designed to help women break through to the highest level of success, happiness, and reward. Visit http://kathycaprino.com and http://www.amazingcareerproject.com for more.  

Kathy’s book Breakdown Breakthrough, based on her national research study, explores the top 12 crises working women face today, and offers inspiring stories of women’s career transformation, and a 3-step holistic model for overcoming these challenges.

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Will God Forgive Me?

One night in a church service a young woman felt the tug of God at her heart. She responded to God’s call and accepted Jesus as her Lord and Saviour. The young woman had a very rough past, involving alcohol, drugs, and prostitution. But, the change in her was evident.

As time went on she became a faithful member of the church. She eventually became involved in the ministry, teaching young children. It was not very long until this faithful young woman had caught the eye and heart of the pastor’s son. The relationship grew and they began to make wedding plans. This is when the problems began.

You see, about one half of the church did not think that a woman with a past such as hers was suitable for a pastor’s son. The church began to argue and fight about the matter. So they decided to have a meeting. As the people made their arguments and tensions increased, the meeting was getting completely out of hand. The young woman became very upset about all the things being brought up about her past. As she began to cry the pastor’s son stood to speak. He could not bear the pain it was causing his wife to be.

He began to speak and his statement was this:

“My fiancee’s past is not what is on trial here. What you are questioning is the ability of the blood of Jesus to wash away sin. Today you have put the blood of Jesus on trial. So, does it wash away sin or not?”

The whole church began to weep as they realised that they had been slandering the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Too often, even as Christians, we bring up the past and use it as a weapon against our brothers and sisters. Forgiveness is the very foundation of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. If the blood of Jesus does not cleanse the other person completely then it cannot cleanse us completely.

If that is the case, then we are all in a lot of trouble. What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!

End of case.

“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee, he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:23

God does not simply overlook our sin and say, “You’re forgiven.” God sees our sin but is ready to forgive us because Jesus fully took our sin on Himself and paid for our sin by his death on the cross.

 

 

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