Do you trust me??

One of my favorite movies is Disney's Aladdin. There is a scene, where Aladdin meets the street version of Jasmine and he say's to her, "Do you trust me?" and as we all know, later in the movie when he is Prince Ali, he appears on his flying carpet and says to her again, "Do you trust me?" Of course, that is the moment that Jasmine begins to realize who he really is and we all know they live happily ever after.
Sometimes it's frustrating being a pastor and knowing that there are so many people that are doing all they can to defy God and the plan that He has for their life. With out a doubt, they are called to bigger and better and yet they choose to be content with their life and say, "This is it. I know that God can't use me anywhere, so I'm going to go ahead and stay here" Seriously?? You think that God wants you to be miserable and to settle?? I don't think so! I know the God that I serve wouldn't want you to just be content with life. He wants you to be more than you are, to be His servant and to TRUST HIM!!! He has come to you more than once and said, "Do you trust me?" and now it's time for you to take his hand and say, "Yes, I trust you". Follow Him. He won't steer you wrong. His plan is not your plan, but His plan is PERFECT! TRUST HIM!!

Forgiveness

This word is extremely powerful. In fact, it's much easier to say then to do. I am guilty of this. In fact, times I think I say I forgive you but not actually meaning it, because a part of me is still holding on to the hurt. This past weekend, I was released from my unforgiving attitude. It had been two years since I was hurt VERY badly that I forgot what it was like to have an honest friend. I know that the Lord brought me here to Lomita, to attend this women's retreat, to let go of that forgiveness that I was gripping to and to bring me HONEST friends who I know that will not harm me, but help me.
The speaker was phenomenal. Gayelee Reynolds, 51, youth pastor, friend. When she speaks, she speaks Jesus. All weekend, I had kept telling God, "I don't want to leave here the same. I want to leave different" and although I had a few jewels and gems from the weekend, I didn't have that "moment" where I felt different. Until Sunday morning, the last session. The Spirit was moving so heavily and Gayelee said the word, "Forgiveness" and I knew that was meant for me. She had us open our prayer journals, (which I cherish!) and write a letter to that person who has hurt us or to someone that we needed to mend our attitude towards. The moment I wrote "Dear Amanda, I forgive you." I began to weep uncontrollably and I knew that was it. It was gone. I meant it. I know that the burden that I was carrying, the anger that I was carrying, was gone. I felt so free!!! I know that was the "difference" I needed.

I was so blessed this past weekend and I am a new creation!! I no longer need to have a spirit of un-forgiveness in me. It's gone. Jesus took it all and for that I am eternally grateful!!!