A Lifestyle of Continual Forgiveness..Craig Denison Ministries

 A Lifestyle of Continual Forgiveness

Craig Denison Ministries

Week 33 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 angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” - Ephesians 4:26-27

Devotional:

Ephesians 4:26-27 offers revelation on an important and often unknown spiritual principle. Scripture says, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” When we allow anger to fester within us for days, weeks, months, and sometimes years, we allow the enemy to gain a foothold in our lives that robs us of the abundant life provided in Christ. In Ephesians, Paul is clear that anger in itself is not a sin; it’s when we allow anger to remain instead of choosing grace and forgiveness that we break God’s command.

When people wrong us the natural response is to be angry, and that is all right! Jesus himself was often angry. Matthew 21:12 tells us, “And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons.” Jesus was consistently angry with those who claimed to know God and took advantage of others. Nothing made him more angry than pharisaical people. But Jesus also modeled forgiveness of the highest form. Rather than being filled with anger and allowing it to fester inside of him, he offered his life out of his love for the very people who shouted, “Crucify him!” and “Free Barabbas!”

The truth is that our anger is often a symptom of our brokenness rather than the result of the wrongs of others. Often, anger is rooted in our own insecurities and pride rather than a righteous anger for justice. It’s for this reason the Bible tells us over and over again to be slow to anger. James 1:19-20 says, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” >Proverbs 19:11 says, “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” And Proverbs 29:11 says,“A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.”

The Lord desires to make us a people filled with his grace and compassion over our own anger and prideful sense of justice. God, who was deserving of everything, gave it all up to show us grace. Jesus is the rightful King of kings and Lord of lords. But rather than claiming what was rightfully his own, he humbled himself before a Roman prefect and a rebellious people and gave up his own life. And now he asks you to do the same. Jesus is asking you to lay down your rights and pride to pursue a higher calling of unconditional love. He’s asking you to show grace where none is deserved. He’s asking you to offer mercy where there should rightfully be none. And he’s asking you to forgive others so that heaven might come to earth through your actions. Commit to living a lifestyle of continual forgiveness today, and allow God to work through you to bring salvation and restored relationship to a world in desperate need of a Savior.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on God’s command to live a lifestyle of continual forgiveness. Allow his word to fill you with a desire to be slow to anger and quick to forgive and offer grace.

“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” >Ephesians 4:26-27

“Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” >Proverbs 16:32

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

2. Who do you need to offer forgiveness to today? What anger have you allowed to fester in your heart?

3. Forgive that person or those people in your heart right now. Offer grace to them in your heart that you might receive healing in the place of bitterness.

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” >James 1:19-20

“And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” >Mark 11:25

1 Peter 2:23 says, “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.” May we become like Jesus and offer grace and forgiveness to others who are undeserving. May we be reflections of his love by being slow to anger and quick to offer mercy. May his light shine through us today into a world wrought with darkness and pain.

Extended Reading: Ephesians 4

The Sweet Invitation of Inadequacy..KAITLIN GARRISON

 The Sweet Invitation of Inadequacy

KAITLIN GARRISON

“They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:8 (NIV)

“I am not enough.”

For years, these four words were banned from my vocabulary, but they attacked me with full force when I felt inadequate. In those moments, I reminded myself of all the great things I was doing, hoping to convince myself those four words were not true.

While I thought I was combatting a lie, I found myself running to another lie:

I have to prove I’m enough for people by pleasing them, enough for myself by meeting my high standards, and enough for God by being good.

In trying to prove I could be enough on my own, I wound up sacrificing my values, my freedom and ultimately the truths of the gospel. Outperforming my inadequacy was outright exhausting.

Inadequacy presents us with an invitation to trust. But I’ve learned we can take our trust and plant it in one of two places: We can sow it in the salt lands or by the stream.

In Jeremiah 17, God paints a picture of two different kinds of trust. He declares that the person who trusts in herself resembles a desert shrub planted in a parched, deserted salt land. (Jeremiah 17:5-6) When we place our trust in our own righteousness, strength and resources, we resist the need for God as our hearts slowly turn inward and away from Him.

When our response to inadequacy is self-reliance, our lives do not bear the fruit of godliness. Instead, we bear the weight of the excessive need to prove, protect and perform.

Yet those who place their trust and confidence in the Lord are described this way:

“They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit” (Jeremiah 17:8).

When we don’t run from our lack but rather lean on God, who has no lack, it is like planting our trust by the stream of Living Water, Jesus. Just like the tree, we are in a frequent state of dependence on this stream; He is the lifeblood running through our veins. In this posture, we flourish and bear the fruit of God’s provision, power and peace.

We can view inadequacy as a disqualification that propels us to strive to be enough. Or we can view it as an invitation that compels us to lean on Christ and let Him be enough.

When we lean into our lack, we not only experience for ourselves the rich fruit of God’s provision, power and peace, but our lives bear the evidence that He is working in us.

Friends, when we come up against inadequacy and don’t feel like we’re enough, it can drive us to be self-sufficient or Spirit-dependent. Self-sufficient lives say, “Look at me!” Spirit-dependent lives cry, “Look at Him!”

We don’t have to panic when we’re planted in places where we come face to face with our own shortcomings. We can lean into them and watch God do something we couldn’t possibly have done without Him.

Lord, a life that is free of needing You is not a life I want. Thank You that I can rest in the face of inadequacy because my hope is not in what I can do but in the reality that You are enough. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The Priority of Obedience..Dr. Charles Stanley

 The Priority of Obedience

Dr. Charles Stanley

John 14:23-26

The Creator gave two commands to Adam and Eve—first, to fill the earth and rule over it, and second, not to eat from a certain tree in the Garden (Gen. 1:28; 2:17). Because they chose to disobey, their relationship with God was broken, and they had to leave Eden.

The first couple’s rebellion not only impacted their own lives but also had far broader implications: all future generations have suffered. In Romans 5:12-19, the apostle Paul explained the reason. Through the trespass of one man, Adam, sin made its entrance into the world, and death resulted for all mankind. Because Adam was head of the human race, his actions affected everyone born after him. His disobedience resulted in each of us having a bent away from the Lord and a desire for self-rule.

By contrast, Jesus made conformity to the Lord’s will the priority of His life. He obeyed God in both word and deed (John 8:28-29). Having lived a perfect life—one entirely without sin—He qualified to be our Savior (2 Cor. 5:21). Through the death of one man, Christ Jesus, payment was made for the transgressions of all mankind. God’s acceptance of the Son’s sacrifice brought us forgiveness and freedom from sin’s power.

Adam’s disobedience brought judgment and death upon us, whereas Jesus’ obedience resulted in new life for all who believe in Him (Rom. 6:4). Our Savior calls us to deny selfish desires, live sacrificially, and follow Him (Matt. 16:24). A godly life will bring Jesus honor and influence others for Him.

Why Two Are Better Than One..Betsy St. Amant Haddox

 Why Two Are Better Than One (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10)

By: Betsy St. Amant Haddox

Today's Bible Verse: Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV)

Sometimes in my Camp Gladiator workouts, our trainer has us partner into two-person teams. I love when we do that because it’s incredibly motivating! The other day when we did so, Partner 1 was to perform ten reps of a particular exercise, such as alternating snatches, “man-makers”, burpees, etc. while Partner 2 held a difficult pose, such as a high plank or a deep squat. The pressure was on Partner 1 to hurry and finish their reps, sprint to a certain spot and back, and relieve Partner 2 from their hold. Then we swapped and Partner 1 went into the hold move and waited their turn while Partner 2 performed the exercises and sprint.

Halfway through the workout, I started losing steam. It was hot and muggy, and I was exhausted. Everything in me was screaming to slow down, slack off, give up. But in the back of my mind, louder than the weary protests, was the (dramatic, I admit) thought “must…keep…going….must…save…Robyn…” Ha! But you know what? It worked. I knew she wouldn’t have relief until I made it back. And that kept me going running through the pain.

Our trainer recognized that we would be more motivated to push through this incredibly difficult workout when we were confronted with the reality of helping someone else. This is a Biblical principle at its root! The book of Ecclesiastes tells us that two are better than one. Teammates and helpmates make a world of difference when it comes to spurring each other on in the Christian faith. Think about the times in your spiritual walk where you felt burned out and weary and worn, and fellowship with another believer helped refuel your tank. We need each other—the Christian journey was never meant to be walked alone.

The Bible is full of examples of how the church in Acts banded together and helped each other financially, spiritually, and emotionally. And of course, there were twelve disciples and a group of apostles for a reason—no one is meant to do hard things by themselves.

You know the best part of the workout that day? Was sprinting toward that trash can, feeling like I was going to collapse, and hearing my partner yell after me from her plank hold “Go Betsy!”

If you’re feeling alone on the journey right now, partner up with other believers. Go to church. Surround yourself with fellow Christians who understand the urgency, who want to help spur you on in your “sprint”. And remember, even during seasons of loneliness or lack of fellowship, you’re never truly alone. Jesus promised He would never forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6) If you’re a believer, you have the gift of the Holy Spirit with you at all times!

So, press on. Keep running. You got this!

A Prayer for Faith..Emma Danzey

 A Prayer for Faith

By Emma Danzey

Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”

It is beautiful to think about how faith pleases God. Whoever accepts Jesus puts his faith in Jesus. Faith is more than just confidence, it is an unwavering hope and trust in the One True God. It is taking Him at His Word and believing that He is who He says that He is. Faith is a spiritual gift. Whether it comes more naturally to you or you tend to wrestle with fear and doubt, we are going to approach the Lord today and ask boldly for more faith.

We each believe in Jesus by grace through faith for salvation, but after our faith continues to grow in our lives by walking each day learning to trust Him. Where are you lacking faith? What area of your life are you struggling to believe God in? Let’s come to Him today and ask for more faith through His Holy Spirit.

Let's Pray:

Dear Lord,
You are so good. You are the Savior of the world for anyone who places their faith in You. Thank You for the gift of salvation. Thank You for giving me the ability to grow in my trust in You each day. Thank You for giving me Your Word. Romans 10:17 says, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” I have faith today because of Your truth and Your gospel. Please help my personal walk to be propelled forward with You. Please lead me to new levels of faith. Help me not only to believe in You but to believe You. Give me open eyes to see the truth of Your Word and then the courage to walk in it.

You say in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Would You please help me to have the assurance of the promises in Your Bible? Help me to have faith that my forgiveness comes from You, that I am truly Your child, and that I am free from sin and eternal separation. Help me to have faith that with You all things are possible, that even in my trials, You are working, and that living for You is the best path in life.

God, You say in Mark 11:22-24 that I should pray in faith, believing that You will work and answer. I am asking today that you would give me the strength to have even mustard-sized faith in my areas of weakness and struggle. Would You please give me the words to pray and the endurance to trust in You even in unknown or challenging circumstances? Please help me in my weaknesses to rely on You and have a renewed hope in You. Thank You for being sovereign and for hearing my prayers.

2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” It is so easy in life to live based on what I can see in front of me. Where You are asking me to walk into the unknowns, would You equip me to walk by faith and not by sight? Would you give me the boldness to take every step with You? Even when Your ways do not make sense to me, remind me that Your ways are higher and better than my own. Give me the joy of the Spirit to walk with You.

God, is it tempting to put my faith in people over You? Would you help me to not rest in the wisdom of others but in Your power? (1 Corinthians 2:5) It is so easy to go to people who I can physically see, but I know that it is in You who I do not see where my true help comes from. Give me the ability to test what others say with Your Word. Help me to know when to move and when to wait. In Luke 17:5, Your disciples ask, “Increase our faith!” Please increase my faith today. Amen.

Taking a Look at Looking Back..Lynette Kittle

 Taking a Look at Looking Back

By Lynette Kittle

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” - Philippians 3:13,14

Looking back can be a two-edged sword, on one side offering gained wisdom from former experiences, and on the other side, stirring up a longing for former things that aren’t in God’s will or plan for us.

Like Proverbs 4:25, urges, “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.”

The High Cost of Looking Back
In stories like Lot and his family, Scripture gives strong caution in looking back. During their evacuation from Sodom and Gomorrah, although instructed by an angel to not look back at the destruction taking place, Lot’s wife couldn’t resist and ended up paying the ultimate price by turning into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:17-26). Likewise, looking back occurred as Moses was leading the Israelites out of Egypt, away from a life of slavery and bondage, a place where they should have been overjoyed to leave with no desire to turn back.

Yet Scripture describes how they hadn’t even crossed through the Red Sea when some were already looking back with longing, already unhappy and dissatisfied on their journey to freedom, remembering their lives of captivity through rose-colored glasses (Exodus 14:11-14). Both examples warn of the danger second thoughts can bring, of coloring what’s left behind in deceptive ways. Sodom and Gomorrah was the most evil and wicked place of its time, so why would anyone want to return there?

As well, Egypt was a place of forced labor for the Children of Israel, so why would they ever be tempted to return there over being free? Past things often lures individuals who have been set free, back to places of entrapment and oppression.

What Does Jesus Say about Looking Back

In Luke 9:62, Christ cautions about looking back. “Jesus replied, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.’”

If we take our eyes off what we’re doing to look back, our purpose can be marred the instant we turn away to look at the past with desire; even if we’re not actually planning on returning there. Although it may seem what’s the harm because it’s just a physical look, yet in reality, it’s revealing a serious heart issue. As Jesus warns about lust in Matthew 5, looking back at former things with a longing to return to them, even without actually taking a physical step to go back, indicates a heart looking to turn away from God.

How Looking Back Can Benefit
In many ways though, looking back without a desire to return, can be helpful to moving forward as we learn wisdom, insight, and knowledge through the various experiences. Hindsight can also offer us wisdom for future situations. As James 1:1-4 describes, we can see how various trials and testing in life help us to grow in our faith and push us forward in perseverance. Like Peter learned after denying Christ three times, reflecting on past actions can help us to move ahead in making better choices (Luke 22:54-62).

As well, it’s comforting to know even with things of the past that once tripped us up, God finds a way to work through them to fine tune and strengthen us. As Romans 8:28 assures, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

Looking Ahead
In looking ahead in life, how we look back reveals the current condition of our heart. Looking back at things in a way that stirs up longing for something God has freed us from leads to disobedience. But looking back in the light of God’s word and wisdom can help to enrich our lives, as we move forward in life.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
Are there things from your past trying to lure you back again and away from God? If so, ask God to help keep your eyes fixed on Him and to look forward to your future in Christ Jesus (Hebrews 12:2).

Further Reading: 
Galatians 5:1
2 Corinthians 3:17
Romans 8:15