Goodbye!

Written by cycleguy on July 28th, 2017

When we are born two things happen: One, we start to die. Two, we start to grow. Seems incongruous, I know, but it is true. It is the latter I want to take a look at.

Growing up is part of life. I can’t even begin to count the number of times I heard, “Oh…grow up!” or the number of times I have used that same phrase. In Ephesians 4: 15-16,26-32 Paul tells us to grow up and as he does he tells us to get rid of certain things. What gives?  So that we will no longer be infants we need to get rid of bitterness, rage, anger, clamor and slander (to name a few). The subtraction method allows for the addition to take place. As we say goodbye, we can add to make our lives more productive.

Forgiveness is a huge part of moving on. “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Is.43:18-19)  It is the enemy’s plan to use your hurts to hold you back. He wants to put boundaries on your life based on your fear of getting hurt again. Total freedom means not allowing past hurts to direct our lives, tarnish our relationships and shape our personalities.

My sermon Sunday will be a real test. Physically of my ability to bounce back from surgery. Spiritually of our ability to overcome the ugliness of unforgiveness. Prayers would be appreciated on both fronts this weekend. Thanks..

 

8 Comments so far ↓

  1. Zee says:

    It’s definitely not the easiest topic. And it’s sort of funny (in ironic, not so haha way) that I can forgive the things that were done to me than those that were done to those that are close to me. And my good memory, in this case, is both a blessing and a curse, for sure.

    • cycleguy says:

      I think we fight with that issue a lot Zee because that other person often won’t fight for themselves. So we want to come to their defense. OR we see them beat down and want to rise up for them.

  2. Betty Draper says:

    Holding you up in prayer brother. I don’ think there is any more powerful message then teaching forgiveness. It seems almost everyone we meet with in our ministry has some unforgiveness toward someone. sometimes it gets buried so deep they are not even aware of it…your message must be needed by someone. Even your accident is not as waste, God is using it to bring this message and others.

    • cycleguy says:

      Thanks for the prayer Betty. It was definitely needed for my physical strength as much as anything. Although I definitely needed it for my heart.

  3. floyd says:

    Sounds awesome and you’re in the perfect place to preach it, brother. Praying for you.

  4. My goodness, Bill, having Virginia here to spend the weekend makes me reflect upon the horizon of youth with every path yet to take as God defines. She is growing up so fast, and sometimes I find myself wishing she would just slow down!
    Yes, the moment we are born, we are on the path to physical death. I praise God that this is not an end, but an avenue into eternal life with Him.
    Prayers for you and for Sunday’s sermons!

    • cycleguy says:

      Don’t you wish the kids could slow down? But then again, we would worry if they didn’t. Catch 22. Thanks for your prayers.