Joy of ForgivenessWritten by Andrei Yashurin
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What cannot be forgiven is our refusal to accept forgiveness, our rigid attitude that says it is too easy or it cannot be for us, because our sins are too heavy and we need to be punished for them. This is not true. God has no interest in judging our sins, but we can judge ourselves, either through self-condemnation, or through attracting to our lives negative and harsh experiences. The choice is given to us. When we know God, we know that there is nothing easier for Him than to forgive sins. “Bless Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives ALL your iniquities; Who heals ALL your diseases” Psalm 103:2,3 The fact that we at times need forgiveness does not make us unworthy sinners. When a child stumbles and falls while learning to walk, he continues to be a child of his parents. Even when we fail, we continue to be children of God. Although we make mistakes, we continue to be guided and supported by His love. My joy comes from being forgiven and guilt free. I am exceedingly glad, realizing that there is no condemnation for me when I abide in Christ consciousness. As I embrace forgiveness, I set myself free from every conscious or subconscious desire to punish myself. Being in Christ, I clear my mind from negative self-image which is based on my past failures. I declare that now I am a new creation, and I leave my past behind. Joy is my inheritance, and I experience it every day as I continue to live in God’s kingdom.
Andrei Yashurin is a non-denominational minister, author, translator and an Internet publisher from Russia. His ministry in 2 languages reaches more than 3,000 people every month. He can be contacted at: yashurin.geo@yahoo.com http://www.your-time-now.com
| | Finding Joy in Christmas- When Everything 'Feels' WrongWritten by Ellen M. DuBois
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as we see a message of great hope and comfort. No, our pain isn't gone. No, we can't bring back those who were lost and no, we can't reverse time. But, there is no load too heavy that Christ won't carry for us. His birth was and is greatest 'Christmas Present' anyone could ever hope for. And it's real. Through Christ and His message to us, we can take comfort in many things. 1. Those beautiful people who were lost in tragic attack on America are with our loving Father in a realm that is real, alive and eternal. Though not with us physically, they are very much alive and happy. They are missed dearly on earthly plane, but are living a wonderful, fulfilling life in a world much more beautiful than one we remain in. 2. No matter how heavy your load may be, Christ is always there to help you with it. His gift of hope, comfort, help, healing and life is there for you. You will be carried through your darkest hours. You will never be alone. There is someone right beside you who will get you through anything this world dishes out. Just ask. 3. The light of Christ shines within each and every one of us. The beauty of lights upon a tree or shining from a window symbolize his omnipresent light. If you do decide to put up lights this year- and are struggling with feelings of confusion - remember what those lights symbolize. They are symbols of light of Christ and cannot ever be snuffed out. By displaying lights, you are showing hope to others who may need to be reminded of it very, very much.It is my hope that we can, even with our very real pain, not just 'get through' Christmas, but celebrate it. It's not pretty packages and ribbons that make Christmas what it is. It's God's promise to us all- His Love for us all- His ultimate display of His love for us by sending his only son to earth to show us we have eternal life through Him. That's what Christmas is about. Now more than ever before we need to hold fast to that promise and by doing that, we will find joy in Christmas this year; even if it's amidst tears. May light of Christ shine in all of your hearts this Christmas; give you comfort, peace and joy. "Peace on Earth- Good will to men." © Ellen M. DuBois
Ellen M. DuBois, MA - Ms. DuBois is engaged and has a dog who loves to critique her work. She is published in vol.2 of God Allows U-Turns with her piece, "The Angel in the Dumpster". She writes to touch the hearts of others. Please visit Writings of the Heart, her award winning writer's resource site- http://writingsoftheheart.homestead.com/index.html
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