How do I forgive?

ron_ballgame_blackandwhiteI wrote another article today about forgiveness and then had a conversation about can forgiveness be given to those of different ideal than I have, a different faith.

I want to make a few things clear about forgiveness as to how I look at it.

  1. The person we forgive is not the one that benefits from our forgiveness. We are to forgive to help encourage them to move on, but by doing so we also make ourselves better people in the sense of a) giving what we would like to be given, and b) doing what is right. And I do mean that the Bible says to do so.
  2. The Bible says to forgive not so that the other person is a receiver of forgiveness from us, because they do not need it to be who they are, but because we need it.

Yes, I am a Bible believer, but I’m an unusual one. The Bible tells us, Christians, what God, Jesus wants us to be like. Did you know we don’t have to, as Christians, be any of those things in order to receive His gift to us of salvation. A lot of people think that Christians have this indoctrination thing going on. The truth is, most of us learn as we go. I did. No church until my 20s. And we know we can’t be perfect, just seems like others can’t think of that.

But as for forgiving others not like me? A person is not brought into this world with bad on the brain. There are influences and circumstance throughout a person’s life that turns them into what they become. So yes, I forgive and I love. You know we prosecute a  murdering rapist and even possibly execute them. Do we go after the influencers that led him there? No. The act is horrible but the commonality is just as vile s it influences others as we speak.

Does that mean I forgive everyone? Yes, so far. I see the flip side of things .I believe there is more at work in the world than what we see.

 

Much Repsect

Ronovan

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Forgiveness? Can you do it?

Life can be rough. And that’s when people are nice. It really doesn’t help when the unpleasant people get involved in it. I used to work with this lady in a warehouse back when I was in my first years of college. We didn’t really have much to do with one another. As far as my journals say, I’m not even sure if we spoke much. We just didn’t have a reason to.

She was very pretty, seemed nice and sweet.  She never bothered anyone and did her job the best she could. The problem was she was honest. Honesty a problem? It’s put me in tough spots before. But still you need to be honest, right?

It turned out this young lady, actually older than I was at the time, had once been an exotic dancer, a stripper. She had strippergiven up that life to come and work in a warehouse sewing. To me it seemed like she was trying to make her life better. Imagine the amount of money she had been making.

You know we probably all think it’s easy to be a dancer like that and just make money thrown at you. I think it’s probably difficult to get up there and do that knowing there might be some men out there that might get to aggressive either inside the club or outside.

Now you are thinking, “She shouldn’t be dancing like that if she doesn’t want the attention.” I guess being alone, with a baby, and no high school diploma and desperate didn’t have anything to do with her decision. I suppose feeding that innocent baby, the child of a waste of life male sperm donor, didn’t come to her mind as she got up there each time and did what she did. I guess she just liked to dance naked in front of drunk men.

She didn’t last long at the warehouse. She lasted longer naked with drunk men than she did with a group of women sewers.

Once it was discovered what she had done prior to working there it was all down hill and out the door. The men were nice enough. Oddly they just acted normal. We didn’t have a reason to be around her much. I did as I was a jack of all trades. I did everything there was from the point of unloading the boxes of uniforms off the trucks, to the loading the finished uniforms back on the trucks, and yes, that included sewing and embroidery.

I learned a lot there. It was my first real job. The first place I discovered what treating a woman should be like form seeing how badly some of the women were treated.

Psalms 103Jesus_crucifixion

He will not always accuse,
    nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
    or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
    so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
    so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

What is David saying here? For our sins to be removed and forgiven there had to be a sacrifice, and that was Him. I know some people get a little confused about the Trinity, but Jesus was an aspect of God, one of the three. And Jesus came to earth to take on our sins because God does not always accuse, or harbor his anger forever, nor does he treat up as our sins deserve.

Jesus says to forgive or we will be judged just as harshly as we didn’t forgive. That’s a paraphrase but that’s what it says. I have a friend who has an interesting past. Although that past is something they don’t deny but instead use to attempt to reach and help others, people use it negatively and for selfish reasons. There is no forgiveness and recognition of what is being done. They simply see the past and live in it instead of seeing the present and seeing what is being done with the past.

Forgiveness. It’s a tough one but not really. I always say that as I believe that we are all God’s creations that we were all MEANT to do good in our lives. But through various things throughout history things have turned out the way they are. A child grows up to be a dictator, but was raised from birth to be one. A woman ends up being a stripper, but wasn’t raised from birth to be one.

Yeah, I am able to see the sin from the sinner. Is it easy? No. Do I like it? No. Does it make my life easier to think that humans aren’t born to be murdering rapists? Yes. If I had to attempt to come up with some psychological answer for every single problem everyone has I would die in moments from overload.

You don’t have to agree with me. I’m good with it. Everyone can be as they like as long as they don’t harm others. If we all did that, we would all be better off.

The title asks can you forgive. You don’ t have to. Forgiveness has already been given. We should just learn to follow a great example.

 

Much Respect

Ronovan

 

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Sunday Thought: Be Still and Know

I read an article by someone I have come to consider a good friend of mine, Allison at Long & Luxe, and a phrase she used reminded me of one of my favorite all time scriptures.

 

Sunset Pear Harbor
gettyimages © Original Photo by Kathy Collins

“He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”-Psalm 46:10

 

Each person reading this has different beliefs and we each have something we turn to that brings us comfort and peace. During a period where I was dealing with high blood pressure, which due to my weight loss I no longer have, and some newly found health problems at the time my world was chaotic. My mind was not able to focus and things had no stability to me.

 

I’m not one to believe in coincidences. Some people say God doesn’t speak to them. I say they just don’t recognize his language.

 

During this time two things happened:

One Wednesday night at church we broke up into different groups and prayed for each other. The one praying for me prayed for peace and focus in my life without my saying a word of my need.

 

The next week, as I was functioning as the Youth Pastor for my church, I took our youth to a Steven Curtis Chapman concert. For those of you not familiar with him, he is an American Contemporary Christian music legend. Some say he even broke the boundaries and brought music of a type that spoke to a new generation of Christians.

 

During the concert Chapman had the lights turned down low and it was just him and his guitar. And he sang this song.

Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is holy
Be still oh, restless soul of mine
Bow before the Prince of Peace
Let the noise and clamor cease

Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is faithful
Consider all that He has done
Stand in awe and be amazed
And know that He will never change
Be still

Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is God
Be still, be speechless

Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know He is our Father
Come rest your head upon His chest
Listen to the rhythm of
His unfailing heart of love
Beating for His little ones
Calling each of us to come
Be still, be still

As I said, I don’t believe in coincidences. I recognized God’s voice in what was going on around me. This was in 2008 and has been a mantra of mine ever since. Be still and know God is God and that there are things beyond your control, things you just have to pray about. Give the grief and the sorrows to Him. Let God be God.

 

Since an accident in my home in the summer of 2013 I’ve been through some tough times. One thing that has never left me is the Word of God. This verse keeps me going. I’ve expanded on it as I’ve studied the Bible more and taken a fresh look at how Christianity is today.

 

“Be still and Let God be God and people be people.”

 

I see the slogans and shirts about “Be calm . . .” or “Stay calm . . .” If I have to rely on people to bring me peace and calm, I’ll just give up now. My phrase means just stay calm and be yourself and LET God take care of the rest and LET people be the people they are and wish to be. Yes, as a Christian believing in Heaven and Hell I will share with someone what I think because I love them, no matter who they are, but I’m not going to force them to be what they don’t want to be. Jesus didn’t do that, and he’s the one I follow.

 

I heard Be Still and Know for the first time at that concert weeks before Chapman lost one of the three daughters he adopted from China. His youngest son ran over her in his truck as she ran to him. He didn’t see her. Chapman kept yelling to his son as he drove off after the helicopter taking his daughter away “I love you son. I love you.” Chapman eventually was able to record again. Was able to be still and know.

Much Love

Ronovan

 

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How I continue on. A look inside what makes me . . . me.

I am asked at various times, it is commented in my blog wondering how I do what I do with all of the problems I have.

12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard[c] and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.“-Philippians 1:12-19

Paul is shackled and yet the Word of God is still doing its work through his actions. The Word of God is being spread by those with good and bad intent, but is still being heard.

Some have issues with Preachers such as Joel Osteen. Saying that he doesn’t preach on certain aspects of the Bible. Joel is not a Pastor in the sense of what we normally think of he word. In truth he is a motivational speaker using the Word of God to get the message out. His church has a small group program that takes care of what every Sunday School  or small program does in every church.

What does that have to do with me? Not much as far as how I am able to do what I do, but this is my blog and I have decided to blog my thoughts at times, especially on Sundays.

 

But I do what I do because I don’t focus on what has happened. I focus on moving forward and, yes, I do talk about what is wrong with me but I do so to get it out of me and hope that it helps others to see what is going on in the world and to say those of similar problems that it is okay, we’re good, we can do things.

 

I wouldn’t be here in blog land with so many new friends if not for what has happened to me. I do not hate what has happened, regret, deny, wish to change. I look at it as one part of me that has led me here.

That is what the scripture above is talking about. Paul is saying that he is thankful, embraces, all that has happened to him because it has brought him to this point in his walk with God and will work out for his good, if not here on earth then in Heaven.

 

Am I comparing Paul’s work to what I do. Not at all. But I use Philippians 1:19 as one of my life verses, along with Romans 1:16 and  1Peter 3:15.

 

Terrible things happen in lives, but they’ve happened. Nothing can be done about them. We can either let them work to the negative or to the good. I choose good. I choose good every time.

 

Lord,

I pray today that all of my Friends are safe in life and will find health and happiness.

I pray all things in the name of Jesus who you, Lord, gave all authority in Heaven and on Earth.

Amen

Much Respect

Ronovan

 

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Female Focus Friday: Anne Roiphe Quote

Anne Roiphe Quote

Female Focus Friday: Anaïs Nin Quote

Anais_Nin_Quote

Thursday Thought: Encourage Intelligent Decisions as a Habit

“When you see a young friend make intelligent decisions acknowledge it, and praise it. By doing so you are encouraging the continuation of a habit. Do this in every relationship of your life.”-Ronovan

gettyimages© Original Photo by laflor/Vetta
gettyimages© Original Photo by laflor/Vetta

Where can we find ourselves?

Where are we able to find ourselves? What do we need to do? We need to remove the world from ourselves and dive in deep and look elsewhere, not in the world, but out of this world.

 

http://youtu.be/f5TGy__j9uY

“Word Of God Speak”

I’m finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it’s okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say

[CHORUS]
Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty
To be still and know
That You’re in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak

I’m finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music, beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice

[REPEAT CHORUS 2x]

I’m finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it’s okay

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Thursday Thought-Smile

Smile through all your troubles and your trials and they will stare back at you in confusion.-Ronovan

Image

Women are NOT to be Silent in the Church.

I read my computer. That may seem like an odd way to start an article and an even odder thing to actually do. But I read the things I have written before. One note mentions an Arizona preacher who used scripture to say women are to be silent in the church and that meant not even to say Amen. This was from back in March of this year, 2014.

 

Let’s just say things inside of me went–

Boom Gif And that’s now. Just imagine what I must have felt to make a note of it!

 

 

“34 Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. 35 If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.”-1 Corinthians 14:34-35

 

 

Women are NOT to be Silent in the Church

by: Ronovan

To read the scripture that . . . preacher . . . points to you would say, well he’s just doing what the Bible says. This is the problem with many preachers today. They read but do not know.  First I have to explain something to you. There are preachers and their are pastors. Preachers just get up and preach at you. Screaming Man

 

Pastors take time and make the effort to tend to the church members.

Shepherd and his Flock painting

 

1Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.”-Romans 13:1-5

Hmmm

Some may wonder about why certain leaders are in power, but then again look at how the Jews were put under the yolk of others. There is a reason. Often times it is to make us stronger with God. But I digress. Perhaps that will be a point for another article another day. But I don’t put scripture out there in part, I like to put parts that pertain to the scripture I want to discuss so you see the context of it. I don’t pick and choose.

 

 

What this passage says, from Paul who also wrote Corinthians is that we are to follow the laws of the land in order that no one may say anything against us that we are rebellious or anything and thus we may continue to live and believe as we like.

What the Arizona pastor apparently does not do when he reads the Bible is look at historical context. In the times in which the scriptures were written it was illegal for women to speak in public gatherings. That is why the scripture says what it does. Paul and scripture were not against women speaking or even being leaders in the church as Paul mentions Phoebe as a deacon of the church which means she worked with the elders of the church in an important role. Even if some question exactly what her role was, they cannot deny her importance in the church.

Paul also, in the same chapter, refers to Priscilla as a co-worker in Christ Jesus.

I listen to preachers preach and I have this alarm that goes off when something doesn’t sound right. I also do a lot of studying on my own. I actually take out the chapter and scripture number references/divisions of the books of the Bible and read them as originally written in order to not read them in a way that man has decided they should be divided up, instead of how God had his handpicked scribes put them to parchment.

Romans, one of the more controversial books and actually one of the most misquoted and misused books, has a very different message than some realize when read as a letter or essay and not with chapter breaks that make you stop and dwell on things where God did not mean for you to, but a man wanted you to because that’s how he thought. The actual real messages are more obvious than you would ever imagine.

 

Much Respect

Ronovan

 

© Copyright-All rights reserved-RonovanWrites.wordpress.com-July 05, 2014.

Move by MercyMe. I just might bend but I won’t break.

Back when I was having to be the lead singer for our Church’s youth praise band I sang ‘I can only imagine’ more times than any of you can imagine. That was the big MercyMe hit. It was slow and for someone who couldn’t sing and had never even sang in front of anyone in their entire life it was an experience to be sure.

Last week I shared ‘Shake’ by MercyMe which was different than you may have expected. This song was before that one and really changed their style and sound. It’s by far my favorite over even ‘Shake’. One line says;

“I just might bend but I won’t break
As long as I can see your face.”

Listen and enjoy.

Move

I’m not about to give up
Because I heard you say
There’s gonna be brighter days
There’s gonna be brighter days
I won’t stop, I’ll keep my head up
No, I’m not here to stay
There’s gonna be brighter days
There’s gonna be brighter days

I just might bend but I won’t break
As long as I can see your face

[Chorus:]
When life won’t play along
And right keeps going wrong
And I can’t seem to find my way
I know where I am found
So I won’t let it drag me down
Oh, I’ll keep dancing anyway

I’m gonna move (move)
I’m gonna move (move)
I’m gonna move

I’ve got to hold it steady
Keep my head in the game
Everything is about to change
Everything is about to change

This hurt is getting heavy
But I’m not about to cave
Everything’s about to change
There’s gonna be brighter days

I just might bend but won’t break
As long as I can see your face

[Chorus]

No matter what may come
Gotta move to a different drum
No matter what life brings
Gotta move gotta move to a different beat [x2]

I just might bend but won’t break
As long as I can see your face

[Chorus x2]

No matter what may come
Gotta move to a different drum
No matter what life brings
Gotta move gotta move to a different beat

© Copyright-All rights reserved-RonovanWrites.wordpress.com-July 05, 2014.

Who I Am

Who I Am by Ronovan