Good Morning All,
As you may notice this week's 'Words' is sent from my yahoo account, we are currently in Guyana, South America therefore I must use this email account from a Internet cafe.
Rejoice with us that we have seen two souls saved this morning in opening services.
My thoughts for today are taken from Psalms Psalm 86:15 But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. When we ponder upon the mercy of Christ, His wonderful grace and compassion on His people we cannot but think about the forgiveness God offered upon the cross of Calvary.
Looking at Israel and the many times in the wilderness as well as the promised land, they turned their back on the God that set them free from the bondage of Egypt (which is a picture of the world). God could have have several times over destroyed them, judged them for their infidelity. However, He had mercy...Mercy for thousands and grace for many. How many times did God forgive their trespasses? 490.
Yes, there was more to the answer Jesus gave Peter when he asked the Master how many times should he forgive his brother's trespasses. Jesus' reply was 7 times 70... or 490. It was not until Israel transgressed once more, did God send them into captivity under Babylon. They remained there for 70 years, which is the amount of Sabbath years they owed God (the commandment was to work the land 6 years and let it lie for one, however they did not do so and owed God 70 years for transgressing every 7th year within the 490).
With that thought, how often should we forgive our brother or sister that transgresses us? According to the Lord Jesus Christ 490 times... Therefore, we ought to forgive, have compassion and mercy on even those that wrong us... We should have compassion on those that even despitefully use us so that the Lord may be glorified and His name lifted high in all we do or say. Yes, as man, we should have mercy and compassion as even God did for our sake. I pray that you may use this thought the next time you are trespassed against, maybe you can use it as an opportunity to witness for Christ.
****Please remember us in prayer this week as we serve in the nation of Guyana. Also, the last man that was saved during my last trip here 4 years ago was a Muslim named Buddy. I am delighted the say he came up to me today, Bible in hand and praised the Lord for that night 4 years past. He is a faith member of the church. Amen Amen!
Today in History
1780 - General "Mad Anthony" Wayne leads two brigades of Pennsylvania militia, supported by four artillery pieces, in an attempt to destroy a fortified blockhouse located approximately four miles north of Hoboken, in Bull's Ferry, New Jersey.
1881 - Sitting Bull Surrenders
1951 - King of Jordan assassinated
1976 - Viking I lands on Mars
Til the Shout,
Dr. B.J. Stagner Jr.
Pastor
New Testament Baptist Church
www.ntbctn.com
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