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For Michael (on Disgraced) |
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sandgrain Member Elite
since 1999-09-21
Posts 3662Sycamore, IL, USA |
Sin's not denied when confessed but forgiveness is, til one accepts. God's gift is never completed til it's received by whom it's needed. Imagine making a gift for your son intending much excitement and fun. Tho he saw the box and your love believed, til he accepts it to use, it isn't complete. Imagine how sad you would feel if another child said it's not real and their belief, your son chose over his fathers, whose love he knows. Michael, can you see through this analogy, God's forgiveness, you've not accepted, His precious gift, you've rejected? Much the same as our unworthiness is hardly the same as being worthless. We're not worthy to be forgiven But how dare we reject a gift from Him? Your forgiveness being withheld by one, deeply hurts and sure isn't fun. We're told we're forgiven as we forgive, so forgive this person keeping you captive. As Jesus said, here, too, is true, that person does not know what they do. You can look through our Father's eyes, and through this attack become wise. You're being called to prove God right, accepting forgiveness, you have new life. Don't fall into the trap of idolitry, choosing another, over God to believe. Your poem so moved me, all these things just kept going through my mind, so pray it's of some help. |
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
Mom, I think this is wonderful! I'm sure these are words he will take into consideration. He needs our prayers! <*\\\>< There's only two ways you can go... One way you can save your riches, And the other will save your soul. Rich Mullins |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
a sandgrain, Your words are very true. I know God holds forgiveness for me, I just don't feel worthy of it at this moment. As I look back on my "sin", I see I allow myself into the same old traps, and always with the same old results. God has shown me the way, and yet I seem to ignore His warnings, His love, and my own best interests in not following. To forgive others is easy, but forgiving one's self does seem a monumental task at this point. That I knew better in making my choice of sin, how can I feel sincere in asking God's forgiveness or even in trying to forgive myself now? I am, indeed, sorry but know not whether I wouldn't react the same if put in the same situation again. How can I honestly serve Him when I don't have faith in myself to uphold His word? Don't get me wrong, I appreciate your intentions very much. There is a grave struggle going on within me right now and I need all the guidance I can get. Please feel free to email me at anytime with any verses you think might help. I know faith in God starts in the Word, but am not sure about faith in one's self. Michael |
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sandgrain Member Elite
since 1999-09-21
Posts 3662Sycamore, IL, USA |
My prayers are with you, Michael. I can understand what you are saying. You take your faith seriously and that is great, but difficult. We never can be certain we won't sin again. Look at Peter sincerely telling Christ he'd never deny Him. We need to take a stronghold against sin, but also accept God's forgiveness. Carrying the mud caked boots from all our past battles, only weighs us down as we try to go on. Let them go. You're free, think like it, walk like it and you'll soon feel like it. God bless. |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Beautiful, encouraging poem, Sandgrain!  Michael- I'm sure we can all relate to your distress. I know I can. Since the heart is wickedly deceitful don't focus on yourself, on your 'sincerity' or lack of it. That is not the point. Focus only on His love and forgiveness and realize there will never come a time when we are wothy of it. Only by focusing on His unconditional love, 24/7, can the heart be brought under submission to His will. Hang in there, buddy! I love ya! Remember, you are not experiencing anything that is not common to 'man'.....hope this helps! HUGS Denise |
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sandgrain Member Elite
since 1999-09-21
Posts 3662Sycamore, IL, USA |
Thanks for reading and responding. Michael, after reading your comment, I realize I may have sounded like I have all the answers, but certainly only intended to pass on a lesson I'd learned the hard way. Have you in my prayers. Denise, your words are so wise, kind and comforting to help us keep our mind on the bountiful bleesings. |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
I didn't take it that way at all, a sandgrain, In fact I have read the piece several times in trying to identify where the source of my struggles was lying. I was placing my love of another before my love of God as I was also trying to control things in my life I didn't want to let go of. That I lost these things of my own sinful actions I wasn't ready to forgive myself for. I took everything you said to heart...there is no need for an apology of any kind. In fact, I should be saying thank you. You only told me what I needed to hear - whether I was ready to admit it or not. Please pray with me as I endeavor to let go. I realize I need to give it ALL to God at this point and focus on my one on one relationship with Him. Though I am still dazed by recent events, at least I am seeing Him again. Taking one slow step at a time towards Him and waiting on His guidance is the only thing I can do now. So let me say thanks now - and thanks to you too, WhtDove, Denise, Julie, and Gloria. You've all been wonderful in helping me through this. Michael [This message has been edited by Michael (edited 02-18-2000).] |
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sandgrain Member Elite
since 1999-09-21
Posts 3662Sycamore, IL, USA |
Oh Michael, you are in my prayers. Once I had a friend tell me she never worried about sinning because she'd confess it later. Now that's an insincere heart. When toddlers (like we are in faith) learn to walk they fall again and again and again probably from the same mistake, but they just keep a goin', and before you knoww it they're running. Keep a goin', don't let sin stop you, confess, be thankful and go on...OK? |
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ellie LeJeune Member Elite
since 2000-01-10
Posts 4156King of Prussia, PA USA |
wow, michael, you are so surrounded with love and support and prayer. How blessed is that?The only thing that I can think to say, is that you do not have anywhere to go from here but into His arms. And your doing that. God bless you, Michael, my prayers are with you, as everyone here is praying for you. You are beautiful! 02 |
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
Michael if it's one thing me and my Mom know, it's putting others before God! We've done this and do this still...I shouldn't speak for her on this, but I know I do, I fall short there too. I know it's hard, but you have to keep him up front! He is very forgiving! He knows everything we could ever go through, for he himself was tempted! And he did it that he could be a compassionate God! He don't ask us to go through anything He himself hasn't gone through. The only difference is He overcame it all. But we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us!  < !signature--> <*\\\>< There's only two ways you can go... One way you can save your riches, And the other will save your soul. Rich Mullins [This message has been edited by WhtDove (edited 02-19-2000).] |
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poetFemmeFatale Member Elite
since 1999-07-25
Posts 2646Arkansas |
I read all these beautiful comments, and just want to say thanks to the entire group for being behind Michael on this. It's at times like these, that we truly need encouragement, and I know he appreciates each and every one of you. Gennifer |
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