FReeper Canteen ~ Sunday Chapel Thread ~ WHY DO WE STILL HAVE SCARS? ~ October 12, 2008

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[Kathy in Alaska]

 

 

 

 

 

WHY DO WE STILL HAVE SCARS?

One of the greatest truths we can know in life is that God is always able and willing to forgive us for our shortcomings. All we have to do is ask for His forgiveness. And if God is willing, then we too, should forgive ourselves. Yet one of the greatest ironies concerning forgiveness is that the painful memories the scars of our past remain with us. We may wonder, "What's the sense in receiving forgiveness if the scars from the painful memory remain?" Maybe the question should be, "What goes through your mind when you are confronted with the scars of your forgiven past."

The answer to this question is found in Zephaniah 3:17, "The Lord your God is with you; His power gives you victory. The Lord will take delight in you, and in His love He will give you new life. He will sing and be joyful over you." It is God's desire to rejoice over you with pride!

A minister humorously explained it like this: A proud parent always carries a picture of his child in his wallet and when given the opportunity will happily show the picture to anyone. So it is with God. God loves us so much and is so proud of us that He too, in a sense, carries a picture of us in His wallet and will gladly show it for any angel to see. I know that it is a funny notion to think that God really carries a wallet, but the minister used this exaggeration to illustrate the fact that God has caring thoughts about us. Zephaniah takes us a step further and says that when God looks upon us, He is so overcome by joy that He sings over us, the same way a mother sings over her newborn baby.

So what goes through your mind when you are confronted by the scars of past mistakes for which you have already received God's forgiveness? Instead of becoming sad and condemning yourself, take it as an opportunity to rejoice in the fact that God has forgiven you. Allow the scars of life to remind you that God is indeed rejoicing over you and is willing to empower you to live a life of joy and forgiveness. Allow the scars of your forgiven past to remind you that you are now the "apple of God's eye." Allow the scars of your past to be a spring board for you to rejoice in what God wants to do with your life in the here and now. And if you will listen closely enough, you will hear Him joyfully sing over you.

LT Patrick Sturm, CHC, USNR

 

[MeekMom]

Father of Life, We thank you for the expectant mother who carries this growing hope in her life and into our world. Bless her and the living promise of this child and help her to manage the mix of joys, fears and anxieties she may have about the time ahead. As she watches her body change, may she grow in your own loving kindness and compassion. Let her be inspired by Mary and Joseph who model a loving family life and give her the courage to guide her children in a faith-filled life. Be with her in her gladness these days and deepen her faith, so that labor might be a time of strength and prayer. Guard the health of her baby and give her the peace of mind that may so often seem elusive in this time. With your grace, she will be ready for the end of this expectant time and ready to take on the joys and challenges of parenthood. May she praise you with Mary: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit exalts in God my savior.”

[MEG33]

Me, too! Thank you, LUV.

[MEG33]

May the Lord watch over you and give you rest and comfort..Prayers for you and your little angel..May all go better during the rest of your pregnancy and the birth..

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, Meg, for the prayer for Poetgal.

[luvie]

This fall has really been nice for us, too, which sure
makes it nice! Just need a bit of rain to make it perfect!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good Lord’s Day to you, Kirkwood. Hope you’ve had a good weekend so far.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, Nana Hope, for today's Pledge. Thanks, AfghanMan and Penguin Girl, for your service to America.

[PERKY2004]

AMEN!!!!!

[PERKY2004]

Prayers up, as requested.

Molly

[BykrBayb]

Ouch! That rib pain is rough. But you will get through it. Prayers up.

[MEG33]

We had a big thundestorm and rain several days ago...The weather map show precip in your area soon..Hope so!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Unfortunately, some important jobs must be manned all day, every day. Have a good day of rest whenever it comes. And thanks for your service to our country.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, lauren, for our National Anthem....singing along.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, BB, for the prayer for Poetgal.

[philly-d-kidder]

Today is a USA Holiday in Kuwait and I am working!!!

Hope your Lords day is ok!!

[Brad’s Gramma]

Everyone can I ask you to pray for me please and for the rest of my pregnancy
I am hurting tonight, I have been for a while now.
I can’t get comfy and relax any, can’t sit for long
periods, cause it feels like my ribs are pushed up into
my chest. I am going to lay down and get some sleep.

Logan's Prayer Warriors....please join me in prayer for Poetgal26 and her unborn baby....

Poetgal, you're now COVERED in prayer...you & your little one. WHEN YOU CAN, please give us an udate? First and foremost, try to rest, OK?

[Brad’s Gramma]

Thanks, AGAIN, Kath......

[philly-d-kidder]

Thank you for the selection of Musica...

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good Lord's Day, philly...Happy Columbus Day!!

[smokingfrog]

Good Morning!

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