Teach Forgiveness

“Lord, how often should I forgive someone
who sins against me? Seven times?”
“No, not seven times, ” Jesus replied,
“but seventy times seven!
Matthew 18:21,22

"Forgiveness".. What is it and how would you explain it to a new believer. How would you disciple a babe in Christ to actively put forgiveness to work? Though we know salvation is based not on our work, but the work of Christ, we still have an unspoken expectation that for us to forgive an offense there has to be a work on the part of the offender.
It isn't so according to scripture.

Today as I read through Matthew 18, looking to apply a verse a day actively in my own life, I was set back a bit on how to go about this verse. I don't want to just read the "words" on the page, I want to live them with Christ as my example. But I have to tell you.. Jesus' shoes are hard to walk in! Forgiveness is in my opinion one of the hardest lessons to apply. But it is a New Testament command, it is part of the law of love.

An interesting statement follows in verses 26 and 27. The offender say's to the one whom he has offended, "‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all. 'Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt'.
Compassion, release and forgive! The word pity here in the Greek means compassion, moved to the bowels with an overwhelming feeling of sympathy. The word release means to set free and and to let go, the word forgive means to permit a leave, or bid going away.. put away.

So, what can I share with someone who wants to put into action forgiveness?
"Expect nothing in return from the one you forgive!" I release you from feeling guilty about what you did and you don't have to "DO ANYTHING" to redeem yourself!

What I mean is this; Say you live in a house full of girls, better yet in a home comprised with a family of six, like mine. We can all pretty much play out scenarios that come with sharing bathrooms, closets, laundry rooms and food. This will be an example close to home. I am a foodie, I have a food blog and I write professionally about food and also write food product reviews. I often receive food items from gourmet sources. This week I received a box of goodies from a major food distributor of yummy delicacies that has yet to be released on the grocers shelves. My job is to try the product, rate it, create a recipe for it and write about it. No sooner than I opened the package one of my kids was tearing open one of the selections and devouring the contents within. Argh! I can't replace that item, and I won't be able to write about that particular flavor. My reaction? Disappointed, yes, but also I recognize what made them do what they did. I was in earnest also so why would it be any different for them.. a child who may not have known the importance this item was to me. I had compassion. The next step was for me to tell them I understood. It's important when dealing with offenses that we tell the offender that we might have done the same thing. We are not to gloat and puff ourselves up in their hearing.. making them feel they are alone in offenses, because they are not! We have been forgiven much, and we will continue to have need of Christ's forgiveness as well as our neighbors. Next step is to release them. There is no obligation to replace what has been lost. This is so important! If we live expecting a repayment we will always be disappointed! Let's face it, we have high expectations and no one will ever be able to live up to our own personal way of identifying a replacement of loss. Do not make the offender feel they have to prove themselves and work to be forgiven, restoration will come in time, but the more mature christian will use this situation to extend Christ's love. The way He drew us into His bosom with open arms.

It is our job as mature believers to restore the one who has offended. I love this passage written by Paul, it speaks of restoring the offender back into the fold. It is the responsibility of the one, or ones offended to do the restoring. This is such a misconception in the church today. There so often is a lapse in restoration because the offended ones are waiting to see a change first in the one who has offended. This is not how Jesus responds to us! Look with me here at this verse in 2 Corinthians;

2 Corinthians 2;
5. If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you, to some extent—not to put it too severely. 6. The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient for him. 7. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. 9. The reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. 10. If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, 11. in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

Wow.. that is such a heavy verse! Do you want to inflict pain on a sister or brother who has offended you? Do you want them to be overwhelmed in sorrow and grief for what they have done? Are you still laying a guilt trip on them, which doesn't even need to come by words, it will come by your lack of action on the restoring part. Did you notice Paul ask in verse 8 whether you would overcome the test? Are you being tested by the Lord? Did you also notice that Paul leaves them with the thought that the "ACT" of un-forgiveness could open doors for the enemy to trample the work of Christ in the body.. one of the devils schemes is to divide the church, to divide believers! Embrace the one whom you said you forgive.. that is the true test of forgiveness.

Have compassion, release them from guilt, forgive without expectation and embrace them with Christ's love!
You will be so surprised at the restoration of fellowship!
Blessings to you my dear sisters in Christ!
Laurie m. Vengo...

"Do Not Go Near"

Now then, my sons, listen to me
And do not depart from the words of my mouth.
Keep your way far from her
And do not go near the door of her house..
Proverbs 5:7,8

I love exhortation scriptures.. they teach us the way to walk, the way of the preparation of the bride.

In it's context this verse is for a son, but as I am going through the Bible in a year, and looking to scriptures to aid in my daily walk and preparation of Christ's bride, I find this a very appropriate scripture even for daughters.

What stuck out in my mind the most about this verse was a few words in the last sentence, "and do not go near."
This is a good rule of thumb for those who want to walk without the onslaught of temptation. In the passage the exhortation to the young man is so to keep him pure and out of the clutches of the harlot. One who entices with her eyes, perfume, hair, touch. Just to go near her door would be putting himself in danger. For a young man who is in the throngs of puberty, just to look upon a woman or smell her scent could cause him to weaken and give in to that temptation. Giving into temptation is not just the act alone, but lust and passion of the mind is also devastating to the state of purity.

So dear sisters, what is it behind closed doors that entangle you? Yes, like this son spoken of in this verse, the opposite sex could be one. But it can also be shopping, spending money, drinking in excess, lying, cheating, yelling, cursing, thinking on impure things... As a practical tool to walk without the onslaught of daily temptation, taking ourself out of harms way is the best way. Walk the straight and narrow, the door we want to pass through into is the door that leads to the promise of eternal life with a Groom, Christ, who is waiting to take us to the banqueting table. Matthew 7:13 say's, "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it."

May I suggest... If you have a problem lusting after men you are not married to, have no communication with that man. Put your thoughts far from him. If you have a problem with alcohol, drinking in excess, keep the liquor out of your house and off your grocery list. Don't even cook with it. If you eat out of control, don't buy junk food. Have an accountability partner or someone to help you write your menu's. If you shop in excess and spend money unwisely, hand over the check book to your husband, mother or father. Or, if you are single, cut up those cards. Also, don't go to the malls to tempt yourself. If you back bite.. distance yourself from others who love to hear gossip. Gossip is devastating and often told out of ones own insecurities.
These are just a few practical tools to help put temptations out of reach. There are many more.. and I would love to hear yours as well!

In my opinion, accountability and ongoing discipleship are hugely important in our daily life as believing woman of the bible. Discipleship to me, and my husband, is expressed the most when the disciple walks side by side with you. Taking your hand and giving you practical tools to help aid in areas of unfamiliar territory. Lets face it.. many nowadays who come to Christ come from a life opposite of pure and holy living. New brides come into marriage being an independent woman with many times independent means.. not having any idea how to live selflessly. So when we tell a sister or brother in the Lord that, "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God", lets give them the tools to be pure instead of letting them figure it out on their own.

Just a few thoughts on practical daily living for the Preparation Of The Bride!
Blessings to you!
Love in Christ,
Laurie

Put Off

It was May, 1987. I remember how crisp the air was with streaks of white clouds whispping across the sky. The gentle breeze was moving the branches of our olive tree in the front yard while I could begin to see shoots of new growth on the fruit tree’s in the backyard. The songs of the birds who had just begun to invade our yard again after a long hiatus in the south could be heard inside the house as we sat at the breakfast table.

For my mom and I, there were thoughts of last minute preparations to complete, gifts for the bridal party, table favors, arrival time for the photographer, last fittings, rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. So in all the last minute details of the wedding preparations I wasn’t really thinking of the “trousseau”...but my mom was. She had planned all along to set a special day apart for just her and I to go shopping to the fashionable clothing district of Los Angeles. This was indeed special because we were considered country bumpkins living as inlanders of Southern California where avocado, orange groves and eucalyptus trees reigned in place of Sacs Fifth Avenues and Gucci store front windows. As intimidating as it was I felt safe in the confines of my mothers elegant way of dressing and her confidence with sales attendants. Dressing for her has always been an art form and she was accustomed to the finest. But for me, I was (and still am) most comfortable with Levi's, tennies and a nice tee shirt.

I recall my mom saying to me, “Laurie, it’s time you shed yourself of that old wardrobe and make room for something new.” Words to live by, words of wisdom. I continually hear in my heart of hearts, “Put off that old man Laurie, put on the new man in Christ Jesus.”
My moms wisdom was nothing new, I don’t think her intent was spiritual, but the implications were enormous. This everyday practical act of “taking off” is necessary in order to put on the righteous acts of Jesus.

Ephesians 4
21) if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, 22) that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23) and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24) and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
25) Therefore, laying aside falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE of you WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are members of one another. 26) BE ANGRY, AND yet DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27) and do not give the devil an opportunity. 28) He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need. 29) Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. 30) Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31) Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32) Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.


“So what do we put off?” Lies, anger, stealing, unwholesome speech, denial of the Holy Spirit’s conviction in our lives, bitterness, jealousy, strife, slander, malice... Such clothing is unbefitting to a virgin bride who’s oil lamps are full with the intent of being recieved into the kingdom at His call. Our clothing has been washed in the blood of the Lamb and should have the appearance of white linen with finely woven strands of love strewn throughout and cloth spun with faithfulness, faithfulness of one who’s life reflects the image of the Beloved. “Put off” dear sisters the raggedy and soiled garments from days of old so that you can “put on” the bridal attire.

Blessings to you dear sisters in Christ.
I leave you with Paul’s encouragement to us all..

“Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”.
Ephesians 4:1-3


In His love,
Laurie

Bridesmaids

"Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14)

In the preparing and the planning of my wedding day, believe it or not, I spent most of my time with my mom, sisters and bridesmaids. It wasn't that my beloved wasn't involved, it was just that he was always the topic of conversation. Expressions of admiration, devotion and longing and then the approval of my family and attendants. They were so supportive and their love and acceptance of him just made my anticipation even greater. I had nine bridesmaids! My three sisters, my three "sisters in law to be" and my three best friends. We shopped together, ate together, sewed together, laughed and sometimes cried together, read the word of God together and prayed together...they were true companions of an equal nature in that their encouragements for me and my betrothed were the same. They desired a blessed union for the two of us.
Who are your bridal attendants? Today, as I am preparing for my spiritual wedding it has been of a greater importance that I surround myself with woman of God who encourage me to keep my lamp full. My best friends are those woman who I can pray with and pray for. Woman who I not just receive encouragements from, but woman who I trust will exhort me in love. Woman who's words are influenced by the Holy Spirit's understanding of the Scripture and not the understanding of this world.
If you are in a dire situation can you go to the maidens in your court and ask them to fast and pray for you as Esther was able to count on her companions. She went to those who were in accord with her spiritual beliefs, "she must have", I couldn't imagine her going to the woman of the heathen nations and asking them to fast and pray. Such comfort knowing that we can safely trust in a companion who's love for Jesus is the same as yours. Word's of admiration and anticipation for our Grooms calling to us to come to the wedding day that He has prepared. The sharing one with another of why we so long for His return. Look at the exchange between the bride and her attendants in Song of Solomon,

"I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, If you find my beloved, as to what you will tell him: For I am lovesick."
"What kind of beloved is your beloved, O most beautiful among women? What kind of beloved is your beloved, that thus you adjure us?"
Song of Solomon 5:8-9

I love that! She wants to tell of her Beloved, and they want to hear!! That is so cool! :)
Such sweet fellowship between them..that not only blesses them, but did you know that our Lord Himself takes delight in how we converse with one another?

"Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who esteem His name." (Malachi 3:16)

I want to assure, I am NOT saying that you can not have a friend who is an unbeliever, but the bond of fellowship in Christ Jesus is so much sweeter. Your friendships in Christ will only bless you in your dealings with unbelieving friends because of the "prayer factor". You better believe that your spiritual sister cares also for your friend who has yet to come to Christ! That is a true companion, who is interested in your interests in the Lord. Even salvation for your unsaved friends. Do I say this in every post, "I long to be with Christ?" For now... "To live is Christ, but to die is gain!" Make good use of your time sisters, for He is coming quickly!

"Dear Father in Heaven..Thank You for Your love and Your friendship towards us, thank You that You are the friend that sticks closer than any brother but yet it blesses You to give us companions who are like minded. Let us be the friend to others that You are to us. Bless Your Holy Name Lord Jesus, Amen."

Lay Aside..Be Renewed..Put On!

...in reference to your former manner of life, lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
Ephesians 4:22-24

Okay, I'm willing to be taught something more than once..especially when it is in God's word. Last year in our Precepts class we studied Ephesians. It was good..meant to change lives..my life! Well when our Precepts class met again this year the book of choice was Exodus. "Awesome..I was signed up and raring to go!" As ordination of God's plan would have it, I, my children and my husband got sick..setting me back three weeks. I missed way to much of the study to feel like I could adequately catch up so I gracefully decided to bow out of class this session. Sad, yes I know! I really miss the fellowship with those sisters!

Now..my mom and dad live seven minutes away from us..I am truly blessed! The fellowship with them is also very sweet. So when my mom asked if I would consider going to her Bible Study group with her I said I would. We are in the book of.."you got it"..Ephesians! This was good, I had my workbook and study notes from last year so I wouldn't have to work so hard being that I had already missed four weeks of lesson. This week as I took out my workbook and delved into scripture I have been amazed at how alive and effective God's word is. Blessed all over again and can you believe I'm not even using my notes from last year! Today as I was reading through chapter four I was struck again with this familiar theme in my head, "Lay aside..Be renewed..Put on!" We are looking at the futility of the mind of the Gentile and being asked by Paul through the prompting of the Spirit of God to "Not Walk as they did". I caught something a bit different this time around. When I looked up the word futility, the definition is "Morally Depraved"---the dark side of the human nature. Wow..absence of Light!

We as believers are to walk in the Light of God's Word! We are to live by the counsel, admonition, encouragements, exhortations and.."example of Christ!"

In this weeks lesson we were asked to give a current or modern example of walking in vanity or the futility of mind.
This was my answer. "The world says, "All roads lead to heaven". The truth of God's word says in Matthew 7,
"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. "For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.
(Matthew 7:13-14)

Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.
(John 14:6)

Share God's love with someone this week by telling them the Truth..they need Jesus!

Blessings to you!
Laurie