Joshua novels~

I have been reading 3 of the ‘Joshua’ novels, recently. These are my favorite books apart from the Bible. And one of the lessons that I have recently read that stands out so much to me, is the following….
 
In the novel, there is a Muslim that says to Jesus,  "With the troubles in our country, it’s hard to know who are your friends and who are your enemies. There is a lot of hatred in our country.  The message of Jesus to forgive endlessly have never been a part of our culture….Maybe you can explain that to me. I am having a very difficult time with Jesus’s injunction to forgive. Peter thought he was being generous in offering to forgive 7 times, and Jesus said, ‘No, not 7 times, but 70 times 7 times.’ Don’t you think that’s a bit much?"
 
Joshua sat back, looked around at everyone, and very seriously said, "What Jesus was trying to do was not to issue an impossible commandment, but to offer the key to true inner peace. He came to bring peace to troubled souls and to show people how to live in a way that would not only lead them to God, but help them find a meaning to life that made sense. He was deeply concerned about people’s inability to find peace. His secret, which he lived himself, was in forgiveness, a forgiveness so complete that it never even allowed itself to take offense. And that is the key to peace, personal peace and peace among peoples-do not allow yourself to take offense. Always try to understand why people say and do the things they do, the inner anguish that gives rise to those things, and then it is hard to take offense.

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October 4, 2009

The Joshua novels sound very interesting. It would give many who read them a very comforting affect. I just love the hi lited paragraph. Its so powerful. Theres a great lesson to me learned. I think I will copy and paste it. Thanks Bri PS I hope you will write more about the Joshua Novels

October 4, 2009

What is within your heart that gives you the trouble if you refuse to forgive to the full. To not to forgive completely will always lead somewhere lost & sonfusing. I know this very well … and I am learning still – to forgive. Not an easy act to us all but we shall learn always everyday to change our hearts into lots of love. May Jesus guide us all the way … *hug*

October 4, 2009

Can you get that book on Amazon? Wish you all joy for today, my friend.

October 5, 2009

Amen to the emphasised para. Yes, and for every negative feeling there is an antidote included in the fruit of the Holy Spirit. It does take time before they connect and once they do, peace reigns deep within the soul. “Understanding” seems to be the best antidote me thinks. Any more sharing from the Joshua novels? May be I could find some more from the one that I have. Thanksfor sharing, Bri.

October 5, 2009

Truly living the Christian life is no easy way to live! It takes, me for example, a great deal of prayer to our Father God to help me not lose my temper when an insult is thrown at me, and to “turn the other cheek,” when I’d like to snap an insult back. I find in order to do so, I must be in constant prayer, and also always asking our Father’s forgiveness! But, I wouldn’t be able after so many years to want to go back; Don’t know how people keep their sanity without Almighty God’s help! Love, Liz

October 6, 2009

Awwwww, this is inspiring with or without music! Definitely good food for the soul. (((Bri)))

October 8, 2009

“Can’t say that I have ever had a mango. They look like a melon of some sort. Are those also your bananas: from your banana tree?” You should try it sometime. The big ones do look similar to melons…sort of. Yes, the bananas happened to be from our yard. 🙂

I believe that everyone should try to forgive his fellow man or woman for any transgressions, although I will admit that sometimes it is easier to forgive than to forget. I wonder if they are one and the same. Am I not forgiving by sometimes not being able to forget? I guess that it’s a double edged sword, huh?

October 10, 2009

Good Morning from Germany! It is raining hard outside and extremely cold. Really typical autumn weather. How is the weather in your place, my friend? Been missing you here and hoping for new updates again. Always a comfort to read your entries. 🙂

October 10, 2009

I am re-reading your whole JournaL again. Just reaching the Entry : the gift of giddiness. Now, reading some more while drinking my coffee in front of the fireplace. Nice moments to enjoy fire and some reading at this time when raining is singing outside my windows … 🙂 I wish you a beautiful weekend, Bri! *and many hugs too*

October 10, 2009

When one forgives, they loose themselves from the part of life that can keep them from receiving all that the Father can give them. Also if you do not forgive when someone ask you to forgive them, then it is left all on you. They have been released in the eyes of God. This is so important for people to realize but so many do not. Loved your entries on the Joshua novels Bri. Hugs and blessing to you always! OH… Do you play the piano?