Forgiven and Free

TODAY’S VERSE
Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 7:24-25 (NLT)

TODAY’S THOUGHT
Perhaps one of the most universal and pervasive troubles that Christians face is the guilt that comes with sin in our life. We sin. No matter how long we have known Jesus, how much we have matured, how much we pray and read the Bible, we sin. And many times, we feel like today’s verse, a wretched miserable person bound by sin. But therein lies the problem. We feel like a wretched person. We sense that God is surprised, outraged and ready to abandon us. But this is not the God of grace. Surely, God does not wink at sin. That is why Jesus had to die on the cross. But He doesn’t condemn us either. Paul finishes his thought by writing, “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” The Apostle John settles the issue when he writes, “If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” Does this mean it doesn’t matter? Can we do anything we want? No. Sin comes between us and God. It also has consequences of its own. We must repent and confess, but when we do, we must accept. We must accept His grace. So today, believe God. Believe that He loves you, He has forgiven you, and He wants you to walk in the freedom and forgiveness of His grace. Thank God, the answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord!

TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Father, You know my heart. You know my life. I pray that You will help me live for You. Forgive me for my sins, and help me live in the freedom of that forgiveness. Help me return to peace and joy after I have blown it. Help me believe that confession and repentance are all You require and that I can rejoice in Your unconditional love and grace.
AMEN

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Remain In The Vine

TODAY’S VERSE
Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5 (NLT)

TODAY’S THOUGHT
Remain. What a word. In this context, it means to be grafted in. Jesus used the illustration of a vine. God takes us who are separated from Him and makes us His own. We belong to Christ. We are grafted into His forever family. Grafting means that we get our identity from the vine. We are part of the vine now and bear the fruit of the vine. We also get our life source from the vine. Paul spoke about this relationship with Christ, saying, “For in him we live, and move, and have our being.” But it is more than just being part of the vine. It is possible to be a dead branch and still be attached. Jesus also meant for us to stay or remain with Him. It is living a life of faith that is dependent on Him every day after day. It is a living connection with Christ, enduring to the very end. God has called us to worship, fellowship, and obedience to our Lord and Savior. If we do this, Jesus promises that we will bear much fruit. For what Christ said is true, “Apart from me you can do nothing.” Today, remain in Him.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, it is so true; I can do nothing apart from you. In You, I do live and have my being. Thank You for making Your own. Help me to remain connected, drawing my strength, hope, and faith from You.
AMEN

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Shadow Of Shame

TODAY’S VERSE
I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
Psalms 34:4-5 (NLT)

TODAY’S THOUGHT
A shadow of shame. How fitting. Shame is a darkness that shadows our souls. A pervasive feeling of brokenness. A sense that we are unworthy, unable to receive love. A self-loathing. What will it take to set us free? What can ever change a perception of worthlessness? Nothing less than the Creator. The one who created us can disaffirm our misbelief. And so we pray. Fears, too afraid to think of, so terrifying that they cannot be uttered. But God hears the language of our angst. He understands and frees us from our emotional bondage. And what was a shadow becomes a radiant light. Our shame returns to joy as the shadow disappears. Today, bring your shame to Him. He will free you from all your fears, doubts, and self-loathing. He will turn your shadow into radiant joy.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, I cannot express how hard it is for me to accept Your love. The shadow of shame darkens my soul, so I cry out to you. You, in all Your love, dare to call me Your own. You have said that You love me, so I come. I look to You. Might the radiance of Your love remove my shadow of shame and give me joy.
AMEN

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I Am Slipping

TODAY’S VERSE
When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your love, O LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.
Psalms 94:18-19

TODAY’S THOUGHT
Have you ever lost your footing? My son Nathan did. I went climbing a small rock with my two oldest boys. Nathan was rising above me. He was almost to the top of our little climb when his foot slipped. I was below on a ledge, and as Nathan came sliding down the face, I was able to catch him. We hugged and I helped him back up where he completed the climb. I went with him the whole way. I don’t know who was more scared, Nathan or me. I love my son and did everything I could to stop him from getting hurt. Our feet slip, don’t they? Every day, anxiety, pressure, and the complexities of life assault us and knock us off balance. The good news is that we have a Father waiting to catch us and help us back up the trail.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, when my feet slip, I am thankful for Your help and support. When I am troubled today, I ask that You make me conscious of Your presence and bring a deep joy to my soul.
AMEN

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It’s About Forgiveness

TODAY’S VERSE
The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.
Psalm 103:8-13 (NIV)

TODAY’S THOUGHT
If I had to pick two words to describe Christianity, it would be “love and forgiveness.” There is something about God’s love and forgiveness that is unique to Christianity. Jesus made it possible to experience it. Read the verses again and then ask yourself, “Do I believe these verses apply to me?” This personalization is where change comes from. What you read in the Bible won’t change your life if you choose not to believe it. God says, “As high as the heavens are, so great is my love for you.” Today’s scripture reminds us “That God is slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” Believe and receive it. If you know Jesus as your Savior, then you can really know that your wrongdoing is forever forgiven and forgotten.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Thank You, Jesus, for dying on the cross so that ALL my sins can be forgiven. Take my heart and draw me to Yourself even now. Surround me in Your love and forgiveness while I wait on You. Help me to know and appreciate Your love and forgiveness in all of its fullness throughout this day. In Jesus’ name.
AMEN

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The Fruit Of The Spirit

TODAY’S VERSE
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Galatians 5:22 (NIV)

TODAY’S THOUGHT
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. What a list. It is easy to focus on each attribute and begin to feel overwhelmed by the challenge to master each one. But that is not what today’s verse is suggesting. Instead, it is saying that the list of attributes is the result of living in the Spirit. It’s the Spirit’s fruit. In nature, if we want fruit, we must nourish the tree it grows on. Fruit is only produced when the tree is healthy. Likewise, when we fellowship with the Spirit, live in harmony with His direction, and follow His leading every day, the Spirit’s fruit will be produced in our lives. As the Holy Spirit instructs, rebukes, guides, and comforts us, if we respond to His voice, we will experience His fruit.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Holy Spirit, I want Your fruit to grow in my life. I know that is only possible through letting You guide my life. Help me hear Your promptings. Let me experience fellowship with You today. Please guide me in all things. Fill me, Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, I ask it.
AMEN

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Overcome Temptations

TODAY’S THOUGHT
Life is hard. It is easy to be tempted to take the easy way out. Easy to complain. Easy to give up. But what a slippery slope we walk on. Lying, cheating, substances, gambling. These are the temptations we hear about the most. But what about the temptation to hate, become overly angry or ungrateful? You see, we are all tempted to behave like we shouldn’t. What’s your temptation? Do you feel hopeless to overcome? Are you in total denial? Whatever your temptations are today, God knows and is waiting for you to come to Him for help. “He will never let you be pushed past your limit; He will always be there to help you come through.” Call on Him today.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Father, You know the temptations I face. I have been in such denial. I have felt so helpless at times. I can’t do this life without You. Thank You for promising that You will always be there to help me. Help me today. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Your son, my Savior.
AMEN

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His Grace Is All You Need

TODAY’S VERSE
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you.”
II Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

TODAY’S THOUGHT
Paul the Apostle was distraught. He had asked God three times to help alleviate a situation plaguing him. God did not relieve the situation, but God did promise Paul that His grace was sufficient for him. Grace, what a word! It means God’s concern, His favor, His provision, His friendship, all this, without any merit on our own that would cause Him to act favorably toward us. It is from the depth of His unconditional love for us that He helps us in the inner person. He will do whatever it takes to get us to the other side. His grace is sufficient for anything you bring to Him today. Will you accept it?

TODAY’S PRAYER
Lord, I come to You needy. I come with an empty cup and ask that You fill it today with Your grace. Let me drink of it. Let it go down deep into my soul until I can say with confidence, “Your grace is sufficient for me.” Thank you, Lord! In Jesus’ name.
AMEN

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Come To God’s Throne

TODAY’S VERSE
So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Hebrew 4:14-16 (NLT)

TODAY’S THOUGHT
Sometimes you need a helping hand. You need someone who understands what you are going through and can help you navigate difficult times. Jesus is that intercessor. He is God with all the power and wisdom we need, yet because of His volunteer time spent on earth in human form, He knows exactly what we are going through. He knows all our limitations, frailty, emotions and how to work with them and live a victorious life. He can guide us down the same path of faith, strength, hope and love that He took. So let’s do what the author of Hebrews suggests. Let’s come boldly to our gracious God and ask Him for the help we need today. We will find Him gracious, compassionate and able to help us when we need it the most.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Jesus, I come to You because You know all about me. You know my situation. You know my thoughts, my frustrations and my desires. You know my needs. I come to You because You are the Almighty God and can do all things. I give You this day with all of its challenges, struggles and complexities. Make me conscious of Your presence as You meet the deepest needs of my heart and life today. In Jesus’ name.
AMEN

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Re-correct Your Course

TODAY’S VERSE
That is why the LORD says, ‘Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.’ Return to the LORD your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
Joel 2:12-13

TODAY’S THOUGHT
Attitudes and behavior. How easily they can get us off course. Left unchecked, we can find ourselves far from where we want to be. It is like that in sail boating. You don’t get to the other side of the lake in a straight line. Storms, waves, and the wind all send you off course. Instead, you must constantly readjust your sails and re-correct your course to reach your destination. In life, it is our sinful behavior and attitudes that separate us from God. It was this way in the parable of the Prodigal Son. The son decided to leave home and rebel against the father. But there is hope. Jesus said the son was at a low point, feeding the pigs, and “then he came to his senses.” He thought of his father’s love and mercy and decided to go back home. Through the prophet Joel, God says we can do the same thing. “Turn to me now,” God says, “while there is time.” Do you feel far from God today? Do you feel off course? Who moved? Come to Him, come in repentance, come in genuine sorrow, ask for His forgiveness, and ask Him to help you re-correct your course. When you do, listen to Joel’s promise: “He is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.”

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, You know my attitudes and behavior. You know how I have wandered off, far from You. But today, I have come to my senses. I want back. Thank You for Your forgiveness and unfailing love toward me. Holy Spirit, help me to re-correct my course. In Jesus’ name.
AMEN

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