The Big IF of Forgiveness. “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15). The Big IF. Sometimes our eyes just skip over small words in Scripture when we are reading in a hurry. In other words, if …
The Jewish Roots of Forgiveness in the Hebrew Bible. “Who is a God like you, who pardons (“nasa”) sin and forgives (“waober”) the rebellious acts of his special people? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will trample our sins underfoot and hurl …
Tashlich: A “Casting Off” Experience for Families that Celebrates God’s Forgiveness. “Who is a God like you, who pardons (“nasa”) sin and forgives (“waober”) the rebellious crimes of His precious people? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will trample our sins underfoot …
Redeemer God in the Business of Debt Forgiveness. “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord Yahweh, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14). Redeemer – Hebrew, Go’el – Kinsman Redeemer. To buy back; to restore; to recover by purchase; to perform the obligation of the next of …
Forgiveness in the Flesh: Christ on the Cross. “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, …
The Prison of Unforgiveness. “Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hate. It is the power that breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness.” (Corrie Ten Boom, imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp for harboring Jews during WWII). There are many ways we can contrast the virtues …
Sweet Forgiveness in the New Covenant. “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ… the fragrance of life.” (2 Cor. 2:14-16). Sweet Forgiveness and the Fragrance of Christ. There is a …
Miriam, the Dancing Prophetess. “Many daughters have done well, with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness, but you excel them all… A woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord in wonder and awe, she shall be honored and praised!” (Proverbs 31:29-31, Amplified Version). Did you know that the Talmud, the official rabbinic …
King David, the Dancing Fool. “The single most characteristic thing about David is God. David believed in God, thought about God, imagined God, addressed God, prayed to God. The largest part of David’s existence wasn’t David but God.” (Eugene Peterson, Leap Over A Wall.) One of a Kind. David was totally unique in Scripture, perhaps the Bible’s …
Celebrating Dance, Jewish and Otherwise. Welcome Home | The Altar Music “We can determine that God’s heart was to create the dance. It was His chance and purpose to make it an acceptable, enjoyable, valuable, delightful thing, fulfilling His desire with the purpose of bringing Him pleasure according to His will.” (Dr. Ann Stevenson). Old …
Holy Footwork Includes the Dance. By Steve and Sheri Larson. “It’s all in the footwork! You won’t be successful without good footwork! said every coach I’ve ever had. “Move your feet, lift them high, move them laterally, quickly! Keep your balance!” This isn’t exactly headline news to the dancer, the quarterback, the goalie and the power forward. …
Our Lord is a Dancing God. “The Lord your God is living right there with you in your midst. He is a mighty Warrior who is there to save you. He will rejoice over you with joy. He will quiet you with His love, renewing you and calming your fears. He will dance with delight …