Monday, November 8, 2010

As We Forgive Our Debtors - by Doug Fortune


"And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."

Forgiveness... it is not just a word, not just a good idea, not just something we are supposed to do. We can know for sure that forgiveness must be of great importance because Jesus reiterates and clarifies the subject a few verses later in Matthew 6:14-15, "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."

I believe that forgiveness is a spiritual force. Perhaps it is a spiritual force as strong as faith. Allow me to explain... The word translated as "forgive" is aphiemi in Greek, its' meanings include- to send away, to bid going away or depart, to send forth, yield up, to expire, to let go, let alone, let be.

Let this life-transforming truth just soak into your spirit for a moment!... Forgiveness takes a specific debt that has already manifested and sends it away, causing it to cease to exist!

Now then, we know that faith reaches into the realm of possibilities and causes a specific possibility to manifest. "NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]." (Hebrews 11:1 Amplified Bible) In other words, faith takes things that are NOT seen and makes them a reality.

Forgiveness works exactly the same, only the other way around. Forgiveness takes a specific debt that has already manifested- a sin, a hurt, an offense, and sends it away, causing it to cease to exist. In other words, forgiveness takes things that ARE seen and makes them a non-reality. "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us." (Psalms 103:12) Forgiveness and faith are the cornerstones upon which all of Christianity is built!

Let this life-transforming truth just soak into your spirit for a moment!... Forgiveness takes a specific debt that has already manifested and sends it away, causing it to cease to exist!

This is SO extremely important because there is one thing in life we can absolutely count on- "...It is impossible but that offenses will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!" (Luke 17:1) Yes, offenses WILL come... And they usually come at the most in-opportune times and through the people closest to you!

The word translated as "offenses" is skandalon in Greek, its' meanings include- the movable stick or trigger of a trap, a trap stick, a trap, snare, any impediment placed in the way and causing one to stumble or fall. offense is a trap, and many live their lives struggling in the all-consuming trap of offense.

Why do I say that offense is an all-consuming trap? Because often those who are offended easily are the same ones who seem to offend others easily, thus a vicious cycle is perpetuated. Also those who operate in the principal of offense even take up the offenses of others and make them their own. Offense is a principality of the mind that can permeate and damage all our relationships.

If He could forgive us, we can forgive others. Why do I say that?... If Christ is IN us, then His forgiveness is IN us also.



I believe that the root of offense is SELF... After all, I deserve better, and they should know that!

I once found myself in the situation of having made some major decisions based upon information and agreements made with a friend of mine. Soon I found that through unexpected and extenuating circumstances much of the information was incorrect and also the agreements were not kept. I had already made major changes based upon those decisions, and there was no going back now. I comforted myself with the truth that Father is sovereign in all things and I told myself that I was not offended... at least that's what I told myself.

It's hard for "spiritual" people to admit that we are offended. After all, how "un-spiritual" is being offended?... Certainly not me!... No, it is righteous indignation! Yeah, right.

So I let it brew under the surface, and for a long time. Then one day it all came boiling over and I gave them a "piece of my mind." As I really "let them have it" my words were met with a blank stare... they had no idea what I was talking about. That person had no recollection of any of the things I brought up. They hadn't lost a wink of sleep over my "issues." Now, don't sit there smirking too much. Something similar has probably happened to you also!

Needless to say it would have been pretty difficult for me to keep holding on to things that the other person was not even aware of. At that point, I threw up my hands and said, "OK God, I get the message!"

How many of us go through our entire lives holding on to offenses that the "offender" is not even aware of? Don't fall into the trap of offense! Offense restricts our ability to move on, to move forward. Offense is a cancer, a silent killer.

Just listen to the way the word "offense" rolls off your tongue. What does it sound like?... "a fence." Too many are "fenced in" by offense! Father did not design us to live as prisoners inside the fence of offense. Fences take away our freedom, they keep us bound within confines. Fences also do not let other people in. Just ponder the spiritual parallel for a moment... Ask Father if the "fence" of offense is there in your heart. I know that there will be some who are offended by my mere suggestion that there might be offense in their heart. The first step in any healing is admitting that there is a problem.

For the most part, offended people fall into two categories- those who believe they were treated wrong, and those who really were treated wrong. The actual facts, whether one really was treated wrong, or whether one believes they were treated wrong, is of little consequence in the devastating effects of offense. Even if it is all in your head and nobody actually treated you bad, if you believe it, you empower it.

The only cure for offense is for it to be removed from your heart... The only cure for offense is forgiveness. Remember, forgiveness takes a specific debt that has already manifested- a sin, a hurt, an offense, and sends it away, causing it to cease to exist. Forgiveness takes things that ARE seen and makes them a non-reality.

Keep in mind that forgiveness does NOT mean that what the other person did was really ok. It doesn't mean that they are "getting away" with it. It DOES mean that you are releasing yourself from the prison of offense. The question is not whether they deserve to be forgiven... the question is, how long do you want to be in the prison of offense? Don't wait for the other person to ask for forgiveness. Don't let them be the one who holds the key to your prison cell. You can't move forward in your relationship with Father if you are holding on to bitterness and unforgiveness.

Jesus felt everything you are feeling, and much worse on the cross. His response was, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34) If He could forgive us, we can forgive others. Why do I say that?... If Christ is IN us, then His forgiveness is IN us also.

"Ok, Doug, I get it... I know I need to forgive. So give me something practical to help me DO it!" Although not exhaustive, here are some pointers I picked up from a friend on the "how to":
1. Prayer, lots of it! Ask Father to make His forgiveness flow through you. Let Father show you the other person through His eyes.
2. Do not hang on to the "victim" syndrome, don't wallow in self pity. You are not a victim, you are an overcomer!
3. If possible, surround yourself with those who love and respect you. Be a part of a body of believers that can encourage and support you.
4. Rid yourself of bitterness and anger that can build a "protective wall" so NO ONE can get in to hurt you again.

The bottom line is this- forgive even if the other person has no remorse!

In pursuing forgiveness there is rule of thumb we would be wise to observe. In fact, chances are that at some time in your life you have seen a sign on a fence that says, No Dumping! This is especially true when breaking out of the "fence" of offense- No (spiritual) Dumping!

I still vividly remember many years ago how wonderful this particular church service was going. Our pastor had spoken on offense and forgiveness, and there seemed to be such a wonderful release in the Spirit. At the end of the message there was a time for people to pray publicly or something like that. At any rate, a dear brother came up to me, as I was in the front area of the sanctuary. He proceeded to tell me (in the microphone in front of the whole church) how greatly offended he had been with me and how he had been harboring resent and ill feelings for months... but now he was forgiving me. I stood there stunned, as I had absolutely no idea what he was talking about, I had no recollection of any incident that had happened.

You see, it was all in his mind... and it should have stayed there! He basically took all his "spiritual garbage" and dumped it all on me. Of course he felt much better. I felt rotten, and I felt rotten towards him!

Don't let dealing with your offense become an offense to someone else!

Here's the rule of thumb- If it is an offense where both parties are aware of the circumstances and both parties are involved, then go to the other person and make it right. If you are offended and the other person has no idea of it, then just deal with it between you and Father. Don't be a spiritual "dumper!"

Forgiveness is perhaps one of the strongest spiritual forces that there is. Remember, forgiveness takes a specific debt that already exists- a sin, a hurt, an offense- and sends it away, causing it to cease to exist. Forgiveness takes things that ARE seen and makes them a non-reality.

I believe that the power of forgiveness can change the world. The power of Father's forgiveness toward us in the sacrifice of His Son has already changed the world. Imagine the glory of that same power of forgiveness being released through many "sons"... "For it became Him, for Whom are all things, and by Whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory..." (Hebrews 2:10)

This is such a huge issue that Jesus charges us, "Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained." (John 20:23) The power of forgiveness! This is the ministry He has given us, "...and hath given to US the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the WORLD unto Himself, NOT IMPUTING their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto US the word of reconciliation." (2 Corinthians 5:18-19) If Father does not impute trespasses... why should we?

Forgiveness... not just a word, not just a good idea, not just something we are supposed to do.... it is the spiritual force that changes the world!

http://www.inchristinternational.com/

Rise Up and Come Away - by Wade Taylor


For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; the flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; the fig tree puts forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.” Song of Solomon 2:10-13

During the time in which we live, an urgent, present Word from the Lord is going forth. He is saying to those who have a spiritual ear to hear: “I am separating to Myself all those who are willing to be made ready to have a part with Me in that which I am about to do. Therefore, arise and come away with Me.”

The winter is past, the rain is over and gone

A season of spiritual barrenness has given way to an outpouring of the Holy Spirit which came as rain. This “former rain” (Pentecostal, Charismatic visitation) was given to prepare the way for an end-time “visitation” of the Lord to His people – “the former rain, and the latter rain, in the first month.”

“Be glad then, you children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God: for He has given you the former rain moderately, and He will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain, in the first month. And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.” Joel 2:23-24

This time of visitation is bringing a flow of spiritual revelation, understanding, and moving of the Holy Spirit. All who rightly respond to this time of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit are experiencing a higher level of spirituality and anointing (the floors full of wheat and the fats overflowing with wine and oil).

The Flowers Appear on the Earth

This visitation of “rain,” is causing choice sons (spiritually mature overcomers) to become a vibrant, visible witness (flowers appearing) for the Lord throughout the earth. Much is being accomplished through the building up of His Body.

The Time of the Singing of Birds is Come

As a part of this increased spirituality, a higher level of worship is being made available to the Body of Christ. This “singing of the birds” (prophetic worship in harmony) is the key that is unlocking the door to the heavenly realm (Zion).

The Voice of the Turtle is Heard in our Land

As a result of this higher level of worship, the “voice of the turtledove” (prophetic revelation) is bringing forth a progressive unfolding of the Word of the Lord concerning His “end-time” purpose and the establishing of His Millennial

The knowledge of the Lord

Shall fill all the earth

When the Spirit of the Lord shall fall

It shall flow as a river

It shall fall as the rain

It shall rise as the dawn

In glory ore the land

A vast new realm of spiritual life and experience is coming into view as being presently attainable to those who are seeking to go beyond their present spiritual experience.

The Fig Tree Puts Forth Her Green Figs

Though yet a green fig, Israel is aggressively asserting itself. The entire world is aware of the presence and importance of Israel. Those who pray for Israel will be rewarded by the Lord; those who oppose will be judged.

The Vines with the Tender Grape Give a Good Smell

A remnant within the Church is beginning both to experience and to express the spiritual life and ministry that the Lord desires. Those in whom the Spirit of the Lord is moving can truly testify, “The winter is past, the vines with tender grapes are giving a good smell - for we were changed when the rain fell upon us, and now His life is flowing through us.”

At this present time, a people are being called out from the world into the Church. Great blessing and growth is taking place in the Church through this outpouring of the Holy Spirit. At the same time, there is another call going forth from the Lord to those who have responded to this deeper working of the Holy Spirit. They have become intensely spiritually hungry, and are being called apart to the Lord Himself.

To these He is saying, “Rise up and come away with Me.” Those who hear and respond are being called into a realm of spiritual identity and function with the Lord Himself, in which they are becoming the expression of His life and purpose.

The pressure to participate in various legitimate activities, either church or secular, often beckons loudly to those who are finding this new and richer experience in the Lord. They struggle with the question of priorities, as they feel the many valid claims upon their time and energies, but at the same time, they intensely desire to come into all that the Lord is revealing to them.

The Lord is revealing Himself as standing outside of the door of all this activity, knocking, due to the urgency of this present time. He is saying:

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with Him, and He with Me.” Revelation 3:20

There is a price to enter into His highest and best. As we come apart to sup with our Lord, expressing our spiritual hunger and need to him, He will exhort us to “…buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that you may be rich; and white raiment, that you may be clothed….” (Revelation 3:18).

This is a call to rise above our being satisfied with all of the provisions and blessings that He amply gives, and to come into an experience of spiritual identification and fellowship with the Lord Himself.

John heard this call. A door opened in heaven and he heard a voice as a trumpet (prophetic revelation) talking with him, which said:

Come up here, and I will show you things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the Spirit: and behold, a throne was set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.” Revelation 4:1-2

There is much that the Lord desires to reveal concerning things to come; but notice that He did not place the emphasis on these things. The revelation that follows is of the Lord Himself in all of His Glory, with the overcoming Church caught up to His Throne.

“And He that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like to an emerald.” Revelation 4:3

Today, there are manifold demands upon our time. Let us again meditate upon the true purpose for this challenge, “My Beloved spoke, and said to me, Rise up, My love, My fair one, and come away” (Song of Solomon 2:10).

This call that is presently going forth from the Lord is for those who are willing to pay the price by overcoming all that is less than His best, and rise into the place of identity with Him in His Throne.

Jesus said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Me” (John 12:32).

Here, those who respond will be qualified to rule with the Lord in the closing out of this Age, and in the establishing of the Age to come.

Let us be careful both to hear and to heed all that the Lord is saying to us at this present time.

http://www.wadetaylor.org/