You are not alone everyone has been offended

Today's affirmation

if your brother trespass against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. Matt. 18:15-16
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Forgetting How Good God is in storm

Today's affirmation

when you build fine houses and settle down,  you will forget the Lord your God,
Deut. 8:12-14
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You will always have storms in Life

Today's affirmation: #afterthestorm
#pray

as they were sailing along He fell asleep; a fierce gale of wind descended and they began to be swamped and to be in danger.
(Luke 8:22-25)

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Life tailspins God laughs

Today's affirmation:
#God #humor

When the people of Ashdod rose the next day, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord! They took Dagon and put him back in his place. But the following morning when they rose, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord! (1 Sam. 5:1-7)

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Grateful in the storm

Today's affirmation: #grateful #storm

give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
(1 The. 5:14-19)

Good Morning! - The Current Situation

Good Morning! - Swimming Through the Storm

Laura’s Story... Blessings from God not the Lottery

Image by Tigner J.
Laura Story 2012 Dove Awards

Life’s surprises

Laura Story has been quoted many times as saying “Life is filled with things you don’t expect, but the Bible tells us to respond by trusting God and continuing to worship him.”  In 2012, Laura has maintained her praising and worshiping for all of God’s Blessings. It stands to reason why so many bountiful blessings have been bestowed to Laura.  For starters, winning a Grammy for the single “Blessings” which captured Best Contemporary Christian Music Song and most recently, taking home three coveted Dove Awards: Song of the Year, Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year, and Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year.  There was a feeling of something special the night Story won her Dove awards, angelic praise to God for all he has done for Laura Story and her family.

2008 Dove Award

Laura’s story as a Christian artist began in 2008 catapulting her into the forefront as a talented worship leader and songwriter with a great future ahead. Not long after, she married her husband Martin, everything a person could ask for had manifested: doing what you love, married someone you love and most importantly loving and praising God. As tides ebbs and flows, storms will brew up without notice. For this worship leader at Perimeter Church, who currently resides in the Metro-Atlanta area there were days and nights which seem to be colder, longer, and not to mention darker while coping with her husband’s health.  The second stanza of “Blessings” conveys true passion of how many feel when facing situations that are completely out of our control:

Image by: Laura Story Music
Laura Story

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe*

Laura Story's Blessings
When asked to elaborate about “Blessings” and other experiences this year, Story stated “The song is probably my most favorite song I’ve written.” Blessings depict everything God has been teaching me. There was a slight emotional pause, she forces a smile while containing the tears.  Laura preceded by saying the song was written about a year ago, another pause this time, the eyes begin to tear up. “It [Blessings] reflects on the journey I’ve walked over the past five years with my husband dealing with a brain tumor and other disabilities caused from the tumor.”  In an attempt to explain how difficult it was to pen this song during trying times Laura had a change of thought, “I would have rather to write a song about winning the lottery and how I got blessed because it’s harder to write songs about hard times in your life (emotional pause).  She went on to say “In the middle of the storm is where God shows up most and “I also found people are more interested in your faith during hard and tough times than faith in winning the lottery.”

Facing problems daily
People face  predicaments daily, if you have not, just keep living.  These difficult times, quandaries, or dilemmas can cause a person to slip into a state of gloom or mild depression thus questioning God in their life and why is he not answering prayers.  Before Jesus’ death, at the Passover, he washed the feet of the disciples, Peter questioned Jesus and his actions his reply was “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand. John 13:7 Likewise In life there is bound to be pain and more often than not you will not understand God’s purpose but surely as there are storms & rain; just believe that the one who holds the storms will bring the sun. In retrospect just has God poured a song in Laura Story based her husband’s ordeal, God has a plan for you through your trials and tribulations. 

Metaphorically, you may perceive your life to be more like winter; blustery bone chilling wind slicing through you as if clothing was non-existent, causing the mind to revert to obscurity and depression. Mentality you hit a dead end; thoughts are jaded, vision hazy and decision making all a skew. You ask where is the joy and sunshine so often spoke of?  Why have my rays of hope chosen to abandon me during a time that joy is most desperately desired? Lord, stop this roller coaster because I want to escape but to your dismay the ride of life has no emergency switches just hold on tight and dare not let go!

When friends betray us

When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not our home*

Your mind is a powerful weapon that can be used to conquer the world or work against you. So, when facing trials and tribulations cast away your personal feelings that appear to be holding you back:  fear, doubt, money, jobs, health or love life. Hook yourself to the word, find ways to encourage and be encouraged.     What if trials of this life The rain, the storms, the hardest nights Are your mercies in disguise *

Everyone may not be a talented songwriter as Laura Story however you are blessed and highly favored as a child of God.   Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Hold on to God’s unchanging word.  As Laura Story so eloquently stated;   What if my greatest disappointments or the aching of this life is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy*?  Realize no matter how terrifying this moment of time may be God is there waiting to comfort you.  For each moment of disparity, God has already thrown a life line to rescue.  We pray for blessings, we pray for peace Comfort for family, protection while we sleep. We pray for healing, for prosperity We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering All the while, You hear each spoken need Yet love is way too much to give us lesser things*.  Through every pain and struggle be like Laura Story and thank God for all of his blessings!

 For more information about Laura Story please go to www.laurastorymusic.com 

*Lyrics from Blessings; Laura Story; New Spring Publishing (ASCAP), Gleaning Publishing (ASCAP)

Tigner James

Offended and cannot not forgive

 Read:  Matthew 18:15-35

Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. Matthew 18:15

 

Good Morning!

At some point in our lives, we have all been hurt by words, actions, or deeds. What is your approach to handling the situation? Do you forgive or seek an opportunity for revenge?

 Six-year-old Kai Leigh Harriott was a cheerful and contented child. Kai Leigh Harriott is now paralyzed. She was struck by a stray bullet, rendering her permanently unable to walk. The little girl, who was both brave and gentle in her demeanor, confronted the person in court who had wronged her. "I forgive you for what you did to me, even though it was wrong."

 

If you were put in a difficult and traumatic situation, what would be your response? Do you think your soul would be overwhelmed with feelings of resentment and wrath? Would you approach the situation with forgiveness, or would you harbor anger and bitterness in your spirit?

 

 When Peter inquired Jesus about forgiving someone who sins against us seven times, Jesus replied that we must not limit it to just seven times, but rather forgive them seventy times seven (Matthew 6:21-6:22).

 

Being offended can cause individuals to experience both physical and emotional distress. The act of forgiveness is often forgotten and lost in the depths of the mind. It is difficult to imagine forgiving someone 490 times. Dear God, it feels challenging for us to exhibit boundless forgiveness. Although it may be difficult, His wish is for us to show forgiveness.

 

It should be noted that Jesus did not commit any wrongdoing. He was still crucified, beaten severely, had thorns placed on his head, was nailed to a cross, and had his side pierced. As Jesus hung on the cross, he had every reason to feel anger. Jesus' last words, according to Luke 23:32-34, included a request for forgiveness for those who caused his death: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."

 

When faced with hurtful actions or words, it can be difficult to forgive. However, Jesus' example of boundless forgiveness and the example of little Kai Leigh Harriott, who forgave the person who wronged her, can be a reminder to us that forgiveness is possible and is the path to peace and healing.

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Prayer of forgiveness

If you are having a difficult time forgiving someone repeat this prayer. 

Father in the name of Jesus I have sinned against your word because I have not forgave people who offended me. Holy Spirit I seek your strength. Enable me to forgive those who have transgressed against me. Lord, today I forgive (Insert a person’s name). In the name of Jesus I ask that you restore Love in our hearts. Lord I ask that they have a forgiving heart and will power to forgive those who transgressed against them. These and all things will be granted and restored in the name of Jesus. Amen.