Snow In Atlanta Georgia January 2014

UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN!

CHRISTMAS! CHRIST IS BORN! IS HE BORN IN YOUR HEART?

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace,” (Isaiah 9:6). “For unto you a child is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord,” (Luke 2:11). “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins,” (Matthew 1:21).

As you give and receive gifts, remember that we’ve received God’s eternal gift, His only Son, Jesus our Savior. So, rejoice and share the joy and “true meaning” of Christmas! May the love, peace, and joy of Christ abide with you and your family always and throughout the coming New Year. FROM MY FAMILY TO YOURS!

GIVE THANKS! IT'S THANKSGIVING!

THANKSGIVING: Psalm 136:1-26

 O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

² O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.

³ O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.

⁴ To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.

⁵ To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.

⁶ To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.

⁷ To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:

⁸ The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:

⁹ The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.

¹⁰ To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:

¹¹ And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever:

¹² With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever.

¹³ To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever:

¹⁴ And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever:

¹⁵ But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever.

¹⁶ To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever.

¹⁷ To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:

¹⁸ And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:

¹⁹ Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever:

²⁰ And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:

²¹ And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever:

²² Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.

²³ Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:

²⁴ And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.

²⁵ Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.

²⁶ O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.

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Dr. Jasmine R. Gordon Ministries: By Evangelist, Rev. Dr. Jasmine R. Gordon

 

FORGIVENESS: Can We Truly Forgive Others?

Author: Dr. Jasmine R. Gordon
(Excerpts from my writings on Forgiveness)

What Is Forgiveness And Why Does It Matter? Can We Truly Forgive Others?

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life,” (John 3: 16). Humankind sinned and turned away from God. This caused the relationship man had with God to be broken. In the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve sinned by disobeying God they hid themselves from God. The relationship they once had and enjoyed with God was broken and the glory of God departed from them. God was hurt and as a result, He punished Adam and Eve. God told Eve, “I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you. To Adam God said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, you must not eat of it, “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you… “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground” (Genesis 3: 16-19). But, God in His loving kindness forgave them. “The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them” (Genesis 3: 21). Don’t forget the consequences for their actions. God cast them out of the Garden which was also part of their punishment.

The action of Adam and Eve is the beginning of hurt, “heart pain” and forgiveness. Adam and Eve knew that they did wrong and they knew that God would not be pleased. As a result, they were disappointed in themselves and ashamed. They hid from God. God in His divine mercy forgave humankind and reconciled us back to Himself through the death of His Son Jesus. God’s plan of redemption for mankind is forgiveness. God loves us so much He provided a way for us to be forgiven and that way is through Jesus Christ. Jesus confirmed that in no uncertain terms when he said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6). God's plan of salvation was to send Jesus, his only Son, into the world as a sacrifice for our sins. “The Word became flesh and dwelt amongst us …, (John 1:14).  On the cross Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23: 34). That sacrifice was necessary to satisfy God's justice. Moreover, that sacrifice had to be perfect and spotless. Because of our sinful nature, we cannot repair our broken relationship with God on our own. Only Jesus was qualified to do that for us. At the Last Supper, on the night before his crucifixion, He took a cup of wine and told his apostles, "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins," (Matthew 26:28). When others wrong us or we wrong them, we experience hurt and this causes our relationships between each other to be broken. We mend our broken relationships when we forgive one another and reconcile with one another.

How should we forgive?

There are two types of forgiveness that appear in the Bible: 1) God's pardon of our sins and, 2) our obligation to pardon others who sin against us (or wrong us). Mankind has a sinful nature. Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden, and humans have been sinning against God ever since. As believers, our relationship with God is restored through Christ. However, what about our relationship with our fellow human beings? The Bible states that when someone hurts us, we are under an obligation to God to forgive that person. Jesus is very clear on this point. “For if you forgive others when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins,” (Matthew 6: 14-15). Refusing to forgive is a sin. If we receive forgiveness from God, we must forgive others who hurt us. We cannot hold grudges or seek revenge. We are to trust God for justice and forgive the person who offends us. That does not mean we must forget the offense. Forgiveness means releasing the other person, the offender from blame, leaving the event in God's hands, and move forward with God’s help and sustaining grace.

Biblical example of forgiveness:

 “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-times seven,” (Matthew 18:21 & 22). Jesus was not giving us a mathematical equation or formula for forgiveness. He meant that we are to forgive indefinitely, repeatedly, and as often as necessary which is the way He has forgiven us. And God's continual forgiveness and tolerance of our own failures and shortcomings creates within us (or should create within us) a tolerance for the imperfections of others. By the Lord's example, we learn, as Ephesians 4:2 describes, “to be "completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another.” We cannot simply forgive and then walk away. We have to live with one another, and the thing that we forgave this person for may happen again and again. Then we find ourselves having to forgive over and over again which is what Jesus instructed Peter to do and what we should also do.

This answer by Jesus makes it clear that forgiveness is not easy for us. Also, Jesus’ answer makes it clear that forgiveness is not a one-time choice and then we automatically live in a state of forgiveness. His answer suggests that forgiveness may require a lifetime of forgiving. Forgiving is very important to the Lord. As children of God we must continue forgiving until the matter is settled in our hearts. I have personally found that prayer and fasting is one of the best ways to break down the wall of un-forgiveness in my heart. When I begin to pray for the person who has wronged me, God gives me new “eyes” to see and a new heart to care for that person. Seriously! As I pray, I start to see that person as God sees him/her, and I realize that he or she is precious to the Lord. I also see myself in a new light, just as guilty of sin and failure as the other person. When I ask God for grace to forgive those who wrong me I see myself as someone also in need of forgiveness from others whom I have wronged and from God whose grace and mercy I have need of daily. Honestly, my heart becomes tender and my spirit reaches out to that person and I am able to love without condition. If God did not withhold his forgiveness from me, why should I withhold my forgiveness from another? Forgiveness is letting go of grudges and bitterness. When someone hurts you, you can hold on to anger, resentment and thoughts of revenge. Or, you can embrace forgiveness and reconcile to move forward by God’s divine grace and mercy.

 “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong,” (Mahatma Gandhi). I will submit that this strength is not physical it is the inner desire or will to do the right thing as instructed by God’s Word. This inner strength is the presence of the Blessed Holy Spirit. It is only the Power of God that can do this forgiving, for, the natural man is subject to failure and must rely upon God’s strength. In our weakness He makes us strong. “… My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me,” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Courage is strength, and it takes much courage to stand up and do the right thing, such as forgive, when the “crowd” is going in the opposite direction. It is human nature to seek revenge (revenge is sweet), to hurt, to pay back and that’s not Godly. Such behavior is earthly, that’s the flesh and not of God. But, our heavenly nature is to forgive and leave revenge to God. “Say not thou, I will recompense evil; but wait on the LORD, and He shall save thee, (Proverbs 20:22. “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men,” (Romans 12:17). The Spirit of God speaks to me saying, “FORGIVENESS IS NOT HUMANLY POSSIBLE IT IS A DIVINE ACTION.” It is a Godly action that can only be accomplished through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within us and our sincere desire to please God that we are able to forgive. It is the prompting or urging of the Spirit. That is why it is hard and sometimes impossible for the person who does not have a relationship with God to forgive or to even understand the concept of forgiveness. Even the unsaved who forgives someone he/she did not do it of his own free will. He/she is only able to forgive because he/she is prompted by the Spirit of God so to do. Then the question is- Does the Spirit speak to the unsaved? Yes, because any action God takes His ultimate purpose is, and always has been to bring honor and glory to His name. God is the ultimate source of forgiveness! AMEN.

One of the most important issues that we all face in life is the question of forgiveness. We are mortals who will never be free of the need of receiving forgiveness from God and from one another. There will also be the need to forgive others, those who have done us wrong. In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus demonstrated the significance of forgiveness by including in the prayer our request for God’s forgiveness and our willingness or pledge to forgive others. Jesus taught His disciples how to pray and in praying to ask for forgiveness and to forgive others, (Matthew 6: 9-14).   This request should be part of our daily prayer. We are required by God to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily and follow Him, (Matthew 16: 24). Therefore, forgiving is a significant practice of our daily Christian walk. Forgiveness is a choice that we make which is grounded in our obedience to God and His command to forgive. The Bible instructs us to forgive as the Lord forgave us. “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the alter and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the alter. First, go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift,” (Matthew 5: 23-24). When someone wrongs us it causes hurt, therefore, we must go to them and reconcile even without their request or asking for forgiveness. For, when we forgive, not only do we free our offender but we also free ourselves in the process.

Points to remember about forgiveness:

1. Forgiveness is not forgetting. To forget does not mean that you have forgiven the person.
2. The pain may not be completely gone. The remembrance of the event may be emotional. One can forgive and still grieve a loss or feel pain from a wound or hurt caused by the wrong done to you. That is the human part of us, it is our humanity. 
3. Damage (hurt) and wounds can take time to repair or heal, the scar will still be visible, but it does not mean you have not forgiven the offender.
4. Forgiveness does not deny responsibility for the behavior. When you forgive you have simply committed to not hold the other person in debt. “Forgive us our debt as we forgive our debtors,” (Matthew 6: 12).
5. When you forgive you relieve yourself of the burden of the past.  You shed the hurt, pain, anger, and loneliness.  Now, you can begin to heal. Healing begins after forgiving.
6. When you forgive, you give the person you forgive, even yourself, the freedom to live in peace and to be able to change for the better.
7. Forgiveness is love, the love of God towards, our love for God and our love for each other.

Praise God for the plan of redemption which is forgiveness. May we all as children of God strive to forgive others daily as God has forgiven us.

To be continued- Dr. Jasmine R. Gordon Ministries:

“Rivers of Living Water Where God Heals”

  

 Dr. Jasmine R. Gordon

 

http://www.drgordonministry.blogspot.com

http://www.drgordonministries.org

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Dr. Jasmine R. Gordon Ministries: By Evangelist, Rev. Dr. Jasmine R. Gordon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          

 

PEACHED TODAY: SERMON TITLE- "STILL NAKED"

I PREACHED UNDER THE ANOINTING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT TODAY, 9-29-13! Today I delivered the sermon at the 11:00 A.M. service. Thanks to those of you who prayed for me. The presence of God was strongly felt amongst us. The feedback from worshippers was heartwarming. The sermon title was “Still Naked” and the background Scriptures were Genesis 2 & 3 and Luke 16:19-31. My heart was filled with joy to have Mrs. Pamela McDaniel Hurt to be my guest. She is with me in the picture. What a pleasant surprise it was. Love you, Ms. Hurt! My FB family & friends, be sure to cover yourself in the righteousness of God through the plan of redemption made possible in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. With any other covering you are “Still Naked” in God’s eyes. AMEN! Have a blessed week. I AM TRULY HAPPY IN THE LORD!

 

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DO YOU TRULY LOVE GOD MORE THAN THESE?

DO YOU LOVE GOD? DO YOU LOVE GOD MORE THAN THESE? DO YOU TRULY LOVE GOD MORE THAN THESE?

Meditation/Reflection/Inspiration/Motivation

If you love God more than these why do you spend more time eating “food” to sustain the physical than you spend eating “food” to sustain the spiritual/eternal?

If you love God more than these why do you spend more time on the phone with friends than you spend talking with God?

If you love God more than these why do you spend more time reading fantasies, romance and fiction than you spend reading the Word of God?

If you love God more than these why do you spend more time complaining than you spend praising God for His goodness and mercies toward you?

If you love God more than these why do you spend so much time taking care of your outward appearance than you spend addressing the condition of your heart?

If you love God more than these why do you look the other way when you come in contact with someone in need whom God placed in your path as an opportunity to help someone and bring honor to His name?

If you love God more than these why do you neglect going to church when God requires that you do? “Do not neglect/forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; …” (Hebrews 10:25).

If you love God more than these why do you not share your testimony when God provides you with the opportunities to do so which will encourage someone who is “going through”?

If you love God more than these why do you not spend more time in prayer and supplication to God instead of talking endlessly and worrying about your situation?

“Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?” (John 21:15). Jesus asked the same question three times and each time He gave Simon Peter specific instruction following his response to Jesus’ question.

Do you love God? Do you love God more than these? Do you truly love God more than these?

Let us therefore engage in purposeful self examination.

SCHEDULE ALONE TIME WITH GOD!

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WHERE ARE YOU PLANTED?

1.   Devotion- Where Are You Planted?          

   

          The picture on the right is the head of the stream where the river begins. The water is coming from a cave right there on the hillside which you do not see in the picture. The picture on the left is just a few feet away from the head of the stream. This area is a tourist attraction and is very beautiful. Just looking at how broad the river head is takes your breath away. I took this picture at Roaring River in Westmoreland, Jamaica about four or five years ago.

This morning (June 25, 2013), I was looking at the pictures that I took and as I looked at those taken of the river, right away the Holy Spirit ministered to me. The Scripture that came to mind was, “And you shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season, his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” Psalm 1:3. At the time I did not remember where the Scripture was found so I googled and found it. Psalm 42:1-2 “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God.” Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

          As I gazed at the picture of the fresh, clean and beautiful water flowing in abundance, flowing endlessly, I thought of how Jesus asked the Samaritan Woman for water to drink then He told her in John 4:10 “If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.” In verse 13 Jesus went on to say, “Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”

          Upon reflection I thought of the symbolic significance of water how it represents Salvation and cleansing. My soul rejoiced in thankfulness to God for forgiving me and cleansing my heart of my own sins. Looking at the water I thought of how Jesus went to John by the River Jordan to be baptized and the events that followed such as the Holy Spirit descending on Him as a dove and how He was led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

          I observed the plants by the river banks and they were healthy looking even though it was summer time when I took those pictures.

What is the lesson? God’s abiding and sustaining grace is able to keep us even in the “heat” of battle. Regardless of what we are going through if we faint not God will preserve us and bring honor to His name. We will be better for those trials. We will be strengthened and renewed. Our faith will grow beyond that of a mustard seed and our joy in the Lord will be full. At that time just be reminded that God is preparing you for the next challenge. Can God count on you? Can He use you in such times to bring honor to His name?

May God bless you richly. Please visit my Blog by clicking the link above and leave your thoughts to bless someone else. Sincerely, Dr. Jasmine Gordon