📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of 2 Kings 11–12 | Galatians 1 📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 2 Kings 11 God Preserves His Covenant Promise 2 Kings 11 unfolds during one of the darkest moments in Judah's history. Following the death of King Ahaziah, Athaliah seizes the throne and attempts to eliminate every royal heir from the house of David. Her actions appear to threaten the very covenant God had made with David—that his descendants would continue until the coming of the promised King. Humanly speaking, it seems as though God's redemptive plan is in danger. Yet behind the scenes, God is quietly preserving His promise. Jehosheba courageously rescues the infant Joash and hides him in the temple for six years. While Athaliah believes she has secured her kingdom, God has already protected the rightful heir. The Lord's covenant does not depend upon human power or political stability. He faithfully guards His purposes even when they appear hidden. After six years, the priest Jehoiada carefully organizes the restoration of the kingdom. His leadership is marked by wisdom, patience, and reverence for God's timing. Rather than acting impulsively, he waits until the proper moment to reveal Joash publicly as the rightful king. When Joash is crowned, the people rejoice, and Athaliah's reign comes to an end. The covenant between the Lord, the king, and the people is renewed, and the temple of Baal is destroyed. Worship is restored, and Judah experiences peace because the nation once again acknowledges the Lord as its true King. The chapter demonstrates that God's promises cannot be destroyed by human rebellion. Though evil may appear to triumph for a season, God's covenant purposes always prevail. His faithfulness quietly sustains what human eyes often fail to see. Theologically, 2 Kings 11 reveals God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with David. The preservation of Joash ensures that the Messianic line remains intact. The chapter also highlights the importance of faithful individuals like Jehosheba and Jehoiada, whose quiet obedience becomes part of God's larger redemptive plan. This chapter points directly to Christ. The preservation of David's royal line ultimately leads to Jesus, the promised Son of David whose kingdom will never end. Though many throughout history attempted to destroy God's redemptive plan, the Lord faithfully preserved the line through which the Savior would come. For believers today, 2 Kings 11 reminds us that God is always at work, even when His purposes seem hidden. Evil never has the final word because God's promises are secure. In Christ, we belong to an unshakable kingdom established by God's faithfulness. We are called to remain faithful in our own generation, trusting that God uses ordinary acts of obedience to accomplish extraordinary purposes. 2 Kings 12 Restoring the House of the Lord 2 Kings 12 begins with the early reign of Joash, who comes to the throne under the godly influence of Jehoiada the priest. During these early years, Joash desires to restore the temple, which had been neglected during Athaliah's reign. His concern for the house of the Lord reflects a recognition that true national renewal begins with proper worship. The temple had suffered because God's people had neglected their relationship with Him. Rather than merely repairing a building, Joash seeks to restore the center of Israel's worship. The chapter reminds us that outward restoration should always reflect an inward desire to honor the Lord. As the work begins, practical challenges arise. Initial plans do not move as expected, requiring adjustments in leadership and organization. Eventually, a faithful system is established, allowing the people to give generously and the repairs to proceed with integrity. The workers are described as trustworthy, highlighting the importance of faithfulness in handling what belongs to God. The restoration of the temple becomes a community effort. The people willingly participate because they recognize the value of honoring the Lord. Their generosity demonstrates that worship involves not only words but also faithful stewardship of the resources God provides. Yet the chapter also contains a quiet warning. Although Joash begins well, the high places remain, indicating that complete spiritual reform has not yet taken place. The closing verses reveal political pressures that eventually lead Joash to compromise by using temple treasures to appease an enemy rather than trusting fully in the Lord. His reign ends tragically, reminding us that beginning well does not guarantee finishing well. Theologically, 2 Kings 12 teaches that worship must remain central to the life of God's people. It also demonstrates the importance of faithful stewardship, integrity, and perseverance. Spiritual renewal involves more than repairing outward structures—it requires continual devotion to the Lord. This chapter points to Christ, who is greater than the temple itself. Jesus came not merely to restore a building but to establish God's dwelling among His people through His own body. Through His death and resurrection, believers become the temple of the Holy Spirit, called to live lives that honor God completely. For believers today, 2 Kings 12 reminds us to invest in what has eternal value. Just as the temple required faithful restoration, our hearts continually need renewal through God's Word and Spirit. In Christ, we are called to steward faithfully what God has entrusted to us, serve with integrity, and remain devoted to Him throughout our lives. The goal is not simply to begin our walk with enthusiasm but to finish it with unwavering faithfulness to our Lord and King. Galatians — The Gospel of Grace and Freedom in the Christ The book of Galatians is a passionate defense of the true gospel and a powerful declaration that salvation is found through the Christ, the Son of God, by grace alone through faith alone. Paul writes to churches that had begun to drift from the simplicity of the gospel by adding human works and religious requirements to the finished work of the Christ. Throughout the letter, he calls believers back to the freedom that God has provided through His redemptive plan. The central theme of Galatians is that no one is justified before God by keeping the Law or by human effort. The Law revealed humanity's need for a Savior, but only the Christ could fulfill its righteous requirements. Through His death and resurrection, the Son of God accomplished what no one else could, making salvation available to all who trust in Him. The book repeatedly contrasts life under the Law with life in the Spirit. The Christian life does not begin by grace and continue through human effort. From beginning to end, believers depend upon the grace of the Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. The redemptive plan transforms people from the inside out, producing obedience that flows from love rather than obligation. Another major emphasis is Christian freedom. This freedom is not permission to live selfishly or sinfully but the freedom to love, serve, and obey God without the burden of trying to earn His acceptance. The Son of God has set His people free so they may walk in joyful obedience through the Spirit. The letter also highlights the believer's new identity. Those who belong to the Christ are sons and daughters of God, heirs of His promises, and members of His family. Their standing before God rests entirely upon the finished work of the Son of God. For believers today, Galatians reminds us to guard the purity of the gospel. Christian living is rooted in grace, empowered by the Spirit, and centered on the Christ. We are called to reject every form of legalism, trust completely in the finished work of the Son of God, and walk daily in the freedom He has purchased through His redemptive plan. Galatians 1 — Holding Fast to the True Gospel of the Christ Galatians chapter 1 immediately establishes the urgency of preserving the true gospel. Paul writes with deep concern because the believers were being influenced by teachers who had distorted the message of salvation. Rather than adding to the gospel, these teachings were actually replacing it. From the very beginning, the chapter points believers back to the Christ, the Son of God, as the only source of salvation and the foundation of God's redemptive plan. The chapter opens by emphasizing that Paul's calling and authority did not originate from human appointment but from the Christ Himself. This establishes that the message he proclaimed came directly from God rather than from human tradition. Christian living must always be built upon God's revealed truth rather than popular opinion or religious custom. The Son of God remains the ultimate authority over His Church. Paul quickly expresses astonishment that the Galatian believers were turning away from the grace of the Christ so soon after receiving the gospel. They were not rejecting Christianity altogether but allowing another message to replace the true one. This demonstrates how subtle spiritual deception can be. The redemptive plan is centered entirely on the finished work of the Christ, and anything that adds human merit to salvation undermines the gospel itself. The chapter makes it unmistakably clear that there is only one true gospel. Salvation is found through the Christ alone. No human effort, religious ceremony, or personal achievement can improve upon what the Son of God has already accomplished. Christian living begins with this unchanging truth and continues by resting completely in His grace. Paul also addresses the danger of seeking human approval. Faithful servants of the Christ cannot shape their message to satisfy people. Their calling is to remain faithful to God's truth regardless of opposition. The redemptive plan is too precious to be altered for the sake of acceptance or popularity. The Son of God calls His followers to proclaim the truth with humility and courage. The chapter then recounts Paul's own testimony. Before encountering the Christ, he was devoted to religious tradition and actively opposed the gospel. Yet God intervened by His grace, revealing His Son and transforming Paul's life completely. This testimony demonstrates that salvation is always initiated by God. The redemptive plan is founded upon divine grace, not human seeking. The Christ changes hearts, redirects lives, and calls people into His service. Paul emphasizes that after his conversion, his understanding of the gospel did not come through human instruction but through God's revelation. This highlights the divine origin of the message. Christian living must always remain rooted in the truth revealed through the Son of God rather than shifting with changing cultural ideas. The chapter concludes by showing how Paul's transformed life became a testimony to others. Those who had once feared him because of his persecution of the Church were now glorifying God because of the work of the Christ in his life. This is one of the great evidences of the redemptive plan. The Son of God does not merely forgive sinners—He transforms them into faithful servants whose lives point others to His glory. Throughout Galatians chapter 1, the focus remains fixed upon the grace of the Christ and the unchanging truth of the gospel. The Son of God alone provides salvation, and His finished work is fully sufficient. Every attempt to add to His work ultimately diminishes the glory that belongs to Him alone. For believers today, this chapter calls us to guard the purity of the gospel with humility and conviction. Christian living begins and continues through the grace of the Christ, never through human effort. We are reminded to evaluate every teaching by God's Word, to remain faithful to the truth regardless of cultural pressure, and to trust completely in the finished work of the Son of God. As we hold firmly to the true gospel, our lives become testimonies of His transforming grace and faithful witnesses to His eternal redemptive plan. #DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod

1 Corinthians 4:1 NASB "This is the way any person is to regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God." Many people who have been deceived into believing false Gospels, those that add any human effort to salvation, which is a gift from God to all those who place their faith in Jesus alone, think that they are servants of Christ because they go about spreading their false gospels. BUT they believe in a different gospel and follow a different christ. Ministers of the true gospel are "stewards of the mysteries of God." The word "steward" was translated from the Greek word οἰκονόμος, pronounced oy-kon-om'-os, and it means, according to Strong's Exhaustive Dictionary, "a house distributor (that is manager) or overseer that is an employee in that capacity; by extension a fiscal agent (treasurer); figuratively 𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿 (𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗹): - chamberlain governor steward." Preachers of the true gospel preach about the mysteries of God. 👇👇👇 1 Corinthians 2:7-13 NASB "but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; [8] the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; [9] but just as it is written: “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, And which have not entered the human heart, All that God has prepared for those who love Him.” [10] For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. [11] For who among people knows the thoughts of a person except the spirit of the person that is in him? So also the thoughts of God no one knows, except the Spirit of God. [12] Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God. [13] We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words." The great mystery is this: that God would so love us that he withheld nothing from us, even offering up the body and blood of his own son for us, so that if we'd only believe in Jesus and his finished work at Calvary as being sufficient for our salvation, that we would be given the righteousness of God in Christ, salvation, redemption, justification, sanctification and inherit eternal life through no effort of our own or any of our own works through obedience to the commandments. Anything else is a false Gospel. Anyone offering you a Jesus who wasn't enough is offering you a false Jesus and a different Jesus. #jesuschrist #faith #cults #gospel #grace

📖 TODAY'S BIBLE READING Sunday, August 16 📜 OLD TESTAMENT JUDGES 17 — Micah's Idolatry ✝️ NEW TESTAMENT 2 PETER 1 — Growing in Faith and Christian Character 🎉 Congratulations on completing the book of 1 Peter! Today we begin 2 Peter. 🌿 MAJOR PROPHETS ISAIAH 27 — The Lord's Care for His People 🌿 Today's Reflection 📜 Judges 17 Micah creates an idol and establishes his own form of worship. The chapter shows the danger of doing what seems right in our own eyes instead of following God's revealed Word. ✝️ 2 Peter 1 Peter encourages believers to grow continually in faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, kindness, and love. Our Christian journey should not remain stagnant; we are called to keep growing in Christ. 🌿 Isaiah 27 Isaiah speaks of God's judgment over evil and His care for His people. God promises to protect, gather, and restore His people, reminding us that His purposes for those who belong to Him cannot fail. ✨ KEY VERSE "Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge." — 2 Peter 1:5 🙏 PRAYER Heavenly Father, help us to grow continually in our relationship with You. Give us the grace to develop godly character, resist anything that draws us away from Your truth, and remain faithful to Your Word. Thank You for watching over Your people and guiding us according to Your purpose. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. WE STUDY. WE PRAY. WE OBEY. WE GROW. UNTIL WE ARE TOTALLY TRANSFORMED. 📖✨🙏 🌿 TODAY'S CHALLENGE Don't remain where you were yesterday. Choose one area of your Christian character—faith, self-control, patience, kindness, or love—and intentionally grow in it today.

"DON'T MIX GOSPEL WITH QURAN." TRUTH & ERROR CAN'T WALK TOGETHER! Sermon Title: "Let the Light Shine: Preaching in Truth, Not in Mixture" Text: John 1:5, 2 Corinthians 4:4, 2 Corinthians 6:14, John 17:17 Beloved, I want to speak to you today about how we carry the Gospel. The screenshots you shared are a burden for truth. The heart of the message is this: The light of Christ is enough. Do not mix it with darkness. 1. THE BATTLE OF PREACHING: LIGHT VS DARKNESS John 1:5 — “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” We are in a battle. The person in the message said it well: "I see your battle of preaching with unbelievers." But the battle is not won by compromise. It is won by light. Jesus is that Light. When we preach, we are not arguing opinions. We are bringing light into dark places. And John says the darkness has not overcome it. It cannot. It will not. The enemy’s strategy is to blind. 2 Corinthians 4:4 — “The god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ.” Satan is called "the father of lies" in John 8:44. His job is to keep people from seeing Christ. So our job as preachers is not to negotiate with darkness. It is to shine brighter. 2. NO FELLOWSHIP BETWEEN LIGHT AND DARKNESS 2 Corinthians 6:14 — “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” The message warns: "avoid to mix gospel with Quran teachings." Why? Because truth and error cannot walk together. Truth sets free - John 8:32 Error confuses - Mixing truth + falsehood creates confusion in yourself and in those who hear you. The apostles never mixed the Gospel with other religions to "make it easier." Acts 4:12 — “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” God of the Bible is enough. His Word is enough. His Spirit is enough to draw men. We don’t need to add to it. Revelation 22:18 warns us not to add or subtract. 3. THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THE WORD: OUR ONLY WEAPONS The message asks: "Why can't you only let your preaching be guided by Holy Spirit?" Because the Spirit and the Word never contradict. John 17:17 — “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” John 16:13 — “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.” The Holy Spirit does not lead us to dilute the Gospel. He leads us to preach Christ crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2 — “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” The apostles preached in the power of the Spirit, and thousands were saved. They did not need another book. They needed the Name of Jesus. 4. BE ROOTED, OR THE ENEMY WILL DECEIVE The message reminds us of Jesus in the wilderness. Satan quoted scripture too, but twisted it. Matthew 4:1-11 “Satan is cunning and can use scriptures if you are not steadfast in thy faith.” When we add to the Word, we give the enemy ground. Truth + false = false. But when we remain rooted in truth, we overcome him just like Jesus did: "It is written..." Ephesians 6:17 — “...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” That is our only offensive weapon. APPLICATION: 3 CALLS FOR US TODAY Be marked by God: Like Revelation 14:1, let the Father’s Name be on your forehead. Live holy so your preaching has authority. Preach the pure Gospel: Use Scripture only. Let the Holy Spirit do the convincing. John 16:8 Pray for unbelievers: The problem is not that the Bible is weak. The problem is blindness. So we pray 2 Corinthians 4:6 — “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” CLOSING PRAYER Father, sanctify us in Your truth. Your Word is truth. Forgive us for times we tried to help You by adding to Your Word. Fill us with the Holy Spirit so we preach with boldness

Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you. This month, I have taken a break from doing events in an attempt to sell my books. I have got the giveaway going, but that is all for now. It is funny that in a matter of just a couple of hours, I have September looking pretty solid for different sites. Add to that a couple of new projects in the works. So, while my physical is taking a break while the littles are here, my mind never shuts off. Haha. Today we have an appointment to see the VA lawyer and work on next steps for my hubby’s compensation. I have questions, and supposedly this alternate site has a calmer venue to ask those questions. As the rain falls, yet again today, please pray for those areas that are over drainage capacity and are flooding. My yard is a soggy mess and when I actually get to mow … in six months … we will need a rake to bundle the grass for the horses; however … my little puddles in my yard are nothing compared to those who have been ousted from their homes and businesses. I would encourage you to seek an audience with the Father today, as you should every day; however, today make a special appearance and pray for those who are watching their livelihood wash away in the floods. Pray for the emergency workers who are trying to keep everyone safe. Pray for the linemen who are trying to keep the power on. Pray for those who just happen to be in the wrong place when a road washes away. Pray for those in your community who are struggling with something that you are not aware of. Pray for our government leaders to put Him first and to follow His direction. Today, spend a considerable amount of time in prayer. Let's come together as a church and cover our country. While in the community, randomly stop and help someone … be the church in the physical as well as the spiritual. Today, let us show the world how His church demonstrates His love. Be blessed. **Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” –Matthew 22:37-40

Sermon: When You Are Poor, But God Sees You Beloved, I want to talk to you who are counting coins tonight, who lie awake wondering about school fees, rent, and the next meal. The world may pass you by because your pockets are light. But heaven has not passed you by. 1. The Lord is the Helper of the Poor Isaiah 41:17 says, “When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them.” God names Himself in this verse. He does not say “maybe I will help.” He says “I will answer.” He sees the lack. He hears the cry. You are not forgotten. The same God who fed Elijah by the brook and multiplied oil for the widow in Zarephath still provides. Psalm 34:6, “This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.” 2. Be Poor in Spirit, Not Just Poor in Pocket Jesus begins His teaching in Matthew 5:3 with, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Being “poor in spirit” means this: I have nothing to bring to God but my need, and I bring it anyway. It is the place of humility where pride breaks and faith begins. The world measures you by bank balance. God measures you by a heart that depends on Him. Do not let lack of finance make you bitter. Let it make you bow. Because the moment you bow, God lifts. 3. Seek First, and God Will Add Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Jesus knew we worry about food, clothes, and money. So He gives us order. First the Kingdom. First righteousness. First trust. Then He promises, “all these things will be added.” That means God intends to satisfy you in both places: Physical needs: Philippians 4:19, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Spiritual needs: John 6:35, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger.” He does not want you starved in body or in soul. 4. The World May Ignore You, But God Will Not The world often respects titles, influence, and finance. But God has a history of choosing the overlooked. He chose David from the sheepfold. He chose the disciples from the nets. He chose you. James 2:5, “Has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom?” Your instability is not your identity. You are an heir. You are seen. You are loved. How Do We Live This Out? Cry out: Like the psalmist, bring your need to God daily. He listens. Seek first: Put prayer, Word, and obedience before panic. Righteousness is your anchor. Trust His provision: Give thanks for today’s bread. Manna came one day at a time. Walk in generosity: Even with little, share. A generous heart is a rich heart before God. Prayer for the Poor and Needy Father, You are the Helper of the poor. You see every need in this room and in every home listening. Forgive us for worrying more than trusting. Teach us to be poor in spirit, fully dependent on You. Meet every physical need, food, rent, school, health, and meet every spiritual need, peace, joy, strength. Satisfy us with Yourself so we lack nothing that truly matters. We believe Your Word: You will supply all our needs in Christ Jesus. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. Final Word to Strengthen You Your 40 years in the wilderness may feel long. But God used that season to train Israel in dependence. He will use this season to train you in righteousness too. Do not despise the small beginning. The Lord who fed 5,000 with 5 loaves can do exceedingly abundantly for you. Hold on. Keep seeking. Keep trusting. The Helper of the poor has not forgotten you.

Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Would you want to share gospel here while seeing this majestic view? This is such a magical spot you may want to add to your travel bucket list.

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Don't share BIG dreams ✨ with small minded people!!! His father was a horse 🐎 trainer so they moved from place to place training horses 🐎🐎. This meant they slept at the back of their truck 🚒 in a trailer park 🏞️ a lot of times.At school 🏫🎒 one day they were asked to write ✍️ a paper 🗞️📜 about their dreams ✨.He wrote about how he would take horse 🐎 training to another level.He wrote about how he would buy land and add stables and turn it into a big business.The teacher gave him an F and asked him to see her.She told him it was impossible for a boy like him to have such a dream ✨ and that he should write ✍️ something else.He discussed with his father and told the teacher to keep her F and he will keep his dream ✨.Monty Roberts today keeps that same F paper 🗞️📜 framed 🖼️ and hanging in his mansion, his dream ✨ having become a reality.Small minds have a way of sucking faith out of you 🧐.Jon Gordon calls them "energy vampires" ;draining instead of pushing you.They don't have dreams ✨ of their own so nobody should also dream ✨. Their negativity is coded like advice in order for you to think 🤔 they mean well.They usually have stories of people who tried before you and couldn't make it.They have all the entire future figured out 🔍 and it is impossible.But for the fact that God 👑 was with Joseph, his brothers would have destroyed him for life 🧬 just because he shared his dream ✨ with small 🦐 minded people(Gen.37:1-44). Stick to people who believe in your dream ✨ and you will thrive.Have a lovely day 💞❤️💜.

Matthew 18:21-35 Remember the rules of understanding when the Apostle Peter speaks. 1. It's usually emphatic. 2. It's often the entirely the wrong thing to say in the moment. Or, 3. It is usually entirely wrong. And those rules are not broken here. When he asks Jesus how many times we are to forgive our brother he adds a detail. You see, the more liberal of Jewish scholars then believed that forgiveness could be extended to an individual in three separate incidents. In Peter's emphatic nature he says, Lord if i double the three and add one, is that sufficient? And of course this is Peter, so naturally he is wrong on this issue. Jesus said, I'm not giving the number because this isn't about the number this is about being able to forgive from your heart. And don't do a Peter and assume that Jesus is teaching that upon the 50th incident an individual wrongs you, that's it, you don't have to forgive them. So Jesus tells a parable about forgiveness that should chill you to the bone. A king is settling accounts and collecting what is owed him. One servant owed him 10000 talents of silver and this is more than 160,000 years of wages. So when the servant begged for mercy the king forgave him. Now this debt-free man goes out and about he finds another servant who owes him roughly 100 days of wages. And this servant after begging for the same mercy he knew this servant had received earlier was put in jail. Now, servants talk. And some of them got together and informed the king. The king was angry and called the forgiven servant to stand before Him. The king then reinstated the debt that would imprison him, his wife and his children on a permanent basis. Why? Because this individual could not extend the same forgiveness he himself received. And then Jesus emphasizes this, My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.” God has forgiven us. But the warning comes, if you aren't willing to forgive a wrong done against you, if you're unwilling to extend that love and forgiveness you were offered you can't be a true believer in Christ. That's right, our salvation can be affected by our failure to proffer forgiveness from the heart. It's a heavy cost to forgive, it's an even heavier cost to refuse to forgive those who sinned against you. Every time I think about horrible things that others have done to me I have to remember that no one has wronged me more than I have wronged God. Keep that in mind the next time you attempt to question praying for your enemies. It does not matter what they did, it only matters that you forgive them for it. [21] Then Peter came up and said to Him, “Lord, how many times shall my brother sin against me and I still forgive him? Up to seven times?” [22] Jesus *said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy-seven times. [23] “For this reason the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his slaves. [24] And when he had begun to settle them, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. [25] But since he did not have the means to repay, his master commanded that he be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and repayment be made. [26] So the slave fell to the ground and prostrated himself before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you everything.’ [27] And the master of that slave felt compassion, and he released him and forgave him the debt. [28] But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and he seized him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe!’ [29] So his fellow slave fell to the ground and began to plead with him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you.’ [30] But he was unwilling, and went and threw him in prison until he would pay back what was owed. [31] So when his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and came and reported to their master all that had happened. [32] Then summoning him, his master *said to him, ‘You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. [33] Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?’ [34] And his master, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he would repay all that was owed him. [35] My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.”