The Importance Of Forgiving

“Forgive one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” — Ephesians 4:32

One of the heaviest burdens a person can carry is the burden of unforgiveness. It weighs down the heart, clouds the mind, and steals the joy that God intends for His children to experience. Many people spend years reliving hurts, rehearsing offenses, and carrying wounds that never seem to heal. Yet one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves is the gift of forgiveness.

Forgiveness does not mean that what happened was right. It does not mean that the pain was insignificant or that justice doesn’t matter. Forgiveness simply means that we refuse to allow the offense to control our future. It is releasing the debt into God’s hands and trusting Him to deal with it in His way and in His time.

When Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, he had every reason to become bitter. Instead, he chose forgiveness. When Jesus hung on the cross, He prayed, “Father, forgive them.” If our Savior could extend forgiveness under such circumstances, surely He can help us forgive those who have hurt us.

Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting someone else to suffer. It damages the one carrying it far more than the one who caused the offense. Forgiveness, on the other hand, brings freedom. It opens the door to peace, healing, and renewed strength.

Today, ask yourself if there is someone you need to forgive. Perhaps it is a friend, a family member, a coworker, or even yourself. Let go of the bitterness. Release the hurt to God. You may not be able to change the past, but you can choose not to let the past control your future.

Today’s Challenge:
Make a conscious decision to forgive someone who has wronged you. Pray for them and ask God to help you release any resentment you may still be carrying.

Remember: Forgiveness doesn’t change the past, but it can transform your future. When you forgive, you set a prisoner free—and often discover that the prisoner was you.

Start Your Day Off Right Series 6/8

https://youtu.be/xQ-pw58CAho?si=eLBNEKRe1HM7v8a4

Here is some food for your Daily Bread!

6/8—Start Your Day Off Right Series

 Day Off Right Series 

Quote:

see

Stories:

What Really Matters In Life 

Mexican Fisherman Meets Harvard MBA What Really Matters in Life? A vacationing American businessman standing on the pier of a quaint coastal fishing village in southern Mexico watched as a small boat with just one young Mexican fisherman pulled into the dock. Inside the small boat were several large yellowfin tuna. Enjoying the warmth of the early afternoon sun the American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish. How long did it take you to catch them?” the American casually asked. Oh, a few hours,” the Mexican fisherman replied.

Why don’t you stay out longer and catch more fish?” the American businessman then asked. The Mexican warmly replied, “With this I have more than enough to support my family’s needs.” The businessman then became serious, “But what do you do with the rest of your time?” 

Responding with a smile, the Mexican fisherman answered, “I sleep late, play with my children, watch ballgames, and take siesta with my wife. Sometimes in the evenings I take a stroll into the village to see my friends, play the guitar, sing a few songs…” 

The American businessman impatiently interrupted, “Look, I have an MBA from Harvard, and I can help you to be more profitable. You can start by fishing several hours longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra money, you can buy a bigger boat. With the additional income that larger boat will bring, before long you can buy a second boat, then a third one, and so on, until you have an entire fleet of fishing boats.” Proud of his own sharp thinking, he excitedly elaborated a grand scheme which could bring even bigger profits, “Then, instead of selling your catch to a middleman you’ll be able to sell your fish directly to the processor, or even open your own cannery. Eventually, you could control the product, processing and distribution. You could leave this tiny coastal village and move to Mexico City, or possibly even Los Angeles or New York City, where you could even further expand your business.

Scripture:

Ephesians 3:20-21

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Humor:

After church on Sundays, the priest always sees parishioners in private. This Sunday, Mary came to him in tears.

“What happened?” asked the priest?

“Oh father, last evening my husband died.”

“That’s terrible! Did your husband have any last wishes?”

“Yes he did.”

“What did he say?”

“I beg of you, Mary. Put down the gun!”

The Power Of Extra Effort

“And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.” — Matthew 5:41

The difference between average and exceptional is often much smaller than we imagine. It is frequently found in one simple thing: extra effort.

Most people will do what is required. Some will do what is expected. But those who leave a lasting impact are the ones who go beyond what is necessary. They give a little more, care a little more, stay a little longer, and try a little harder.

The eagle soars higher because it is willing to expend the effort required to rise above the storm. The farmer gathers a harvest because he is willing to work when others are resting. Success in any area of life usually belongs to those who are willing to put forth that extra effort when it would be easier not to.

Extra effort is not always dramatic. Sometimes it is an encouraging word when you’re tired. Sometimes it is taking one more step when you feel like quitting. Sometimes it is offering help when no one asked. Those small acts accumulate and become the building blocks of a meaningful life.

God notices extra effort. He sees the worker who remains faithful when no one is watching. He sees the servant who gives more than is required. He sees the believer who keeps praying, keeps trusting, and keeps pressing forward despite obstacles.

Today, look for opportunities to go the extra mile. Make the extra phone call. Offer the extra kindness. Give the extra attention to your work. Spend the extra moment in prayer. You may never know how much difference that additional effort will make in someone’s life—or your own.

Remember: The extra mile is rarely crowded because few are willing to travel it. But that is where character is built, opportunities are found, and God’s blessings are often discovered.

Today’s Challenge: Choose one task today and give it your very best effort. Don’t settle for “good enough.” Go one step beyond what is expected and see what happens.

Prayer: Lord, help me to be willing to go the extra mile. Give me the strength to put forth extra effort when it would be easier to quit. May my work, my service, and my attitude reflect a spirit of excellence that honors You. Amen.

Are You An Eagle Or Are You An Eagle?

https://youtu.be/_asnhVFbjTo?si=D9EVJZ5UeDY_Wlf_

Chickens cluck and Eagles fly!

Is 40: 28-31

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard,
that the everlasting God, the LORD,
the Creator of the ends of the earth,
fainteth not, neither is weary?
there is no searching of his understanding.
He giveth power to the faint;
and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
and the young men shall utterly fall:
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint.

Start Your Day Off Right Series 6/7

https://youtube.com/shorts/roKlJ6chRmI?si=7wrQJbTA7uc8BOmo

Here is some food for your Daily Bread!

6/8—Start Your Day Off Right Series

 Day Off Right Series 

Quote:

see

Stories:

What Really Matters In Life 

Mexican Fisherman Meets Harvard MBA What Really Matters in Life? A vacationing American businessman standing on the pier of a quaint coastal fishing village in southern Mexico watched as a small boat with just one young Mexican fisherman pulled into the dock. Inside the small boat were several large yellowfin tuna. Enjoying the warmth of the early afternoon sun the American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish. How long did it take you to catch them?” the American casually asked. Oh, a few hours,” the Mexican fisherman replied.

Why don’t you stay out longer and catch more fish?” the American businessman then asked. The Mexican warmly replied, “With this I have more than enough to support my family’s needs.” The businessman then became serious, “But what do you do with the rest of your time?” 

Responding with a smile, the Mexican fisherman answered, “I sleep late, play with my children, watch ballgames, and take siesta with my wife. Sometimes in the evenings I take a stroll into the village to see my friends, play the guitar, sing a few songs…” 

The American businessman impatiently interrupted, “Look, I have an MBA from Harvard, and I can help you to be more profitable. You can start by fishing several hours longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra money, you can buy a bigger boat. With the additional income that larger boat will bring, before long you can buy a second boat, then a third one, and so on, until you have an entire fleet of fishing boats.” Proud of his own sharp thinking, he excitedly elaborated a grand scheme which could bring even bigger profits, “Then, instead of selling your catch to a middleman you’ll be able to sell your fish directly to the processor, or even open your own cannery. Eventually, you could control the product, processing and distribution. You could leave this tiny coastal village and move to Mexico City, or possibly even Los Angeles or New York City, where you could even further expand your business.

Scripture:

Ephesians 3:20-21

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Humor:

After church on Sundays, the priest always sees parishioners in private. This Sunday, Mary came to him in tears.

“What happened?” asked the priest?

“Oh father, last evening my husband died.”

“That’s terrible! Did your husband have any last wishes?”

“Yes he did.”

“What did he say?”

“I beg of you, Mary. Put down the gun!”

Can You Spare A Minute Or So 6/7?

https://youtube.com/shorts/xo3QH_0YY8M?si=H_JOgdmeRL6afq82

If you can’t find five minutes can you spare one or two?

6/7– Can you Spare A Minute?

I have written a lot lately about animals and insects because they are so amazing. When they come to earth they are hardwired with what they need. Nobody tells the birds that it’s time to fly south for the winter. They just come with the knowledge that they need.

Man, when he arrives on the other hand, only knows how to cry when he is hungry and not much else. Everything else is learned.

I know there’s many versions of the eagle and the chicken but I will tell the version that I know. An eagle’s egg got mixed up with some chicken eggs. It hatched out with some of the other chickens. Since the eagle couldn’t see himself he thought that he was a chicken. He pecked on the ground and only jumped a few feet. He imitated everything he saw  his brothers and sisters do. 

One day, while outside with his mother, he saw a  majestic eagle fly above them. He wished so much that he could do that and fly so high. He told his mother that he would give about anything to be an eagle and be able to fly that high! She told him that he was a chicken and would always be a chicken.

You could be an eagle if you wouldn’t be so much of a chicken!!

#A-Y-T-Shorts

The Eagle Is Simply Amazing

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles…” — Isaiah 40:31

Few creatures inspire awe quite like the eagle. Its strength, vision, courage, and ability to soar above the storms make it one of God’s most remarkable creations. It’s no wonder the Bible uses the eagle as a picture of spiritual strength and renewal.

An eagle can see prey from miles away. While other birds are distracted by what is happening around them, the eagle remains focused on its target. There is a lesson there for us. Successful and victorious people keep their eyes on their purpose rather than being distracted by every problem, criticism, or obstacle that comes their way.

Perhaps the most amazing thing about the eagle is how it handles storms. While many birds seek shelter when storms approach, the eagle often spreads its wings and uses the powerful winds to lift it higher. What others see as a threat becomes an opportunity to rise.

Life brings storms to all of us. We face disappointments, setbacks, losses, and challenges. Yet with God’s help, those very things can lift us to greater heights of faith, wisdom, and character. The storm that was meant to defeat you may become the very thing that strengthens you.

The eagle also teaches us about perseverance. It builds its nest high above danger and continually renews its feathers throughout its life. Likewise, we must continually renew our minds, strengthen our faith, and keep growing regardless of our age or circumstances.

Today, be inspired by the eagle. Lift your eyes above the temporary troubles around you. Refuse to let difficulties keep you grounded. Trust God to give you strength, vision, and courage to soar higher than you ever thought possible.

Thought for the Day:
You were not created merely to survive life’s storms—you were created to rise above them.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the lessons You teach through Your creation. Help me to have the vision of an eagle, the courage to face life’s storms, and the faith to rise above every challenge. Renew my strength today and help me soar to the heights You have planned for me. Amen.