If you listen to constructive criticism,
you will be at home among the wise.
Proverbs 15:31 (New Living Translation)
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
"Listen"
Listen lyrics
Listen to the song here in my heart
A melody I start but can't complete
Listen to the sound from deep within
It's only beginning to find release
Oh, the time has come for my dreams to be heard
They will not be pushed aside and turned
Into your own all 'cause you won't
Listen
Listen, I am alone at a crossroads
I'm not at home in my own home
And I've tried and tried to say what's on mind
You should have known
Oh, now I'm done believing you
You don't know what I'm feeling
I'm more than what you made of me
I followed the voice you gave to me
But now I've gotta find my own
You should have listened, there is someone here inside
Someone I thought had died so long ago
Oh, I'm screaming out and my dreams'll be heard
They will not be pushed aside on words
Into your own all 'cause you won't
Listen
Listen, I am alone at a crossroads
I'm not at home in my own home
And I've tried and tried to say what's on mind
You should have known
Oh, now I'm done believing you
You don't know what I'm feeling
I'm more than what you made of me
I followed the voice you gave to me
But now I've gotta find my own
I don't know where I belong
But I'll be moving on
If you don't, if you won't
Listen to the song here in my heart
A melody I start but I will complete
Oh, now I'm done believing you
You don't know what I'm feeling
I'm more than what you made of me
I followed the voice you think you gave to me
But now I've gotta find my own, my own
Listen to the song here in my heart
A melody I start but can't complete
Listen to the sound from deep within
It's only beginning to find release
Oh, the time has come for my dreams to be heard
They will not be pushed aside and turned
Into your own all 'cause you won't
Listen
Listen, I am alone at a crossroads
I'm not at home in my own home
And I've tried and tried to say what's on mind
You should have known
Oh, now I'm done believing you
You don't know what I'm feeling
I'm more than what you made of me
I followed the voice you gave to me
But now I've gotta find my own
You should have listened, there is someone here inside
Someone I thought had died so long ago
Oh, I'm screaming out and my dreams'll be heard
They will not be pushed aside on words
Into your own all 'cause you won't
Listen
Listen, I am alone at a crossroads
I'm not at home in my own home
And I've tried and tried to say what's on mind
You should have known
Oh, now I'm done believing you
You don't know what I'm feeling
I'm more than what you made of me
I followed the voice you gave to me
But now I've gotta find my own
I don't know where I belong
But I'll be moving on
If you don't, if you won't
Listen to the song here in my heart
A melody I start but I will complete
Oh, now I'm done believing you
You don't know what I'm feeling
I'm more than what you made of me
I followed the voice you think you gave to me
But now I've gotta find my own, my own
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Will You Be There?
In Our Darkest Hour
In My Deepest Despair
Will You Still Care?
Will You Be There?
In My Trials
And My Tribulations
Through Our Doubts
And Frustrations
In My Violence
In My Turbulence
Through My Fear
And My Confessions
In My Anguish And My Pain
Through My Joy And My Sorrow
In The Promise Of Another Tomorrow
I'll Never Let You Part
For You're Always In My Heart.
-Michael Jackson
In My Deepest Despair
Will You Still Care?
Will You Be There?
In My Trials
And My Tribulations
Through Our Doubts
And Frustrations
In My Violence
In My Turbulence
Through My Fear
And My Confessions
In My Anguish And My Pain
Through My Joy And My Sorrow
In The Promise Of Another Tomorrow
I'll Never Let You Part
For You're Always In My Heart.
-Michael Jackson
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Jeff Schreve
GET RID OF THE WEIGHTS
In my years as a pastor, I have found that many Christians are not doing well in the race that is set before them. They are not winning. They are discouraged and tired and ready to throw in the towel. What is the problem? They are trying to run the race with a 100 pound pack on their back. Listen, the fastest man in the world (Usain Bolt) couldn't beat a 9th grade sprinter if he were hauling an extra 100 pounds on his back.
What weight are you carrying?
1. Many carry around the weight of guilt and shame. They have sinned greatly in the past, and they cannot seem to escape the torment of the guilt. They do well in spurts, but then the thought of that terrible sexual sin. that divorce. that abortion. that horrible thing they did pulls them back down.
What are we to do with our past sins? Get them out in the open and under His blood. When you openly confess your sins to God, believe Him for total and complete cleansing. Quit elevating your sin over His blood. If He says He forgives you (1 John 1:9), accept it and go on your way rejoicing!!! Acts 10:15 says, "What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy."
2. Many carry around the weight of resentment and bitterness. The world is full of angry, bitter people. These folks have been hurt, mistreated, laughed at, and wronged. and as a result they are so angry and so bitter inside.
Bitterness is a weight that MUST be laid aside. You must forgive those who have hurt you. By faith, let that person go who caused you such pain. Release them to Jesus and accept His healing for your heart and for your hurts.
3. Many carry around the weight of sadness and loss. Losing something or someone you love is very hard. Your heart breaks and it is difficult to go on. but you must go on. God still has a plan for you. Life still holds meaning.
You cannot live in the past. you must live in the present. There is a time to mourn and a time to cry. and then there is a time to move on. David lost a son when he was a baby. His heart ached for that sick little boy. He prayed and fasted for a week for his healing. But healing never came, and the baby died. What did David do? He went on with life. He said in effect, "My child is dead. I cannot bring him back again. God wants me to get up and get on with life" (2 Sam. 12:23).
No matter how much you may have lost, your life is not over until the Lord calls you home. Quit focusing on what you ONCE had, and focus on what you DO have. Praise God for the little. If you have breath in your lungs today, it is a gift from God. Praise Him for it!
WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO
The time is now to lay aside the weights we so often carry around with us. The time is now to get rid of the guilt and the bitterness and start living in the present. If you will do it, you will run unhindered. You will run victoriously. And one day, you will meet the Lord at the finish line. He will be there to greet you with a huge smile and a standing ovation saying with tremendous love and joy, "Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter into the joy of your Master!"
Love,
Jeff Schreve
Pastor
www.fromhisheart.org
In my years as a pastor, I have found that many Christians are not doing well in the race that is set before them. They are not winning. They are discouraged and tired and ready to throw in the towel. What is the problem? They are trying to run the race with a 100 pound pack on their back. Listen, the fastest man in the world (Usain Bolt) couldn't beat a 9th grade sprinter if he were hauling an extra 100 pounds on his back.
What weight are you carrying?
1. Many carry around the weight of guilt and shame. They have sinned greatly in the past, and they cannot seem to escape the torment of the guilt. They do well in spurts, but then the thought of that terrible sexual sin. that divorce. that abortion. that horrible thing they did pulls them back down.
What are we to do with our past sins? Get them out in the open and under His blood. When you openly confess your sins to God, believe Him for total and complete cleansing. Quit elevating your sin over His blood. If He says He forgives you (1 John 1:9), accept it and go on your way rejoicing!!! Acts 10:15 says, "What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy."
2. Many carry around the weight of resentment and bitterness. The world is full of angry, bitter people. These folks have been hurt, mistreated, laughed at, and wronged. and as a result they are so angry and so bitter inside.
Bitterness is a weight that MUST be laid aside. You must forgive those who have hurt you. By faith, let that person go who caused you such pain. Release them to Jesus and accept His healing for your heart and for your hurts.
3. Many carry around the weight of sadness and loss. Losing something or someone you love is very hard. Your heart breaks and it is difficult to go on. but you must go on. God still has a plan for you. Life still holds meaning.
You cannot live in the past. you must live in the present. There is a time to mourn and a time to cry. and then there is a time to move on. David lost a son when he was a baby. His heart ached for that sick little boy. He prayed and fasted for a week for his healing. But healing never came, and the baby died. What did David do? He went on with life. He said in effect, "My child is dead. I cannot bring him back again. God wants me to get up and get on with life" (2 Sam. 12:23).
No matter how much you may have lost, your life is not over until the Lord calls you home. Quit focusing on what you ONCE had, and focus on what you DO have. Praise God for the little. If you have breath in your lungs today, it is a gift from God. Praise Him for it!
WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO
The time is now to lay aside the weights we so often carry around with us. The time is now to get rid of the guilt and the bitterness and start living in the present. If you will do it, you will run unhindered. You will run victoriously. And one day, you will meet the Lord at the finish line. He will be there to greet you with a huge smile and a standing ovation saying with tremendous love and joy, "Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter into the joy of your Master!"
Love,
Jeff Schreve
Pastor
www.fromhisheart.org
Walt Disney
"All the adversity I've had in my life, has strengthened me. You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you."
Walt Disney (1901-1966)
Walt Disney (1901-1966)
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Psalm 25:20
Psalm 25:20-21 (The Message)
Keep watch over me and keep me out of trouble; Don't let me down when I run to you. Use all your skill to put me together; I wait to see your finished product.
Keep watch over me and keep me out of trouble; Don't let me down when I run to you. Use all your skill to put me together; I wait to see your finished product.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
The Message 2 Tim. 3:16
Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one wayor another--showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correctingour mistakes, training us to live God's way.
-2 Timothy 3:16 (The Message)
-2 Timothy 3:16 (The Message)
Monday, June 22, 2009
Quote
We need others. We need others to love and we need to be loved by them. There is no doubt that without it, we too, like the infant left alone, would cease to grow, cease to develop, choose madness and even death.
~Leo Buscaglia
~Leo Buscaglia
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Apologizing isn’t Easy, But it’s Necessary
Apologizing isn’t Easy, But it’s Necessary
by Laurie Wilhelm
As anyone who has ever made an apology knows, saying "I'm sorry" is no sign of weakness but it can take a great deal of courage. While it can be difficult to accept blame and take responsibility for our offending actions, apologizing to those who are affected by them is an essential social skill and one that helps maintains good relationships.
While it can be embarrassing to admit fault, a sincere and honest apology can begin to repair broken relations and is the first step in rebuilding trust and loyalty. One of the most significant elements of an apology is recognizing that what you did was inappropriate, inconsiderate, thoughtless or careless. A good apology lets the recipient know that you understand how your action made them feel or the negative impact it had on a situation.
It's rarely enough to just say, "I'm sorry." If an apology is in order, it has to be for a specific reason so say what it is. Saying, "My response was curt and unsupportive – I apologize." or "I apologize for neglecting to…" communicates that you understand your wrongdoing.
Don’t try to concoct an excuse to cover up your mistake or make it sound like it wasn’t really your fault. Admit and take responsibility for your words and actions. An apology buried under some seemingly well-thought out excuses destroys its authenticity. It becomes an “I’m sorry but…” which basically implies that you’re innocent and, therefore, do not sincerely regret your actions. Keep it plain and direct – “I’m sorry that I said…” “I’m sorry that I didn’t…” I’m sorry that I assumed…”
You can, however, provide an explanation while you take responsibility for your actions. “I apologize for how I reacted. I was frustrated because my computer just crashed and I lashed out at you. I was really out of line. I’m sorry.”
Finally, when you apologize, know that it must be followed up by an earnest effort not to repeat the offending action.
After the Apology
It’s not as if you can hurt someone and expect that hurt to magically evaporate. While they may have accepted your apology, it takes time to rebuild trust and relationships so give them time to recover.
Once you’ve made amends, you’ve got to stick to your words. If you’ve apologized and then the next day or the next week you do the same offending action, your apology isn’t worth much. If you’ve recognized that your actions were offensive once, you can be sure they’ll be offensive twice. The second time, however, is exponentially worse because you knew what the potential outcome would be. Determine what you’re going to do be ensure that the mistake won’t be made again.
While apologizing may not be easy, it is essential to maintaining good, long-term relationships.
by Laurie Wilhelm
As anyone who has ever made an apology knows, saying "I'm sorry" is no sign of weakness but it can take a great deal of courage. While it can be difficult to accept blame and take responsibility for our offending actions, apologizing to those who are affected by them is an essential social skill and one that helps maintains good relationships.
While it can be embarrassing to admit fault, a sincere and honest apology can begin to repair broken relations and is the first step in rebuilding trust and loyalty. One of the most significant elements of an apology is recognizing that what you did was inappropriate, inconsiderate, thoughtless or careless. A good apology lets the recipient know that you understand how your action made them feel or the negative impact it had on a situation.
It's rarely enough to just say, "I'm sorry." If an apology is in order, it has to be for a specific reason so say what it is. Saying, "My response was curt and unsupportive – I apologize." or "I apologize for neglecting to…" communicates that you understand your wrongdoing.
Don’t try to concoct an excuse to cover up your mistake or make it sound like it wasn’t really your fault. Admit and take responsibility for your words and actions. An apology buried under some seemingly well-thought out excuses destroys its authenticity. It becomes an “I’m sorry but…” which basically implies that you’re innocent and, therefore, do not sincerely regret your actions. Keep it plain and direct – “I’m sorry that I said…” “I’m sorry that I didn’t…” I’m sorry that I assumed…”
You can, however, provide an explanation while you take responsibility for your actions. “I apologize for how I reacted. I was frustrated because my computer just crashed and I lashed out at you. I was really out of line. I’m sorry.”
Finally, when you apologize, know that it must be followed up by an earnest effort not to repeat the offending action.
After the Apology
It’s not as if you can hurt someone and expect that hurt to magically evaporate. While they may have accepted your apology, it takes time to rebuild trust and relationships so give them time to recover.
Once you’ve made amends, you’ve got to stick to your words. If you’ve apologized and then the next day or the next week you do the same offending action, your apology isn’t worth much. If you’ve recognized that your actions were offensive once, you can be sure they’ll be offensive twice. The second time, however, is exponentially worse because you knew what the potential outcome would be. Determine what you’re going to do be ensure that the mistake won’t be made again.
While apologizing may not be easy, it is essential to maintaining good, long-term relationships.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Daily Word
Today's Daily Word - Thursday, June 11, 2009
Forgive
I forgive and experience joy--now!
When someone says or does something that hurts my feelings, my first thought may not be about forgiving this person. However, the longer I hang on to negative feelings, the more I punish myself.
Mounting evidence indicates that holding on to grudges, resentments, or thoughts of revenge often leads to health problems. So I forgive past transgressions and live a healthier life now.
My emotions vastly improve as I forgive. With a willingness to forgive others, I also forgive myself. When I am able to completely overcome past hurts, I enjoy life in the present moment. My load is much lighter. This is a holy experience, as a proverb makes clear: "Where there is forgiveness, there is God."
I forgive and experience joy--now! "
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors."--Matthew 6:12
Quote
So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take
your everyday, ordinary life--your sleeping, eating, going-to-work,
and walking-around life--and place it before God as an offering.
Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him.
Romans 12:1 (The Message)
your everyday, ordinary life--your sleeping, eating, going-to-work,
and walking-around life--and place it before God as an offering.
Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him.
Romans 12:1 (The Message)
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Quote
"Remember, no one can make you feel inferior
without your consent."
~Eleanor Roosevelt
Thought Of The Day
We all have excess baggage that we desperately need
to let go of. We have all made mistakes in the past;
made poor judgment calls, harbored ill feelings
towards others, hurt someone or been hurt by someone.
The only person who gets hurt by holding on to this
baggage is yourself. It is like a snake bite. It is
not the bite that kills you; it is the venom that
infects your system.
without your consent."
~Eleanor Roosevelt
Thought Of The Day
We all have excess baggage that we desperately need
to let go of. We have all made mistakes in the past;
made poor judgment calls, harbored ill feelings
towards others, hurt someone or been hurt by someone.
The only person who gets hurt by holding on to this
baggage is yourself. It is like a snake bite. It is
not the bite that kills you; it is the venom that
infects your system.
Show Me
-Yolanda Adams
There is a place in me
That no one but You can see
And in that place I'm really insecure
I've been hurt before by man But I'm really sure You understand
Every tear I've cried
I bet You've cried a million more
How can I get back to where my smile I had was real
I'm desperate for Your touch
And I miss Your voice so much
Lord show me Your face
I'm longing for Your presence in this place
I give You all the pieces
'Cause you made a promise
You put me back together
Better than I was before
In the coldness of the night
I'm surrounded by Your light
Even in the darkness,
You tell me don't be afraid
I am not afraid
After all that I've been through
I'm still valuable to you
So I run to Your arms
Where I'm safe within Your praise
And just in case I forgot to tell You
Don't ever let me go
I'm desperate for Your touch
And I miss Your voice so much
Lord show me Your face
I'm longing for Your presence in this place
I give You all the pieces
'Cause you made a promise
You put me back together
Better than I was before
There is a place in me
That no one but You can see
And in that place I'm really insecure
I've been hurt before by man But I'm really sure You understand
Every tear I've cried
I bet You've cried a million more
How can I get back to where my smile I had was real
I'm desperate for Your touch
And I miss Your voice so much
Lord show me Your face
I'm longing for Your presence in this place
I give You all the pieces
'Cause you made a promise
You put me back together
Better than I was before
In the coldness of the night
I'm surrounded by Your light
Even in the darkness,
You tell me don't be afraid
I am not afraid
After all that I've been through
I'm still valuable to you
So I run to Your arms
Where I'm safe within Your praise
And just in case I forgot to tell You
Don't ever let me go
I'm desperate for Your touch
And I miss Your voice so much
Lord show me Your face
I'm longing for Your presence in this place
I give You all the pieces
'Cause you made a promise
You put me back together
Better than I was before
Pslam 133:1
How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along!
Psalm 133:1 (The Message)
Psalm 133:1 (The Message)
He's Still in Control
Kirk Franklin
Lately I've been thinkin'
Thinking 'bout you
And all the things
I've seen you go through
Your mother the kids and
The problems at home
Sorry I wish I could fix what's wrong
I hurt when you hurt and
I cry when you cry
Even the deep ones
Sometimes wonder, why am i going through?
I'm waiting but still no use
He's still in control
He's soverign and He knows
Just how it feels to be afraid
Have folk you love walk away
Be still and know He's still in control
Lately depression
Your job and your life
Weighs on your mind
All day and all night
You know every scripture
And what prayer to pray
Only a fool would think
It'll all go away
But there is a use
For you there's a plan
A High Priest who knows
And who understands what you cannot say
Just a little longer can you wait
Don't know what tomorrow will bring
Or if this sickness will ever leave
You can paint a perfect picture
But will it ever look like it used to be
See, one thing I know for sure
This season made you stronger and more mature
Can't you see how far you've come
And when you look back
It's gonna be worth it,
He's still in control
Lately I've been thinkin'
Thinking 'bout you
And all the things
I've seen you go through
Your mother the kids and
The problems at home
Sorry I wish I could fix what's wrong
I hurt when you hurt and
I cry when you cry
Even the deep ones
Sometimes wonder, why am i going through?
I'm waiting but still no use
He's still in control
He's soverign and He knows
Just how it feels to be afraid
Have folk you love walk away
Be still and know He's still in control
Lately depression
Your job and your life
Weighs on your mind
All day and all night
You know every scripture
And what prayer to pray
Only a fool would think
It'll all go away
But there is a use
For you there's a plan
A High Priest who knows
And who understands what you cannot say
Just a little longer can you wait
Don't know what tomorrow will bring
Or if this sickness will ever leave
You can paint a perfect picture
But will it ever look like it used to be
See, one thing I know for sure
This season made you stronger and more mature
Can't you see how far you've come
And when you look back
It's gonna be worth it,
He's still in control
Tonight
Yolanda Adams
I know it's been a while now,
Since you last heard from me,
Or talked to me
It's been kind of hard lately
I've had a lot on my mind
It's been so long that,
I'm afraid that the words may not come out right
But, tonight I'll try
Tonight
Tonight I'll try
Tonight
I know that prayin' ain't always easy
It's hard sometimes to express what you feel inside
Especially when you don't think God is listening
It's been raining now for sometime
But instead of what I see
You want me to trust You, working it out for me
So, tonight I will try
Tonight
Oh oh oh
Tonight I'll try
Tonight
Who ever told you that living in this world would be easy?
Baby, they lied
And, whoever said that lovin' folk that don't love you back ain't really hard
Even though you really tryin'
Telling you what I'm going through
Sometimes it's harder than I realize
But tonight I'll try
Tonight
Tonight I'll try
Tonight
So, tonight when you get home
You oughta unplug the phone
And get alone
Tell your Father how you truly feel
Even if your words don't come out right
For no matter how far you've gone
God's love can find you, and bring you back home
So, tonight you oughta try,
Tonight
So, tonight you oughta try,
Tonight
Who ever told you that living in this world would be easy?
Baby, they lied
And, whoever said that lovin' folk who don't love you back ain't really hard
Even though you really tryin'
Telling you what I'm going through
Sometimes it's harder than I realize
But tonight I'll try
Tonight
Tonight I'll try
Tonight
Tonight
Take away my pain (Tonight)
Take away my strains (Tonight)
And let me live (Tonight)
All over again (Tonight)
Tonight I'm gonna throw my hands up (Tonight)
Tonight I'm gonna give it all up (Tonight)
Tonight I wanna turn it all around (Tonight)
Put my feet on solid ground (Tonight)
Won't you take me where you need to take me (Tonight)
Won't you do with me what you wanna do with me (Tonight)
Tonight
Tonight
This night
Tonight
I'm yours
I'm yours [x3]
I know it's been a while now,
Since you last heard from me,
Or talked to me
It's been kind of hard lately
I've had a lot on my mind
It's been so long that,
I'm afraid that the words may not come out right
But, tonight I'll try
Tonight
Tonight I'll try
Tonight
I know that prayin' ain't always easy
It's hard sometimes to express what you feel inside
Especially when you don't think God is listening
It's been raining now for sometime
But instead of what I see
You want me to trust You, working it out for me
So, tonight I will try
Tonight
Oh oh oh
Tonight I'll try
Tonight
Who ever told you that living in this world would be easy?
Baby, they lied
And, whoever said that lovin' folk that don't love you back ain't really hard
Even though you really tryin'
Telling you what I'm going through
Sometimes it's harder than I realize
But tonight I'll try
Tonight
Tonight I'll try
Tonight
So, tonight when you get home
You oughta unplug the phone
And get alone
Tell your Father how you truly feel
Even if your words don't come out right
For no matter how far you've gone
God's love can find you, and bring you back home
So, tonight you oughta try,
Tonight
So, tonight you oughta try,
Tonight
Who ever told you that living in this world would be easy?
Baby, they lied
And, whoever said that lovin' folk who don't love you back ain't really hard
Even though you really tryin'
Telling you what I'm going through
Sometimes it's harder than I realize
But tonight I'll try
Tonight
Tonight I'll try
Tonight
Tonight
Take away my pain (Tonight)
Take away my strains (Tonight)
And let me live (Tonight)
All over again (Tonight)
Tonight I'm gonna throw my hands up (Tonight)
Tonight I'm gonna give it all up (Tonight)
Tonight I wanna turn it all around (Tonight)
Put my feet on solid ground (Tonight)
Won't you take me where you need to take me (Tonight)
Won't you do with me what you wanna do with me (Tonight)
Tonight
Tonight
This night
Tonight
I'm yours
I'm yours [x3]
Monday, June 8, 2009
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Evidence of a Changed Life
Evidence of a Changed Life
Josh McDowell
“For every child of God defeats this evil world by trusting Christ to give the victory.” (1 John 5:4, NLT)
Josh McDowell was a hard-nosed skeptic regarding Jesus’ claim to be the Son of God. His intense quest to disprove it led him into a spiritual experience with Christ that radically changed his life. There were obvious changes in his behavior over a period of six to eighteen months, but the most significant change happened as he faced the need to forgive people who had damaged him as a child.
The small community where the McDowell family lived knew his father as the town alcoholic. Josh hated him for the abuse and the shame he brought them. When Josh accepted Christ as his Savior, a powerful love consumed his life. He described how it affected his feelings for his father: “God’s love took that hatred, turned it upside down, and emptied it out. I looked my father in the eyes and said, ‘Dad, I love you,’ and I really meant it.”
A short time later, his dad visited him. “It was one of his few sober days,” Josh said. “Dad paced nervously around the room and finally blurted out, 'Son, how can you love a father like me?'”
Josh answered, “Dad, six months ago I despised you.” He shared the story of his research and conclusions that Jesus Christ was the Son of God and confessed, “I have placed my trust in Christ, received God’s forgiveness, and invited Him into my life. He has changed me. God has taken away my hatred and now I love and accept you just the way you are.”
After they talked for almost an hour, Josh’s dad said, “Son, if God can do in my life what I’ve seen Him do in yours, then I want to trust Him as my Savior and Lord.”
His father’s life changed right before his eyes—as if God reached down and flipped on the light switch. Josh saw his father touch alcohol only once after that. The beverage got as far as his lips before his father thrust it away.
There was another person Josh needed to forgive. Between six and thirteen years of age, he was sexually abused by a man hired to cook and clean on their farm. When his parents needed to leave for any reason, they would stand Josh in front of him and say, "You do everything Wayne tells you to do or you'll get a thrashing when we get home.” He was afraid of their punishment, so Josh did what Wayne told him.
When Josh told his mother what Wayne did to him, she didn’t believe Him. “I felt totally alone and unprotected,” he admitted. “Even at the young age of six, I knew what Wayne did to me was evil, and I hated him for it.”
Josh’s work on the farm made him stronger, so by the age of 13 he waited for an opportunity to confront his abuser. When his parents were out of sight, he walked into the house, cupped his hands around Wayne’s neck and pushed him against the wall. His grip tightened as he spoke. "If you ever touch me again, I will kill you!" Wayne never touched him after that.
Years later, as a new believer, Josh told his pastor about Wayne. His pastor looked at him sympathetically and said, “You need to forgive him.” Josh’s anger exploded. The years of abuse and his personal battle for his own protection had scarred him deeply. He admitted, “I hate the man! I want him to burn in hell!” But in his heart, Josh knew his pastor was right. He would have to forgive Wayne, just as he forgave his father.
Josh faced his abuser once again, but this time he didn't threaten him. “Wayne, what you did to me was evil,” he said, “but I‘ve trusted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. I believe that Jesus died as much for you as He did for me, so I forgive you.”
“I had no warm emotions,” Josh admitted. “I simply said the words in faith because I knew it would please my Heavenly Father. Faith carried me through both experiences of forgiving my father and Wayne. Through it all, I had the haunting conviction that I could trust Jesus to give me victory.”
You may laugh at Christianity and mock it as Josh once did, but he finally saw and experienced the evidence. “It works,” he declares, “because Jesus works. If you trust Christ, start watching your attitudes and actions [change] because Jesus Christ is in the business of changing lives.”
This Week: Be assured that your past can be overcome with God's help. He can change you from the inside out with His powerful love.
Prayer“Jesus, Your divine power gives me everything I need.” (2 Peter 1:3)
Josh McDowell
“For every child of God defeats this evil world by trusting Christ to give the victory.” (1 John 5:4, NLT)
Josh McDowell was a hard-nosed skeptic regarding Jesus’ claim to be the Son of God. His intense quest to disprove it led him into a spiritual experience with Christ that radically changed his life. There were obvious changes in his behavior over a period of six to eighteen months, but the most significant change happened as he faced the need to forgive people who had damaged him as a child.
The small community where the McDowell family lived knew his father as the town alcoholic. Josh hated him for the abuse and the shame he brought them. When Josh accepted Christ as his Savior, a powerful love consumed his life. He described how it affected his feelings for his father: “God’s love took that hatred, turned it upside down, and emptied it out. I looked my father in the eyes and said, ‘Dad, I love you,’ and I really meant it.”
A short time later, his dad visited him. “It was one of his few sober days,” Josh said. “Dad paced nervously around the room and finally blurted out, 'Son, how can you love a father like me?'”
Josh answered, “Dad, six months ago I despised you.” He shared the story of his research and conclusions that Jesus Christ was the Son of God and confessed, “I have placed my trust in Christ, received God’s forgiveness, and invited Him into my life. He has changed me. God has taken away my hatred and now I love and accept you just the way you are.”
After they talked for almost an hour, Josh’s dad said, “Son, if God can do in my life what I’ve seen Him do in yours, then I want to trust Him as my Savior and Lord.”
His father’s life changed right before his eyes—as if God reached down and flipped on the light switch. Josh saw his father touch alcohol only once after that. The beverage got as far as his lips before his father thrust it away.
There was another person Josh needed to forgive. Between six and thirteen years of age, he was sexually abused by a man hired to cook and clean on their farm. When his parents needed to leave for any reason, they would stand Josh in front of him and say, "You do everything Wayne tells you to do or you'll get a thrashing when we get home.” He was afraid of their punishment, so Josh did what Wayne told him.
When Josh told his mother what Wayne did to him, she didn’t believe Him. “I felt totally alone and unprotected,” he admitted. “Even at the young age of six, I knew what Wayne did to me was evil, and I hated him for it.”
Josh’s work on the farm made him stronger, so by the age of 13 he waited for an opportunity to confront his abuser. When his parents were out of sight, he walked into the house, cupped his hands around Wayne’s neck and pushed him against the wall. His grip tightened as he spoke. "If you ever touch me again, I will kill you!" Wayne never touched him after that.
Years later, as a new believer, Josh told his pastor about Wayne. His pastor looked at him sympathetically and said, “You need to forgive him.” Josh’s anger exploded. The years of abuse and his personal battle for his own protection had scarred him deeply. He admitted, “I hate the man! I want him to burn in hell!” But in his heart, Josh knew his pastor was right. He would have to forgive Wayne, just as he forgave his father.
Josh faced his abuser once again, but this time he didn't threaten him. “Wayne, what you did to me was evil,” he said, “but I‘ve trusted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. I believe that Jesus died as much for you as He did for me, so I forgive you.”
“I had no warm emotions,” Josh admitted. “I simply said the words in faith because I knew it would please my Heavenly Father. Faith carried me through both experiences of forgiving my father and Wayne. Through it all, I had the haunting conviction that I could trust Jesus to give me victory.”
You may laugh at Christianity and mock it as Josh once did, but he finally saw and experienced the evidence. “It works,” he declares, “because Jesus works. If you trust Christ, start watching your attitudes and actions [change] because Jesus Christ is in the business of changing lives.”
This Week: Be assured that your past can be overcome with God's help. He can change you from the inside out with His powerful love.
Prayer“Jesus, Your divine power gives me everything I need.” (2 Peter 1:3)
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