Female in Motion

Philippians 3:13-14 (KJV)   Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do , forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Sometimes, I just want to kick myself. I said or did the wrong thing; made a mistake; failed. After I pray for forgiveness--what's next? It's not just what you leave behind, it's what you reach for in the future. When you free yourself from old burdens, you are free of that weight. Next, you will be able to attain more, better, bigger blessings. Forget the past and reach for your good future. The prize is your eternal soul. Be encouraged, friend. *** Notable Quote: "Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently."--Henry Ford

This Sunday is Easter. I like to call it "Resurrection Day," because it suits better. Whatever you call it, this day is all about forgiveness. As Christians, we celebrate the day Jesus paid for all of our sins with His life. We perfect the cause of Christ when we forgive. That's why He came to Earth. Our ultimate goal as Christians is to be more Christ-like. We carry on His work as we strive to become better, more loving people. That includes forgiving others, even when it's hard. The road to redemption is paved with small stones of progress. This progress is made up of consistent, deliberate decisions for the faith. Jesus paid off the mortgage on my soul and I'm forever grateful. *** Notable Quote: Ephesians 4:32 (KJV) And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

(This is the final installment of my three-part series on forgiveness.) Hebrews 12:14-15 (KJV) Follow peace with all men , and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you , and thereby many be defiled; The roots of beautiful flowers are underground, hidden from view. If a root succumbs to disease, it can destroy the entire plant, if not the garden. The root of bitterness is spiritual poison to our bodies. We are commissioned by the Bible to strive to become more Christlike. Resentment has no place in the heart of a believer.   The Hubster said once in a Sunday School lesson, "Spiritual wounds do not heal on their own. You have to go to The Doctor." So true! Our humanity yearns to strike back against an enemy. We have to fight our sin nature. What will it profit us? If your brother sins against you, Jesus taught us in Luke 17 to forgive him over an...

Ephesians 4:32 (KJV) And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Unbroken (by Laura Hillenbrand) is a book about the amazing life of Louie Zamperini, an Olympic athlete turned bombardier airman during World War II. After a plane crash, Mr. Zamperini survived starvation and shark attacks on a life raft, only to be captured by the Japanese army. He was held prisoner for several years and endured unspeakable cruelty. Upon his return home, he struggled with flashbacks and alcoholism, until a chance encounter at a Billy Graham evangelistic crusade. Reverend Graham was preaching on the power of forgiveness and Louie took it to heart. He forgave his torturers and made a trip back to Japan to share God’s good news. There is power in forgiveness. In fact, God has a number of blessings that He will give us, if we only open our hearts. Psalm 32:1 promises us that we will be blessed by God when we forgiv...