PALM BRANCH

A very special friend of ours called Dave Goosen who is such an anointed prophetic teacher of the Word and a worship leader sent me this after reading our article about the olive branch:

John 12:12 On the next day, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, a great crowd who had come to the Feast

John 12:13 took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him. And they cried, Hosanna! "Blessed is the King of Israel who comes in the name of the Lord!"

Now I am sure that you would probably be as surprised as I was a getting this scripture. Not quite sure how I was supposed to use this, I started a study on the palm tree. What is amazing about a palm tree, is that in Israel, it is a symbol of victory, and any time a Jew carried a palm branch in his hand, he was indicating to the world that he was a person living in victory.

And so this morning, allow me to encourage you with a Word from the Lord, and allow me to offer you this palm branch as a symbol of your victory. Carry it with you wherever you go so that others too may see that you are a victorious Christian.

Well girls pick up your palm branch and start walking through your towns and cities with pride!!!

Lets hope Dave sends us more encouragement

Remember Jesus loves you

Hugs

Sharmaine

OLIVE BRANCHES

I have been thinking about olive branches and olive trees, seeing as someone extended an olive branch to me this week.....

At first I thought a lot about it, and sent them an olive tree, at first thinking that a tree is full of branches so I was extending many branches to them. So I started looking a little more closely at the meaning so here goes:

The olive tree. The biblical olive tree symbolizes fruitfulness and beauty and dignity. 'Extending an olive branch' signifies an offer of peace.

The olive tree. The biblical olive tree symbolizes fruitfulness and beauty and dignity. Extending an olive branch signifies an offer of peace.

How good God is!!!

But this took me on a journey of forgiveness and how very divine it is. What a price Jesus paid for us all on the cross. If He who is the Son of the Living God could die for me and for you, oh my friends who are we to even carry the smallest grudge in our hearts?

What is Christian forgiveness?

Defining Christian forgiveness is done with words and actions. The word “forgive” is a grace word in the English, as well as the Greek, meaning “to give or to grant.” The meaning is “to remit a debt, to give up resentment or claim for requital, or to pardon an offense.”

Christian forgiveness also encompasses action. Our confession with God involves us seeing our sins as He sees it, bringing God’s forgiveness. When we sin against others, we sin against God. For this reason, we ask God to forgive us of our sins, but we must also forgive our fellow man. “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong” (1 John 1:9).

What guides Christian forgiveness if an offender is not willing to repent, when the victim has done nothing wrong? The Lord commands us to forgive, releasing the offense and the offender to Him. This is done in prayer to the Lord. God recognizes these situations with this Scripture. “Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God. For it is written, ‘I will take vengeance; I will repay those who deserve it,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19).

When we have been wronged, and know we did nothing to deserve harsh treatment from the offender, we normally begin to think of retaliation. Retaliation or revenge is not the right course of action. We no longer dwell on the offense when we relinquish forgiveness, allowing God to take care of the vengeance in a fair, just, and appropriate manner.

Steps to Christian Forgiveness
We recognize that we are sinners in need of forgiveness.
We make the choice to forgive others.
We believe and experience Christ’s loving forgiveness in our lives.
Christ helps us to overcome negative thoughts that are blocking our ability to forgive.
The Holy Spirit empowers us with the right attitude to forgive those who have hurt us.
Trust that God will judge all the wrongs in the world.
When struggling with forgiving others, talk with someone you respect and trust to give you wise counsel, such as your pastor or friend

So dear friends FORGIVE and LIVE!!!

Remember God loves you and so do I

Hugs and gratitude for your friendship

Sharmaine

TIME FOR CHANGE !!!

Well autumn had certainly arrived in Christchurch. I love autumn. Not only am I in the autum of y life but it is an eclectic time of the year, a time of beautiful days and crisp clear nights, a time of seasons change and a time to actually ARISE, SHINE FOR YOUR LIGHT HAS COME.

Girls it is time to get up from that feeling of depression and inertia, time to shake off the cobwebbs and time to NOT have the blueberry muffins.....

Seriously as we breathe the air of change there are so many old things that keep us bound up, so many responsibilities, so many cares....lets cast our burdens on Him, the Master, Jesus is calling us to lay down those things that so easily encumber and ensnare us...when last have you had time for you...let your hair down a little, watched a movie, read a good book.


Stress can cause a host of emotional, spiritual, and physical problems. None of us, however, can avoid stress completely. The key is not to eliminate stress, but to handle it in a way that is godly and productive. Holly G. Miller, in her article for Today’s Christian Woman, said if stress is carefully harnessed, it can create positive results in our lives. These results include increased productivity, greater effectiveness, and renewed energy.
How can we harness stress to make us more productive? What is the difference between stress and worry? How do we deal with the stresses of life without it affecting our physical, emotional, and spiritual health in a negative way? Is it possible stress can be good for us? How can we glorify God despite our stressful circumstances?

I read in Christianity Today that we should first: (adapted to suit)

1. Identify the Stress
2. Discover the eternal principles - Meditate on the Word of God
3. No matter what we are up against God will give us the peace and serenity and strength to face what we are going through
4. Realise you are GOING THROUGH and will not stay there unless you decide to camp there!
5. Find time to be alone with God
6. Worship your way through
7. Adjust your attitude
8. Give yourself time

It is time for change I encourage you today, LET GO and LET GOD.

Remember God loves you and I am so grateful for your friendship

Sharmaine