Our Forgiveness in Jesus..Craig Denison Ministries

 Our Forgiveness in Jesus

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

Offering forgiveness to others is one of the most difficult and important aspects of the Christian life. The Bible clearly commands us to forgive others. God longs to fashion us into his likeness that we might model the love we’ve been shown to a world with no concept of mercy. He longs for us to offer grace and forgiveness to the undeserving as we have been offered grace and forgiveness when we were undeserving. May you be filled with courage and boldness to offer forgiveness to those in desperate need of grace. And may God’s love shine through as you enter into your calling as a minister of reconciliation.

Scripture:“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” >Ephesians 4:32

Devotional:

Before we have the ability to live a lifestyle of forgiveness, we must discover the depth of forgiveness we have received in Jesus. God’s love is the foundation for our own love. His forgiveness is the foundation for our own forgiveness. In order to love to greater depths, we must continuously reflect on the nature of our own sin and God’s overwhelming mercy.

In Luke 7:44-47 Jesus reveals an important spiritual principle about forgiveness, sacrifice, and love. A sinful woman has just come and ministered to Jesus, cleaning his feet with her own tears, hair, and alabaster ointment. When Simon, a Pharisee, saw the incredible act of love, he judged the woman and Jesus in his heart. Knowing Simon’s thoughts, Jesus says to him,

Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.

“He who is forgiven little, loves little.” Allow Jesus’ words to settle into your heart for a minute. God turns our greatest sins into his greatest triumphs. He takes our greatest transgressions, offers us mercy for them all, and transforms them into life-giving rivers of love and forgiveness. Until you and I understand the depth to which we were enslaved to sin, we will never love to our greatest potential. Until we understand how vast the chasm was that separated us from God and compare it to our new position seated with Christ in the heavenly places, we will never forgive others to the depth God calls us to.

While we were by nature wholly unworthy, God called us out from darkness and brought us into the light. While we were unable to pursue righteousness, God saved us and gave us a new identity as his sons and daughters made righteous and pure. Before the forgiveness offered you through Christ, you had no access to true relationship with your heavenly Father. You had no access to the fruit of the Spirit. You had no way to know and experience the depths of God’s love. Your life was rooted in destruction with no way out. Yet God saw fit to forgive every transgression you have ever committed and will commit. The Father so longed for your restoration to him that he paid the highest price of Jesus’ death.

Take time today to truly reflect on the depravity to which you once belonged and on the new nature, portion, and depth of relationship available to you by the forgiveness of God. Allow the Lord to forgive any present failures that are robbing you of the abundant life Jesus died to give you. And allow the Spirit to fill you with compassion and mercy for others that you might forgive them in response to the forgiveness you have received.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on your life before salvation and your life after salvation. Allow God’s word to paint a picture of just how powerful and merciful God’s forgiveness is.

“Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.” >Isaiah 59:1-2

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” >Romans 6:23

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.” >Ephesians 1:3-4

2. What sin would the Lord have you confess today? Where do you need forgiveness?

3. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with compassion for others today. Ask him to make you quick to forgive in light of the forgiveness you’ve been shown. Ask him to help you keep no record of wrongs so that you can love others with his love.

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” >Ephesians 4:32

“Then Peter came up and said to him, ‘Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.’” >Matthew 18:21-22

May Psalm 103:10-14 fill you with love for your heavenly Father and compassion for others today:

He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.

Extended Reading: Luke 7

Don’t Give Up on Church..Betsy St. Amant Haddox

 Don’t Give Up on Church (Hebrews 10:24-25)

By: Betsy St. Amant Haddox

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. - Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)

There seems to be a growing view from professing believers today that church attendance is not that important. It appears the contagious thought is something akin to “I don’t need church—I have my own relationship with God.” This viewpoint is still forgetting one important fact: the church needs you!

Growing up in the Bible belt in the 80’s and 90’s, church membership was a big deal. People didn’t just “break up” with their church and search for another over every little issue like they do today. And trust me, there were issues, from debates over worship styles to carpet color preferences and beyond! But people took the concept of a church membership seriously, and like with every good and healthy relationship, they worked through their differences and hung in there. There was a sense of loyalty that’s lacking in churches today, and the body is suffering for it.

Don’t get me wrong—if you find yourself a member of a church that’s not preaching the Word or adhering to sound Biblical doctrine, you should absolutely leave. But don’t leave to the end of having “church” by yourself in bed on Sunday mornings. Find a Bible-preaching church with sound doctrine (remember they won’t be perfect, because none are!) and plug in. Get involved. Use your gifts. Encourage, and be encouraged.

The Bible doesn’t give the command in Hebrews 10 to not forsake the assembly as an arbitrary rule, but one for our own good, and for the good of fellow believers. Instead of focusing on what your church gives you, ask yourself how your gifts would benefit the body. Maybe you have admin skills your church office could really benefit from. Maybe you have the gift of prophecy or edification. Maybe you’re a fantastic teacher, or a natural with babies and little children. Whatever your gifts are, there’s a place for you and a role for you to fill.

Church hurt is a real thing, and maybe in the past, you’ve been burned by a pastor, a Sunday School leader, or a church member. We’ve all been there, and it’s hard. It’s legit. But don’t shy away permanently from the body because of one bad experience (or two). If you’re an arm, you’re not going to thrive without the rest of the body of Christ supporting you—and the body needs that arm of yours!

Another big blessing of church community is spelled out in Hebrews 10—stirring one another up to love and good works. I don’t know about you, but I’m much more motivated by teamwork and fellowship. I can be feeling down or moody on the way to church, but once I get there, I’m immediately refreshed by worship, fellowship, and a solid sermon. It’s a reset that I need every week—and you do too.

Don’t give up on finding a church home—and don’t forsake the assembly. You’re needed.

A Prayer for Salvation..Emma Danzey

 A Prayer for Salvation

By Emma Danzey

2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.”

I love how this verse in Scripture reminds us of the great love that God has for people. This is not because we deserve it or are so appealing to Him, in fact, we are the opposite. We are sinful and unworthy. We have rejected Him and turned our own ways. However, in His great love, Jesus died for us.

After having accepted His sacrifice for our sins, we so want that for other people in our lives who have not made that decision yet. It can be easy to forget to pray for them or neglect to continue sharing with others, but God tells us that He is not being slow. He is being gracious to keep the door open to eternal life in Jesus. He does not want anyone to perish but for all to come to Him in repentance. Jesus is for people coming to Him. He desires them to say yes to His sacrifice. As we pray, may we not give up that God’s Spirit is still working in the lives of those around us.

Let's Pray:

Our Savior Jesus,
We worship You and thank You for your gift of eternal life that You gave to use by your blood, death, and resurrection. We praise You that You are the Way, and we have security and hope in You forever. You have given us a new heart and a new life. We are reborn into Your family and always Yours. Thank You for dying on the cross for our sins and raising Yourself back to life again, defeating our sin and eternal separation from God. Jesus, be magnified in our lives, help us to display Your gospel and tell of your gospel to fulfill Your great commission.

We pray over those in our families, friends, neighbors, and coworkers who do not know you. For those who have rejected you, soften their hearts. For those who have never heard of you, give us and others boldness to share. For those who have relied on religion and church to save them, open their eyes to the true Savior, Jesus. Give us insight into how we can pray for their eternal life with You. Help us to reach out and press into the opportunities around us every day. Bless the conversations and the ways that we love them. Jesus, show them that You are the answer to their biggest questions in life and struggle. Free them as You have freed us. Use us as Your mouthpieces to share the gospel.

We pray over strangers whom we may encounter in various places. Help us to see them as people made in Your image who deserve to be pursued. Lead us with Your Holy Spirit to share Your love and hope with them. We pray for spiritual eyes to see each day how You are working. Give us words to say that will speak to them in their unique situations. Help us to have boldness and courage to tell confidently. 

We pray over those who have never heard about Jesus around the world. We pray for those who are missionaries and have responded to Your call. Give them the courage and peace to proclaim this message of hope for eternity. Please reach the unreached people groups. Reveal Your love to the smallest villages. Use dreams and amazing miracles to speak to people who have not had the opportunity to hear about Jesus otherwise. Give them the truth that will set them free. 

John 14:6 says, “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” God, You make it very clear that the only way to be reunited with You is through Jesus’ sacrifice. You tell us that all we have to do is to place our faith and believe in Jesus and we will be saved. We have nothing to bring to the table. Remove any confusion or twisted versions of the gospel from those who do not claim You as Savior. Remove the scales from their eyes so that they can see You are the Way. Amen.

Who Does God Say You Are?..Laura Bailey

 Who Does God Say You Are?

By Laura Bailey

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” - 2 Corinthians 5:17

Friendships that once offered relief began to be the source of strife. Once friendly chatter was replaced with girl gossip. Best friends transformed into playground nemesis overnight. Trying to hold back the flood of tears forming in her eyes, my daughter asked, “ I don’t understand; what’s wrong with me?”

The last few weeks had been a series of ups and downs as my daughter navigated life in her new world as a tween. I was filled with compassion for her because even as an adult, I still asked myself this same question.

Why don’t those moms at playgroup talk to me? Why can’t I just lose these last few pounds and look like her? Why do I feel like I can barely keep my head above water, and she sails through life? What’s wrong with me?

How often do we question how God created us based on what we feel or how others treat us? These questions, often prompted by hurtful circumstances, drive us to the deeper questions we are all asking. Who am I? Do I matter? Am I significant?

God doesn't leave us stuck wondering what's wrong with us, He tells us who we are in His Word.

Loved
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” - 1 John 3:1

Chosen
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” - 1 Peter 2:9

Forgiven
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” - 1 John 1:9 

Redeemed 
‘He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.” - Ephesians 1:7 NLT

New Creation 
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” - 2 Corinthians 5:17

Holy
“And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” - Hebrews 10:10

Set apart 
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[k] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,  neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 8:38-39

Temple of the Holy Spirit   
“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?  If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.” - 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

God’s Handiwork
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” Ephesians 2:10 

The struggle to rest confidently in our identity in Christ starts at a young age and for a lot of women, continues to be a battle into adulthood. But, our Heavenly Father loves His children, knits them in their mother’s wombs( Psalm 139:13-14), and knows the number of hairs on their heads ( Luke 12:7).

It is painful as a mother to watch my daughter go through the challenges of growing up. My inner mamma bear wants to protect her from all hurt and pain. Unfortunately, I can't shield her from all of it! However, I can use these moments as great opportunities to remind her of what God says about her.

Remember what God says about who you are when those questions creep in. Whether it’s on the playground, in the school cafeteria, during mom and me story time, or in the boardroom, remember only God defines you. Cling tightly to the truths found in Scripture, and walk confidently into the life you were called (Ephesians 4:1).

Intersecting Faith and Life:
Has there ever been a time when the words someone spoke over you became lies you believed or sources of doubt? Maybe you were told you were heavy as a child, and you always see yourself that way in the mirror. Did a teacher say you were a slower learner, and now you accept that as truth? What lies have you believed in the past about yourself? Take a few moments and write down those lies. Then find truth from Scripture to refute this broken narrative. Pray God would help you remember and understand your true identity in Him.

For Further Reading:

• 1 John 3:1-3