Monday, November 3, 2008

Circle of Forgiveness

Today's Daily Soap {Scripture | Observation | Application | Prayer}
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SCRIPTURE:
Jesus was matter-of-fact: "Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, 'Go jump in the lake'—no shuffling or shilly-shallying—and it's as good as done. That's why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you'll get God's everything. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it's not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins." Mark 11:22-25 [MSG]
OBSERVATION: Forgiveness is required of us as well as given to us.

APPLICATION:
I've been praying pretty hard lately, praying that God is still in control and that whatever the outcome of Tuesday's election, God will use it to His greater good. I want to ask God to hand defeat to one candidate and victory to the other, but I know that God doesn't usually work that way (although I believe He could if He chose). God gives us the free will to make our own choices, then uses the situation for His glory.

I find myself frequently asking for forgiveness, asking for mercy, asking for healing, asking for guidance and direction, asking for some sort of intervention. Asking, asking, asking. And while I'm not the type of person to hold a grudge, I can't recall the last time I told someone "I forgive you." Is there someone in my life who needs to hear those words to know that I don't harbor any resentment? I don't know. Maybe I should be more aware of that in the future.
PRAYER:
Father, open my eyes if there is someone who needs to hear forgiveness from me. I know of no one whom I harbor a grudge against, but if there's someone out there, give me the chance to forgive them.

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