Blood in the Water

Lysa Terkeurst says demons smell unforgiveness like a shark smells blood in the water. I think that is very descriptive—and true. 

Unforgiveness affects our spirits, our minds, our emotions, and our bodies…which means it affects our entire being. She goes on to say that God’s forgiveness flows to us and we must cooperate with God and forgive those who’ve hurt us. When we forgive, we symbolically take our hands off of our offender’s throat. Dr. Henry Cloud says, “Forgiveness is about releasing the debt they owe you and choosing not to carry the poison of resentment–but it doesn't mean you have to trust them or give them access to hurt you again.”

Forgiveness deals with the past and what your offender did to hurt you. Boundaries deal with the future and what must take place to move forward. Can you reconcile? It’s possible—but it takes two people cooperating to reach the same goal. You may be willing…but are they? It’s imperative that we ask God to move on their hearts, but they still have a choice. But the truth is WE can forgive no matter their response. Forgiveness doesn’t automatically mean reconciliation.  There may have to be a process to restore a relationship—and both parties must be willing. 

God says, “If it is possible, as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” Romans 12:18.  

Don’t entice the demons with unforgiveness. Forgiveness will set YOU free!

The Start-up of a New Kingdom

This morning as I read Luke 21 and Jesus’ words about the cost of discipleship, my mind went to the men who founded America.  Those who were in the beginning phases of establishing a new “kingdom,” paid a heavy price that most of us don’t understand.   

Fifty-six men signed the Declaration of Independence to establish the nation of the United States of America. The start-up of a new government was expensive and most either gave all they had to start our government or lost their wealth for supporting the cause. Seventeen lost everything they owned. Many lost family members because of leading this worthy cause; it was clearly divisive.  There were threats to their lives or the lives of their families from those who opposed them. To start a new nation was costly.  

The same was true for the twelve disciples involved in spreading the news of the new kingdom that Jesus came to establish. Of the twelve, ten were martyred.  Judas hung himself and John probably died of natural causes—but only after being miraculously rescued after being thrown in a cauldron of boiling oil, according to Tertullian. The disciples gave up possessions and homes to follow Jesus. They had to prioritize him over their families. It was costly to be a disciple.  

We’ve forgotten the price that was paid for the establishment of a “new kingdom.” Now we walk around with expectations of what we’re owed. People in leadership look to make a profit off of their positions instead of investing all they have.  We no longer count the cost—we impose the cost on those under us.  

We should examine why our founding fathers and the disciples were willing to pay such a high price. 

Freedom always comes at a price. 

Occupying

Jesus told a parable of a man who had 10 servants and gave them each 10 minas (money) and told them, “Occupy until I come.” When he came back, he asked for an accounting. One man gained double, another 1 1/2, but another hid his money. Reward (or rebuke) was given according to their profit (or lack thereof). 

Jesus was making the point to His disciples that they were to occupy, to carry on kingdom business, until He returns.  

What has God given to you? What has He put in your hands? Money, talent, carpentry skills, accounting, nursing, car repair, parenting, preaching? Do that for the kingdom. The important thing is to KNOW what’s in your hand and expand it for God. 

So many times we hide our gifts because we’re afraid to use them, afraid we’ll be critiqued, or afraid we’re doing it wrong. And sometimes we wait for the BIG thing because we think our gifts are too unimportant.  

For two years, I’ve felt sidelined in kingdom work. All I knew to do was what was right in front of me. So I’ve been a friend to a woman walking through something very hard. And I’ve written prayer journals. I’ve sent one to everyone in my family and to friends—and still writing. These may seem like a small thing—but they’re filled with power! I’ve asked God to unleash His power through each prayer I prayed. 

Don’t wait on the big thing! What if each small thing IS the big thing? Don’t stand in front of Jesus and say, “I hid it. I was afraid.” Do the thing right in front of you! Give God more than He gave you.