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“Faithfully Acknowledge Messiah's Infinite Love Yourself! (F.A.M.I.L.Y)”

Ramesh C. Reddy
Publisher

Editors Note: Editors Note: This devotional was originally sent through email on  Thurs, 17 Dec 1998 22:09:13 -0500 (EST) to InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF) students and others who wanted to receive daily devotionals at the University of Pittsburgh while I was serving at IVCF! It is being republished on Pittsburgh Standard today with any revisions ITALICIZED.

SCRIPTURE:
"One who forgives an affront fosters friendship, but one who dwells on disputes will alienate a friend." (Proverbs 17:9)

Observations:

1. forgives an affront  ===> fosters friendship

2. dwells on disputes ===> alienate a friend.

Interpretation:

Affronts can be seen as mistakes or offenses committed by others. It could very easily be a family member or a friend who commits those mistakes.  Disputes can be seen as any arguments, etc that you are hung over on. If you dwell on a dispute, you can very easily alienate your family members or friends.  

Many times it is easy to think of our family members as parents, brothers, or sisters. When people talk about friends it is a rarity that they mean their family members. Yet, it is important to realize that the best friends we can make can come from our own family. This does not mean that people outside the family cannot be best friends. There are times people outside your family can be more loving, compassionate, and caring than your family members. Dwelling on disputes can break up families or friends :( 

Application:

I want you to know that it can be easy to hold a vengeful spirit than a forgiving spirit towards those that have hurt you, even if it means family members.

What do you do in that case?

If your solution is to avoid them completely, it may seem logical for the time being but the pain you are going through will not go away. It will still be there and trap you in a hateful prison. It does not have to be that way!

Though the devil wants you to dwell on all the hurts your friends may have caused you, the Lord wants to help you deal with those hurts and come to a place where you can find healing.

 If you are going home and have a difficult time because your parents or siblings don't seem like they are your friends, remember Jesus is still there for you and He wants to be your best friend. Allow Him to work in your life for He desires to do just that. You will never be out of His love!!!

 It is so wonderful when we can think of our parents and siblings as our best friends but that will not always be the case. Jesus knows that and He wants to be there for you. If you have a hard time at home, keep remembering Jesus and how much He loves and cares for you. Many times our impression of God can come from the impression of our earthly fathers. No matter how your family life is, the Lord Jesus reaches out to you with His love and compassion. Rest in Him this holiday season and try to befriend your family if you have not. It will not be easy but allow the Lord Jesus to work in your life this holiday season. If you do have trouble at home, don't be too hard on yourself but take it to the Lord in prayer.

May His peace and love that surpasses all understanding give you peace of mind and heart as you rest in the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ in the comfort of His love! Amen! 

"Faithfully Acknowledge Messiah's Infinite Love Yourself!" (F.A.M.I.L.Y)

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, I come to you right now in this moment and ask you for your healing touch upon the lives of those who are suffering. I ask you that you would hear our prayers and answer us as we confess all our sins to thee and ask your forgiveness. We are sorry for our sins Lord! Thank you for your forgiveness. Please Jesus help those who may have a tough time with their families. Please be with them this holiday season and comfort them with your love and affection. I pray that their families can become their best friends. Lord it can be really hard to get along with parents or siblings at times and we need your help. Thank you for your help. I pray Oh Lord for your anointing upon each person's life and for your healing touch in families. Please be with those who are hurting and fill them with joy this season. Thank you so much Jesus! Please work in each of our lives! Thank you so much for hearing us and answering us Lord! In Your Name I Pray Jesus! Amen!

 If you want to give your life to the Lord and make Him Lord of your life, please don't wait. You can ask Him into your life right now. A Christians' road in life is not easy nor peachy but it is worth it. Belonging to the One who created you and loves you with unconditional love is the one you need to belong too. No matter what you have done or where you have been, the Lord reaches out to you with His loving arms of love. If you have been a Christian and feel like you have gone away from the Lord, you can come back to Him and rededicate your life to Him. He will take you in and love you with unconditional love. Do not let guilt stop you from coming to the Lord. He loves you so much and cares for you! Come, Come to the Lord!

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, I do not know everything I need to know about you. But, I heard that you love me so much and you are the Light. You said if I come to you, I will not stay in darkness. I come to you Lord as I am with all my baggage. I ask you to take it all from me and give me a new beginning.  I know all the sins in my life have affected me and I need you now. I am willing to give my life to you and ask you for forgiveness. Please forgive me of my sins and come into my heart. Please make my heart your home. Live in me Jesus and I choose to live for you and serve you the rest of the days of my life. There are certain habitual sins in my life that you alone can help me overcome and I rely upon you. Thank you Jesus. I thank you that you want to be my Lord and Personal Savior. Please be in control of my life. I thank you when you forgive me, you give me a new clean slate and I can have a new beginning.  I confess you as my Lord and Personal Savior and believe in my heart that you died for me and rose again to give me eternal life that I can one day spend eternity with you forever. Thank you Jesus! Thank you, you have heard my prayer and answered me. I belong to you and you will take care of me. Thank you Jesus! In Your Name I Pray Jesus! Amen!

You may have felt something, you may have not, but the important thing to know is that Jesus Christ is in your life! Don't just go by feelings.

If you have prayed this prayer and meant it genuinely in your heart, you made one of the most important decisions in your life. Please let me know as I would like to send you a free booklet or give it to you in person, to help you in your daily walk with the Lord. I have read this booklet more than 20 times.

Feel free to email me at reddy4hisglory2004@yahoo.com if you want to meet to study the Bible, pray with, talk about Spiritual issues or whatever is on your mind! My number is 412-641-9426

"This is my work and I can do it only because Christ's mighty energy is at work within me." (Colossians 1:29, TLB)

Express Your View

2014 DEVOTIONALS:

John 15:4-5: "Valiantly Immanuel Nurtures Enthusiastically!" (V.I.N.E) By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, March 15, 14, 10:40 a.m.)

Proverbs 15:4: “Everyday Now Christ Often Uplifts, Reaching All Generations Everywhere Mightily, Encouraging Nurturing Truth. (E.N.C.O.U.R.A.G.E.M.E.N.T)” By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, March 08, 14, 07:38 a.m.)

John 10:14-16: "Who will you make your S.H.E.P.H.E.R.D in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, March 01, 14, 12:21 p.m.)

“Please Rest On Messiah's Infinite, Saving, Eternal Scriptures. (P.R.O.M.I.S.E.S)” By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, Feb 26, 14, 08:36 a.m.)

Psalm 86:4: "When do you place a C.A.L.L to the Lord?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, Feb 24, 14, 10:32 a.m.)

Psalm 50:14-15: "When do you T.R.U.S.T in the Lord?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, Feb 18, 14, 11:34 a.m.)

1 Corinthians 13:4-8: "How will you be someone's Valentine using 16?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Feb 14, 14, 9:24 a.m.)

"How can F.O.O.T.B.A.L.L be used to explain God's Word working in different hearts? By Ramesh C. Reddy (Feb 01, 2014, 9:44 a.m.)

Audio: "What will your P.R.E.S.E.N.T look like in 2014?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Jan 04, 14, 9:33 a.m.)

"What will your P.R.E.S.E.N.T look like in 2014?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Jan 02, 14, 6:26 a.m.)

2013 DEVOTIONALS:

Audio: "How do you relate to the S.H.E.P.H.E.R.D.S this Christmas season?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Dec 26, 13, 11:55 a.m)

"How has your L.O.V.E influenced others in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Dec 20, 13, 06:15 p.m)

"What does your P.R.A.I.S.E report consist of?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Dec 18, 13, 07:23 a.m)

"What does God do with your D.O.U.B.T.S  in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Dec 17, 13, 10:47 a.m)

"What K.I.N.G.D.O.M will you be part of in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Dec 16, 13, 10:55 a.m)

"What does it mean to experience the F.A.V.O.R of the Lord ?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Dec 14, 13, 7:17 a.m)

"What can G.R.E.E.T.I.N.G.S do for you and others in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Dec 07, 13, 6:19 a.m)

2013 DEVOTIONALS:

"What are A-Z things you have witnessed that you can give T.H.A.N.K.S.G.I.V.I.N.G to the Lord for?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, Nov 28, 13, 11:51 a.m.)

Mark 8:34: "Why D.E.N.Y youself in the one life you have to live?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, Nov 16, 13, 08:13 a.m.)

Philippians 4:9: "How do you know your P.E.A.C.E is real?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, Oct 19, 13, 08:17 a.m.)

Philippians 4:9: "What kind of S.O.L.D.I.E.R will you be?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, Oct 12, 13, 11:29 a.m.)

Psalm 139:13-18: "Who cares for your B.I.R.T.H.D.A.Y in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, Oct 05, 13, 1:00 p.m.)

Philippians 4:8: "What is your T.H.I.N.K.I.N.G based on?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, Sept 25, 13, 10:29 a.m.)

Philippians 4:6-7: "How do you handle A.N.X.I.E.T.Y in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, Sept 21, 13, 08:18 a.m.)

Philippians 4:4: "When do you R.E.J.O.I.C.E in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, Sept 14, 13, 12:36 p.m.)

Philippians 4:5: "What measure of G.E.N.T.L.E.N.E.S.S do you have?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, Sept 09, 13, 12:03 p.m.)

Philippians 4:3: "How have you C.A.M.P.A.I.G.N.E.D for Jesus Christ in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, Sept 06, 13, 07:17 a.m.)

Philippians 4:2: "How do you respond to a P.L.E.A.D in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, Sept 04, 13, 12:00 p.m.)

Philippians 4:1: "Where do you S.T.A.N.D on love in your life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Tues, Sept 03, 13, 12:00 p.m.)

1 Thessalonians 1:3: "What does your L.A.B.O.R show in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, Sept 02, 13, 10:04 a.m.)

Philippians 3:18-19: "Why shed your T.E.A.R.S for others in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, Aug 21, 13, 08:26 a.m.)

Philippians 3:15-17: "Who are what are you willing to P.A.T.T.E.R.N your life after?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, Aug 19, 13, 10:08 a.m.)

Philippians 3:12-14:"How can you deal with the P.A.S.T in your life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, Aug 15, 13, 04:21 a.m.)

Philippians 3:1-11: "Why for R.E.F.O.R.M.A.T.I.O.N you need the transaction of the cross?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, Aug 14, 13, 05:55 p.m.)

Philippians 2:25-30:"When will your H.O.M.E.C.O.M.I.N.G begin?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Tues, Aug 13, 13, 10:39 a.m.)

Philiippians 2:20-24:  "How can you Q.U.A.L.I.F.Y well in other people's lives?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Fri, Aug 09, 13, 08:38 a.m.)

Philippians 2:17-19:  "When do you live out your F.A.I.T.H  in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, Aug 08, 13, 03:19 a.m.)

Philippians 2:14-16:  "What does your B.E.H.A.V.I.O.R do for others in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, Aug 07, 13, 12:03 p.m.)

Philippians 2:13:  "How do you W.O.R.K out your Salvation?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, Aug 05, 13, 01:33 p.m.)

Philippians 2:13:  "What path have you taken for S.A.L.V.A.T.I.O.N in your life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, Aug 05, 13, 01:33 p.m.)

Philippians 2:12-13:  "What is the point of O.B.E.D.I.E.N.C.E in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, Aug 03, 13, 01:28 p.m.)

Philippians 2:9-11: "How do you handle the N.A.M.E of Jesus in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Fri, Aug 02, 13, 07:58 a.m.) 

Philippians 2:8: "What can the C.R.O.S.S do for you in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, Aug 01, 13, 08:03 a.m.)

Philippians 2:5-7:"How do you match Jesus' A.T.T.I.T.U.D.E in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, July 31, 13, 10:50 a.m.)

Mark 10:6-9: "What does Jesus want for your M.A.R.R.I.A.G.E in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Tues, July 30, 13, 11:24 a.m.)

Philippians 2:3-4:  "How do you respond to God's C.O.M.M.A.N.D.S in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, July 29, 13, 09:53 a.m.)

Philiippians 2:1-2: "What C.O.N.D.I.T.I.O.N are you in?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, July 27, 13, 11:42 a.m.)

Philippians 1:29-30: "How do you handle S.U.F.F.E.R.I.N.G in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Fri, July 26, 13, 10:02 a.m.)

Philippians 1:27-28: "How do you C.O.N.D.U.C.T yourself in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, July 25, 13, 11:17 a.m.)

Philippians 1:22-26: "What are your C.H.O.I.C.E.S based on?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, July 24, 13, 09:50 a.m.)

Philippians 1:21: "Why D.I.E for Christ?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, July 22, 13, 3:33 p.m.)

Philippians 1:21: "Why L.I.V.E your life to be appreciated by others?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Fri, July 19, 13, 10:20 a.m.)

Philippians 1:20: "Where do you need to have C.O.U.R.A.G.E in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, July 18, 13, 05:17 a.m.)

Philippians 1:19: "Who should you C.A.L.L often in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, July 17, 13, 09:41 a.m.)

Philippians 1:19: "What reason do you have to R.E.J.O.I.C.E in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Tues, July 16, 10:23 a.m.)

Philippians 1:15-18: "How are your M.O.T.I.V.E.S in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, July 15, 04:57 a.m.)

Philippians 1:12-14:"What have your C.H.A.I.N.S done to others in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, July 11, 10:40 a.m.)

Philippians 1:12: How can you A.D.V.A.N.C.E the Gospel?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, July 10, 11:46 a.m.)

Philippians 1:9-11: "What is your L.O.V.I.N.G response based on?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, July 07, 03:24 a.m.)

Philippians 1:7-8: "How can your A.F.F.E.C.T.I.O.N grow towards others in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, June 27, 10:21 a.m.)

Philippians 1:7-8: "Why can you only be saved by G.R.A.C.E alone?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, June 26, 10:42 a.m.)

Philippians 1:3-6: "Where are you C.O.N.F.I.D.E.N.T in?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Tues, June 25, 12:42 p.m.)

Philippians 1:3-6: "How can you attain a P.A.R.T.N.E.R.S.H.I.P in the Gospel?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, June 24, 11:22 a.m.)

Philippians 1:1-3: "How will others R.E.A.C.T towards God when they remember you?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, June 22, 11:34 a.m.)

Philippians 1:1-2: "Why bother to let others T.R.A.I.N you when you are already a leader?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 21, 10:58 a.m.)

Philippians 1:1-2: "When do you B.L.E.S.S others in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 20, 08:33 a.m.)

Philippians 1:1-2: "Who will you be a S.L.A.V.E to in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 19, 1:26 p.m.)

Philippians 1:1: "Why should you believe you are H.O.L.Y instead of a sinner?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 17, 11:38 p.m.)

Psalm 46:1: "Where do you need R.E.F.U.G.E from?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 14, 08:30 a.m.)

Proverbs 14:12: "Why seek God's R.I.G.H.T over our right?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 14, 08:30 a.m.)

Psalm 42:5: "Why H.O.P.E and praise the Lord in your distress?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 13, 01:36 p.m.)

Psalm 40:1-5: "Where do you need to be L.I.F.T.E.D up in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 13, 01:34 p.m.)

Mark 9:28-29: "What can P.R.A.Y.E.R to Jesus do in your friends lives?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 11, 07:53 a.m.)

Mark 2:2-5: "What kind of F.R.I.E.N.D will you be thought of as?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 10, 07:03 a.m.)

Mark 3:14-15: "Why S.P.E.N.D time with Jesus daily?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 08, 11:07 a.m.)

Psalm 34:4: "What can you do with your F.E.A.R.S in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 07, 2013, 8:43 a.m.)

Psalm 33:4: "What will you do with F.A.I.T.H in your classes?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 05, 2013, 9:31 a.m.)

Mark 1:43-44: "What does your disobedience C.A.U.S.E for others in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 03, 2013, 2:57 a.m.)

Mark 1:41-42: "What past do you need to be C.L.E.A.N from?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 31, 2013, 10:54 a.m)

Proverbs 29:25: "Where will you take a S.T.A.N.D without wavering?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 30, 2013, 07:43 a.m)

Matthew 18:21-22:"Why F.O.R.G.I.V.E when it will happen again?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 29 2013, 09:35 a.m)

Psalm 27:14:"How do you C.O.P.E with your hurt?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 27, 2013, 11:13 a.m)

John 12:24:"Who do you remember physically and spiritually on this M.E.M.O.R.I.A.L day?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 27, 2013, 11:13 a.m)

"What has the law P.E.R.M.I.T.T.E.D you to do but it goes against the Lord?"  By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 09, 2013, 6:57 a.m)

"Who do you become an A.T.T.R.A.C.T.I.O.N to and why?"  By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 08, 2013, 6:58 a.m)

"What has A.N.G.E.R done to your relationships?"  By Ramesh C. Reddy (April 29, 13, 1:28 p.m.)

"How can the L.I.G.H.T impact your life?"  By Ramesh C. Reddy (April 06, 13, 11:48 a.m.)