Have you ever blown it and then wished that you hadn’t?
Have you ever intended to be soft, gentle, and kind – but you weren’t?
Sometimes it happens. When it does, you may want to crawl into a hole and sing “Make the World Go Away”. But, you know that you can’t do that. Crawling into a hole simply is not an option for those of us who love Jesus.
Perhaps, that is why Paul told us, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Steve Brown speaks often about our need for friendship, love, kindness, and forgiveness. Steve has said, “A friend is someone who knows that – even when you have blown it big time – your failure is not permanent.”
Thank Jesus for being Jesus. Even when each of us has blown it big time, Jesus still loves us and cares for us and, yes, He forgives us. Jesus reminds us that life is like an Etch-A-Sketch. At the end of each day, Jesus takes our daily “etch-a-sketch” into His hands. He turns it over. He shakes it. He clears the screen. He hands it back to us. Then He says, “Tomorrow is another day. Maybe you will do better next time.”
One of the biggest drawbacks of being a pastor is that we often blow it big-time. And, sometimes our failure occurs on Sunday morning in front of a gathering of people whom you dearly love. The church is a hospital for sinners. And, I share the sentiment of the apostle Paul, “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst.”
So, when I blow it (which I often do), please forgive me. And, I will do the same for you. Forgiveness may be difficult at times. But, having the willingness to forgive is what it means to be a Christian. In fact, forgiveness is the very essence of Christianity. Forgiveness is why Jesus came to earth. Forgiveness is why Christ died on a cross for us. Forgiveness is the only reason that we can receive eternal life. Forgiveness is the only reason that we can live with freedom, joy, and faithfulness to Christ.
You think about that. Amen.
Your friend and fellow beggar,
Nick
5-26-2020
Candy Smitley says
Pastor Nick
Hello, My name is Candy Smitley I started listening to your services on you tube, I enjoy them, my Grandfather was a minister at Pillar of Fire Church in My Braddock many years ago and you remind me of him you speak the truth, I plan on attending ALC I’m a Nursing Asst for Anova Health Care, I do in home care and also private care I love my job, I also enjoy the music, I listened to Pastor Mark’s service on Sunday when I got home from work, God is giving us warnings but some people do not want to listen, Thank You and God Bless
Justin Quinn says
Candy, check your Gmail account for a response from Nick.
Dawn shields says
Is there anyway to tithe online or we should just send a check? This is a good short message.