By John King, HBF Board Member
If you are a Christian, you already know how important it is to forgive one another. Jesus taught us to pray saying … “forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” (Matt 6:12). But just because we know the command, does not necessarily make it any easier for us to forgive.
Why? There are different reasons but many times it is because we put our trust in people, rather than keeping our hope in God (Jer 17:5-6). And because of that it gives the enemy quite a bit to work with. You say “John, what are you talking about… the enemy”?
Well Satan loves to play with your mind, rehearsing the offense over and over, to draw you from offense to unforgiveness and bitterness. He knows that if he can keep reminding you of what they did to you. You think, “just how wrong it really was,” “they knew what they were doing all the time,” “they made me look like a fool,” “they took advantage of me.” As long as you let him he will continue to bombard your mind with thoughts that will hold you captive in un-forgiveness.
Understand that God’s command for you to forgive is not for the other person but He wants His children free from everything that would harm them. Did you know that research has shown that unforgiveness is connected to high blood pressure, weakened immune systems, reduced sleep, chronic pain, and cardiovascular problems because unforgiveness hinders the body’s ability to heal. Wow… who is worth that?!
What is the solution? Release them.
- Realize that God does not deal with others according to their sin but has a plan for their lives also (ps103:10). Remember, before you accepted Christ things you did deserved God’s judgement, but He did not hold that against you and rather drew you with lovingkindness. (Jer 31:3).
- Remember, the Lord said in the same way you forgive others will be the same way He forgives you (Matt 6:14).
- Understand that people that take advantage of others are in reality being used by the enemy. (Eph 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood…)
4: You must understand that the reason God commands you to forgive is because He wants you healthy and happy.
- And never forget that Jesus loves them also and died for them. Your job is to be a light and when you forgive you are worshipping God because your actions say… “not my will, but Father your will be done.”
So, ask the Lord to strengthen your heart to release the person who offended you. Forgive the way you want to be forgiven and peace will be restored to your heart.
Health Notes:
Marion Boomer-Hauser, MS, RD, HBF Board Member
Establishing New Health Habits
It is back to school for many of you and your families! Congratulations on making it through the summer! Just kidding! We know, however, that everyday life can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Life in music ministry, church ministry, or life in general can be chaotic and unfortunately, health habits may suffer as a result. We want to encourage you to ask the Lord to help you make some changes and start out this school year with some new health habits. Nobody can do this for you. Our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, and we are entrusted with their care. To be all that God wants us to be, we must take care of these God-given bodies.
Have you thought about where you want to be with your body and your health over the next year?
Can you see yourself achieving a new health goal? Accomplishing something you never thought possible?
Take some time to get by yourself and think, pray, and meditate on reaching those goals.
Establishing a new habit or accomplishing a new goal takes repetition, intentionality, and discipline to achieve them.
We find that planning is one of the most important aspects needed to achieve our goals. Ask yourself what it is that you need to do to reach those goals.
Do you want to eat healthier meals throughout the week? (Search for simple recipes, plan meals, purchase groceries, meal prep on the weekend.)
Do you want to exercise more regularly? (Find a workout friend, find exercise you like, hold each other accountable, start slow and build.)
Do you want to achieve better sleep? (Use your bed only for sleep, remove TV, phones, etc., keep the room cool, consider magnesium or Melatonin.)
Do you want to be able to walk a few miles? (Start with getting some comfortable shoes and walking around the block.)
Do you want to sign up for a 5K event and run it? (http://www.Active.com for events – go for it!)
Or you just want to become pain-free to START doing some of the above-mentioned things.) (Find providers who can help you. Consider working with motion experts like physical therapist, chiropractors, and regenerative medicine specialists to get you started.)
Establish your personal health habit goals. Write them down. Share them with loved ones. We know you can achieve them! God wants us to have strong bodies so we can do what we are called to do!
Blessings!
HBF News:
Behind the scenes at HBF:
The foundation is currently looking for volunteers who can help with our initiative to provide music lessons to others in underserved communities.
As Huntley works on his travel schedule over the next few months, if there is an opportunity for Huntley to minister at your home church, he would welcome the opportunity to come and minister and discuss possible ways your church can assist in this venture.
We thank you so very much for your kindness and generosity and look forward to what the Lord is going to do through HBF.
Click here to donate.
Blessings,
Huntley
Huntley Brown Foundation
Huntley Brown Foundation 