God keeps speaking to me about forgiveness, telling me to share this message with you. ‘It is time to forgive and move forward with your life’. Recently I wrote two posts about forgiveness and today my sister sent me a message on forgiveness that seems to tie it altogether. He is speaking to me in the same way He is speaking to you. We have all been hurt, we have all hurt others. We have all been bound by the sin of unforgiveness. 2026 is our year to forgive and move forward.
Please listen to Lysa TerKeurst’s message. She is a renown speaker and many of you have read her books. This may be one of her most profound messages that will free you from unforgiveness if you are still struggling with God’s command to FORGIVE.
I was listening to Gospel/Christian music this morning, and a song titled “I Forgive Me” by Soul Medicine was playing as I jogged. I believe one of the greatest challenges we face is not forgiving others—it is learning to forgive ourselves. We are both our own best friends and our own worst enemies. We are both saved by grace and sinners. God forgives us but in opposition, Satan tirelessly undermines our blessing by introducing doubt.
Biblestudytoold.com
If we doubt and listen to our own negative self-talk we are negating God’s forgiveness. We must learn to master the authority God gave us to silence the voice Satan whispers in our minds. His voice is very convincing, His temptation is seductive to ignore. After we succumb, he accuses us of our wrongdoing and tells us we are shameful. To truly accept God’s grace, we must learn to silence the voices of doubt and shame. We are willing to accept God’s forgiveness but unwilling to forgive ourselves, thus negating God’s forgiveness. As long as we live in this world, we will struggle and fall short, but Christ’s sacrifice has freed us from eternal condemnation. While God’s forgiveness is assured, Satan works relentlessly to sow seeds of doubt. Doubt steals self-acceptance. When we listen to negative self-talk, we risk undermining the grace God has given us. Accepting God’s forgiveness means silencing the voices of shame and regret. If we do not do this, our past mistakes linger, holding us back from moving forward and fully embracing forgiveness.
Biblestudytools.com
God has given us the authority to silence the whispers of the enemy. However, Satan’s voice is persuasive and he continually tries to convince us we are beyond redemption. If we are beyond redemption, forgiving ourselves seems impossible. True acceptance of God’s grace requires us to master these doubts. When we do not forgive ourselves, we keep the memory of our sins alive, nullifying the freedom God offers.
To profoundly move forward, we must forgive ourselves as God forgives us—letting go of shame, silencing doubt, and embracing the new life Christ has made possible.
As true believers, let us embrace the power of forgiveness—not only towards others, but also ourselves. Just as God has graciously forgiven us, we are called to release self-doubt, shame, and regret, and to accept His grace wholeheartedly. This year, I encourage you to make self-forgiveness a priority, allowing God’s love to renew your spirit and guide you toward a future filled with hope and confidence.
When life feels intolerable, unbearable, and overwhelming, this is the time to get on your knees and pray to the Lord. Psalms 121 expresses that He is our hope to those who seek him. One of the commentaries I read said, …when life turns rugged, where do you turn for help? What is your source for the confidence you need to face the headwinds of life? (Psalm 121 Commentary: Where Does Our Help Come From? ZondervanAcademic .com)
Psalm 121 informs us that we must focus on God and not the circumstances. We must rest on His Word and His promises. If we keep our eyes on Him, we acquire the confidence to stand strong in the face of the circumstance with inner peace and certainty that regardless of the outcome God is with us and has a plan to prosper us and not harm us, plans to give us a hope and a future. A future we could never imagine. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Adornedaccents.com
When we focus on God we do not focus on the circumstances, we do not look to man for resolve. Only God’s power, mercy and grace can bring us through. No matter what, we are under God’s providence and protection. Yes – difficulties are part of life, and there are times when our expectations for our lives are altered by unavoidable circumstances. We may fail, the blessing is that we do not have to face our trials on our own. When we call on The Lord, He stands beside us, whispering directions to our soul. The Holy Spirit leads us beside still waters as our way of escape is strategized.
2 Corinthians 13:7 expresses that the Lord will protect us from the evil of sin and trouble. His protection provides safety and in due time resolve. Lift up your eyes, your help comes from the Lord.
Is this easier said than done? Yes. The evil one will elevate his attack. He will cause you to doubt and loose hope. However, like Jesus, you must rebuke him and hold fast to God’s Word. From where does your help come? Your help comes from the Lord. It is through Him that your confidence grows. It is through Him that you are led to a way out of no foreseeable way.
Looking to the Lord is an exercise of our faith. 2 Corinthians 5:7 reminds us that we live by faith, and not by sight (NIV); for we walk by faith, not by sight (NKJV); we live by believing and not by seeing (NLT). With faith we can look to the hills knowing God is our help.
God’s quiet voice, often described as the still, small voice, is a profound and deeply personal aspect of spiritual connection. It is the gentle and loving guidance that emanates from the divine, a subtle yet influential force that can shape the course of one’s life. This quiet voice has been depicted throughout history and across various religious and spiritual traditions as the tender whisper that stirs the soul, leading individuals towards acts of kindness, moments of insight, and decisions that align with their highest good. Whether it is recognized as the voice of conscience, the gentle tug of intuition, or the peaceful reassurance that comes during times of uncertainty, the quiet voice of God has the power to bring about profound transformation and a sense of inner peace. It is a reminder that divine presence and guidance can be found in the quietest of moments, in the subtlest of nudges, and in the whispers of the heart. Tuning into this gentle guidance enriches the spiritual journey, fosters a deeper connection with the divine, and offers a sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes from aligning one’s life with the wisdom and love of the divine.
Summary:
God’s quiet voice is a gentle, subtle presence that speaks to our hearts and souls. It’s a soft whisper of wisdom, guidance, and direction that can be easily overlooked if we’re not paying attention. This quiet voice guides us toward a life of purpose, meaning, and fulfillment through intuition, conscience, and inner conviction.
Sometimes in life, we may feel drawn toward the complicated, the ambiguous, or even the troubled paths—those “murky waters” that can cloud our perspective and obscure the simple joys around us. Yet, within the clarity of everyday moments, there is an unmistakable splendor that reveals itself when we pause and truly look.
Finding God’s Beauty in Everyday Moments
The Call to Clarity
To avoid the murky waters is to choose clarity, wisdom, and peace over confusion and turmoil. It is a conscious decision to turn away from distractions and negativity, to seek out the goodness that is present in each day. This approach does not mean ignoring the realities of life’s challenges or pretending that darkness does not exist. Rather, it is an invitation to recognize the beauty that shines through, even amidst difficulty.
God’s Beauty in the World Around Us
From the golden hues of sunrise to the gentle laughter of friends, God’s beauty can be seen, felt, and experienced in countless ways. Nature, art, acts of kindness, and moments of quiet reflection all echo the divine presence that permeates creation. By attuning our senses and hearts to these reflections, we deepen our sense of gratitude and wonder.
Practical Ways to Find Beauty
Pause and Observe: Take time each day to notice something beautiful, whether it is a blooming flower, a child’s smile, or a piece of music.
Practice Gratitude: Make a habit of acknowledging the blessings, big and small, that fill your life.
Engage with Nature: Spend time outdoors and appreciate the intricate details of the natural world.
Seek Out Goodness: Look for acts of kindness, generosity, and love in your community and celebrate them.
Conclusion
God’s beauty is everywhere—woven into the tapestry of daily life. When we choose not to seek out the murky waters but instead focus on the brilliance and wonder that surround us, we align ourselves with hope, faith, and joy. Let this reflection serve as a gentle reminder to look for light, even when shadows fall, and to find God’s presence in all that you see.
There is a rainbow that appears at the end of many storms. It is a sign that it is the culmination of your challenge. Stand victorious and praise God.
Some people believe that God has stepped back from performing miracles. They suggest that the Age of Wonders concluded with the closing chapters of the Old Testament. Yet, many individuals have experienced His miraculous presence. This affirms that we continue to live in a New Testament era filled with His grace and intervention.
For the majority of us, life unfolds in a landscape often colored by illness and uncertainty. We seldom witness those breathtaking moments where a person, deeply entrenched in suffering, experiences swift and profound healing. Still, for those of us fortunate enough to have encountered personal healing, the experience is enlightening. Witnessing a loved one rise from the depths of despair also clarifies the fingerprints of divine miracles in hindsight. It is within the small, seemingly insignificant moments that we recognize the turning points in our narratives.
In times of distress, when health falters, medical professionals can only discern that something is amiss; the precise nature of the ailment remains elusive. They tirelessly search for answers, exploring the perplexing landscape of symptoms and the underlying causes. Then, through relentless research and rigorous inquiry, a diagnosis emerges like a beacon of hope, though the path to recovery still feels muddled and uncertain. The doctors, though armed with knowledge, grapple with the question of how to combat the illness itself: Which medications can alleviate the anguish? What treatments hold the promise of halting its progression, or even eradicating it?
Suddenly, a breakthrough occurs—a ray of clarity pierces the fog of uncertainty. Answers materialize, and treatment plans take shape, ushering in a renewed sense of direction. Some people without faith credit this transformation solely to scientific endeavor. However, I believe all creation, including the principles of science, manifests God’s will.
With the diagnosis in hand, a tangible course of action presents itself, fostering hope for positive outcomes. Each step forward is a silent testament to God’s handiwork. Whatever journey we traverse, God accompanies us. We awaken each morning—a miracle in its own right. As we navigate through illness, we are granted another day, even when it feels more like a burden than a blessing. Each round of medication and therapy eventually leads to a flicker of vitality. In these moments, fragments of our former selves break through the darkness of our trials.
Do we recognize these transformations as miracles or as the fruits of science? They result from scientific advancement. Yet, they are also infused with the miracle of divine grace that envelops our lives. When we take the time to express gratitude for these small miracles, we affirm that our Savior stands with us. We acknowledge this divine presence. As we give thanks for regaining our health, we realize we are never truly alone. This holds true regardless of the prognosis. Each day is a precious gift, inviting us to live fully, even midst the challenges we face.
We can open our hearts to the prospect of a grand miracle—the successful completion of a long-awaited operation, the elimination of daily medications, and the farewell to prolonged rehabilitation. We learn to persevere through the harshest trials, eventually arriving at a point where life feels vibrant and manageable once more.
Gratitude fills our souls for the time we have been granted. We cherish the renewal of our relationship with the Lord, who stood steadfast during our darkest moments of illness. With every breath, we embrace the present. We acknowledge the inevitable passage of time. We also recognize the certainty of death that awaits us all. Yet, instead of succumbing to despair, we revel in the beauty of each day lived fully. We know with confidence that even amid life’s fragility, tomorrow can bring the promise of renewed hope.
The emergence of renewed hope grants us the invaluable gift of introspection. During moments of self-reflection, we come to understand that healing manifests in various dimensions of our lives. We experience physical healing as our bodies recover and regain strength. We go through emotional healing as we learn to cope with our feelings and overcome past traumas. Most importantly, we experience spiritual healing as we reconnect with a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. These transformative experiences are the miraculous gifts of life. Far too many overlook these gifts. They are bestowed upon us by our loving Father in Heaven.
As we close out 2024, reflect on the miracles in your life. List them, and count your miracles, then praise God for His interventions in your life. Our miracles are endless.
Scriptures:
Romans 15:19:
“They were convinced by the power of miraculous signs and wonders and by the power of God’s Spirit”.
Psalms 77:14:
“You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples”
Mark 11:24:
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
Romans 15:13:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
James 5:14-15:
“The prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well”
Psalms 103:2-3:
“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,”
Isaiah 38:16:
“Lord, by such things people live; and my spirit finds life in them too. You restored me to health and let me live.”
God’s knowledge existed before the beginning of time. In Jeremiah 1:5, it is declared, “Before I formed you in your mother’s womb, I knew you.”
Additionally, in Ephesians 1:4, it states, “Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes.”
Hebrews 13:8 states, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” He healed people in the past, He heals people now, and He will continue to heal people in the future.
God declares, “I know the plans I have for you.” God knows what we will go through. Some challenges work together to help you become a mature Christian who submits to His will. Teaching you how to surrender your Will to the Will of God.
Lisa’s Daily Inspirations 