THE WHOLE TRUTH
By Carol Clark
Rev. 22:18-19 “ And I solemnly declare to everyone who reads this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God shall add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone subtracts any part of these prophecies, God shall take away his share in the Tree of Life and in the Holy City just described.:
This year I’m actually doing it….I’m a little behind schedule, but I’m actually doing it! What “great accomplishment” am I bragging about? Nothing noteworthy, but for me it’s a first. I’m actually reading through the entire Bible in a year.
I’ve started this before (many times!). I know Genesis real well, but I usually get so far behind I just quit before I ever make it to Ruth. But this time I’m actually staying with it.
You might be thinking I’m feeling pretty proud of myself, but actually I’ve received the humbling revelation that I do not know this book very well at all….in fact I feel as if I’m reading some sections for the first time. That’s a pretty lame condition for someone who has been a Christian for 40 years!
The Word of GOD! Wow! Right here at my fingertips in multiple translations, and I’ve really taken this gift for granted. I have favorite parts that I like to read, but now I’m encountering more difficult passages, that baffle me and lead me to say, “God is that really you? I don’t understand!!!” God is full of both Grace and Truth. He is Holy. He is Sovereign. As psalm 97 says, “Righteousness and Justice are the foundation of His Throne.”
I have the common tendency to limit God to my understanding and my comfort zone, and when I read His words and actions that don’t fit under that umbrella, I don’t like the experience….I tend to want to push that part of God away. When I choose to accept only part of who God is as my Lord, I am guilty of creating an Idol, a made-up god who behaves the way I can predict, who fits into my little world, like a statue on a shelf.
If I only gaze upon one side of Jesus’ face, I will never recognize him when He walks into my life!
God forgive me and lead me to humbly sit at Your feet and hear Your Word, Your Every Word, even if it leads to the utter confusion of my limited mind. You are sovereign. You are Lord of all. I’m not in Your league. Your thoughts and words and works are way higher than mine. Help me to embrace all of Your Truth, not just part that tickles my ears. Take root in me and change me, to give glory to you Son, Jesus.

The Power of God’s Forgiveness

Scriptures are from the Living Bible:

Isaiah 43:12 Whenever you have thrown away your idols, I have shown you my power. With one word I have saved you. You have seen me do it; you are my witnesses that this is true. From eternity to eternity I am God. No on can oppose what I do.

Matthew 6:14 Your heavenly Father will forgive you if you forgive those who sin against you; but if you refuse to forgive them, he will not forgive you.

Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came to him and asked, “Sir how often should I forgive a brother who sins against me? Seven times?

“No”, Jesus replied, “seventy times seven!

Mark 11:25 But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in haven will forgive you your sins too.”

Luke 6:37 Never criticize or condemn–or it will all come back on you. GO easy on others; then they will do the same for you.

Forgiveness is a daily issue in our lives. This is a practical principle we all deal with as we encounter life…To forgive and by the grace of God we are also forgiven.

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