Forgiveness from the Heart

One of the basic principles in our faith deals with forgiveness. Ephesians 4:32 says “Be kind to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ forgave you.” Yes, forgiveness can be really hard when someone has wronged you. A week ago I watched an NBC News feature on three ladies in Charleston SC. Their worlds were turned upside down when a gunman took the life of 9 people who were gathered in a church. These ladies were talking about forgiveness! You could hear their attitude about forgiveness and you knew they were putting that into action. 

Wow, talk about a powerful example of forgiveness! 

Attitudes and actions
In Luke 7:36-50 Jesus forgives a grateful immoral woman. We read: And Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (v 50). This woman was demonstrating her true faith in a house by her actions. Jesus honored her and forgave her sins.

Paul challenges us in Colossians 3:13 “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” It shouldn’t be so hard to forgive someone when we think of our Lord and what He did for us.

We are also told that we are not to take revenge. Paul says we “are to conquer evil by doing good.” How do we do that? In Romans 12: 20 he instructs us: “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” 

Hearts like Stone
It happened more than once. You remember how Pharaoh’s heart was hardened. He refused time and again to let the Hebrews go! Exodus 7:13 is one of those instances. “Pharaoh’s heart, however, remained hard. He still refused to listen, just as the LORD had predicted.” We too can have our heart hardened.

In Proverbs God tells us that we will be healthier if we guard our hearts against hate and holding grudges. 

“My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words.
Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4:20-23

If we do not forgive from our hearts, then God will not forgive us. God commands His people to love others as they love themselves.

"His faithful love endures forever."


Until next time...



Chaplain Gray

Grow in God's wisdom

One of the 'rooted principles' to remember is that we are to grow in God's wisdom. This is a wonderful gift He gives us. He's even said that we are free to ask Him in prayer. In James 1:5 He lets us know that if we need His wisdom, we can ask and He will give it to us. He won't rebuke us for asking!

Grow in Wisdom by learning from leaders
Who doesn't need wisdom from time to time? Right? There is a lot to figure out in a lifetime and contrary to what some think, we don't know everything. We are taught at an early age to listen to our fathers and mothers and do what they tell us. We are also encouraged to listen to the godly wisdom from the other people God places in your life—like aunts, uncles, grandparents, teachers, small group leaders, and other trusted leaders.

Be Wise and Learn from our Mistakes 

If we are truly seeking wisdom, then we will take the time and make the effort to examine our mistakes and learn from them. Proverbs 26:11 says "As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his foolishness." Sometimes we struggle and make the same wrong choice more than once. 

"Seek His will in all that you do"
I love Proverbs 3:6. "Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." Honestly, gaining His wisdom is a lifelong journey. Study God's Word. Pray daily. These are the 'action steps' you need to take in order to learn more about God.

Proverbs 28:26 encourages the same thing! "He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But whoever walks wisely will be delivered."

As we gain in knowledge about God, we will begin to recognize His viewpoint and respond according to what we've learned.

Remember, our Father knows exactly what we need. His guidance will be clear if we are willing to yield our will to His.


"His faithful love endures forever."

Until next time...

Chaplain Gray

I AM REDEEMED

I have a song that I often listen to called "Say So". The songwriter encourages believers - those who are redeemed - to loudly and boldly SAY SO. I AM REDEEMED, I AM REDEEMED! 

If you know Christ as your Lord and Savior, you can say these things with confidence:

• I am free because Christ died for me.
• I am blessed because I know Christ.
• I am chosen for a unique destiny.
• I am forgiven because of God's mercy and grace.
• I am included in God's family.

Let's take a brief look at each.

I am free because Christ died for me. Romans 6:23 says "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." This is the Good News. Jesus paid the price, our debt when He suffered on the cross. His resurrection defeated death so that we are truly free.

I am blessed because I know Christ. He is my shepherd. He knows me by name. We are told that a blessing is a good and perfect gift from God. That blessing is not to end with us. We should pass along those blessings. It's part of His plan for His people! We should bring others to the One source of all blessings!

I am chosen for a unique destiny. Yes, the maker of all things, the creator knows your future. His plans have blessings and hope. There is no promise that there will be no pain, suffering or hardships. There is a promise that He will see you through to a wonderful and glorious conclusion.

I am forgiven because of God's mercy and grace. We are God's children and our sins are forgiven through Jesus. What is mercy? Mercy is God not punishing us as our sins deserve. There is deliverance from judgment. What is grace? Grace is God blessing us, even though we do not deserve it. He extends kindness to the unworthy people.

I am included in God's family. As a believer, God became our Father, we become His children. Other believers are our brothers and sisters and God created the church as our spiritual family. 

Acknowledge that we cannot save ourselves. Only through faith in Christ can we do that. 

Being 'saved' is more than just a way to get to heaven. We are to be salt and light in the world. We need to SAY SO. Tell others and share the Good News. You are free, blessed, chosen, forgiven and included! 

The Good Master said, “You are the light of the world. Let your light so shine that all who see you will give glory to your God. You are the salt of the earth." Go season all of life with the love and mercy of God.

Remember "His faithful love endures forever."

Until next time...

Chaplain Gray

Rooted Principles

"Let your roots grow down into Him..."
Colossians 2:7

We are encouraged to draw our strength and our life nourishment from Christ, just as a tree draws nourishment from deep roots. Be rooted in Christ.

While some roots dig very deep in the soil, other roots grow wide and support each other by their breadth.

This was our scriptural theme for Camp Harrison 2018. For our evening vespers programs, I developed messages based on sound Christian principles.  For the next few weeks, I'll present a brief message based on some of those principles.

 Here's what is coming:
Sept 12 - I am free because Christ died for me
Sept 19 - Follow God's wise way
Sept 26 - Give thanks for what you do have

Local Community Special Note - Greenwood SC

There will be an all-night PRAYER VIGIL to ask God’s help in making Greenwood a safer place to live, work and raise a family.  It will be held at the Greenwood YMCA on Calhoun Rd beginning at 8 p.m. on Friday, September 14 and ending Saturday, September 15 at 8 a.m. Bring your Bible, your family, your friends and pray to God with other area Christians for help with the escalating violence and the tragedies associated with increased substance abuse. No attendance will be recorded and no collection will be taken. Come any time and stay for as long as you wish.

Spiritual Fitness Ministries
I'm looking to continuing to serve as a community chaplain. Check out our Facebook page and follow along!

Remember "His faithful love endures forever."

Until next time...

Chaplain Gray