Freelance writer Lupie Riley

Thought: Three small words but with a powerful emotional impact. If spoken from the heart they can impart a peace that passeth all understanding. For those who have been kept in bondage in a state of frustration, anger, disappointment and hate it could be the balm that heals. For some those hurtful feelings could be of a short duration and for others many years of holding on to harmful thoughts unable to speak those three words of reconciliation and peace.

I think about Jesus last words on the cross "Father forgive them for they know not what they do " and His words when he taught us how to pray, "forgive us our debts (sins) as we also have forgiven our debtors (those who have hurt us). I'm reminded that I'm but a saved sinner not qualified to throw the first rock. Not one of us is without sin, all have come short of the glory of God. Jesus took all our bad decisions upon himself and paid the price we deserved. Is it not within our hearts to forgive those who have caused us much grief? If we come to the Lord having forgiven our enemies, like Jesus did on the cross, we can have the kind of peace that only God can give.

It's time to do our spring cleaning of the heart. Getting rid of any negative thoughts and feelings towards others and letting God clean house filling the void with His presence, peace and love. What better way to start a new day then to know all has been forgiven and we can now spend our time doing God's will and not our own. If there's malice in your life towards someone who has hurt you it's time to exercise those three powerful words that can free you up so you can go on to live in peace. I call it spring cleaning of the heart, mind, and soul. Maranatha

Prayer: Father God, you have forgiven me of all my wrong doing and I need to play it forward towards all those I have a problem with whether it be a family member, friend or enemy. I need to apply those three powerful words to my daily living. Amen

Verse: John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. "

Married 58 years, four children, nine grandchildren and three greats.  I've been a freelance writer for over 40 years.  Working on a book at the present.  My priorities are God first, family, country. Look me up on Google search by my name Lupie Riley, click on first link. Faithwriters.com