Transforming Truth

“The Power of Forgiveness”

 “I heard and my inward parts trembled, At the sound my lips quivered. Decay enters my bones, And in my place I tremble. Because I must wait quietly for the day of distress, For the people to arise {who} will invade us.   Though the fig tree should not blossom And there be no fruit on the vines, {Though} the yield of the olive should fail And the fields produce no food, Though the flock should be cut off from the fold And there be no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord GOD is my strength, And He has made my feet like hinds' {feet,} And makes me walk on my high places.”    Habakkuk 3:16-19

I. Powerlessness can create a sense of emotional anxiety even in life experience of a believer and/or servant of God. (Habakkuk 3:16)

Challenging personal circumstances can create a disease of heart, mind, and body that creates a sense of personal powerlessness. 

II. The Anxiety that comes from a Sense of Powerlessness can arrest or accelerate our faith in God.  (Habakkuk 3:17)

When we feel powerlessness it provides a platform for us to allow our feelings to be translated to either a negative or positive personal response.  

III. Anxiety provides us an opportunity to communicate and illustrate that our ultimate is trust in God. (Habakkuk 3:19)

Transforming Truth

“The Power of Forgiveness”

 “James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings.   Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  And let endurance have its perfect result so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:1-4

I. Expression of Joy is a choice (James 1:2a)

Because true Joy from God is not a human invention rather it is a conscious manifestation of the presence of the Spirit of God. 

II. Expression of Joy transcends our temporal circumstances (James 1:2b) 

The teaching of Scripture not only illustrates the reality of trials; it
proves a believer can manifest a spirit of joy in difficult circumstances.

III. Expression of Joy in the midst trial acknowledges God’s work and its eternal consequences for our Lives. (James 1:3-4)

The text suggests that we can demonstrate joy in the midst of trial when we understand God sometimes uses trials to conform us into the image of His Son. 

POINTS OF APPLICATION

1. Ask God to Convert Your Trials into Triumphs.
2. Act as Thermostat Rather than a Thermometer.
3. Look for God’s Work in Your Life through the Trial.

Transforming Truth

“The Power of Forgiveness”

“Then Peter came and said to Him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?"
Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:21-22

I. God Expects Us to Give an Unlimited Credit Line to those who Request and Need Forgiveness.

We should not place a number on the number of times we are willing to forgive others when they repent and request forgiveness.

II. Our Willingness to Forgive should be Mimic the Level of Forgiveness God Extended to Us.

The level of God’s willing to forgive those who offend Him models how we should respond to those who offend us.

III. Our Expression of Forgiveness to Others Positions Us to Receive the Full Blessing of God on our Lives.

The practice of forgiveness unleashes the free flow of God’s blessing in and through our lives.

POINTS OF APPLICATION

1. Recognize the Gift of God’s Forgiveness to You
2. Keep Your Emotional and Spiritual Arteries Clear
3. Freely Give Others the Gift of Forgiveness

Transforming Truth

“The Power of Forgiveness:  From God to Man”

“Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions.  Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.  For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.  Against You, You only, I have sinned And done what is evil in Your sight, So that You are justified when You speak And blameless when You judge. “  Psalm 51: 1-4

I. You Experience Emotional and Spiritual Freedom by Appealing to God’s Compassion.

God has fresh compassions available to those who come to Him.

II. You Experience Emotional and Spiritual Freedom by Acknowledging our Personal Sins.

Acknowledging personal shortcomings is part of the healing process.

III. You Experience Emotional and Spiritual Freedom by Asking for Cleansing.

Forgiveness is available upon request.

IV. We Experience Emotional and Spiritual Freedom by Accepting God’s Forgiveness and Restoration.

Acceptance of God’s forgiveness gives a sense of personal freedom.

POINTS OF APPLICATION

1. Keep God’s compassion in view.
2. Keep short accounts with God.
3. Keep spiritually breathing.

Transforming Truth

“The Power of Words”

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Proverbs 18:21


I. The Tongue is a Powerful Force

The little sliver of flesh between the roof of your mouth and bottom
jawbone is one of the most powerful forces known to man.

II. The Tongue Can Dispense Life or Death to the Hearer

Your words can be hurtful or holy. They can bring about life or death.

III. The Use of the Tongue Produces Fruit for the Speaker

You will see and hear the fruit of your words.

POINTS OF APPLICATION

1. Speak with sensitivity
2. Speak softly
3. Speak with a servant spirit
4. Speak with sobriety
5. Speak sympathetically
6. Speak strategically
7. Speak selectively