Comments on: God’s Grace… My Inheritance http://powertochange.com/blogposts/2006/11/30/god%e2%80%99s-grace%e2%80%a6-my-inheritance-2/ Sun, 12 Feb 2012 22:20:40 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Lisa http://powertochange.com/blogposts/2006/11/30/god%e2%80%99s-grace%e2%80%a6-my-inheritance-2/comment-page-1/#comment-4766 Lisa Tue, 05 Dec 2006 15:53:18 +0000 http://tmdevotionals.com/women/2006/11/30/god%e2%80%99s-grace%e2%80%a6-my-inheritance-2/#comment-4766 Louise, Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. It means a lot to know there are other Christian women who understand and care! THANK YOU for being God's conduit. Louise,
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. It means a lot to know there are other Christian women who understand and care! THANK YOU for being God’s conduit.

]]> By: Louise http://powertochange.com/blogposts/2006/11/30/god%e2%80%99s-grace%e2%80%a6-my-inheritance-2/comment-page-1/#comment-4743 Louise Fri, 01 Dec 2006 17:13:10 +0000 http://tmdevotionals.com/women/2006/11/30/god%e2%80%99s-grace%e2%80%a6-my-inheritance-2/#comment-4743 To Lisa: I'm so sorry you've had this experience. I'm glad you left that church. I hope you have found a good church now. You have been washed whiter than snow, so lift you head up and keep your eyes on our precious Savior. You are loved with an everlasting love and I love you too! To Lisa: I’m so sorry you’ve had this experience. I’m glad you left that church. I hope you have found a good church now. You have been washed whiter than snow, so lift you head up and keep your eyes on our precious Savior.
You are loved with an everlasting love and I love you too!

]]> By: Lisa http://powertochange.com/blogposts/2006/11/30/god%e2%80%99s-grace%e2%80%a6-my-inheritance-2/comment-page-1/#comment-4741 Lisa Fri, 01 Dec 2006 15:52:45 +0000 http://tmdevotionals.com/women/2006/11/30/god%e2%80%99s-grace%e2%80%a6-my-inheritance-2/#comment-4741 This devotional really spoke to me as well. As a former Church Secretary, I have been on the receiving end of being a "victim," used by a Pastor in the worst possible way, after placing myself in a position of continuous sin by giving in to temptation during a very vulnerable time in my life and marriage. Thankfully, God intervened and answered my prayer of removing me from that temptation and sinful situation, through orchestrating his abrupt departure as Pastor for past personal sins, unbeknownst to me at the time of my involvement. Forgiving this man for the temptation and initial sin was the easy part. Allowing me to believe I was the cause of his resignation by providing no explanation (or even advance notice of this development), while extremely painful at the time, was also forgivable. Unfortunately, my role as Secretary of the church put me in a position of constant conversation with (or earshot of) others about his departure and the circumstances surrounding it, his subsequent and complete absence from the church, the unfairness of the developments, or speculations about his rejoining the ministry through Conference-wide reconciliation efforts, and forced me into a position of deception, which I lived with for over a year, on top of the grief I was already experiencing due to this loss in my life. Being in a position of painful emotional imprisonment of one sort or another through this became a way of life to me, and my “protection??? of others through deception almost did me in. There is no explanation but God’s grace for why I am still here today. I have even forgiven myself for this life of deception and the reasons for it since most were unselfish reasons, and gone on to make restitution in my personal life for those I perceived this would hurt, by making confession to (and receiving forgiveness from) my husband, the Elders at the church, and close friends and some members of my family. However, this person’s contribution to that imprisonment by returning to the church to worship after a period of time remains the hardest thing to forgive almost two years later, and remains a stumbling block to my spiritual life. His choice of actions and decision to return to the church I had attended since birth, and even serve in leadership positions, I viewed (and still view) as the most arrogant and insensitive and cruel thing that could have been done. I have since left the church AND my position as secretary. This was partially due to the circumstances of another pastor being asked to resign for what I believe wholeheartedly in this case to be unfounded reasons. Through this sequence of events, I have experienced the revelation that the direction that church is taking does NOT mirror the atmosphere of integrity, biblical leadership, and insight on sin confrontation within the Church, which contributed to the freedom I now experience through those confession and restitution efforts, and directly contradicts the lifestyle that the victimizing pastor has chosen for himself and that the church is allowing and even encouraging! I hope and pray that all who are similarly burdened with unforgiveness like mine find some solace and peace in God’s word and His never-ending love for us. May He take our bitterness and hatred and turn it into this same kind of love for those who have hurt us so greatly. Thank You, Lord, that You never get tired of me bringing the same request daily, to help me learn to forgive those who have hurt the most, for in essence I am one of them. This devotional really spoke to me as well. As a former Church Secretary, I have been on the receiving end of being a “victim,” used by a Pastor in the worst possible way, after placing myself in a position of continuous sin by giving in to temptation during a very vulnerable time in my life and marriage. Thankfully, God intervened and answered my prayer of removing me from that temptation and sinful situation, through orchestrating his abrupt departure as Pastor for past personal sins, unbeknownst to me at the time of my involvement.

Forgiving this man for the temptation and initial sin was the easy part. Allowing me to believe I was the cause of his resignation by providing no explanation (or even advance notice of this development), while extremely painful at the time, was also forgivable. Unfortunately, my role as Secretary of the church put me in a position of constant conversation with (or earshot of) others about his departure and the circumstances surrounding it, his subsequent and complete absence from the church, the unfairness of the developments, or speculations about his rejoining the ministry through Conference-wide reconciliation efforts, and forced me into a position of deception, which I lived with for over a year, on top of the grief I was already experiencing due to this loss in my life.

Being in a position of painful emotional imprisonment of one sort or another through this became a way of life to me, and my “protection??? of others through deception almost did me in. There is no explanation but God’s grace for why I am still here today. I have even forgiven myself for this life of deception and the reasons for it since most were unselfish reasons, and gone on to make restitution in my personal life for those I perceived this would hurt, by making confession to (and receiving forgiveness from) my husband, the Elders at the church, and close friends and some members of my family.

However, this person’s contribution to that imprisonment by returning to the church to worship after a period of time remains the hardest thing to forgive almost two years later, and remains a stumbling block to my spiritual life. His choice of actions and decision to return to the church I had attended since birth, and even serve in leadership positions, I viewed (and still view) as the most arrogant and insensitive and cruel thing that could have been done.

I have since left the church AND my position as secretary. This was partially due to the circumstances of another pastor being asked to resign for what I believe wholeheartedly in this case to be unfounded reasons.

Through this sequence of events, I have experienced the revelation that the direction that church is taking does NOT mirror the atmosphere of integrity, biblical leadership, and insight on sin confrontation within the Church, which contributed to the freedom I now experience through those confession and restitution efforts, and directly contradicts the lifestyle that the victimizing pastor has chosen for himself and that the church is allowing and even encouraging!

I hope and pray that all who are similarly burdened with unforgiveness like mine find some solace and peace in God’s word and His never-ending love for us. May He take our bitterness and hatred and turn it into this same kind of love for those who have hurt us so greatly.

Thank You, Lord, that You never get tired of me bringing the same request daily, to help me learn to forgive those who have hurt the most, for in essence I am one of them.

]]> By: Dottie http://powertochange.com/blogposts/2006/11/30/god%e2%80%99s-grace%e2%80%a6-my-inheritance-2/comment-page-1/#comment-4737 Dottie Fri, 01 Dec 2006 10:42:40 +0000 http://tmdevotionals.com/women/2006/11/30/god%e2%80%99s-grace%e2%80%a6-my-inheritance-2/#comment-4737 Your email "God's Inheritance" is so meaningful and gives me something to think about in my life. I am in a good church now, one that I really like. Thank you for your prayers. I don't like to hold grudges against anyone but, there are certain things that have happened in my life that I should put away but, it's been 0ver 40 years now and I still hold these things in the back of my mind and they are there every day. I have prayed and prayed but they are still there. Is it that maybe I am not praying the right way or the right kind of prayer?? Your emails help me so much. I can't thank you enough Your email “God’s Inheritance” is so meaningful and gives me something to think about in my life. I am in a good church now, one that I really like. Thank you for your prayers. I don’t like to hold grudges against anyone but, there are certain things that have happened in my life that I should put away but, it’s been 0ver 40 years now and I still hold these things in the back of my mind and they are there every day. I have prayed and prayed but they are still there. Is it that maybe I am not praying the right way or the right kind of prayer??
Your emails help me so much. I can’t thank you enough

]]> By: Louise http://powertochange.com/blogposts/2006/11/30/god%e2%80%99s-grace%e2%80%a6-my-inheritance-2/comment-page-1/#comment-4736 Louise Fri, 01 Dec 2006 01:30:58 +0000 http://tmdevotionals.com/women/2006/11/30/god%e2%80%99s-grace%e2%80%a6-my-inheritance-2/#comment-4736 I'm 65 years old and have been a Christian for 28 years and I find we are never too old to learn from God if we are open and teachable. This devotion hit home for me as well and I really appreciate Christians who aren't afraid to be honest and real about themselves. We learn so much from each other when we aren't afraid to just be ourselves. My pastor's wife used to tell us to never be afraid to be transparent. One has to set aside our pride and tell it like it is! Thank you so much. I’m 65 years old and have been a Christian for 28 years and I find we are never too old to learn from God if we are open and teachable. This devotion hit home for me as well and I really appreciate Christians who aren’t afraid to be honest and real about themselves. We learn so much from each other when we aren’t afraid to just be ourselves.
My pastor’s wife used to tell us to never be afraid to be transparent. One has to set aside our pride and tell it like it is! Thank you so much.

]]> By: Pearl http://powertochange.com/blogposts/2006/11/30/god%e2%80%99s-grace%e2%80%a6-my-inheritance-2/comment-page-1/#comment-4735 Pearl Thu, 30 Nov 2006 19:50:34 +0000 http://tmdevotionals.com/women/2006/11/30/god%e2%80%99s-grace%e2%80%a6-my-inheritance-2/#comment-4735 When I feel hurt it's really hard to forgive. I don't like the way I feel when that happens. I usually will ask God to forgive me ... FOR NOT FORGIVING WHOEVER IT IS. I have experienced a miracle every time I've remembered to do this. Just thought I'd share... And Coral Luke, people do heal from strokes ... so keep the faith. My husband is a stroke survivor and we thank the Lord for all we've learned through his experience. It hasn't been easy and we still continue to reach out for God's help and healing. Thank-you for your lovely words of encouragement. When I feel hurt it’s really hard to forgive. I don’t like the way I feel when that happens. I usually will ask God to forgive me … FOR NOT FORGIVING WHOEVER IT IS. I have experienced a miracle every time I’ve remembered to do this. Just thought I’d share…
And Coral Luke, people do heal from strokes … so keep the faith. My husband is a stroke survivor and we thank the Lord for all we’ve learned through his experience. It hasn’t been easy and we still continue to reach out for God’s help and healing. Thank-you for your lovely words of encouragement.

]]> By: Jacqui http://powertochange.com/blogposts/2006/11/30/god%e2%80%99s-grace%e2%80%a6-my-inheritance-2/comment-page-1/#comment-4733 Jacqui Thu, 30 Nov 2006 16:18:48 +0000 http://tmdevotionals.com/women/2006/11/30/god%e2%80%99s-grace%e2%80%a6-my-inheritance-2/#comment-4733 Thanks for the opportunity to share with other women who are facing similar challenges in their lives.As a younger person ,I didn't know how to forgive (others or myself) but since I have come to understand and accept the abounding love and forgiveness of God then I want to live in the freedom and grace that come with it. I know the prison that I lived in when I was steeped in unforgiveness and resentment and since God has forgiven me and continues to forgive me so much then I too must be willing to set the captives free. After all it is He who puts both the will and the action into us. (Phil 2:13) Thanks for the opportunity to share with other women who are facing similar challenges in their lives.As a younger person ,I didn’t know how to forgive (others or myself) but since I have come to understand and accept the abounding love and forgiveness of God then I want to live in the
freedom and grace that come with it. I know the prison that I lived in when I was steeped in unforgiveness and resentment and since God has forgiven me and continues to forgive me so much then I too must be willing to set the captives free. After all it is He who puts both the will and the action into us.
(Phil 2:13)

]]> By: Peggy http://powertochange.com/blogposts/2006/11/30/god%e2%80%99s-grace%e2%80%a6-my-inheritance-2/comment-page-1/#comment-4732 Peggy Thu, 30 Nov 2006 12:58:59 +0000 http://tmdevotionals.com/women/2006/11/30/god%e2%80%99s-grace%e2%80%a6-my-inheritance-2/#comment-4732 This hit home with me also. I have always thought I forgive people pretty easy (maybe too easy) but, I am finding that I have to forgive my parents and move on with like and accept them as they are. I will pray for them but, I will move on. Thanks for the devotional and the comments from everyone. My day will be a good one. Peggy This hit home with me also. I have always thought I forgive people pretty easy (maybe too easy) but, I am finding that I have to forgive my parents and move on with like and accept them as they are. I will pray for them but, I will move on. Thanks for the devotional and the comments from everyone. My day will be a good one.

Peggy

]]> By: Annie http://powertochange.com/blogposts/2006/11/30/god%e2%80%99s-grace%e2%80%a6-my-inheritance-2/comment-page-1/#comment-4731 Annie Thu, 30 Nov 2006 12:25:38 +0000 http://tmdevotionals.com/women/2006/11/30/god%e2%80%99s-grace%e2%80%a6-my-inheritance-2/#comment-4731 God bless you for the devotional and the responses from Coral and Kim that show us how God's grace leads us to our spiritual inheritance. Amen and amen. Annie God bless you for the devotional and the responses from Coral and Kim that show us how God’s grace leads us to our
spiritual inheritance. Amen and amen. Annie

]]> By: Kim http://powertochange.com/blogposts/2006/11/30/god%e2%80%99s-grace%e2%80%a6-my-inheritance-2/comment-page-1/#comment-4730 Kim Thu, 30 Nov 2006 12:01:35 +0000 http://tmdevotionals.com/women/2006/11/30/god%e2%80%99s-grace%e2%80%a6-my-inheritance-2/#comment-4730 boy, this hit me today as well ... I think my mind went to all of the little jabs we get on a daily basis (someone butting in line, someone who is rude, etc.) and I let build up and then I just carry that anger which triggers the shame, which triggers exactly what Coral discussed ... becoming a victim. I love her story in that she was able to become a survivor with God's loving grace ... it is never failing, but in order for me to utilize that grace in my life, I need to be able to take it and share with others vs. locking and loading and letting the anger/shame eat away at me. I need/want to show the very ones that 'hurt' me God's love and grace that is w/in me ... not tolerate being a victim, but a survivor with God as my guide, my foundation, my very strength. Coral, thanks for sharing ... your note combined with Gail's devotional is just what I needed to hear this morning! boy, this hit me today as well … I think my mind went to all of the little jabs we get on a daily basis (someone butting in line, someone who is rude, etc.) and I let build up and then I just carry that anger which triggers the shame, which triggers exactly what Coral discussed … becoming a victim. I love her story in that she was able to become a survivor with God’s loving grace … it is never failing, but in order for me to utilize that grace in my life, I need to be able to take it and share with others vs. locking and loading and letting the anger/shame eat away at me. I need/want to show the very ones that ‘hurt’ me God’s love and grace that is w/in me … not tolerate being a victim, but a survivor with God as my guide, my foundation, my very strength. Coral, thanks for sharing … your note combined with Gail’s devotional is just what I needed to hear this morning!

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