Repentance and God’s Promised Forgiveness.. Craig Denison Ministries

 

Repentance and God’s Promised Forgiveness

Craig Denison Ministries

Weekly Overview:

The biblical concept of being poor in spirit is foundational to every aspect of the Christian life. Foundational to salvation is a heart-level acknowledgment of our need for a Savior. Foundational to experiencing God’s love is acknowledging our great need of love. Foundational to heavenly peace and joy is an acknowledgment that this world truly offers us neither. If we want all that God in his grace offers, we must pursue a lifestyle of being poor in spirit. May you experience more of the depth of God’s love this week as you discover God’s heart to minister to those desperate for him.

Scripture:“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” Ephesians 1:7

Devotional:

In his book The Ragamuffin Gospel, Brennan Manning makes an incredibly astute observation of those who are poor in spirit. He writes, “The saved sinner is prostrate in adoration, lost in wonder and praise. He knows repentance is not what we do in order to earn forgiveness; it is what we do because we have been forgiven.” To be poor in spirit is to live in a constant state of repentance founded on the already promised forgiveness of a just and loving God.

Ephesians 1:7 says, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” By the grace of God you and I are promised forgiveness every time we repent. We never have to question whether or not we have been forgiven. Every drop of Jesus’ blood proved God’s commitment both to justice and forgiveness. By the powerful sacrifice of Jesus, you and I have received reconciliation to a holy God, the greatest accomplishment of God’s continual forgiveness.

If we are going to experience the fullness of life made available to us by God’s continual forgiveness, we must seek to be poor in spirit. When we live as though we have it all together we blind ourselves to our continual need of repentance and forgiveness. When we compare our righteousness to other believers rather than God’s command in 1 Peter 1:16, “You shall be holy, for I am holy,” we adopt a posture of being rich in spirit. To believe we are spiritually rich is to miss out on the continual provision of God to those who are in need. Not one of us is spiritually rich in and of ourselves. Not one of us is without need of God’s forgiveness. Not one of us can step outside of completely depending on God and live the life Jesus died to give us.

By contrast, those who live in a constant state of being poor in spirit experience the abundant joy and peace that comes from being wholly met by God’s unconditional love. You and I don’t have to clean ourselves up to come before our heavenly Father. We don’t have to get our act together before we receive forgiveness for our sins. In fact, the quicker we turn to God in the middle of our mess the more we experience the ever-open arms of our heavenly Father running out to meet us (Luke 15:11-32).

There is joy in a holy, perfect God coming down to us at our greatest point of weakness. There is peace in knowing we are already accepted and loved by our heavenly Father. True life in the kingdom of God comes to those who respond with awe, reverence, humility, and an acknowledgment of their own depravity to God’s open invitation to receive his forgiveness and grace. Open your eyes to see your great need of God’s forgiveness and grace. Take an honest look at your life. And seek continual, immediate repentance for your sin knowing that you will always be met with instant forgiveness and compassion from the Father.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on living a lifestyle of repentance from a place of God’s promised forgiveness. Reflect on the availability of continual forgiveness for your sin. Allow Scripture to fill you with a desire to continually and immediately repent to your loving heavenly Father.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:7

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9

2. Take an honest look at yourself. Where do you have sin? What parts of your life are in desperate need of God’s help? Where are you not living holy as your heavenly Father is holy?

“You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16

“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” 1 John 1:8

3. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live in a continual state of need today. Take time to rest in his forgiveness and accept your need of his grace. Place yourself in the prodigal son story and see the heart of God in the character of the father (see below in the extended reading).

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” Ephesians 1:7

To live in a constant state of repentance and receiving forgiveness is to live free from the weight of worldliness. There is joy in repentance. There is life in reconciliation. David declares in Psalm 40:1-3,

I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.

We live in the security of God’s unconditional love and forgiveness when we seek a lifestyle of repentance. May you discover the joy and peace available to you in the heart of God to show you grace and mercy in your weakness and repentance.

Extended Reading: Luke 15:11-32

Waiting for a Turning Point..TESSA AFSHAR

 Waiting for a Turning Point

TESSA AFSHAR 

“And the LORD will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden …” Isaiah 58:11 (ESV)

In our Instagram culture, the future is often associated with words like dreams, goals and opportunities. But for those traveling through a dark season, it can feel like the future has nothing to offer but loss.

No one is impervious to seasons like this. They slither in through our worst failures; they sneak up on us through unexpected circumstances such as physical or mental illness. They crawl in through grief and trauma. And they make certain claims about our future.

I have learned that beyond the scorched places of life, a well-watered garden awaits. This imagery can be heard from the prophet Isaiah, proclaiming to a Judean people who had lost everything that God intended a reversal for their lives. Their “scorched places” would one day become like a “watered garden”:

“And the LORD will guide you continually
 and satisfy your desire in scorched places
 and make your bones strong;
 and you shall be like a watered garden …” (Isaiah 58:11).

In my early 20s, I went through a divorce I didn’t want, and suddenly my future felt hopeless. All my dreams were in tatters. Because I had been rejected by a man I trusted, I felt like I must, at my core, be rejectable, like I was damaged in some way. I might get into heaven because of God’s grace. But on this earth, I would always be less-than. No one would want me after this.

Lies like these can grow deep roots. They can suck out hope and turn our future into a scorched desert. If we aren’t careful, we might lay our foundations upon them and try to build a permanent home on those shifting sands.

Standing on the other side of this “scorching” experience, I now see with wonder that a glory awaits when we get beyond these grand breakings of the soul. Which is why I have come to have great respect for them. I have learned the most transformative lessons of my life in moments when it felt like my heart had shattered.

First, I have learned a resilience that has nothing to do with the fragile way I am made. By nature, I am emotionally and physically fragile. It doesn’t take much to shake me. But on the other side of these dark seasons, I have found a spiritual resilience — a strength that flows from God and allows me to navigate an increasingly hard world without breaking.

Second, I have entered into my God-given purpose at a depth I never would have known unless I walked through my scorched seasons. If God had not allowed me to navigate those valleys, I might have still walked in my gifting but in a superficial way. My influence for good, my usefulness in God’s Kingdom, would have been vastly diminished.

Third, I have learned to enter relationships with a level of health and joy that I lacked before experiencing shattering heartache.

This reminds me of how, years after Isaiah’s prophecy was spoken, those same Judeans, now captives in Babylon, could look up and see the wonder of the hanging gardens. Perhaps they remembered the prophet’s promise as they looked upon this impossibility: a garden with large trees and flowing streams on top of a roof. In the searing heat of Babylon, what should have been a scorched place — this rooftop, this brick and bitumen canopy — had turned into a verdant garden. What an incredible reminder of Isaiah’s promise!

Perhaps you are in a scorched season of your own. Perhaps when you look up, all you see is a rooftop. An impossibility. Perhaps some event is whispering into your heart, Your future is a ruin. Or worse, You are a ruin.

I want to tell you that beyond your scorched place, a garden awaits you. Hold on, beloved. Your turning point is coming.

Dear Jesus, help me hold tight to You as I walk through this scorched season. Transform this heartache. Make the bones of my spirit strong. Teach me Your resilience. Bring me deeper into my purpose. Help me walk in greater relational health. Turn me into a well-watered garden. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Jesus the Source of Peace..Dr. Charles Stanley

 Jesus the Source of Peace

Dr. Charles Stanley

Colossians 1:15-20

Before we knew Jesus Christ, our life was full of godlessness and wickedness—we had self-seeking ways and stubborn, unrepentant hearts (Rom. 1:18; 2:5, 8). Like our strife-filled world, we clamored for peace and tried to find it, but our efforts failed.

When we came to faith in the Savior, all of that changed. We were rescued from the dominion of darkness and brought into Christ’s kingdom (Col 1:13). Every one of our sins—past, present, and future—was forgiven. Divine justice was satisfied by Christ’s sacrifice, and God’s wrath upon us was removed. We became a new creation, washed clean by Jesus’ blood (2 Cor. 5:17).

Now that sin’s power over us has been broken, we can live in accord with God. He sent His Holy Spirit to be our personal guide in this new life, helping each of us experience Christ’s peace (Rom. 8:6). We also can look forward to an eternity spent in heaven, where righteousness, tranquility, and joy abound (Rom. 14:17).

The story of the prodigal son’s return is a picture of our reconciliation with the Lord (Luke 15:11-24). The son had chosen to leave his father, living instead to please himself. Repentant, he eventually returned home; his father joyfully greeted him and forgave him, and there was harmony between them. God has done all this for us.

Our unity with the heavenly Father came at a great price—the sacrifice of His only Son. Christ gave His life for us so that we could be reconciled to God (Col. 1:20). Christian lives are to testify that Jesus is the source of our peace. Does your life communicate this message?

What It Means to Truly Seek God..Shane Idleman

 What It Means to Truly Seek God

By Shane Idleman

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”  - 2 Chronicles 7:14

We are so easily distracted from spending time with God. We are too busy and too absorbed in our personal lives and our person storylines. May we pause today and ask what it truly means to seek God.  Shane Idleman shares:

In today’s culture, there are countless enticements that pull us away from truly seeking God. It is my firm belief that, second only to salvation, seeking God is the most important aspect of the Christian life...to truly know God: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). Very few of us ever experience this close relationship with God because it involves things such as humility, dying to self, vibrant prayer, and heart-felt worship. This isn’t meant to discourage, but to convict. Conviction is a wonderful gift from God used to turn the heart back to Him.

Let’s be honest: how many can truly say like Jeremiah, “His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot” (Jeremiah 20:9)? How many have truly experienced Jesus’ words in John 7:38, “Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water?” How many can truly relate to “times of refreshing” found in Acts 3:19? How many really understand the words of John the Baptist when he cried out, “After me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire” (Matthew 3:11)? Many have head knowledge, but they’ve never truly experienced the presence of God.

Most never seek God because of ongoing and unconfessed sin. Being tempted isn’t sin—surrendering to it is. Temptation is also an opportunity to do what is right by turning from it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 states, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” This “way of escape” is ultimately what tilts the scale toward seeking God. When we flee temptation, turn from sin, and seek God, the by-product is the filling of the Spirit. The door of temptation swings both ways—you can enter or exit. If we choose to enter, once inside, we may not see the exit sign so clearly again.

I’ll close with a correspondence I received from a man before he fully sought God with all his heart, “I had become someone I never thought I would become. I was in complete darkness...I would sleep in my clothes for as long as I could. I began wishing that I would die. The emotional pain was unbearable.” But here is his correspondence after he passionately sought God and surrendered his life to Him. “I only wish that everyone could feel the love that I experienced. I’m able to forgive others and genuinely love them. I feel like I have been re-born...elusive peace has now been found.”

How long will you waiver? If God is God follow Him (cf. 1 Kings 18:21).

A Prayer for Gratitude..Emma Danzey

 A Prayer for Gratitude

By Emma Danzey

Psalm 9:1 says, “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”

This is the season of harvest. A time of celebration, brilliant leaves, and Thanksgiving. As we reflect in our hearts this fall, we can be reminded to take time to praise God in prayer though gratitude. Being thankful is the lifestyle of a believer in Jesus. He knows that Christ has paid such a great price for him that even on his worst days, there is always something to be grateful for in his life. Whether you are feeling discouraged and defeated or you feel light and joyful today, we are invited to give thanks to God with all of our hearts and not only that, but to tell others of what He has done.

Let's Pray:

Dear Lord,
We praise You for another amazing day in Your world. This is the day that You have made and we will rejoice and be glad in it. Regardless of our circumstances, regardless of our trials, we know that You are reason enough to have thankfulness in our hearts and lives today. Thank You first of all for saving us from the power of sin and the future of hell. Thank You for gifting us with confidence of eternal life in heaven with You when we accept You as Savior. This once and for all gift is the hope that we have as an anchor for our souls in this life. Jesus, help us to never go a day without being grateful for You.

Thank You for the gift of Your constant presence with us. The Holy Spirit is such a beautiful blessing in our lives. We are so happy to know you and to love you. We are so glad to live this side of the cross where Your Spirit is in us always to convict, guide, and minister to us. Help us to truly be joyful about this abundant gift in our lives that is the seal of our salvation and the peace of having Your constant presence.

Thank You for the gift of life today. Life is such a precious miracle. You have fearfully and wonderfully made us in Your image. You do not make mistakes. Thank You for making me unique and giving me certain skill and personality traits to be used for Your kingdom work. Thank You for the blessing of loved ones. Whether this be family, friends, church community, or co-workers, we are grateful. We are overflowing with happiness with the privilege of having community. You created us for relationship. Even if we can only think of just one person who You have blessed us with in this life, we praise You.

Thank You for Your Word. It is perfect, true, and trustworthy. Thank You for the gift of having access to the Bible in our languages. We pray for those who have yet to receive this and ask that we would not take this for granted. Thank You for Your glory revealed in nature. We praise You for your creativity with the seasons, the flowers, the trees, the animals, and the vegetation. All of creation is worshiping You each day. Thank You for the song of the bird, the coolness of the breeze, and the vibrant sunrises and sunsets each day. You are so glorious and majestic.

Thank You for not wasting the hard days. When we are weak, we can be strong in You. When we are weary, You lift our burdens. When we are saddened, You comfort us. Thank You that You are working all things together for the good of those who love You who have been called by You. Thank You that the difficulties are not wasted, but can be utilized as testimonies of Your work in this sinful world.

Thank You for things we forget to be thankful for daily. Thank You for clean water, shelter, a warm place to sleep, for food to eat, for the clean clothing on our bodies, for showers, and for basic hygiene products. There are so many blessings to be grateful for God. Help us not only acknowledge these to You, but to bless others with the attitude of gratitude as well. Amen.

Are You Using the Devil as a Scapegoat?..Lynette Kittle

 Are You Using the Devil as a Scapegoat?

By Lynette Kittle

“The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work” - 1 John 3:8

Audiences in the 1970s found comedian Flip Wilson hilarious when he played his most popular character Geraldine Jones and said her famous and now iconic line, “The devil made me do it.” Wilson’s catch phrase for his sassy character whenever “she” did anything wrong, caused viewers to roar with laughter. Excusing her own bad behavior and personal responsibility for her actions, along with using the devil as a scapegoat, struck a cord with the masses.

Excuses, Excuses
Geraldine’s character turned my thoughts to James 4:7, which urges, “Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” Like “her,” how many of us fail to own up to our poor choices in life and are using the devil as our scapegoat, too? Are we using the same excuse in a more subtle way? Because no matter what the situation, Revelation 20:12 explains how we can’t point our fingers at anyone else, not even the devil, when it comes to trying to justify our sinful behaviors and actions. In day-to-day living, it’s good to ask ourselves if we are resisting the devil when tempted? If not, how do we begin to live it out in practical, everyday, sort of ways?

Using Others As Scapegoats
Often when feeling annoyed or angry with others like family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and even strangers, we use them as scapegoats, too, for responding the way we do. But rather than going with those feelings and blaming our words and actions on them, there is a better way to respond by resisting to follow sinful tendencies. Instead of letting our negative feelings lead us, we can turn away from them and choose to respond opposite to how fallen human nature wants us to respond. In choosing to do so, it’s amazing how fast our entire outlook will change for the better within minutes. By doing so, we have accomplished what Romans 12:21 urges us to do “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

What Happens When We Don’t Resist
Surprisingly, Stars Wars’ Darth Vader’s character can teach us about resisting the dark side. Although he gave into darkness, he lived the consequences of not resisting it. Born Anakin Skywalker who became a chosen Jedi to restore the Force (light), instead he fell into darkness and transformed to Vader. With each evil act committed, he strayed farther from the light, stating at one point, “You are unwise to lower your defenses.” His words ring true because lowering our defenses and giving into temptation leads to destruction. Yet when it comes down to it, resisting temptation is really pretty simple. It’s choosing to act and react opposite to the dark things we’re tempted to do or say by following God’s Light rather than the devil’s darkness.

Practical Ways to Resist Temptation
Following are eight biblical insights to help us resist temptation.

1. Rather than giving in to our own emotions and understanding, give into God by following what His word says to do in situations (Proverbs 3:5).
2. When darkness tries to draw us in, instead follow the Light of Jesus, choosing His way to live over our own rationalizations and understandings (John 8:12).
3. Pay attention to godly leaders’ counsel and insights, recognizing they have learned to walk in God’s wisdom and counsel (1 Peter 5:5).
4. Put on humility by keeping ourselves in-check and not thinking we know more than God knows (Ephesians 4:2).

5. Place our trust in Christ’s strength rather than trying to rely on our own strength (Philippians 4:13).
6. Turn towards God with a repentant heart unlike Geraldine’s motto to blame her sinfulness on the devil (Psalm 51:17).
7. Keep running towards the finish line like Hebrews 12:1-2 urges.
8. Resist the devil’s temptations and choose to obey God, turning from darkness to light, as Vader finally does at the end of his life. As Jesus proclaimed, “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should stay in darkness” (John 12:46).

Intersecting Faith and Life:
If faced with temptation this week, resist. However, if you fall into it, instead of pointing fingers and blaming the devil or those around you, go to God with a repentant heart. With a humble heart, turn towards Him for forgiveness and to strengthen you to overcome it the next time you’re tempted.

Thanksgiving: A Story of Persistence..Kelly McFadden

 Thanksgiving: A Story of Persistence

 by Kelly McFadden

Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. —Philippians 3:12-14 

Here is a part of the Thanksgiving story you may not know. While the first Thanksgiving was celebrated in October of 1621, it was not until October of 1777 that all 13 colonies celebrated Thanksgiving, for the first time. At one point, our first president, George Washington, proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving, but conflict and difficulties among the colonies put an end to its observance.

It was a magazine editor, Sarah Josepha Hale, whose work led to the celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday we observe today. Hale wrote letters to governors and presidents, and editorials in magazines, books and newspapers, promoting the observance of Thanksgiving. In 1863, after 40 years of letter writing and campaigning (that’s not a typo, she really wrote letters for 40 years), Hale’s persistence paid off and President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving. Since then, every president has supported Thanksgiving. Forty years of dedication, persistence and passion, all to make sure that this country would celebrate a National Day of Thanksgiving each year. Impressive.

We can learn from Hale’s perseverance. It took her 40 years to accomplish what she set out to do. Just like her story, the Christian faith is often described as a marathon, not a sprint. Each day of our life is another day to choose between right and wrong, to help someone in need, to read our Bible and pray. As Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:12-14, Christians are called to persevere, to press on. Sometimes it can feel like an unrewarding task. It is hard, but important, to look to God for the BIGGER plan. What if Hale had chosen to give up after one year or ten years? Her goal would have been left unfinished. Press on towards the call of Christ! Endure! But be forewarned, just like Sara Josepha Hale, it may take 40 years to see the fruit of your labor!

GOING DEEPER:

1. What are some areas in your life that require perseverance?
2. Why is it important we don't base our faith on feelings?

FURTHER READING:

Deuteronomy 29:2; Matthew 4:1; James 1:2; 2 Peter 1:3