It is Hard but, Forgive and Forget
I know we all have hard times in life and we want to blame it on someone other than ourselves. There are some people that the only person they can blame is theirself. Although we should not hold a grudge on anyone especially ourselves. We need to forgive. It does take time, space, and acceptance; but once you can forgive you will have peace. I have shared this video on my music page on my blog, but I want people to see it even more. This song has helped me through life, has helped me accept the hard times as a trial of God, and has lead me in the direction of Salvation of Jesus Christ. I will explain this all to you, but if you wish listen to the song, turn of any noise, put away any distractions even your smartphone unless you are reading my blog from it, and listen not with your ears, but with your heart.
Don Henley
The Heart of the Matter
Lead Me To Salvation
When I was not even a teenager I was the one the kids picked one, beat up, and threatened in school. The only way my mother could see to stop it was take me out of public school and place me in a Christian (Baptist) school. I had no idea what religion was like, I was about to learn.
When I was in school I learned the Bible everyday and had chapel on Fridays. My fifth grade teacher talked to me about Christ and Heaven. She told me He came here over 2000 years ago to die on the cross and rise again the third day to cleanse us of our sins. She also told me we have to have faith and be saved in Him to go to Heaven. Now I was a little unsure back then because before then I had no idea of Heaven or Hell. I also wondered if I sinned again did I need to get saved again. For example a Christian is crossing the road and then sees headlights of an eighteen wheeler coming at the and says a “bad word” do they go to Heaven or Hell. I did learn that once you are saved you are saved unless you reject God and tell Him you no longer want your Salvation. Now you may be wondering how I got to this. This was the time I first heard this song, “The Heart of the Matter”.
I loved the music of the Eagles and when I found a CD of Don Henley’s I had to have it. My mom bought it for me and when I heard the song it took my breath away. It froze me and had my full attention. When I heard these lyrics is when the tears started to flow and still do, “And the struggles we went through, How I lost me and you lost you, What are these voices outside loves open door, Make us throw of our contentment, and beg for something more.” Here is where my eyes are tearing, “I’m learning to live without you now, but I miss you sometimes, the more I know the less I understand all the things I thought I knew I am learning again, I’ve been try to get down to the heart of the matter but my will gets weak and my thought seem to scatter, so I think it’s about forgiveness, forgiveness even if I don’t love you anymore.”
This just reinforced what my teacher was talking to me about when it came to Salvation. The “struggles we went through” for example. We all go through struggles everyday and i was going through a lot at the time. They are trials given to us by God to test us. Also ‘I lost me and you lost you” without Jesus Christ as Savior we are lost. The “voices outside loves open door”‘ is temptation, deception, sin and “something more” is Salvation. We do learn to live with God and we could do that for a long time, but He will keep sending us His Word and never give up. Then when I did “get down to the heart of the matter, my will got weak, and my thought did scatter, so i sought forgiveness, forgiveness” and I was saved in Jesus Christ and baptized at the Door of Fellowship in Williamsport, PA. I was born again. If you want to be saved just say a prayer to God and as for forgiveness of your sins, let Him know you are now dedicated to Him, ask him to show you the way to His path, and ask him to cleanse you. If you want to read the Sinners Prayer read Psalms 51.
Gives Me Peace
This is a very peaceful song. When I have a bad day or tension between family or co-workers I listen to this song. It gives me peace. I don’t know why, but it soothes me like a hurricane becoming blue sky and still water. We all need peace for a few minutes in a day. This is what does it for me. Even when I am at work I stop and listen. I have pulled over before to listen. I believe this song was a gift from God to us. It is sad that love isn’t always simple. Sometimes relationships end and it is no one’s fault. Everything happens for a reason and the reason of this song is for peace in the heart. I hope you like this song as much as I do.
Check out more
A Song That Touches Your Souls
Watch “Poison – “Nothin’ But A Good Time” (HQ Sound)” on YouTube
Citations
Altrogge, S., Nation, P., Patterson, C., Murray, D. and McDaniel, D. (2018). Psalm 51 – NIV Bible – Have mercy on me, O God, according to your…. [online] Bible Study Tools. Available at: https://www.biblestudytools.com/psalms/51.html [Accessed 20 Jul. 2018].
The True Meaning of Christmas
I want to let today’s generation know what the true meaning of Christmas truly is. All we hear anymore is Santa Clause, Rudolf, and the Snowman. Well that is not where Christmas came from. I want you to enjoy Christmas for what it is truly meant for, plus Santa.
The Birth of Jesus Christ of Mary
Since the beginning of time God had intended to send His Son Jesus Christ as our Savior. There are many prophecies in the Old Testament of the Holy Bible about His coming. I am going to share a few with you first before I share the story of His birth.
Prophecy of Jesus Christ in the Old Testament
There are many in the Old Testament but I will share three of what I see is important for Christmas.
The Birth of the Messiah
Micah 5:2 – “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village in Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past.”
Well the main thing is Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Also prophesying that He would be of David descent.
The Messiah Will Be Born Of A Virgin
We know that it is impossible for a virgin birth to happen, unless it is a miracle. If this happened today I do not think I would believe it. It happened over 2000 years ago in Bethlehem. It was prophesied way before it ever could be planned to take place.
Isaiah 7:14 – “All right then, the Lord Himself will choose the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call Him Immanuel – ‘God is with us.’”
Isaiah 9:6-7 – “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on His shoulders. These will be His royal titlesThat: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His ever expanding, peaceful government will never end. He will rule forever with fairness and justice from the throne of His ancestor David. The passionate commitment of the Lord Almighty will guarantee this!”
He was crucified and rose again the third day for our sins. Today He reigns in Heaven beside His Father our Lord and will return in the end at the second coming, but that is a story for another day.
The Messiah To Die By Crucifixion, With Pierced Hands And Feet
Jesus died from crucifixion. Believe it or not many people stayed alive for days in severe pain hanging on the cross back in that time. That is why it is a miracle in it’s self that He died on the cross.
Psalm 22:14-16 – “My life is poured out like water, and all My bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax, melting within Me. My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay. My tongue sticks to the roof of My mouth. You have laid Me in the dust and left Me for dead. My enemies surround Me like a pack of dogs; an evil gang closes in on Me. They have pierced My hands and feet.”
Zechariah 12:10a – “Then I will pour out a spirit of grace and prayer on the family of David and on all the people of Jerusalem. They will look on Me whom they have pierced and mourn for Him as for an only son.”
Still today God gives us His grace.
The Birth Of Jesus Christ in the New Testament
Jesus came to us as a baby. He came around the change from B.C. to A.D. It has been debated for a long time when He was born exactly, but one thing we do know He was not born on Christmas Day. He was born in either the Spring or Fall.
It was during the time of Caesar Augustus. Caesar started taxes and everyone had to go to a town to pay. This is how God got Mary to Bethlehem to give birth to Jesus. He was also born in a manger because there was no room for them. He was born as the poorest of the poor and is the King of Kings. Here is the story of the Birth of Jesus Christ
Luke 2:1-20
Christ Born of Mary
2 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife,a]”>[a] who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Glory in the Highest
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold,b]”>[b] an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”c]”>[c]
15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widelyd]”>[d] known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
Conclusion
You may find it hard to believe in an Omnipotent God and a Savior, but I have witnessed things in my life and my friends’ lives that will say otherwise. I have had friends that should have been dead but have survived, I know people that had nothing but survived because of prayer to God, and myself I may have taken my own life a few years ago if God did not stand by me. Life is hard I will agree with that, but God, Jesus Christ our Savior is there with us everyday. Santa Clause is not why we celebrate Christmas. The true meaning of Christmas is Jesus our Savior. Believe in him and you will not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
References
CBN.com – The Christian Broadcasting Network. (2017). Biblical Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus. [online] Available at: http://www1.cbn.com/biblestudy/biblical-prophecies-fulfilled-by-jesus [Accessed 10 Dec. 2017].
Biblegateway.com. (2017). BibleGateway.com: A searchable online Bible in over 150 versions and 50 languages.. [online] Available at: https://www.biblegateway.com/ [Accessed 10 Dec. 2017].
Check out more
Getting Stuck in an Awkward Situation
Where Do We Go After Death According To The Bible
Woman Arrested For Masturbating With Sausage In Wal-Mart Bathroom!
Battles Uphill And Downhill In A Day, But Leveling Out At The End
The True Meaning of Christmas
I want to let today’s generation know what the true meaning of Christmas truly is. All we hear anymore is Santa Clause, Rudolf, and the Snowman. Well that is not where Christmas came from. I want you to enjoy Christmas for what it is truly meant for, plus Santa.
The Birth of Jesus Christ of Mary
Since the beginning of time God had intended to send His Son Jesus Christ as our Savior. There are many prophecies in the Old Testament of the Holy Bible about His coming. I am going to share a few with you first before I share the story of His birth.
Prophecy of Jesus Christ in the Old Testament
There are many in the Old Testament but I will share three of what I see is important for Christmas.
The Birth of the Messiah
Micah 5:2 – “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village in Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past.”
Well the main thing is Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Also prophesying that He would be of David descent.
The Messiah Will Be Born Of A Virgin
We know that it is impossible for a virgin birth to happen, unless it is a miracle. If this happened today I do not think I would believe it. It happened over 2000 years ago in Bethlehem. It was prophesied way before it ever could be planned to take place.
Isaiah 7:14 – “All right then, the Lord Himself will choose the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call Him Immanuel – ‘God is with us.’”
Isaiah 9:6-7 – “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on His shoulders. These will be His royal titlesThat: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His ever expanding, peaceful government will never end. He will rule forever with fairness and justice from the throne of His ancestor David. The passionate commitment of the Lord Almighty will guarantee this!”
He was crucified and rose again the third day for our sins. Today He reigns in Heaven beside His Father our Lord and will return in the end at the second coming, but that is a story for another day.
The Messiah To Die By Crucifixion, With Pierced Hands And Feet
Jesus died from crucifixion. Believe it or not many people stayed alive for days in severe pain hanging on the cross back in that time. That is why it is a miracle in it’s self that He died on the cross.
Psalm 22:14-16 – “My life is poured out like water, and all My bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax, melting within Me. My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay. My tongue sticks to the roof of My mouth. You have laid Me in the dust and left Me for dead. My enemies surround Me like a pack of dogs; an evil gang closes in on Me. They have pierced My hands and feet.”
Zechariah 12:10a – “Then I will pour out a spirit of grace and prayer on the family of David and on all the people of Jerusalem. They will look on Me whom they have pierced and mourn for Him as for an only son.”
Still today God gives us His grace.
The Birth Of Jesus Christ in the New Testament
Jesus came to us as a baby. He came around the change from B.C. to A.D. It has been debated for a long time when He was born exactly, but one thing we do know He was not born on Christmas Day. He was born in either the Spring or Fall.
It was during the time of Caesar Augustus. Caesar started taxes and everyone had to go to a town to pay. This is how God got Mary to Bethlehem to give birth to Jesus. He was also born in a manger because there was no room for them. He was born as the poorest of the poor and is the King of Kings. Here is the story of the Birth of Jesus Christ
Luke 2:1-20
Christ Born of Mary
2 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife,a]”>[a] who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Glory in the Highest
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold,b]”>[b] an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”c]”>[c]
15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widelyd]”>[d] known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
Conclusion
You may find it hard to believe in an Omnipotent God and a Savior, but I have witnessed things in my life and my friends’ lives that will say otherwise. I have had friends that should have been dead but have survived, I know people that had nothing but survived because of prayer to God, and myself I may have taken my own life a few years ago if God did not stand by me. Life is hard I will agree with that, but God, Jesus Christ our Savior is there with us everyday. Santa Clause is not why we celebrate Christmas. The true meaning of Christmas is Jesus our Savior. Believe in him and you will not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
References
CBN.com – The Christian Broadcasting Network. (2017). Biblical Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus. [online] Available at: http://www1.cbn.com/biblestudy/biblical-prophecies-fulfilled-by-jesus [Accessed 10 Dec. 2017].
Biblegateway.com. (2017). BibleGateway.com: A searchable online Bible in over 150 versions and 50 languages.. [online] Available at: https://www.biblegateway.com/ [Accessed 10 Dec. 2017].
Check out more
Getting Stuck in an Awkward Situation
Where Do We Go After Death According To The Bible
Woman Arrested For Masturbating With Sausage In Wal-Mart Bathroom!
Battles Uphill And Downhill In A Day, But Leveling Out At The End
Tom Petty Found Unconscious in Full Cardiac Arrest (UPDATE)
Tom Petty found not breathing and in full cardiac arrest and on life support.
Tom Petty is going to be missed. I was not born jet when he was on his first tour, but I have always loved his music. Him and the Heartbreakers have touched my heart with their music. He will be missed.
Source: Tom Petty Found Unconscious in Full Cardiac Arrest (UPDATE)
Check out more
Watch “Poison – “Nothin’ But A Good Time” (HQ Sound)” on YouTube
