A CHRISTIAN MISSION
April 2025 Newsletter
Prayer Request: Ask God to reveal any hidden bitterness, resentment, or pain that may be lingering in your heart. Pray for the strength and grace to forgive those who have wronged you, just as Christ has forgiven you. Release any grudges or burdens into His hands. Ask for a heart that reflects His love and mercy so that you may walk in peace and freedom.
Please call us if you have any questions about the Mission or how you can help. 432-337-8294
A Word From Our Director ~ Pastor Andrew Pistone
Revenge
(Portions inspired by John MacArthur and David Jeremiah)
Amanda Ramirez wanted revenge. She had purchased Velveeta Shells & Cheese – sold by the Kraft Heinz Food Company. The label on the package said that the food would be ready to eat in 3½ minutes, but Amanda said the wording was false and misleading. She said that the microwave cooking time WAS 3½ minutes, but that there was no mention of the amount of time it took her to open the package, add the water, and stir the cheese sauce into the mixture. To her, it felt like a betrayal - worth more than $5 million in damages…and she sued Kraft Heinz. After hearing all the facts, the federal judge dismissed the lawsuit – saying that Amanda had not suffered any injury – and, in fact, had even continued to purchase the product after claiming that the label was deceptive.
This illustration is an example of an unreasonable person wanting to get revenge, and to make somebody PAY for the so-called “offense.” Even though this is extreme, it's not so different from the attitude of many people today. There's hostility in the human heart, and we see it running rampant in our society. In a courtroom, or in everyday life – it seems like people are wired for payback. If someone does them wrong, they don't just get angry – they want to get revenge. Maybe it's a lawsuit, or maybe it's just a silent grudge, but they want to make sure the score is settled – one way or another.
We live in a world where we WILL be offended, and it's probably a more offensive world than it's ever been before. Because of media, we can even be offended by every possible electronic device. We have a sinful nature, and we are all prone to anger and resentment.
Very often, the offenses against us are serious and hurtful…not just invented – like the court case against Kraft Heinz.
The Bible assumes that all of us will be offended, and we are instructed to forgive. “As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, gentleness and patience.
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:12-14)
We know that anger and unforgiveness can ruin relationships, and it damages an entire society. There's anger in our music, in our families, in our schools, and in our politics. The solution to much of this anger is forgiveness. Relationships are destroyed because people don't forgive. If we don't forgive, we can become more and more bitter, and hostile, and isolated.
“A person's discretion makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression.” (Proverbs 19:11)
It's clear that forgiveness is desperately needed.
One result of unforgiveness is - that we are a prisoner to the pain. When we choose to keep the resentment going, the original offense grows bigger and bigger in our minds, and causes deep bitterness. We don't forgive, because our sin of pride gets in the way. The world belongs to Satan, but those of us who follow Jesus, should be known for our love and forgiveness. In fact, it's been said that we are most like God when we forgive.
Forgiveness is a loving and liberating act.
Here are some word pictures of forgiveness:
To forgive - is to pound the gavel in a courtroom and declare, “Not Guilty.”
To forgive – is to write in large letters, “Nothing Owed.”
To forgive – is to turn the key, open the cell door, and let the prisoner walk free.
To forgive - is to shoot an arrow so high, so far - it can never be found again.
To forgive - is to loose the anchor that holds the ship and set it free to sail.
To forgive - is to grant a full pardon to a condemned and sentenced criminal.
To forgive - is to loosen a stranglehold on a wrestling opponent.
To forgive - is to sandblast a wall of graffiti - leaving it looking brand new.
To forgive – is to take out the garbage and dispose of it – leaving the house full of cleanliness and sweet smelling, fresh air.
God Commands Us to Forgive
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
Forgiveness makes sense! It's healthy and wholesome. It gives us freedom from tension and anxiety, and it brings us peace…but, the most important reason to forgive – is that God commands us to do it! Don't live with anger and bitterness. Forgive! It's basic instruction for Christians.
As believers, forgiveness should be the norm in our lives. If we are children of God, we should want to be obedient and free from bitterness. In the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, Jesus said, “Love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you.”
Whoever has offended us – has offended God more.
God is holy, and He is the One who is most offended by sin. We are continually forgiven by Him – so, who are WE not to forgive the people who have hurt us? Are we pretending to have a higher standard than God?
When we hold on to resentment, we are being disobedient. We have to genuinely forgive – “seventy times seven” - and then, ask God to take care of the rest – in His timing and in His wisdom.
When we forgive people who have hurt us - a load can be lifted off of our shoulders. It's a load that some people have been lugging around for way too long.
We need to take the words of God seriously, and enjoy the freedom and power of forgiving the people who have offended us - for our blessing - and for His Glory.
Pastor Andrew
Thrift Store
If you haven't had a chance to shop at one of our Thrift Stores, we hope you will do that soon. The proceeds from the store are a significant source of our support. You will find thousands of quality items at incredible prices, and you can shop with confidence that your dollars are helping to change lives.
Our stores are located at 1515 E. 8th St., Odessa & 1020H Andrews Highway, Midland
Our hours for shopping are Monday - Saturday from 9:00 am – 7:00 pm.
We continue to take ALL donations with grateful hearts. We could not do this without your help.
We will come to PICK UP any donations – call us at 432-337-8294 to schedule a pickup. You can also drop off your donation at the Thrift Store,
Please visit us on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DoorOfHopeThriftStore
All donations are tax-deductible.
Please check out our latest post and like our page at https://www.facebook.com/DoorOfHopeMissionTX
Funds / Donations Needed
Your financial support will help us provide hot meals, a safe place to sleep and shower, and exposure to the truth of God's Word through Bible study and counseling to those who struggle with addictions. Many come to know Jesus as Savior because of the work God is doing here at the Mission.
There are a few ways you can give:
#1: PayPal Giving Fund:100% of your gift goes to the Mission. Paypal does not charge a processing fee when you use this service. If you would like to make a direct financial donation, you can go to PayPal using the link below.
https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/2432315
#2: Use our Website http://www.doorofhopemission.com/donate.html
#3: Mail a Check to Door of Hope Mission PO Box 1789, Odessa, TX 79760
#4: When you Shop on eBay, add us as your preferred charity, and a portion of your purchase will go to the Door Of Hope Mission.
With Ebay: You must add the Door Of Hope Mission to your favorites. Click the link to add us.
https://charity.ebay.com/charity/charity-name/2432315
If you have any questions, please call us at 432-337-8294.
The Door of Hope Mission is supported 100% by DONATIONS and our thrift store. We do not take money from the government because they would restrict us from preaching about the freeing power of Jesus to those we help.
All donations are tax-deductible.