FORGIVENESS
Today’s Reading: Mark 11
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).
These steps at the southern entrance of the Temple Mount once led into the Court of the Gentiles. You can still see the Triple Gate archways that were bricked over. These main gates to the Temple were called the Hulda Gates. An impressive staircase was added to enable the thousands of pilgrims to walk into the Temple.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, Click HERE.
Key Verse: Mark 11:26
…But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.
In the first 10 verses, Jesus meticulously fulfills prophecy (Zechariah 9:9 & Psalm 118:26). He then follows up by communicating His authority over nature, the fig tree, and over the activities surrounding the worship of God in the Temple. Mark concludes this chapter by quoting the religious leaders saying, “We do not know” (verse 33). Their biggest concern seemed to be the politics of the day. The core message of this passage concerns FORGIVENESS. This has eternal importance for each of us. Unforgiveness blocks the forgiveness we all need from God. Jesus warns us in a most forceful way. This is one truth that we MUST RECEIVE and ACT UPON TODAY! (How about every day?)
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, I ask for grace to forgive others and the grace to accept the forgiveness offered to me by others. Having done this I am confident that as I ask for Your forgiveness for my sins against You, Lord God, You forgive me. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I can’t help but refer again to my minister Dad. He described some religious leaders of Jesus’ day, and often today also, with this couplet: “They wobble in and wobble out, and leave the people all in doubt.” The “we do not know” answer to a question about the great prophet John the Baptist is not acceptable. Immediately after our marriage 56 years ago, Norma-Jean and I accepted the call to pastor a congregation in Brighton, Ontario. We had lots of sports for our youth, and it came to my ears that a neighbouring pastor had called our Church, “The Brighton Sports Centre.” I was hurt by this and to my shame I nursed a grudge until the Holy Spirit pushed me to go to this pastor and to ask his forgiveness for not forgiving him. He didn’t even know that I knew what he had said. I was forgiven, but as far as I knew he continued to believe that sports were not right for the activities of a pastor and church. I had to let it go. Nevertheless, several teenagers came to know Jesus as a direct result of the friendships developed through sports.
Yours because of “forgiveness,”
David
Just wanted to say a belated “Thank You!” for the beautiful video of Reynold and Cathy” singing “Household of Faith”. I forwarded it to my son who is being married in September
Thank you David (Rev.Mainse). :). I have asked the Holy Spirit to bring to mind anyone I am in need to forgive!
Looking forward to seeing you tonight with my grandson who is in need of healing.
Andrea
Forgive us Lord as we forgive those who have wronged us.
Thank you Lord Jesus for answering healing prayers and healing one of my co-workers from Cancer. You are the great healer. Amen!
Praise you Father!
May our Lord Jesus walk at our side, protecting us from the evil one as we go about this Lord’s day. Blessings fellow blog friends…
“Knowing Jesus” as the son of GOD is the only reason for attending any place of worship. I am a believer in the benefits of all sports (in particular tennis).
Shalom,
Graham.
2012 Holy Land Yellow Bus.
Thank Jesus for healing prayers, and for the shrinking of my friend’s tumour through radiation.
Wouldn’t it be helpful in our society if a daily bible study like this was a regular class for our children in our schools. It could be part of the curriculum. Guess that’s been tried and so many forces against it. Just a thought. Next best recourse is to teach our children at home.
Blessings on dear fellow bloggers and Rev. DM et al.
Thank You Precious Saviour for healing my 3 daughters and myself and thank you for your unending Forgiveness Amen
Amen!
What a sad condition our existance would be without forgiveness. Self condemnation, resentment and the inability to take responsibility for our sin and move into repentance. Praise You Father, Son and Holy Spirit for Your love, acceptance and understanding! Off line for a while. We’re off to enjoy Our Lords nature camping. God bless and protect, blog buddies!
Pastor Keith Running remembers the early years with fondness. Today I attend church with him in Medicine Hat. Gods continued blessing upon you.
Sometimes the forgiveness begins with “I will to forgive” and the Lord helps us to fulfill that with His will as we open up our hearts…sometimes it takes a while to let go and “Let God in”
I wrote this poem for Grieving Mothers.org but it applies well here too.Blessings
Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a gift we receive,
And freely we must give it too,
To prove to Him we do believe,
Forgiveness also works for you.
When a friend stabs your back,
Do not turn and choose to attack;
But smile and take up his slack
To show the faith you do not lack.
When you forgive it then returns,
For your heart is then lightened
While given the freedom it yearns
And your mind is then enlightened.
Let His healing hand touch your soul,
Then may His love render you whole,
For Satan will try to collect a toll;
If your faith is weak you give control.
But someone you may overlook
Is one you may be least kind to;
For mistaken paths that you took;
The one you forgive must be you.
G W (Bill) Marshall