Forgiving Yourself..Craig Denison Ministries

 Forgiving Yourself

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:“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” >Proverbs 28:13

Devotional:

As Christians striving to love others well and live in obedience to the commands of Christ, we often are harder on ourselves than our heavenly Father is. If we are ever going to experience the depths of God’s love in every season, we must learn to forgive ourselves. In Brennan Manning’s book, Abba’s Child: The Cry of the Heart for Intimate Belonging, he writes a powerful statement that has the ability to both guide us to a greater lifestyle of peace and open the door of our hearts to greater affections from our heavenly Father:

But we cannot assume that He feels about us the way we feel about ourselves—unless we love ourselves compassionately, intensely, and freely. In human form Jesus revealed to us what God is like. He exposed our projections for the idolatry that they are and gave us the way to become free of them. It takes a profound conversion to accept that God is relentlessly tender and compassionate toward us just as we are—not in spite of our sins and faults (that would not be total acceptance), but with them. Though God does not condone or sanction evil, He does not withhold his love because there is evil in us.

Our Father loves us unconditionally. His grace and mercy will never run out. He is never surprised when we sin or fall short of the life to which we’ve been called because he knows our need of him. He knows that without his help we will never succeed in living a lifestyle of obedience. He knows that without consistent encounters with his love we will never be able to fully love others. And he knows that without being consistently filled with the Holy Spirit we will never be empowered to live in the freedom from sin Christ’s death affords us.

1 John 2:1 says, “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” God does not condone our sin. He does not enjoy our mistakes. But he will meet us in our place of brokenness and need every time we fail. He will offer us mercy and compassion every time we come to him in confession and repentance. And nothing could ever cause him to stop loving us for even a moment.

Your heavenly Father is beckoning you to forgive yourself today. He’s waiting to fill you with his mercy and grace to overflowing. He’s ready to lead you into a lifestyle of loving yourself as he has loved you. Run out to meet him today. Allow him to clothe you with love, honor, and grace. Allow him to show you the depths of his compassion for you. And live today in light of the glorious grace of Jesus.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on the importance of forgiving yourself. Allow Scripture to give you God’s perspective of grace and mercy.

“But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” >Isaiah 53:5

“I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.” >Galatians 2:21

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” >Romans 3:23

2. Where do you need to forgive yourself today? What mistake or failure are you carrying around like a weight? Where are you not offering yourself the grace and mercy offered by your heavenly Father?

3. Ask God to share with you his perspective. Ask him to help you see yourself as he sees you. Spend time resting in his love and compassion and being filled with his affections to overflowing.

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” >Romans 8:37-39

Often we carry the weight of our mistakes because we are unwilling to ask forgiveness from others. Confessing and repenting to those we’ve wronged is a vital part of the Christian life. Admitting our weaknesses and faults to others helps remove us from the pursuit of perfection and guide us to a life of surrender and humility. Confess your sins and ask for forgiveness from anyone you’ve wronged. And allow the forgiveness of your heavenly Father to fill you with joy, love, and freedom where only sin and shame abounded before.

Extended Reading: Romans 8

Building a Firm Foundation..LAURA BAILEY

 Building a Firm Foundation

LAURA BAILEY

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:14-15 (NIV)

“Mom, I’m thirsty.”

“Mom, she’s touching me.”

“Mom, we already know this Bible story.”

A few weeks ago, I had purchased a new Bible filled with colorful illustrations, faith-based questions for different ages and a reading plan. I had envisioned my three young girls snuggled together with me in bed, quietly and attentively absorbing the Scriptures — a picture-perfect family devotional time.

Except I forgot they were three young girls, and well, very few things usually go as I plan or imagine.

Now I was exhausted; the hour was late, and I lacked energy for another bedtime battle. After a quick prayer, I planted kisses on little foreheads and switched off the lights. Figuring we would try again the next evening, I shuffled down the stairs.

Night after night, I left the girls’ room discouraged as I tried to engage them with Scripture but doubted my efforts were impacting them spiritually. 

Are they learning anything? 
Should I just wait until they are older? 
Am I even making a difference? 

I couldn’t help but wonder if it would be better to just hit the “pause” button and wait until they were older to study the Bible. Then Paul’s letters to Timothy came to mind.

Timothy was pastoring the church of Ephesus, where the Apostle Paul sent him letters filled with advice and motivation. Paul's love for Timothy is palpable; his letters are filled with encouragement, friendship and hope. Although Paul was not Timothy’s biological father, Paul referred to Timothy as “my true son” (1 Timothy 1:2, NIV).

As Paul wrapped up his second letter to Timothy, he encouraged him with these words from our key verses, 2 Timothy 3:14-15:

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

At the beginning of the letter, Paul recalled to Timothy the godly influence of Timothy's mother and grandmother as they taught him the Word of God and nurtured his faith “from infancy” (2 Timothy 3:15). Second Timothy 1:5 says, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” Timothy’s mother and grandmother diligently studied the Scriptures, sharing the gospel and their knowledge of the Lord with Timothy at an early age and throughout his youth.

Like all of us, Timothy probably experienced some of the storms and stresses of typical adolescence. Regardless, the women in Timothy’s life persevered and were faithful to what God has commanded Christian parents to do — teach our children about the Lord. (Deuteronomy 6:7)

Although Timothy experienced many challenges in his ministry, by teaching him the Word of God, those closest to him had laid a strong spiritual foundation for him to stand upon. We, too, must seek to do the same today, for it is an abiding trust in Christ that will enable our children (and us) to face difficult circumstances while grounded firmly in the knowledge of God’s Word.

Don’t give up, friend. Let's fill the children in our spheres of influence — our children, our grandchildren, the kids at church or next door — with the knowledge of God. Let's teach them the Scriptures and show them the love of Jesus, whether it means persevering through a nightly family devotional or finding ways to pray for, serve and disciple children in our community. We can build a strong spiritual foundation, lesson after lesson, and pray they will stand firmly on the solid rock of Christ Jesus. (Matthew 7:24-27)

Heavenly Father, we ask that You give us strength and perseverance as we teach our children about You and Your Word. Guide us in all seasons, and direct us as we seek to pass down biblical Truth to the next generation. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Choosing Faith over Fear..Dr. Charles Stanley

 Choosing Faith over Fear

Dr. Charles Stanley

Isaiah 41:8-13

These days, there are plenty of reasons to fear. Our world seems to be in a continuous state of war and crisis. The jobs market is dismal, natural disasters wreak havoc, and stories of crime dominate the headlines. As Christians, we know that fear should have no place in our lives, but how can we ignore what's going on around us?

Basically, there are two paths you can walk: faith or fear. It's impossible to simultaneously trust God and not trust God. Another way of saying this is that you cannot both obey and disobey Him--partial obedience is disobedience. So, which road are you traveling?

Some people who read the Bible and believe in God nevertheless choose to live with fear. Seeing others experience hardship, they start wondering if it could happen to them: Someone at my office lost his job; will I be next? Someone died in an accident--I could die too. But this kind of "logic" places your circumstances above your relationship to God.

If Satan can get you to think like this, he has won the battle for your mind. But when you focus on God rather than your circumstances, whatever the situation is, you win. The Bible tells us, "God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline" (2 Tim. 1:7).

Our heavenly Father understands our disappointment, suffering, pain, fear, and doubt. He is always there to encourage our hearts and help us understand that He's sufficient for all of our needs. When I accepted this as an absolute truth in my life, I found that my worrying stopped.

Discovering Healthy Forgiveness..Greg Laurie

 Discovering Healthy Forgiveness

By Greg Laurie

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. - Matthew 18:21-22

“Heavenly Father, anger and bitterness can rot our hearts and poison our soul. Teach how to forgive and help us to flourish in your grace.”

If you’re someone who holds grudges, if you keep score and can’t let things go, then you need to know something: You will suffer in life. You also will see your prayer life come to a screeching halt.

Forgiveness is the key to all healthy, strong, and lasting relationships. That’s why we must realize how important it is to forgive. Jesus said, “So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God” (Matthew 5:23–24).

Maybe you’ve decided that you won’t forgive someone who has wronged you. Guess who will be the one to get hurt? You will. Harboring resentment and unforgiveness will hurt you more than the person you’re refusing to forgive. If you want to be healthy and vibrant spiritually, then you must learn to forgive.

Jesus taught us to pray, “Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” (Matthew 6:12).

You may think they don’t deserve forgiveness. But do you? Do I? No, we don’t. Our forgiveness doesn’t hinge on forgiving others, but forgiving others should hinge on God’s gracious and generous forgiveness toward us.

The forgiveness that comes to us from Christ is based on His merit and on His death and His love for us. If we know anything about what Christ has done for us, then we should forgive others.

The Bible says, “Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32).

Forgiven people should be forgiving people. And if you want to be healthy and vibrant spiritually, then you must learn to forgive.

A Prayer for Direction..Emma Danzey

 A Prayer for Direction

By Emma Danzey

Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

Our lives are perpetual experiences of trusting God and taking steps towards the plans that He has for us. Whether we are in a season of trusting the Lord which college to choose, or who to marry, or where to live, He is always working and moving us towards His greater plan for our lives. The beautiful part is that the Lord does not just make decisions for us, He invites us in to have choices.

As challenging as it is to be seeking Christ’s will for our lives, we can consider it a glorious invitation to walk with Him daily and follow His leading. The unknowns draw us to listen to our Savior’s voice. The question marks in life put us on a quest to know God more. The confusion takes us to the One who is the unchanging God.

Let's Pray:

Our Great God,
Thank You that You have everything under control. Thank You that You are perfect and Your ways are perfect. Thank You that even in my past mistakes, You have worked them out for my good and Your glory. You can use the poor decisions as testimonies of Your grace and mercy. Thank You that You already know what is next, and I do not have to be afraid. Thank You that You walk with me and never leave my side. Thank You that You want me to seek you in this decision and in everything.

Forgive me for the times when I have not looked to You in making decisions. Forgive me for going my own ways and thinking that I knew best. Remind me today of Your great compassion and help these past sins point me to the joys of following You in the future. Psalm 86:5 says, “You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.” I haven’t always done this right before, and know that I am likely to choose my own path today. Help my heart to align with Your will! Open my mind to Your best and Your ways.

Lord, You say in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Would You help me not just to hear that or read that, but to truly believe that? Help me to place my full trust in You. Holy Spirit, give me the strength to believe You and not what my human eyes can see and my human mind can comprehend. Give me the ability to do this in all my ways. Thank You for promising to make my path straight if I trust in You.

God, You told Isaiah in Isaiah 30:21, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Would You please open my ears to Your voice? You are still speaking and guiding Your people in this world today. Would you help me to take time to listen and be still and know that You are my God? There are so many voices around me competing for Your place in my life. Help me not to focus on the voices around me; help me to hear Your voice alone as my authority. Then, as I seek wise counsel and ask trusted advisors in life, may I always sift through their words with You and with Your Word.

Lord, thank You for giving me the gift of Your Bible. I am grateful for Your holy and perfect words. Help me to remember that You have many answers for me just waiting within the Bible. Give me the drive and the urgency to seek You out in Your Word. Help me to love the Scriptures and learn from the people within them. Thank You for this beautiful map of guidance in life. Help me to use it every day to grow in my love for You. Amen.

No Place Like Home..Michael A. Milton, PhD

 No Place Like Home 

By Michael A. Milton, PhD

“O LORD, I love the habitation of your house and the place where your glory dwells. Do not sweep my soul away with sinners, nor my life with bloodthirsty men, in whose hands are evil devices, and whose right hands are full of bribes. But as for me, I shall walk in my integrity; redeem me, and be gracious to me. My foot stands on level ground; in the great assembly I will bless the LORD.” - Psalms 26:8-12

Lord, I have loved the habitation of Your house, And the place where Your glory dwells. Do not gather my soul with sinners, Nor my life with bloodthirsty men, In whose hands is a sinister scheme, And whose right hand is full of bribes. But as for me, I will walk in my integrity; Redeem me and be merciful to me. My foot stands in an even place; In the congregation, I will bless the Lord (Psalm 26:8-12 NKJV).

“Click your heels and say, ‘There's no place like home … .’” You remember those words. In Frank Baum’s (1856-1919) classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Glinda, “the good witch of the North,” instructs Dorothy to click her heels thrice, saying, “There’s no place like home.” Magically, Dorothy awakes in her bed, her home, and dear old Kansas. It is said to have been one of the most emotional moments in film history. This is undoubtedly so because there is a longing for home in each of us, which cannot be fully realized with a “Mac-mansion” in this life. For home is more than a house. Home is the place where you belong.

The feeling of longing for home is universal. People in 2022 BC or 2022 AD understand the visceral ache for home as much as people in Chennai or Cornwall. I know that feeling, too. As one grows older, one experiences a unique longing for a home that is both familiar and new. Dr. Craig Barnes wrote that home “. . . is the memory of Eden, written on every newborn soul, that makes us discontented with the place where we are” (Barnes, Searching for Home, 2003, p. 14). So, what does longing for home mean to you?

David had longed for home. In Psalm 26:8, King David states, “Lord, I have loved the habitation of Your house And the place where Your glory dwells.” The following passages teach us that David’s cry for home is set against the harsh realities of isolation from God, the opposite of home. It is the “far country.” Life without God is the Waste Land of T.S. Eliot: “. . . mixing memory and desire . . .” (Eliot, Waste Land, 1922). David traded home with God for residence with evil. David’s directions were off. He thought that “home” meant going to a place where one is accepted for one’s sins rather than where one is forgiven of one’s trespasses. Christ-redeemed people lwill never be at rest in the company of those who defy Him. So, why do we long for home? There are at least three reasons.

Home with God Is the Refuge We Seek.
“Habitation” (verse 8) in the presence of God is the ultimate “safe house.” God’s glory draws us into a love we could never imagine. God’s glory is perfectly expressed in the Person of our Savior, Jesus Christ. To follow Him is to make the decisive turn towards the home you crave.

Home with God Is the Reality We Want.
Home with God is an experience of fulfillment, of contentment. It’s the place we have longed for and the fullness of the pretended places we have tried to call home. Israel in the wilderness had to learn that home was not the place they left or even the Promised Land they were going to. Home is where God is. And that is where we want to be.

Home with God is the Redemption we Need.
David writes, “Redeem me and be merciful to me” (Psalm 26:11). The places where David chose to live were inevitable. There is no mercy in the harsh wastelands of disobedience. Religion could offer David no hope. Home is not where we pay to get in. Home is where we are welcomed by the love and acceptance of a God who fulfills what He requires.

Summary
A home is a place of refuge, at least an area of reality we want, and the house of redemption we need. Pray with David and all those weary from wandering: “Redeem me. Be merciful to me. Forgive and receive me for the sake of Your resurrected Son, Jesus. Amen.” Only then can we genuinely understand, “There is no place like home.”

Intersecting Faith and Life:
I have known many people who have, in the words of Phillip Yancey, experienced “disappointment with God.” Their prayers were not answered in a way they had anticipated. Life didn’t turn out the way they had planned. Sickness or tragedy interrupted their dreams. Psalm 26:8-12 has a special message for you. You do not have to understand the deep mysteries of the universe to come home to God. You can have your disappointment and your questions, too. You don’t have to check them at the door of grace (or else the gift of God would not indeed be grace). You come the way you are and lay those burdens at the foot of the cross.