Reflections for the Week of August 22-28

Can you imagine the above picture actually happening?        

"Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors."
Matthew 6:12(NIV)

Is there a greater test of faith, trust, obedience, and belief than that of refusing to let condemnation of other people grow in your heart, particularly when those others have earned it in carrying out despicable deeds? Is there any other path forward, other than forgiveness, which will ever end the cycle of violence and revenge? Indeed, did not Jesus tell every Christian to “take up his cross”? Will you? 

This Week’s Memory Verse

“God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ." 2 Corinthians 5:19-21(NLT)

This Week’s Prayer

“Lord, I confess to certain 'bitter roots' that have taken hold within me. Lord, by your grace, kill them. Do not let them grow and choke our Your Life within me. Even more Lord, give me the strength and grace to see others free from my condemnation so that I am not the barrier that keeps them ultimately away from you. In the Name of Jesus, who bore the cross, Amen."