Tag: jesus

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I Forgive You

Good morning, everyone. This is Pastor S. Geoffrey Monts, and today I want to talk about something that’s been weighing on my heart—forgiveness. It’s a subject that often comes with a lot of pain and misunderstanding, but it’s also a path to immense healing and spiritual growth.

Personal Reflection

Recently, my wife and I celebrated 22 years of marriage with a quick weekend trip to Connecticut. We spent time with my mom, helped her with some things around the house, and even attended a Janet Jackson concert—a childhood dream of mine. During this trip, we had some deep conversations, which is one of the things I cherish most about traveling with my wife. We can disconnect from daily life and really talk about our dreams, desires, and even our issues.

In one of our discussions, I opened up about a family member who had broken my heart. I realized I had been holding onto resentment for this person for over ten years, not because they did something to me directly, but because they hurt someone I love. This revelation hit me hard. Here I was, praying, preaching, and living my life, all the while holding onto this grudge.

The Lesson from Mark 11

This brings me to Mark 11:20-26. As they were passing by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered from the root up. Being reminded, Peter said to Him, “Rabbi, look, the fig tree that You cursed has withered.” And Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted to him. Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted to you. Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions.”

Jesus and His disciples were walking when Peter noticed the fig tree Jesus had cursed earlier was now withered. This scene is powerful. Jesus used the fig tree to teach about faith and the power of our words. He emphasized that when we pray, we must forgive if we have anything against anyone. Holding onto unforgiveness blocks our blessings and keeps us from living the full life God intends for us.

The Power of Words

There’s a scripture that says, “Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21). What we say matters. When we declare that we will never forgive someone, we are essentially cursing our own lives. Just as Jesus’ words caused the fig tree to wither, our words can cause spiritual withering in our own lives.

I had to confront this truth myself. For years, I let resentment towards a family member block the blessings God had for me. My wife suggested I write a letter to this person, but I realized the blockage was within me, not them. They didn’t even know I held a grudge. I had to release that resentment to receive God’s fullness.

Living in Prosperity

God wants us to live prosperous lives, not just financially, but in health, relationships, and overall well-being. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.” To step into this prosperous life, we must let go of unforgiveness.

Ephesians 4:32 tells us, “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Forgiveness is a reflection of God’s grace towards us. When we forgive, we align ourselves with God’s will and open the door for His blessings to flow into our lives.

Final Thought

Forgiveness is not for the person who hurt you; it’s for you. It’s the key that unlocks the door to spiritual freedom and abundant life. Take inventory of your heart. Release any lingering resentment. Embrace forgiveness and experience the fullness of God’s blessings.

Scripture References:

  • Mark 11:20-26 – “As they were passing by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered from the root up. Being reminded, Peter said to Him, ‘Rabbi, look, the fig tree that You cursed has withered.’ And Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God. Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, “Be taken up and cast into the sea,” and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted to him. Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted to you. Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions.’”
  • Proverbs 18:21 – “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
  • Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.”
  • Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”

Let’s embrace the power of forgiveness and live the abundant life that God has promised us.

Blessings, Pastor S. Geoffrey Monts

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Season 6 Episode 4

A Song In Four-Part Harmony: Psalm 91 (part 4)
Introduction: Rise and Grind with Pastor S. Geoffrey Monts

Welcome to Morning Meditation for Men, where Pastor S. Geoffrey Monts, affectionately known as the Impact Man, leads us into a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Grab your coffee and join us as we delve into Psalm 91, exploring themes of divine protection, provision, and heavenly help.

Building a Relationship with Christ

Pastor Monts passionately emphasizes the importance of cultivating a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He shares how his daily walk challenges him to grow as a man, father, brother, and husband. Through scripture and personal anecdotes, Monts underscores that our foundation must be rooted in Christ.

Exploring Psalm 91: God’s Promise of Protection

Turning our attention to Psalm 91, Pastor Monts reads from the New American Standard Bible, highlighting verse 10: “No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent.” He translates this promise into practical terms, affirming that God’s protection extends to every aspect of our lives.

Divine Defense and Angelic Assistance

Reflecting on verse 11, Monts expounds on God’s provision through angelic assistance. He draws a parallel to the Holy Spirit, our divine helper, as described in John 14:26. Monts passionately urges listeners to recognize and rely on this heavenly help, emphasizing that God’s angels are actively working on our behalf.

Heavenly Provision: Beyond Material Needs

Moving to Philippians 4:6, Monts assures us of God’s comprehensive provision: “My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory.” He challenges the misconception that provision only refers to material wealth, stressing that God’s provision encompasses our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Navigating Life’s Challenges with God’s Help

Addressing personal challenges and the need for community, Monts encourages listeners to seek support from fellow believers. He emphasizes the strength found in community and the wisdom gained from shared experiences, citing the importance of connecting with others on the journey of faith.

A Call to Trust and Faith

Throughout his message, Pastor Monts urges listeners to trust in God’s divine defenses and to activate their faith. Drawing from Matthew 6:33, he reminds us to seek first the kingdom of God, promising that all other necessities will follow.

Conclusion: Anticipating God’s Fresh Move

As Pastor Monts concludes, he prays for a fresh move of God in the lives of his listeners. With a prophetic declaration, he assures that within 48 hours, listeners will witness God’s provision and experience breakthroughs in areas where they are stagnant.

Scripture References
-Psalm 91:10-12, John 14:26, Philippians 4:6, Matthew 6:33

Join Pastor S. Geoffrey Monts next week as we continue our journey through Psalm 91 in the series “A Song in Four-Part Harmony.” Thank you for joining us on Morning Meditation for Men. Peace be with you.