Scriptures: James 5:16, Romans 3:23

Ask for forgiveness 🙏🏻

Have you ever met people who were proud or stubborn? Have you noticed they have a hard time saying “I’m sorry” or “Please forgive me; I was wrong”? Why is it so hard to say “I’m sorry?” and “Please forgive me”? 

I believe it has a lot to do with false pride and insecurity. Insecure people do their best to protect their fragile egos. Their self-worth is often based on performance, titles, or possessions. False pride is built on things that will pass away and by comparing ourselves to others. 

Healthy people are at peace with themselves. They accept their weaknesses and strengths. A Christian has the best opportunity to be healthy because he/she is unconditionally accepted by God. Do you know you are unconditionally accepted by God? That is a core truth you can claim and internalize. Can you repeat after me? “I’m unconditionally accepted and loved by God.” 

Another truth that will help your emotional health is to ask for forgiveness from others. Shame and guilt are subconscious time bombs that can only be defused by this form of humility. The Bible says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16, NIV) 

I made a list of people I hurt. I found them and asked them to forgive me. I admitted my faults and made amends. These steps healed me and freed me from my past and the charade of self-protection. The Bible says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23, NIV). 

I’d love for you to try this lifestyle of humility. Make a list of your wrongs and start making some phone calls or visits. Be humble, admit you were wrong, and ask people to forgive you. Asking for forgiveness will not make you feel inferior—it will free you to fly higher and be the real you. 

You’re a miracle.

Scriptures: Psalms 17:8, Psalms 65:3, Ephesians 2:8,

Forgive us, Lord 🙏🏻

King David was an interesting character in the Old Testament. He was quite a combination of humility and compromise, courage and devious cunning, praising and warring. David, the shepherd boy turned king, was one of the most inspirational leaders and yet one of the most sinful. 

Just imagine for a moment the lust that drove him to steal another man’s wife and expose the husband to a sure death at the front of a military attack. In other words, he deceitfully had him killed so he could steal the man’s wife. Wow! That’s deplorable. But I’ve sinned before, too…gratefully, there’s lots of hope for us. The Bible even says God considered David the apple of His eye: “Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings” (Psalms 17:8, NKJV). 

Why did God excuse such horrendous behavior? It’s pretty simple: David asked for forgiveness, and God forgave him. “When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions.” (Psalms 65:3, NIV) 

I used to be crippled by guilt from my past. I wasn’t a choir boy in my youth, but I heard about the grace of God. I needed that grace to wash away my guilt. Ephesians 2:8 can become the foundation for people like David; Paul Marc; and you, too. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8, NIV) 

David had enough sense to pray this prayer: “Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.” (Psalms 51:2) I’m not ashamed to admit I’ve failed in a million ways, but I’ve made it a point to ask God to do five things: 

1. Forgive me for all my sins and mistakes. 
2. Cleanse me of all defilement. 
3. Heal me of all the trauma and damage in my life. 
4. Help me reconcile with those I may have hurt. 
5. Ask others to forgive me.

You don’t need to be perfect to be the apple of God’s eye…only honest. You can do it because you are a miracle.

Scriptures: Psalms 51:7-10, Matthew 18:21-22

Forgive and forget 

Did you know that it’s scientifically impossible to forget? Our minds remember everything we experience, but we can only recall those memories that have a strong emotional component. I don’t imagine you can recall what you did twenty years ago on a Tuesday unless, of course, you had a massive car accident or an earthquake destroyed your house. We only recall what has significant meaning to us. 

You probably remember your school graduations, sports awards, weddings, the birth of a child, or a big promotion. You can recall these great memories because they are so positive. But other events elicit more negative emotions, like the death of a loved one, a divorce, accidents, or physical or sexual abuse. We remember these experiences because they have strong emotions connected to them. They are a lot like bombs filled with gunpowder. They can be triggered by a small event like a match. 

The psalmist David once said, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalms 51:10, NIV) If you forgive, the gunpowder is removed, and you will no longer be triggered. The infection is removed, and the wound is now able to be healed. 

Like David, let’s cry out to God while we enter the second stage of forgiveness: “Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” (Psalms 51:7, NIV) The second stage is the Process. It’s a lot like the first step, but you must repeat it over and over again until you reach the third stage. 

Jesus taught Peter the importance of this principle: “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’” (Matthew 18:21-22, NIV) 

Sometimes it just takes one choice and declaration, but the deepest hurts take time. In regards to my dad, I found myself in and out of the process many times. My wounds were so deep that it became my habit to forgive again and again. 

Start the journey of forgiveness today. It may take a while, but permit yourself to reach the process stage. Because you are worth it and don’t forget—you are a miracle.

Scriptures: Romans 8:28, Psalms 51:10

It’s time to encourage 

Have you noticed that many people are suffering from discouragement? This pandemic, the shutdowns, the lockdowns, and social upheavals have taken a bite out of our lives. I’ve got to admit it’s caused stress in my own life, and I’ve had to take drastic measures to adapt, adjust, and change. 

Have you battled discouragement? Have you suffered setbacks? 

I’ve met so many people who have lost their jobs, savings, and businesses. I’ve known others who could not visit their dying friends or parents in the hospital. Others have been forced to homeschool their children. 

The stories of pain, death, loss, and suffering have grown very intense, but I’ve seen another movement at work in our society: Jesus. It seems like Christians are waking up. They are getting more involved in government, politics, justice issues, business, and needs in their communities. It’s quite exciting. Paul the Apostle discovered this same trend in his life and eventually concluded, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NKJV) 

I’m writing these words to bring you more courage. I’m (en)couraging you with Bible verses, empathy, and tons of love. It’s very hard to encourage others when you are not encouraged. And it’s even harder when unforgiveness has taken hold of your life. 

Forgive others, the government, Christians, unbelievers, and anyone or anything that has hurt you. The Bible reminds us of the prayer of King David: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalms 51:10, NKJV) After you clean up your heart, it can be filled with good and then spilled onto others. 

Be filled with courage to plow your way through these difficult days. Yes, they are difficult for many people, but you will find diamonds in dark places. Hand all the frustration, loss, and pain to God and watch Him bring good out of it. God will work all the difficulties for good. His Word affirms it, and it’s up to you to believe it because you are a miracle. 

Scripture: Matthew 6:14

Should you forgive others? 🧐

Has anybody hurt you or cheated on you? Has a business partner ever stolen from you or a friend let you down? Has your marriage ended in divorce because of lies and broken promises? Are you one of the millions of women or men who were abused as children? I’m so sorry. I can relate in so many ways. People can hurt people. It’s not fair, and it’s not your fault. I hear the Spirit of God speaking to you these words of comfort today. 

So many people have asked me, “Paul Marc, can I take revenge?” or “How can I get rid of this hurt or anger?” 

I’ll never forget a young girl in my youth group. She was failing in school and looked withdrawn and depressed. One of her parents brought her to our new counseling center for help. Little did I know that I was about to address one of the most horrific pandemics in the U.S.: child sexual abuse. This girl confided in me that her grandfather had molested her and that she was worried about her siblings. Her suspicions were accurate, and sexual abuse had ravaged her family. I called Child Protective Services, the family was set free from the predator, and he was arrested. But the story didn’t end there. Every victim was still captive to the lies and abuse, so months of counseling and intervention were necessary for healing and restoration. 

I’ll never forget the day we had to address the most important healing step I’ve ever discovered: forgiving the ones who hurt and abused us. The Bible says, “‘For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.’” (Matthew 6:14, NIV) At first, I was worried about sharing the next step of healing. She was right to distrust her abuser but empowered when she forgave him for the abuse. She changed before our very eyes. It was so rewarding to see the whole family experience the power of forgiveness. 

Were you ever victimized as a child? I’m so sorry. If we can help, please don’t hesitate to let us know. I have team members standing by who can support you. In the journey of healing and empowerment, you will take the steps of forgiveness. You will be free from the past, healed, and prepared for the future because you are a miracle. 

Scriptures: John 16:8, 1 John 1:9

Do you have peace with God?

Have you ever felt guilty? Have you ever felt like your conscience is working overtime? Do you have peace with God and yourself? 

There is an amazing Bible verse that reveals the role of the Holy Spirit: “‘And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.’” (John 16:8, NKJV) Don’t get me wrong—the Holy Spirit does a lot more because He is God. He’s actively working daily on Christians and non-Christians. It’s no wonder so many people struggle with guilt and feel convicted by their consciences. 

The love of God consistently speaks to our minds and tells us when something is wrong. He gave Moses the Ten Commandments, not the ten suggestions. There is right and wrong. Some things bother God and separate us from His love. 

Generosity won’t solve this problem. Good works won’t erase this guilt. More success and money won’t take away this internal condemnation. Do you know the only solution God created? It’s called repentance, and it means, “God, I’m wrong, and I’m sorry. Please forgive me and help me change the way I think.” The Bible says it like this: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, NKJV) 

It’s as simple as that. If you ask God and you are willing to change your ways, God forgives you. You don’t need to be punished for your sins. Christ paid your debt in full. You don’t have to earn your forgiveness—Christ already earned it. Ask Him for forgiveness, accept it, then forgive yourself. God has fully forgiven you, and it feels good because you are a miracle. 

Scriptures: John 16:33, John 14:27, 2 Corinthians 5:18

Living in forgiveness 

Can you imagine what a totally clean heart feels like? It feels like complete peace and joy. It’s an incredible place to be. Jesus promised we could get there consistently: “‘I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace…’” (John 16:33, AMP) In my personal experience, I can honestly admit this peace is pure bliss. I love peace, but stress, hurt, and anger get in the way. 

Can you relate to the fleeting nature of the state of peace? Jesus promised, “‘Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’” (John 14:27, NKJV) 

Let’s face it…we live in a broken world with broken people. We struggle with fear, pride, lust, and impatience almost every day. So what’s the solution to this present dilemma? We know we are called to live in a state of peace, but we realize we tend to lose it very quickly. Here are a few things that have helped me maintain it longer and get it back when I lose it: 

1. Forgive daily. You’ll find as you forgive then continue the process, you will reach the state of forgiveness. Reaching the state of forgiveness means the memory is still there, but the power has been removed. The memory is a mere shell that no longer infects us or sabotages our relationships. 
2. Ask God to heal you. Forgiveness gets rid of the infection, but Jesus can heal you of the damage. I firmly believe in healing from trauma. 
3. Spread peace by adding value to others. The Apostle Paul enlists us to join the ministry of reconciliation: “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:18, NKJV) 

I can’t guarantee that living in a state of peace is easy. But I can promise you that God is great and He can calm any storm you are facing because you are a miracle.