There is a difference between forgiveness and repentance.

Seeking forgiveness:

Forgiveness is what most people seek. God forgives us of our sins, the things we do wrong. We forgive others when we feel, believe, they have wronged us. Most people believe God forgives them. But when He forgives us, then what? We need to then repent of our sins. We need to let God know we are willing to change our ways to His ways.

Repenting:

So many will say God has forgiven me, which is true. But have you repented for what He has forgiven you? If you look at a lot of Christians, you will discover very few who are purposing to walk in the Spirit, be a doer of the word, be a true follower.

Being grateful:

See, repentance is what causes us to be grateful. We realize that God truly loves us and wants what is best for us. We’ve recognized His grace and mercy to forgive us when we didn’t deserve forgiveness. And in our gratefulness, we repent — change our minds, change our ways to God’s ways. How do we know God’s ways? By reading and learning God’s word.

When we truly repent, we will be grateful to God for all He has done, which will cause us to follow Him in every area of our lives.

Just a thought,

PSS

Everyone has principles they live by, but which are negotiable and which should never be set aside.

Negotiation:

Too many Christians compromise the word of God in their lives. The word of God is never up for negotiation. Compromise can be beneficial when it promotes cooperation without sacrificing moral values, the standard of the Bible. When you begin to take a wrong step in a direction that you know is unwise, it can lead to compromise.

The highest way:

Compromise is defined as an agreement or settlement of dispute that is reached by each side making concessions. It also means to accept standards that are lower than desirable. In other words, when you compromise the word of God to do something you want, you are accepting standards that are lower. God’s ways are higher than our ways. His thoughts are higher, better than our thoughts. God’s ways are always the best ways.

Regret:

Compromising beliefs has caused so much pain for people. It causes regret. Regret is awful! If you have found yourself compromising the word of God for someone or something, repent quickly and purpose to get it right. Change your ways immediately. Then you will see God’s blessing, His help in your life and family.

Some things are negotiable, but never is the word of God. Believe it and act on it (Hebrews 12:10-13).

Just a thought,

PSS

One should strive to be a person who attempts (if at all possible) to lead a quiet and peaceable life.

Contention:

So many people are combative (marked by eagerness to fight or contend). We should work towards not being that way. The combative mentality is one of feeling one has been dealt a bad hand in the game of life. The person feels as if someone is always picking on them or being unfair. They feel as if they have to fight to be heard. They want their way so badly that they are contentious with everyone around them. We should learn to live at peace with others as much as possible, and avoid unnecessary fights.

Insecurity:

Sometimes this attitude stems from our own insecurities, such as feeling a need to be validated. Let’s face it: fighting with others isn’t much fun at all. The opposite is learning to let some things go and not be so combative just for the sake of being combative. I don’t believe we want to be known as “the difficult one.” I’ve had employees whom I dreaded having to talk to, or correct. They wouldn’t listen; they always had an excuse, and were “always right.” Every time I had to deal with them, I knew it would be a big deal. After a while, these folks didn’t make it. They always blamed someone else. Let’s try not to be like that.

Take correction and listen to what others have to say (especially your boss or spiritual leader), and let’s learn to honor those in authority over us.

Just a thought,

PSS

There are certain virtues we should all purpose to develop in our lives.

Fortitude:

Virtues are behaviors, traits, qualities that if developed, will help us to live for God. One such behavior is fortitude. We don’t hear this word much, but it means a strength or firmness of mind, courage of soul which enables a person to encounter danger with coolness, bearing pain or adversity without murmuring, depression, or despondency. When someone has fortitude, it means that they have emotional power or reserves and the ability to withstand adversity.

Perseverance:

Fortitude is different from perseverance. Perseverance is continuing in a course of action without regard to discouragement, opposition, or previous failure; while fortitude is mental or emotional strength that enables courage in the face of adversity. This virtue developed becomes our habit that we can rely on to make our lives work — a life that works, a life that functions well.

Tenacity:

Fortitude can mean courage, bravery, valor, heroism. It can also mean endurance, tenacity. It is the ability to stay with a task in the midst of every conceivable discouragement and setback. When we develop this virtue, fortitude, it will cause us to serve God regardless of our circumstances — to not allow ourselves to become so discouraged we shrink back or turn away from God (Hebrews 10:38). God takes no pleasure in anyone who turns away.

So, let’s be people with the habit of expressing fortitude, and continue serving our Lord Jesus. It’s the willing and obedient who will eat the good of the land (Isaiah 1:19).

Just a thought,

PSS

When it comes to God and who He is, there are so many lies about Him out there.

Be a doer of the word:

One might say, Doing the word of God is too hard. The truth is, God wouldn’t tell us to do something if we couldn’t do it. What makes it hard is at times we don’t want to do certain things the Bible says we should do. The Bible teaches: We can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens us. To be a true follower of Christ, we must learn and then practice scripture.

I’m-OK deception:

So many want God to do something while they sit back and do nothing. It doesn’t work that way. God gave us His word (Bible) to practice it, to do it. It’s the doers of the word who are blessed. Those who hear it and do it are blessed. Those who hear it and don’t do it are deceived. Too many think they can ignore God, do what they think is right, and be OK. The truth is, you’re not OK. It’s called disobedience. It’s the willing-to-obey crowd that is blessed (Isa. 1:19).

Father knows best:

We all must learn God’s word is not up for negotiation. God knows what is best for His creation. His ways and thoughts are higher than our ways and thoughts. This is the truth. This is what we all must learn in order to serve Him. Once we do, we will find we do have the strength to overcome and get through any situation we may face in life.

God wants to help us, but we must do things His way. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

Just a thought,

PSS