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    Posted by Dion Todd
    And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way, walk you in it; when you turn to the right hand, and when you turn to the left. Isaiah 30:21 WEB.A shepherd herding his sheep along a path does not have to interact with them much. He follows behind them, watching. He doesn't have ...
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  • Mar 17
    Posted by Dion Todd
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The Mercy Seat

  • Then his lord called him in, and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt, because you begged me. Shouldn't you also have had mercy on your fellow servant, even as I had mercy on you?' His lord was angry, and delivered him to the tormentors, until he should pay all that was due to him. So my heavenly Father will also do to you, if you don't each forgive your brother from your hearts for his misdeeds. Matthew 18:32 WEB

    Mercy is compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm. Basically, it is not punishing them, even though they deserve it, even if they have really earned it, and it is well within your power to do so. It is turning the other cheek, when you would like to slap theirs.

    Someone hurt me very badly once and I had to forgive them every day for a few years. Anytime that it came to mind, I forgave them again until one day, it no longer bothered me. This one took a long time. Each time they came to mind I would say 'Father, I forgive them for what they did.' Eventually, it became real and I no longer comforted myself by thinking of their demise like Esau did (Gen.27:42).

    Sitting right on top of the Ark of the Covenant was the mercy seat (Exodus 25:21). That is where God spoke from. Mercy is a big thing to the Lord and all through out the Bible you read about it. The Lord promises us that if we will show mercy, we will in turn be shown mercy (Mat 5:7). It is an amazing promise and it allows us to choose what is coming in our own life.

    Forgiveness does not make you a doormat and repeat offenders need to be dealt with in a peaceful manner. Who we allow to be a part of our lives is a choice that we make. Some people belong on this side of our door, others should be outside of it, with the door locked. Forgiveness does not mean that you are weak. It is a calculated, intelligent choice to recognize that someone deserves punishment, but so do we all.

    God Almighty who created the universe, all powerful, holds our very life in His hands and can take it away instantly. He shows us mercy by forgiving us of our mistakes, but He did say to forgive others or we would not be forgiven. Keep a clean slate. If you get the chance today to let someone off the hook, do so. The Lord will reward you by letting you off yours.

    Prayer: Father, I choose to forgive those that have wronged me. I loose them and let them go free. I choose to show them mercy today because You told us to. Forgive me of my own sins and set me free from the chains that bind me, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.

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56 comments
  • 4
Mark Duell
Mark Duell A BIG AMEN.
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Martin Snyder
Martin Snyder Forgiving others frees you from the burden of unresolved emotions and allows us to be truly free to display love instead of bitterness.
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt Amen.  
April 20, 2016
  • 5
David and Dianna Wyles
David and Dianna Wyles AMEN! I should not be so surprised that your message speaks straight to my heart and my life, you tend to do that often! But forgiveness is the lesson in life that keeps coming back to me. I have learned to forgive a little quicker these days but I am still working it out....I do the same thing... every time the hurts come to mind I have to say a prayer and give it back to God, telling him  I have forgiven the person or situation and only want peace for all concerned. I know it's Satan, trying to keep me stuck,  and I refuse to let Satan win! I'll just keep giving it all back to God! Thank you Pastor! Blessings Pastor's Prayer: Father, I choose to forgive those that have wronged me. I loose them and let them go free. I choose to show them mercy today because You told us to. Forgive me of my own sins and set me free from the chains that bind me, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt Amen, I agree.
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Amen, Dianna, that is the only way to have a peaceful life in the end, I believe.
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Mary Williams
Mary Williams Amen, thank you Paator Dion I really needed this today it has lifted a heavy burden off of my heart...
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt Amen.
April 20, 2016
  • 4
Marisa Jackson
Marisa Jackson It takes a big heart to forgive, a lesson I am still learning!
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt Amen and God has a big heart.
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Me too, Marisa <3!
April 20, 2016
  • 4
Kath Paro
Kath Paro Dion~ This strikes a cord with me. I give mercy to all I encounter.  I am more than willing to turn the other cheek.  I do it too easily though, it has become a detriment to me.  I blindly walk through life instead of listening to my Higher Power.  Some people are evil and it can be a trap to freely give them mercy for they use it against me.  I still turn the other cheek the majority of the time and show mercy to others, even my kitties! Lol!  Blessings to you sir.
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt Amen.
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd That's true, Kath, we are not meant to be a walking carpet. There's a difference between forgiving them and letting them control your life.
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepler Love that Sylvia... Great way to say it.
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Linda Cella
Linda Cella Amen  
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Penelope Rhome
Penelope Rhome I am forgiven thank you Father amen
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt Thank you Jesus.
April 20, 2016
  • 3
Sherry Robbins
Sherry Robbins AMEN! Thank you God for your mercy! I find myself learning more and more to give mercy to others that have wronged me. I even apologized to them and asked for their forgiveness when they have wronged me. For I understand it's not for them but for me and I feel so much better, as well as free when I do it. Thank you Pastor Todd for this post it blessed me greatly!!!
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt Amen.
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Praise God, I know that takes courage, Sherry, well done!
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Sherry Robbins
Sherry Robbins Thank you Sylvia! And yes ma'am it truly takes a lot of courage. Sylvia and some of the people that I have apologized to and ask for their forgiveness they don't accept it. But I don't let it get me down I just pray for them and believe God to change them like He did me!!! Glory Hallelujah! What an Amazing GOD we serve!!!
April 20, 2016
  • 5
David  Earlywine
David Earlywine I forgive everyone who has wronged me. I pray for them to forgive me . I love you Jesus with all my heart and soul.Thank you for your message Paster Dion.....Jesus is awesome.
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt Amen.
April 20, 2016
  • 3
Brenda Burncheck
Brenda Burncheck This message speaks to me.  I have harbored unforgiveness for a woman over the drug overdose of my beloved brother a little over a year ago.  I allowed this to eat at my soul.  I was miserable and lost my way for sometime. I have learned to forgive her by clinging to my heavenly FATHER, reading his word daily, and by taking an inventory of myself.  If I want GOD to forgive me then I must forgive others.  I am not perfect and fall short of GOD'S great glory. I repent daily, actually more than once daily.  I can forgive but I will never forget. I know that there is no one on this earth that can cause me to lose my salvation but myself.  I thank GOD for HIS SON that made a way for me when I didn't see one. 
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt Amen. I love the fact that our salvation is a gift and comes from God and that nothing that anyone does to us or anything we do to ourself will ever take this away from us. Eph. 2 8-10, is this assurance.
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Samantha Greer
Samantha Greer As always this is a right on time message! I have teens who have encountered troubles trying to say the right words were difficult, BUT GOD knew my heart and Pastor Dion delivered this "on time " message. Forgiveness is from God only so it must be taught because this world is not a merciful place. Thank you so much! 
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt Amen, I agree.
April 20, 2016
  • 2
Khalilah Horton- Spencer
Khalilah Horton- Spencer Good Morning Pastor Todd, I too have experience this. I also learned that through scripture mercy is needed when others close to you harm you. Your words reminded me of that time. They are right on time as always.  Forgiveness is truly for you...God will fix it.
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt Amen.
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Fraser Keys
Fraser Keys Amen!
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Kathie Byram Lopez
Kathie Byram Lopez Amen .
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Mike OBryan
Mike OBryan             Good Morning-Breathren!! Very interesting read! Seems only His would understand! Amongst sinfull man it is a common joke how they deal with this! Try and correct there thinking and they open up a big mess, sick thinking.. to them Hep or cool or normal! Like so much other thinking!!!!!!!
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt Amen, I don't want satan to steel my joy. When I don't forgive others that is what happens. I also believe that I cannot for give others who have hurt me on my own, only through Jesus Christ I can forgive, I have to give my hurts to Him, He in turn forgives them I chose to give them to Jesus.
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Nicole Summers
Nicole Summers Amen. 
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Carol Pady
Carol Pady Amen! Many years ago I too had to forgive those who deeply hurt me. I had carried around bitterness and anger toward them for years. This was my ex husband and his mother. Then in the same year within months of each other they called to ask my forgiveness. I found the moment I said I forgive you, that I felt exhileratingly free!
April 20, 2016
  • 2
Carol Pady
Carol Pady I forgot to add both my ex and his mother have passed away. I am so glad God gave me the opportunity to forgive them before they died.
April 20, 2016
  • 2
Marilyn DeJongh
Marilyn DeJongh Amen!  I've been hurt by some over the years, who I thought loved me.  I know I need to forgive them, but it is very hard.  I like the "when you think of them, ask God to help you forgive them" idea.  I will work on that.  Thank you, Pastor Dion.  Your words never fail to touch my heart in a place that needs to heal.  
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepler Hi Marilyn!  Long bk I heard this teaching.  Talked about unforgiveness .  Holding on to unforgiveness is like acid in our bodies.  It hurts us while the other one is out tap dancing having a good time.  The Father forgives me if I forgive them..says to me I don't want lose that!!  Then it was like this..Father I choose to forgive so & so yet PLEASE help me with the feelings, memories etc.  This has helped me a lot!  Also as Dion said...I have boundaries with some family members & friends.  This learning is freeing.  I love them & pray for them:)
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Marilyn DeJongh
Marilyn DeJongh Hi Cheryl, (my sister's name) Thank you for the encouraging words.  I appreciate them and know the forgiveness God has given me, I must pass on.  I have so many good things in my life for which to be thankful: wonderful children and grandchildren.  I am blessed with the joy they bring me.  Knowing Jesus over the years, has brought me through many tough times, for which I am grateful.  I will keep moving forward and growing in His love.  
April 21, 2016
  • 1
Deborah Alexander
Deborah Alexander Amen, Awesome message
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Jeffrey Smith
Jeffrey Smith Amen!
April 20, 2016
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Scott Riegelmann
Scott Riegelmann Amen thanku pastor Todd  
April 20, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen and Amen.
April 20, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Rosemary Freitas
Rosemary Freitas Amen! Yes it's hard to forgive but so needed to get forgiveness for ourselves. Thanks be to Jesus Christ.
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Karen Pasquinelli
Karen Pasquinelli Amen....I hold no grudges against anyone who has hurt me in my life time.  
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Kathy Banfield
Kathy Banfield Jesus showed the ultimate in forgiveness as He hung on the cross and uttered the words, "Father forgive them, for they don't know what they do."
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Wesley Paulus
Wesley Paulus Amen! Great message and I love the prayers. Thank you Jesus!
April 20, 2016
  • 2
Janet Marsh-Lord
Janet Marsh-Lord Thank you for this mesage. Forgiveness is something I have to work on daily. There are people who have hurt myself and my family deeply and it is very challenging to forgive them.. But I know it is the right thing to do...Father I choose to forgive those who have hurt me and my family. I loose them and let them go free. I choose to show mercy today.Forgive me of my own sins and set me free from the chains that bind me, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepler Love this teaching & yr input, thanks.  Reading, speaking & scriptures brings accountability.  Thanks
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Madalyn Myers
Madalyn Myers I had to work on forgiving people. In the past I used to get angry and hold on to the hurt and pain of what a person caused me. I used to be very bitter and I would not forgive people who hurt me. Over the years I have learned to show compassion. I just got tired of being angry. Through prayer and meditation I have stopped being angry. But I am still working on forgiveness.
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Patricia Walker
Patricia Walker Thank you for today's devotional. To learn how to forgive someone who has wronged you in your life is a tough thing to do. I struggle with this daily, as my children and my late mother were affected by this evil man as well.  God gave us the path to flee from him, to live a healthier life, free from evil. Gods goodness and mercy will allow us to forgive so that we can live in peace. Thank you God. Thank you Pastor Todd, your words are healing too!! Amen
April 20, 2016
  • 1
Shalita Whiteside
Shalita Whiteside Thank you for this message ..Its was so hard to forgive certain ppl in my life cus of past hurt ..but i hve to forgive them even though i didnt want too.but i need peace ..
April 21, 2016
  • 1
Ticardo Williams
Ticardo Williams Amen.  Praise God!  Thanks Pastor Dion!  Bless Lord...
April 21, 2016
  • 1
Joann Williams-Dixon
Joann Williams-Dixon Thank God and Pastor Dion Todd for this wonderful WORD!  It will be a useful and helpful teaching that I can share with others with whom I am trying to share Christian principles, many of them unfamiliar with basic Bible knowledge.
April 21, 2016
  • 1
Rosemary Marsh
Rosemary Marsh Amen.Praise you Lord for setting us free,when you dine for me.The words that Jesus said on the cross before he died,Father forgive them,for they do not know what they are doing.Always comes to mind if I feel any unforgiveness,towards anyone who hurts me.,and I think of all the times I have asked him for forgiveness.Search my heart O Lord,and cleanse me from any wrongful thoughts..In Jesus name I pray. Thank you Pastor.
April 24, 2016