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How To Forgive (WOW)

One day a while back, a man, his heart heavy with grief, was walking in the woods. As he thought about his life this day, he knew many things were not right. He thought about those who had lied about him back when he had a job.

His thoughts turned to those who had stolen his things and cheated him.

He remembered family that had passed on. His mind turned to the illness he had that no one could cure. His very soul was filled with anger, resentment and frustration.

Standing there this day, searching for answers he could not find, knowing all else had failed him, he knelt at the base of an old oak tree to seek the one he knew would always be there. And with tears in his eyes, he prayed:

"Lord- You have done wonderful things for me in this life. You have told me to do many things for you, and I happily obeyed. Today, you have told me to forgive. I am sad, Lord, because I cannot. I don't know how. It is not fair Lord. I didn't deserve these wrongs that were done against me and I shouldn't have to forgive. As perfect as your way is Lord, this one thing I cannot do, for I don't know how to forgive. My anger is so deep Lord, I fear I may not hear you, but I pray that you teach me to do this one thing I cannot do - Teach me To Forgive."

As he knelt there in the quiet shade of that old oak tree, he felt something fall onto his shoulder. He opened his eyes. Out of the corner of one eye, he saw something red on his shirt.

He could not turn to see what it was because where the oak tree had been was a large square piece of wood in the ground. He raised his head and saw two feet held to the wood with a large spike through them.

He raised his head more, and tears came to his eyes as he saw Jesus hanging on a cross. He saw spikes in His hands, a gash in His side, a torn and battered body, deep thorns sunk into His head. Finally he saw the suffering and pain on His precious face. As their eyes met, the man's tears turned to sobbing, and Jesus began to speak.

"Have you ever told a lie?" He asked?

The man answered - "yes, Lord."

"Have you ever been given too much change and kept it?"

The man answered - " yes. Lord." And the man sobbed more and more.

"Have you ever taken something from work that wasn't yours?" Jesus asked?

And the man an swered - "yes, Lord."

"Have you ever sworn, using my Father's name in vain? "

The man, crying now, answered - "yes, Lord."

As Jesus asked many more times, "Have you ever"? The man's crying became uncontrollable, for he could only answer - "yes, Lord."

Then Jesus turned His head from one side to the other, and the man felt something fall on his other shoulder. He looked and saw that it was the blood of Jesus. When he looked back up, his eyes met those of Jesus, and there was a look of love the man had never seen or known before.

Jesus said, "I didn't deserve this either, but I forgive you."

It may be hard to see how you're going to get through something, but when you look back in life, you realize how true this statement is.

Read the following first line slowly and let it sink in.

If God brings you to it - He will bring you through it.

Lord I love You and I need You, come into my heart, today. For without You I can do nothing. When Jesus died on the cross, he was thinking of you! 

Why go to Church?

Finding the right local church is God’s will for your life. It is a vital part of your spiritual development. The local church is like a puzzle and each member is a piece of the puzzle. In order for the picture to come together each Christian must find the right church. When you find the right church, its a step in fulfilling God’s plan and purpose for your life. It’s God’s will for you to get to know Him and grow in Him. God has a perfect plan for your life and He needs you just as much as you need Him.

Why do I need to go to Church?

• To grow up spiritually. God wants you to grow up in Him. He wants you to know Him, not just know about Him.

• In a time of crises, your pastor and church family will be there for you.

• It’s a place to fellowship and meet others of like faith.

• The church is a place where you’ll find your purpose in life.

• When Christians unite together, God does great things.

If you desire more in your life, get up and go to church. If you’ll make the move towards God, He will not let you down but He will meet you. See you in church!

How To Find A Church Home

Connecting with a good local church is probably the most important thing a Christian can do. Bouncing from church to church is not healthy for you, your family, or the church. It helps to have a clearly defined process by which you can determine the best church for you to call home.

We must realize right away that you are never going to find the "perfect" church. It doesn’t exist! Churches are made up of imperfect people - so although you may not be able to find the perfect church, you can find the church that is perfect for you!

Ask yourself practical questions as you visit churches:

• Does the worship of the church satisfy your heart and genuinely inspire your attention to Jesus Christ?

• Do you sense God’s Presence in the service?

• Are the sermons firmly based in Scripture and relevant to the things you face in life?

• Can you agree with the basic doctrines they hold to, and can you be fed spiritually at this church?

• Are there programs and/or activities designed for children and youth?

• Does the church offer activities that provide real substance and meaning for developing your Christian life?

• Are there opportunities for building relationships with others in the church?

• Are you challenged to grow in your own personal relationship with the Lord?

• Do you see areas of service where your gifts and talents could be utilized?

• When attending, do you feel at home? Are the people loving and friendly?

• Pray and ask God to lead you to the right church, realize that God has a plan for your life and being connected to a local church is part of His plan.

• Be open and willing to go where God leads you, even if it’s not exactly what you had in mind.

Don't wander in the "church shopping wilderness" for too long! After visiting churches and praying about it, make a decision to commit yourself to a local church. Once you make a decision to belong to a particular church, jump in with both feet! Get involved in the church. Participate in the various programs they offer for membership, new members, foundations classes, and serving opportunities. Take advantage of all that the church offers to you and your family and give back to your church in your prayers, service and tithes. When you commit yourself to a church family, you’ll find there is no place like home!