Forgiveness

TODAY’S VERSE
Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Colossians 3:13

TODAY’S THOUGHT
Forgiveness is at the root of Christianity. It is the cornerstone of our beliefs. Christ came so we could be forgiven of all our sins. So is it surprising that forgiveness is the basis of a healthy human existence? No one gets through life unscathed. All of us have to forgive someone at one time or another. And it can be challenging. But we need to understand that the consequences of unforgiveness can be worse than the offense we need to forgive. Sickness, mental illness, stress, and poor life choices can all result from a bitter, unforgiving spirit. Are you hurt, bitter, angry, or unwilling to forgive? Leanne Payne, in her book Listening Prayer says, “We do not forgive evil. We hate evil. But we find the grace to forgive those in the grip of evil, those who did the evil against us.” According to Neil Anderson in his book Bondage Breaker, “Forgiveness is not forgetting what happened. Rather it is agreeing to live with the consequences of another person’s wrongdoing; it is acknowledging the hurt and hate.” When you bring that hurt and hate to Jesus and are willing to let it go, something deeply spiritual happens. God is able to help you see His deep love and forgiveness for you, and His Holy Spirit gives you the ability to forgive, even when you don’t feel like it. He will help you. Set yourself free; choose to forgive today.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, forgiving those that have hurt me is hard. Bring to my mind today those that I need to forgive. Then help me, by Your grace, to be honest about my hurt and hate and deliberately choose to forgive them, just as You deliberately died on the cross and forgave me. Set me free from the bondage of unforgiveness. In Jesus’ name.
AMEN

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No Condemnation

TODAY’S VERSE
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:1

TODAY’S THOUGHT
It is one thing to forgive someone else, but it can be challenging to forgive ourselves. How do we get rid of a guilty conscience? When we feel convicted, we repent, ask forgiveness and accept the forgiveness. At least, that is how it is supposed to work. But for many, it doesn’t stop there. It is more than guilt that is bothering us; it is shame. Guilt says, “I have done wrong.” Shame says, “I am wrong.” With shame, there is a nagging condemnation, ugly worthlessness, and a sense of hopelessness that we can never be loved, let alone forgiven. It is a shame that is so hard to overcome that our soul becomes numb in trying. My friend let me assure you, God does not use shame. He does not condemn. Lift up your head; go ahead, lift up your head, and look into the eyes of Jesus. You will see nothing but unconditional love for you. Hear these words of Paul today. Let them resound deep into your heart; breathe them in: “There is no condemnation for those that belong to Christ Jesus.” Know today that you are forgiven; you are loved. So forgive yourself, be healed, and be free from false guilt. Accept yourself as a loveable creation of God. Accept His unconditional love.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, today I quit trying to earn Your love. I let go of all the thoughts, negative self-images, nagging doubts, and condemnation that stop me from accepting Your unconditional love. Instead, as I sit here, fill me with Your forgiveness. Overwhelm me with the joy You have over me. I thank You that You are not ashamed of me and that I am precious in Your sight. Today, I wash myself clean in Your grace, forgiveness, and love. In Jesus’ name.
AMEN

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Don’t Lose Your Soul

TODAY’S VERSE
And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?
Matthew 16:26

TODAY’S THOUGHT
Jesus asked a question that has challenged people for centuries. His question has never been more relevant than it is today. He asked, “What will we benefit if we gain the whole world but lose our soul?” Isn’t gaining the whole world what everyone seems to be striving for? Never in the history of man has it been harder to be content. The pressures of this world are amplified through print, television, movies, and the internet. The convergence of media and information has escalated the speed of trends, fads, and popularity making us even more susceptible to manipulation. We must look certain ways, have certain things, go to certain schools, and live in certain places. And if we cannot make it, then our children must. The words of Jesus stand in contrast to the media hype. They warn us to stop the madness! Jesus points out that there is so much more in life than just the physical trappings and the praise of men. We have a soul! In this world, we live for 70, 80 years or so. Our soul, however, lives forever. This life is the beginning of who we really are. God created more than your body; He created your soul. It never dies. It is eternal. That is why the question Jesus asked is so essential. One way or another, you must answer. “What do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?”

TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Jesus, I must admit I have jumped onto a treadmill. I am running and running but not going anywhere. Help me to see myself as a living, breathing soul that You love and have created. Please help me not sacrifice it for the little that this world has to offer. Instead, I give my soul to You as a living sacrifice of worship.
In Jesus’ name.
AMEN

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Does It Get Any Better Than This?

TODAY’S VERSE

Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.
Psalms 143:8,10

TODAY’S THOUGHT
There is something about an isolated sandy beach along the ocean. Sitting on the sand, listening to the ocean waves hit the shore. Sun is caressing your face. A gentle breeze is awakening your skin. Birds chirping in the background. Does it get any better than this? Well, yes! David talks about a place that is much more satisfying. A place where the warmth of the sun pales in comparison. It is where the sound of the ocean is replaced with the whisper of God. Where the mighty wind of the Holy Spirit overshadows the gentle breeze. This place David is talking about is the very presence of God. He is sharing about his time with God in the morning. “Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning” he writes. He shares about hearing God’s voice, sensing His love, learning His will, trusting His word, and being led in which way to go. It doesn’t get any better than this! This can be your experience today. You don’t need to drive anywhere, apply sunscreen, or walk barefoot on a hot sandy beach. You just need to be available. Call on God even now. Pray David’s prayer, and might you return to this peaceful place again and again.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Father, let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I trust you. Please show me where to walk, for I give myself to you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. In Jesus’ name.
AMEN

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Unbelievable Forgiveness

TODAY’S VERSE
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy times seven’”.
Matthew 18:21-22

TODAY’S THOUGHT
It is interesting that Peter was the one that came to Jesus and asked, “How many times should we forgive another person?” Peter thought he was generous and asked, “Seven times?” But the answer that Jesus gave Peter was based on grace and mercy, not merit or our puny benevolence. Jesus said, “Seventy times seven.” Peter learned to identify himself with Christ’s answer. When the crowd came to crucify Jesus, Peter denied that he knew Jesus three times. When he realized the wrong he had committed, he went and “wept bitterly” over his sin. How awful Peter must have felt. When Jesus rose again, he went and found Peter. Jesus forgave Peter and told him three times to go and serve Him. This was the same number of times Peter denied Christ. And that’s what Peter did. Peter never lost sight of the fact he was just a forgiven fisherman, saved by the grace of God. And other people recognized it too. The book of Acts says, “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished, and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Peter was keenly aware that He was forgiven and loved by God. He made his goal to tell everyone that they could be as well. Shouldn’t we do the same?

TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Jesus, thank You for all that You have forgiven in my life. Might I live filled with your Holy Spirit and in the fresh awareness that I am loved by You. Help me, in turn, love and share the good news with others. I pray that when they see me, they, too, will take note that I have been with You. In Jesus’ name.
AMEN

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No Perfect People Allowed

TODAY’S VERSE
I have not achieved it (perfection), but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Philippians 3:13-14

TODAY’S THOUGHT
Paul started the whole “No perfect people allowed” movement! He knew the pressure that Christians were getting from the religious people. Get circumcised, follow the commandments, and obey the law. Paul knew that this was a trap. He knew that two kinds of people miss God’s standard of perfection. Those that say they do and those that pretend they don’t. Paul did not have to pretend to be perfect; he had a better way! He tried being the ideal Jew, following the law, and being a zealot. But Paul put that all behind him. He stopped trying to earn God’s love and feeling guilty over his sin. Instead, he wrote, “I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ.” How about you? There comes a time when you have to make a choice. Will you live by the law, beat yourself up over your sin, and try to earn God’s love? Or will you live by God’s grace and accept His unconditional love for you? Follow Paul’s example, “I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, you know my past. You know I cannot earn my way into your graces. Please help me to know that too. Help me accept your grace and unconditional love, forget the past, and move into your glorious future for me.
AMEN

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I Am To Blame

TODAY’S VERSE
Who is to blame for Israel’s rebellion? Samaria, its capital city! Where is the center of idolatry in Judah? In Jerusalem, its capital!
Micah 1:5

TODAY’S THOUGHT
God’s chosen people, the Jews, had divided into two nations. Most of the twelve tribes went North and called themselves Israel. Their capital was the city of Samaria. Those left were in the South and called themselves Judah. Their capital was Jerusalem. God was trying to call the people back to Himself through His prophets. Micah comes and says, “The Sovereign LORD is making accusations against you.” Next, he explains all the bad things God will do to them. He then asks, “Who is to blame for the rebellion that Israel is doing?” and “Where is the center of idolatry?” What makes this passage so significant is not the questions but the answer. The people living in the capital cities were responsible for the spiritual bankruptcy of the nation. Those who should be the closest to the Lord were rebelling against the Lord and practicing idolatry. This should serve us notice lest we think we are any better. Only through reading God’s word, keeping close to Him in prayer, and surrendering to the guidance of the Holy Spirit can we have any chance of living the life that He wants us to. Today commit yourself to God. Repent of any rebellion toward Him. Put away your “idols,” anything in your life that you put above your allegiance to God.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, I confess that I have been the one that has stumbled. I am to blame for rebelling against You. I have ignored my relationship with You. I have made other things in my life more of a God to me than You. Forgive me. Today, I choose to follow You. Today I put away those things that cause me to stray and commit myself to following You. In Jesus’ name.
AMEN

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Teach Me To Pray

TODAY’S VERSE
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.”
Luke 11:1-2 (NIV)

TODAY’S THOUGHT
There is much to learn about praying. It seems so easy, “we just talk to God.” But if it was that simple, then why don’t we do it? Instead, we act as if we are calling in a restaurant’s take-out order. Nothing personal, just putting in our request. Or we leave messages on the heavenly answering machine because we don’t expect God to “pick up.” Where is the relationship? Can you imagine what that was like for the disciples to watch Jesus interact with His Heavenly Father? It was enough that one of His disciples asked Jesus to show him how to pray and interact with God. And what was the first thing Jesus said? It was “Our Father.” Prayer for Jesus was about His relationship with His loving Father. God wants the same relationship with you! He created you for fellowship. Prayer is more than just a shopping list, more than a simple confession, more than a one-way conversation. It is a dialog, a relationship. It is you getting to know God and fellowshipping “with” Him, not talking “at” Him. So today, coverse with God, share your thoughts with Him, and ask Him to share His thoughts with you. Ask God to make you conscious of His presence. Then He will do with you what He did with the disciples. He will teach you to pray!

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, I come to You now and ask You to teach me to pray. I want a real relationship with You. I want to know Your thoughts, desires, and direction for my life. Help me relate to You throughout the day so prayer becomes second nature. In Jesus’ Name.
AMEN

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How Deep Is God’s Love?

TODAY’S VERSE
And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully.
Ephesians 3:18-19

TODAY’S THOUGHT
Unconditional love. What a thought; better yet, when we realize it, what a reality! God loves us with no strings attached. But do we believe that? In his book Abba’s Child, Brennan Manning challenges whether we do or not. He writes, “It is one thing to feel loved by God when our life is together and all our support systems are in place. But what happens when life falls through the cracks? What happens when we sin and fail, when our dreams shatter, when our investments crash, when we are regarded with suspicion? What happens when we come face-to-face with the human condition?” If we were honest with ourselves, we would probably begin to doubt whether God could love us. Why is that? Could it be that we want something to do with our own salvation? Is it the cross plus our worthiness? Is it His death plus all the good things we have done? We need to pray what Paul prayed so that we would have the power to understand how much God loves us. Manning wrote it this way, “Whether you understand it or not, God loves you, is present in you, lives in you, dwells in you, calls you, saves you and offers you an understanding and compassion which are like nothing you have ever found in a book or heard in a sermon.” May you begin to believe and experience this reality.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, thank You for the fact that You love me unconditionally. Please give me the power to fully understand how deep Your love really is and that it is a gift, not something I have to earn. Thank You for such an amazing truth. In Jesus’ name.
AMEN

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Cry Out To God

TODAY’S VERSE
Listen to my prayer for mercy as I cry out to you for help, as I lift my hands toward your holy sanctuary. – Praise the LORD! For he has heard my cry for mercy. The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
Psalms 28:2, 7-8

TODAY’S THOUGHT
David knew what it was like to be tormented. He knew the pain that comes with great need. He experienced difficulties that had no escape except by the mercy of an Almighty God. So David cried out to God for help. As David cried out to God, the Lord strengthened and protected him. David trusted God with all his heart, resulting in deep spiritual joy. You see, God did not take David out of his situation. David still faced his problems, but instead of facing his situation alone, he turned to God for strength. God protected David like a shield. Do you have a story similar to David’s? Are there times you need to cry out to God for His mercy? Rest assured, He hears you. You, too, can end up praising God, for He promises He will be your strength. He will be your shield. You can trust Him with your situation. When you do, you will experience the profound joy that can only come from God.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, I come to You today asking for Your mercy in my life. Thank You for hearing my cry and offering to be my strength and shield. I accept this promise and put all my trust in You. Thank You that I will not be disappointed. Fill my heart with a deep joy today so I, too will burst out with thanksgiving. In Jesus’ name.
AMEN

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