12/27/06-- I'm convinced that we can't go through life harbouring grudges against people; it's pointless. The Lord's Prayer, which is the prayer that Jesus taught his followers, says, "Forgive us our sins"—and this is from the Greek—"as we have already forgiven those who sin against us." Not "as we forgive those who sin against us," but "as we have already forgiven them." So we can't go to God until we have forgiven those who sin against us.

Someone once said, "I remember the night when I could finally pray, 'Lord Jesus, I forgive them for what they did to me.' Then I started saying, 'In the name of Jesus, please forgive me for harbouring murderous thoughts against them.' When I did that, I started to feel free from the hatred I was carrying towards them. It didn't have a hold over me anymore."

In order to hang on we have to let go!
Go make a blessed day by freeing yourself.

Mike

You can view Mike's Daily Blessings at http://www.TheWoods.phpbbnow.com

            A Norvell Note

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We are very blessed to have Mike as a friend. Please post a Thank you for his inspirations.

 Jesus said in Matthew 10:15, "Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it {at} {all.}"
We may learn a great deal from children. Someone offered these suggestions on "becoming as children to enjoy life."
I regret that I couldn't determine how to insert the touching photos to go with each caption.

Sleep as much as you can...

Frown when you get upset...

Play with simple things...

Do whatever you want whenever you want...

Look for affection when you need it...

Get serious once in a while...

Forget about diets...

Show some affection...

Get angry once in a while...

Change your look...

Be happy, above all, regardless what your challenges may be... Have a great week! And as always, make an inspired day!

Mike

Inspirations from Mike Bumbalough. Mike is a dear friend and a Adlandpro member. This reading is from his post to The Woods Forum for Marketers. You can view ALL of Mike's Daily Blessings at http://www.TheWoods.phpbbnow.com

Have you ever wondered why some affluent people are so prosperous despite their outright evil ways? I’m reminded of many throughout history that have promoted oppression of others. Saddam Hussein may be the most notable in our lifetime. He had seemingly priceless mansions and every luxury known to mankind. Yet, all around this evil dictator, his unwilling “subjects” lived in fear and without many of the necessities of life. You and I could make a very long list of such people. Then we might say something like, “this isn’t fair, I obey the law, treat others like I want to be treated and I still struggle just to make ends meet.”

I am of the belief that when those who are known as “saints” behave in ways unbecoming to a Godly life, they do at least as much harm to others. Sadly, there are those who appear as righteous and good people: some even proclaim to be faithful Christians, Jews, Catholics, Muslims or disciples of some other religion, yet they undermine the good name of other people. Gossip is a way of life for some that are perceived as good people. All types of churches have members that are lauded and applauded for their “good works.” They sometimes live double lives. They speak ill of their own and often do more damage than those condemning from the outside. Many “church going people” (some are even paid staff members) don’t even take their Christian ministry seriously enough to be on time. They show up late day after day and then put their compassionate “faces” on. These same individuals will be habitually late for their weekly “obligation” in worship to their God! All the while most of the congregation is ignorant of their slackness and lack of dedication. I even see them praised for their “great works.” How should we react to such behavior? As hard as it may be, we need first to pray for these people. Also, must not allow what others are doing hinder our efforts to be the best we can be.


I want to share with you a couple of things that help me each morning. I read or listen to comforting scriptures. One I especially don’t want to miss at the beginning of each day is Philippians 4:4-13. There are also songs that can lift you and me up and take our focus to more positive thoughts. One such song is an old, old favorite and it goes straight to the heart of what I’ve discussed today. Read the words carefully. Look in the mirror. If possible, listen to it often.


FARTHER ALONG

Tempted and tried we're oft' made to wonder
Why it should be thus all the day long
While there are others living about us
Never molested, though in the wrong

Farther along we'll know more about it
Farther along we'll understand why
Cheer up my brother live in the sunshine
We'll understand it all by and by

When death has come and taken our loved ones
Leaving our homes so lonely and drear
Then do we wonder how others prosper
Living so wicked year after year

Farther along we'll know more about it
Farther along we'll understand why
Cheer up my brother live in the sunshine
We'll understand it all by and by

Most, if not all of us, would agree as to what eternity holds for the Saddam Hussein’s of the world. “Vengeance is mine says the Lord.” However, on that great day of reckoning there will be great surprises for those Pharisaical “good people” that hear the Lord’s words, “depart from me, I never knew you.”

Finally friends, never, ever give up!




Make a blessed day,

Mike

You can view Mike's Daily Blessings at http://www.TheWoods.phpbbnow.com

LESSONS FROM APACHE SEASONS

There was a man who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away.

The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third Summer, and the youngest son in the fall.

When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen.
The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted.
.

The second son said no it was covered with green buds and full of
promise.


The third son disagreed; he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled
so sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen.


The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and drooping
with fruit, full of life and fulfillment.


The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen but only one season in the tree's life. He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season, and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from that life can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are fulfilled.
If you give up when it's winter, you will miss the promise of your
spring, the Beauty of your summer, fulfillment of your fall.

Moral of the Lesson

Don't let the pain of one season destroy the joy of the rest.
Don't judge life by one difficult season.
Persevere through the difficult patches knowing that
Better times are sure to come some time

Aspire to Inspire Before You Expire!

Live Simply.
Love Generously.

Care Deeply.

Speak Kindly.

Leave the Rest to God.

Happiness keeps You Sweet,
Trials keep You Strong,
Sorrows keep You Human,
Failures keep You Humble,
Success keeps You Glowing,
But Only God keeps You Going!


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May God Bring You Peace and Contentment during 2007 {unknown}

You can view ALL of Mike's Daily Blessings at http://www.TheWoods.phpbbnow.com