A Heart That Forgives Part 1

Posted by Chaplain Dr. Kevin J.T. Santucci at Nov 23, 2011 comments (0)

Today we re-post the first devotional in this series, because it was not posted or got lost. It should have gone out in October.

Quote of the day

“When you hold resentment toward another, you are bound to that person or condition by an emotional link that is stronger than steel. Forgiveness is the only way to dissolve that link and get free.”

Catherine Ponder

This is the 286^thletter:

Text for the day: 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.

Our Theme for the day: FORGIVENESS IS THE KEY TO YOUR OWN LIBERATION Part 1. "A Heart That Forgives"

Our Devotional

Today we look at the widespread abuse on children. We can all agree that there is no one answer to the subject of abuse. With new persons showing up at police stations across the world claiming to have been abused by a family member, friend, daycare provider, or someone from the church. It makes you wonder how much more can the mind take and Jesus not come! If I was ever asked to classify the age in which we live, I would have to say it is an age of reviling. “All that is in the dark shall be reviled,” are a true statement for our day. If children think that they were treated with severity and abuse in their childhood, will it help them to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Christ, will it make them reflect His image, to cherish a spirit of retaliation and revenge against the person who abused them, especially when they are old and feeble?

On the other hand, how can people professing the name of Jesus do things in the dark to harm children? Secondly how can a person professing the name of Christ cherish hatred against their abuser? Although it is hard to love the unlovable and those who have caused the greatest harm to us, by God’s grace we must still forgive. The Bible states, “All who love life, let kindness, love, and forgiveness be the sweetest fruits of your life.”

Let me say that God can not and will not condone evil against anyone. In the past, present or future, if you are someone who has cause harm to a child by abuse seek help for yourself and confess your sins to God. If you are called to answer to the court, seek God’s forgiving and work with the law.

What about the victim, because healing must be administered to all parties. The victim must also seek help and also report the offence to the law. If you are called to stand before a court to give evidence to the crime against you, only give the facts. Never turn in hatred upon the one or persons who had abuse you, “Be Patient with Infirmities the Bible teaches! Tender words which will not irritate the spirit should be spoken,” Proverbs 15:1 / Proverbs 25:15.

A true Christian will never be unkind, never under any circumstances be neglectful to those who are abusive of them. Like Jesus, they will bear a pleasant testimony, kind words, helpfulness, and forgiveness, Isaiah 50:4-7. What about the families and friends of those who have been abuse? Always remember, God did not call you to be the judge, jury, and the final say of the law. Work with the law of the land. Child abuse is a difficult thing to deal with, but always remember with God’s help and a godly support you can go on with your life and be productive.

Paul, through our text today brings out the important of forgiveness, which is the KEY TO THE LIBERATION OF THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN ABUSED BY SOMEONE. He says, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” The question today is how many times must one forgive someone who has violated them?

Peter asked, “Is seven times enough”? Jesus puts a spin to His answer by saying, “It’s not the number of times that’s important, but your attitude. If your attitude is right, you’ll be willing to forgive seventy times seven if you have too, Matthew 18:21-22.

Finally, the Bible teaches that if someone does something wrong that hurts you, you should tell them so. If they are sorry and stops, forgive them. Evan if they do it seven times in one day, Luke 17:3-4.

Forgiveness is not a natural make up of the human race, because we are born with a desire to hate and hurt those that do us wrong. But by God’s grace you can be an overcome and have a heart that forgives, Colossians 3:12-17.

If you would like to put forth a comment to our series, send it to TucciGardenMinistry@gmail.com, all comments will be viewed then posted. If you don’t wish your comment to be posted just let us know.

This letter was written by Elder Kevin Santucci

Join us next time for another ray of sunshine from Garden Ministry when we shall look at, (FORGIVENESS IS THE KEY TO YOUR OWN LIBERATION Part2)

Song of the day

Click:

Ø Today is Forgiveness day, it the best day to be free from your past, and be liberated.

If possible, share with us your response.

Our Prayer for today:

Father give me a heart that forgives, a heart full of love, one with compassion just like yours above.
One that overcomes evil with goodness and love, like it never happened, never holding a grudge.
I want a heart that forgives that lives and let’s live, one that keeps on loving over and over again.
One that men can’t offend, because your words within, give me a heart that forgives in Jesus name.

Prayer Request

Community / International Prayer

Local Prayer Request:

Ø Let us keep on praying for Elder Kenneth Dunkley, he has come back home from the hospital in Boston.

World Events:

Ø None:

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

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How widespread is abuse in the world? Part 3

Posted by Chaplain Dr. Kevin J.T. Santucci at Nov 21, 2011 comments (0)

Quote of the day

Life is an echo: What you send out – comes back. What you sow – reap. What you give – you get. What you see in others – exists in you. Remember, life is an echo – it always gets back to you.

This is the 288^thletter:

Text for the day: Amos 5:24

"Justice runs down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream"

Our Theme for the day: FORGIVENESS IS THE KEY TO YOUR OWN LIBERATION Part 3 “How widespread is abuse in the world?

”

Our title of our devotional is a weighty one today. But first let me say, for the last nine or so weeks I have received email asking where is Garden Ministry. I have been involved in different ministries in Bermuda and the Dominican Republic with “Team Bermuda” in that I did not have the time to write the words from the Lord for His people. If you did not know, every time you receive a devotional, that same morning God has given me the message to write. It truly is a lot of work, so don’t stop praying for this ministry.

Our Devotional

“It was the cross, that instrument of shame and torture, which brought hope and salvation to the world. The disciples were but humble men, without wealth, and with no weapon but the word of God; yet in Christ’s' strength they went forth to tell the wonderful story of the manger and the cross, and to triumph over all opposition.

Without earthly honor or recognition, they were heroes of faith. From their lips came words of divine eloquence that shook the world. In Jerusalem, where the deepest prejudice existed, and where the most confused ideas prevailed in regard to Him who had been crucified as a malefactor, the disciples continued to speak with boldness the words of life, setting before the Jews the work and mission of Christ, His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension.

Priests and rulers heard with amazement the clear, bold testimony of the apostles. The power of the risen Saviour had indeed fallen on the disciples, and their work was accompanied by signs and miracles that daily increased the number of believers.” {AA 77/ 78}

In the words of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “there comes a time when people get tired of being trampled by the iron feet of oppression ... If we are wrong, the Supreme Court of this nation is wrong. If we are wrong, the Constitution of the United States is wrong. And if we are wrong, God Almighty is wrong. If we are wrong, Jesus of Nazareth was merely a utopian dreamer that never came down to Earth. If we are wrong, justice is a lie, love has no meaning and we are determined here in Montgomery to work and fight until "justice runs down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream." Amos 5:24

In other words, he goes on to say “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” In the days of the disciples, it wasn’t an easy thing to stand up for truth and right. In fact, if you showed a leader of government, or the church, that they were leading by the power of unrighteousness, or taken advantage of the people through their laws or traditions they would black-ball you.

But this did not stop the disciples from preaching and teaching the gospel. Neither should it stop us, who are living in these last days. Today we pause to pay our respect to the hundreds of migrants from many countries who are suffering through widespread abuse in every kind. These migrants that are looking for a better life, in the countries of their pilgrimage, for themselves and their families, are encouraged to sign up for jobs that sometimes don’t even exist. Some have taken on jobs which they are under paid, and some are not paid at all.

Today we take time to stand beside organizations around the world for the prevention of abuse in all its forms. In this age of 'human rights crisis' it is time for us all to take a stand against the abuse that is plaguing migrants. It is said, “Men often hate each other because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don't know each other; they don't know each other because they can not communicate; they can not communicate because they are separated.”

If there was ever a time to be our brothers keeper, it is now! It doesn’t matter were you come from; we are indebted to one another. Country-man or immigrants, migrants, or permanent residents, “If there was ever a time to be our brothers keeper, it is now!”

This is no time for passive thinkers, but open minded, peaceful, but action thinking people. This is the time which calls for us to take a position like the disciples, that is neither safe on our part, politically, nor popular. We must stand for others because Conscience tells you it is right. We must stand for others, and help them fight for their right. May God bless you as you take your stand today, in Jesus name, and point all to Jesus, the great equalizer and Saviour!

If you are being abused or no of someone that is being abused, do all in your power to get help. This could be life or death for all.

This letter was written by Elder Kevin Santucci

Join us next time for another ray of sunshine from Garden Ministry when we shall look at, (FORGIVENESS IS THE KEY TO YOUR OWN LIBERATION Part 4)