Packing up the "Stuff".

As of late I've been sorting through our stuff in order to pack up for the move to Weyburn. I have three types of categories that I'm sorting stuff into. I have the things I want to keep, things I want to donate and things I want to throw away. Moving always involves this type of sorting for me but I have found myself processing through another part of my life and doing some sorting in my mind/heart. It has been a couple of years of much revealing in my own heart. So many emotions and baggage to sort through. I am asking the Lord to help me sort it all out with His guidance and by the light of His Spirit and Word. I am not wanting to hold onto the things I should be throwing away. I do not want to enter into this new ministry carrying the baggage that weighs me down and makes me stumble. I am so thankful for the Lord's faithfulness and His gentleness through this process. He has been faithful in showing me what baggage I've created and what baggage other's have deposited into my life but I've chosen to carry with me. So by His Grace and His Mercy I'm packing up these emotions, memories and thoughts that are a stumbling block for me and those around me. By His empowering I'm repenting of this sin and asking the Lord to free me from the bondage to it. If you read this blog you can support me by praying for me. Pray that I'd pack it up and give to the Lord once and for all. And pray that I'd be able to resist when I'm tempted to open one of these packed "thought/emotion boxes" or take it all back and rummage through it thus re-shelving and re-living in my mind and heart that which I know the Lord wants me to repent of and release to Him. Pray for me that I may be free and that I may remember, claim and believe; John 8:36 "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." and 2 Chronicles 7:14-15 "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place."

Forgiveness or Permission?

There is a saying that "It is easier to ask for forgiveness than it is to ask for permission."

In other words, some might take advantage of this reality/fact and make decisions and take action without asking for permission in hopes or rather counting on being able to ask for forgiveness in the end anyway.

Does the end justify the means? Nope.
Are we held accountable for both? You bet.
Do the means and end both have consequences? Yes they do.

And what I've observed is that all too often the option to ask for forgiveness is abused by some. But, we are called to forgive and we must not expect the Father to forgive us if we do not extend that forgiveness to others. Does forgiveness mean the person you are forgiving is trustworthy all of a sudden? No and the Lord knows we are going to be among those that we need to watch out for and yet we must depend on and trust Him no matter what.
Matt 10:16 "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves."