I was conflicted about how to entitle this post: while it definitely represents a “BUT GOD” moment; the title of the linked video, speaks volumes. In many people’s situations, it is so; but this is personal . . . It’s time.
As Christians, we sometimes have a tendency to want to forgive only those whom we favor and those minor infractions perpetrated against us. I, in my humanity, still struggle, at times. Yet, it’s through forgiveness of the major infractions, particularly when a trust has been betrayed, where the veracity faith and countenance are revealed. And, it’s also within the realm of those situations that the Holy Spirit brings to our remembrance our own “not so minor” infractions against others, that sometimes escape us. The secret things of which only God and we have knowledge; the things for which we know, having been forgiven, God had not imputed iniquity. In these things are we persuaded to forgive others. Lord knows It can be a struggle, but when I think about how patient and forgiving God has been toward me, it’s a no-brainer. Forgiveness, however, is different from tolerance. In choosing not to tolerate sin, we remove ourselves from the midst of sin; that we do not partake thereof. While we do not necessarily separate ourselves physically, we, having the mind of Christ lean to God for guidance. For as scripture says, in order to remove ourselves from all sinners, we would literally have to leave the earth. But, guarding our hearts, we dwell in the midst, that sinners may be conformed to the ways of Christ through our example. Amen.
I don’t know if you have ever experienced a moment like this; but, last night, as I sat in bed viewing this video, I wept bitterly and cried tears of joy at the same time. I wept because of all the past infractions that I committed against the knowledge of God, and yet at the same time, because of His forgiveness, the tears of joy would not stop flowing. THANK YOU LORD! I have spoken a lot about the discouraging sermons I have heard from some pulpits; “BUT GOD,” let it be known to me last night, in no uncertain terms, that He will use anyone He chooses, at any time He chooses, to reach His people; even posthumously. I am completely aware that the things of God are provided for the benefit of all people, but as I have said before, there are times when you just gotta personalize a thing; this is one of those times. I truly feel that God prepared and customized this message specifically for me; so that even before I had gone into exile in 2015, He had already ensured that I would get the encouraging Word I needed to transition to the next part of my journey. A message, to which I was led because of a vision. A message sent through a sermon preached by Bishop Long, one who (whether of his own doing or not, is irrelevant), was acquainted with grief. Isaiah 59:16-17 “And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore, his arm brought salvation unto him.” It was almost as if I could hear Jesus, summoning Bishop Long, on my behalf, after having waited til the perfect time for His Glory: “Lazarus come forth!” NOBODY BUT JESUS!
This is why we don’t condemn the person; we condemn the sin: As I often quote: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” So that there is not one us who can condemn Bishop Long, or anybody else, for we ourselves, being full of sin, are unqualified. While we may not be guilty of the very same sin, ours is just as worthy of condemnation: dishonoring a parent, murder, adultery, lying cheating, stealing, even lust. You may think there’s no harm in it, but the Bible says if you look upon a woman lustfully, you should pluck out your eye. But how blessed are we that because Jesus has already paid our sin debt, we, who are in Christ, cannot be condemned; but through confession, repentance and turning away from sin, we get another opportunity to do that which is pleasing unto Him. Bishop Long is just as worthy of God’s grace as all of the rest of us; which is not at all. None of us are worthy; it’s a gift. When we deny others the mercy of forgiveness that Jesus has bequeathed to us; He will likewise deny that mercy to us. I don’t care what denomination you identify with, even if Bishop Long did not meet your personal apology criteria, if you confess the name of Jesus, forgive him, especially if you are a pastor for like people, like priest: For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Sounds kinda petty huh? It’s not. He’s “I AM.” Once we wrap our minds around that, and understand our place, in His presence, it all makes perfect sense. Yet even if it doesn’t make sense to us, it’s dynamics changeth not. We can sometimes over-estimate the importance of our positions. It’s an honor and privilege to be named among the elect; not a right. God can do whatever He wants to do, he does not need our approval; He’s God all by himself. In fact, He doesn’t even have to tell us His name if doesn’t want to: “Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.”
As Christians, we sometimes have a tendency to want to forgive only those whom we favor and those minor infractions perpetrated against us. I, in my humanity, still struggle, at times. Yet, it’s through forgiveness of the major infractions, particularly when a trust has been betrayed, where the veracity faith and countenance are revealed. And, it’s also within the realm of those situations that the Holy Spirit brings to our remembrance our own “not so minor” infractions against others, that sometimes escape us. The secret things of which only God and we have knowledge; the things for which we know, having been forgiven, God had not imputed iniquity. In these things are we persuaded to forgive others. Lord knows It can be a struggle, but when I think about how patient and forgiving God has been toward me, it’s a no-brainer. Forgiveness, however, is different from tolerance. In choosing not to tolerate sin, we remove ourselves from the midst of sin; that we do not partake thereof. While we do not necessarily separate ourselves physically, we, having the mind of Christ lean to God for guidance. For as scripture says, in order to remove ourselves from all sinners, we would literally have to leave the earth. But, guarding our hearts, we dwell in the midst, that sinners may be conformed to the ways of Christ through our example. Amen.
I don’t know if you have ever experienced a moment like this; but, last night, as I sat in bed viewing this video, I wept bitterly and cried tears of joy at the same time. I wept because of all the past infractions that I committed against the knowledge of God, and yet at the same time, because of His forgiveness, the tears of joy would not stop flowing. THANK YOU LORD! I have spoken a lot about the discouraging sermons I have heard from some pulpits; “BUT GOD,” let it be known to me last night, in no uncertain terms, that He will use anyone He chooses, at any time He chooses, to reach His people; even posthumously. I am completely aware that the things of God are provided for the benefit of all people, but as I have said before, there are times when you just gotta personalize a thing; this is one of those times. I truly feel that God prepared and customized this message specifically for me; so that even before I had gone into exile in 2015, He had already ensured that I would get the encouraging Word I needed to transition to the next part of my journey. A message, to which I was led because of a vision. A message sent through a sermon preached by Bishop Long, one who (whether of his own doing or not, is irrelevant), was acquainted with grief. Isaiah 59:16-17 “And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore, his arm brought salvation unto him.” It was almost as if I could hear Jesus, summoning Bishop Long, on my behalf, after having waited til the perfect time for His Glory: “Lazarus come forth!” NOBODY BUT JESUS!
This is why we don’t condemn the person; we condemn the sin: As I often quote: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” So that there is not one us who can condemn Bishop Long, or anybody else, for we ourselves, being full of sin, are unqualified. While we may not be guilty of the very same sin, ours is just as worthy of condemnation: dishonoring a parent, murder, adultery, lying cheating, stealing, even lust. You may think there’s no harm in it, but the Bible says if you look upon a woman lustfully, you should pluck out your eye. But how blessed are we that because Jesus has already paid our sin debt, we, who are in Christ, cannot be condemned; but through confession, repentance and turning away from sin, we get another opportunity to do that which is pleasing unto Him. Bishop Long is just as worthy of God’s grace as all of the rest of us; which is not at all. None of us are worthy; it’s a gift. When we deny others the mercy of forgiveness that Jesus has bequeathed to us; He will likewise deny that mercy to us. I don’t care what denomination you identify with, even if Bishop Long did not meet your personal apology criteria, if you confess the name of Jesus, forgive him, especially if you are a pastor for like people, like priest: For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Sounds kinda petty huh? It’s not. He’s “I AM.” Once we wrap our minds around that, and understand our place, in His presence, it all makes perfect sense. Yet even if it doesn’t make sense to us, it’s dynamics changeth not. We can sometimes over-estimate the importance of our positions. It’s an honor and privilege to be named among the elect; not a right. God can do whatever He wants to do, he does not need our approval; He’s God all by himself. In fact, He doesn’t even have to tell us His name if doesn’t want to: “Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.”
Jesus’ blood ensures forgiveness and redemption when we confess, repent and turn from sin.
LET THE REDEEMED OF THE LORD, SAY SO!!!
AMEN!!!
I know y’all are probably tired of me talking about how God has been moving in my story, but please be patient with me. I got a praise and I gotta get it out.
“I AM” SENT ME
(I did not go searching for this video, it just “coincidentally” happened to be on my feed.)
Lord, I thank you for your word, thank you for your will, thank you for way, thank you for interceding on my behalf. Hallelujah!!! praise break, praise break, praise break
THANK YOU LORD
AMEN!!!
I know y’all are probably tired of me talking about how God has been moving in my story, but please be patient with me. I got a praise and I gotta get it out.
“I AM” SENT ME
(I did not go searching for this video, it just “coincidentally” happened to be on my feed.)
Lord, I thank you for your word, thank you for your will, thank you for way, thank you for interceding on my behalf. Hallelujah!!! praise break, praise break, praise break
THANK YOU LORD
