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Today is Thursday October 8, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of Matthew, please read chapters 18-20 in your Bible or Click Here to read them. http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-october-8

Today's Message: Help Others
We like to justify our own actions and condemn others for theirs. Let's fix our own faults first and then, with patience and prayer, help others.

Jesus continues teaching His message to the men who will carry His Word to the world, “At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” - Matthew 18:1-6. Jesus set a little child before them, solemnly assuring them, that unless they were converted and made like little children, they could not enter His kingdom. Children, when very young, do not desire authority, do not regard outward distinctions, are free from malice, are teachable, and willingly dependent on their parents. It is true that they soon begin to show other dispositions, and other ideas are taught them at an early age; but these are marks of childhood, and render them proper emblems of the lowly minds of true Christians. Surely we need to be daily renewed in the spirit of our minds, that we may become simple and humble, as little children, and willing to be the least of all.

Although we live wholly on mercy and forgiveness, we are less likely to forgive the offenses of our brethren. The rabbis taught that one should forgive his neighbor who had offended him as many as three times. With this in mind, Peter thought himself to be far more superior if his forgiveness was extended to seven offenses. “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” - Matthew 18:21,22. The principle of forgiveness is based upon God's redeeming love, fully and freely granted in mercy and grace to undeserving sinners. The evidence of His forgiving work of grace in one's life will become apparent by one's response to the offenses of others. If a professed Christian is wronged by another, he ought not to complain of it to others, as is often done merely out of anger, but to go to the offender privately, state the matter kindly, and show him his conduct. This would generally have all the desired effect with a true Christian, and the parties would be reconciled. The principles of these rules may be practiced every where, and under all circumstances, though they are too much neglected by all. But how few try the method which Christ has expressly enjoined to all his disciples! In all our proceedings we should seek direction in prayer, we cannot too highly prize the promises of God. Wherever and whenever we meet in the name of Christ, we should consider him as present in the midst of us.

True repentance toward God is inseparably associated with our attitude toward our fellowmen and cannot exist apart from our forgiving spirit. Jesus said, “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” - Matthew 5:44,45.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord, You are a friend that sticks closer than a brother. It seems that many of our brothers and sisters in the faith are closer than our blood relations because we’ve been joined together as a family of believers and share common spiritual goals.  Though we’re created in the image of God and follow Your example we’re still given to human error and do not always apply good judgment which causes division in the body of Christ.  Help us to practice forgiveness and exercise forbearance with one another so that we will be united and faithful to one another in times of trouble. In Jesus' Name........Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed day/night.
God Bless You,
Christina

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