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

How to Hold On..Dr. Charles Stanley

 How to Hold On

Dr. Charles Stanley

Psalms 37:5-7

Job was a man who certainly knew trouble and temptation, and yet he boldly claimed, "Though He slay me, I will hope in Him" (Job 13:15). That is commitment. Job had lost his children, his fortune, and his health, but he refused to abandon faith in God. The stricken man was determined to hold on because he trusted the Lord to do right.

Unwavering commitment to trust the Lord in all situations is a cornerstone of unshakable faith. From the vantage point of that foundation, we can focus our eyes upon God alone. It is easy to be distracted by circumstances and allow them to dictate our emotions. But if that's the case, then when life is good, we're happy; when times are tough, we're frustrated; and when hardship pours in, we're downright miserable and looking for escape.

Unlike Job, we are fortunate to have Scripture, which reveals God's nature and promises. And it is a wise believer who claims those promises when enduring hardship. For His Word tells us that our Father is always good, always just, always faithful, and always trustworthy. When we take our eyes off the whirl of day-to-day activity and concentrate on honoring Him and following in His way, we find a consistent peace that carries us through both plenty and poverty.

In order to hold on to God through any trial or temptation, commit to trust and follow Him all of your days. Lay claim to His promises: The unchanging Lord and Savior (Heb. 13:8) is committed to caring for you in all circumstances (1 Peter 5:7) and will never leave or forsake you (Heb. 13:5).

3 Ways to Prepare for the Promise of Eternal Life..Lynette Kittle

 3 Ways to Prepare for the Promise of Eternal Life

By Lynette Kittle

 “And this is what He promised us—eternal life” - 1 John 2:25

Are you living for the here and now? If so, you’re not alone. Everyday life has a way of leading us off track because needs are real, and everything around us is urging us to stock up, build up, and take care of things.

Providing for our daily needs, along with the needs of our family and friends, can feel overwhelming at times. It can consume our thoughts and most of our time, even give us sleepless nights by interrupting our rest and causing us to worry about the future. But we don’t need to worry about what’s to come because God has promised us eternal life with Him. Because God always keeps His promises, our future is secure and a sure thing.

3 Ways to Prepare for Eternal Life
The following are three ways we can prepare for eternal life.

1. Share Christ with those around us. 
Because life doesn’t end at the grave, as many believe, we can tell all who will hear that God sent His only Son to save us and how Jesus lived, died, and resurrected so that we can have eternal life. Although we can’t bring land, houses, cars, jewelry, and more with us to eternal life, we can tell the truth about God’s gracious gift to as many people as possible. Even though they can’t come because of us or on our coattails, we are, in a way bringing those who believe with us by sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with them. James 5:20 explains, 

“Remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” 

2. Give generously, as much as possible.
Even if we don’t feel confident enough to tell others, we can give generously to organizations and ministries who reach out and share the Good News of Jesus Christ with the world. 2 Corinthians 9:11 explains how 

“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”

Jesus urges us to “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38).”

3. Live rightly and help others choose righteousness, too. 
Choosing to live rightly comes with rewards. Ephesians 6:8 describes how, “Because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. Some think God doesn’t really care how we live out our days on earth, but Romans 14:12 explains, 

“So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.”

God not only cares but is going to ask us about our lives. By choosing to live rightly, we can look forward to hearing God say to us, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23). Living rightly also influences those others around us to live right, too, whether we realize it or not. In Luke 17:1, Jesus warns us about being careless in how we live because of how it might cause others who see us to stumble.“Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come.’”

Intersecting Faith and Life:  
If you’re overly focused on living in the here and now, ask God to help you prepare for eternal life through sharing Christ with those around you, generously giving to help spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to as many people as you can, and to live rightly so that men and women will be influenced to live rightly, too.

The Secret to Loving God Much..Mark Altrogge

 The Secret to Loving God Much

By Mark Altrogge

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he canceled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he canceled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” (Luke 7:41-50)

The more we realize how much Jesus has forgiven us, the more we will love him.

In Luke 7 a woman of ill repute shows up at a meal Jesus is attending in a Pharisee’s home. She breaks open a flask of expensive ointment, then, weeping over Jesus’ feet, wipes them with her hair and anoints them with the oil. The Pharisee, named Simon, most likely disgusted that Jesus would let this unclean woman touch him, thinks if Jesus were a prophet he’d know the kind of woman this is and have nothing to do with her.

Then after mentioning Simon’s lack of courtesies—he didn’t wash Jesus’ feet, welcome him with a kiss, or anoint his head with oil—he pointed out how the woman washed his feet with her tears, kissed his feet and anointed them with oil. Then he delivers the punch line:

“Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” (47)

Before he saved me, Jesus let me sink into a self-made miry pit of sin, selfishness, and misery. I couldn’t get out and couldn’t stop sinning. God is sovereign. He could have kept me from sinning. But he allows us to plunge deeply into sin. One of the reasons is so that when he does rescue us, we’re far more amazed and grateful than if we’d never sinned.

The same thing happens even after God saves us. He could keep us from ever sinning again. He could deliver us instantaneously from all pride and anger and self-centeredness. But he allows us to fall and struggle at times so we’ll have a fresh appreciation of his grace, forgiveness and love. And as a result we will love him all the more.

John Newton said:

“…when, after a long experience of their own deceitful hearts, after repeated proofs of their weakness, willfulness, ingratitude, and insensibility—they find that none of these things can separate them from the love of God in Christ; Jesus becomes more and more precious to their souls. They love much, because much has been forgiven them!”

Have you blown it repeatedly? Messed up so many times you can’t recall? If you haven’t turned to Jesus yet, do so today! He paid for every one of your sins on the cross and freely forgives all who call upon him in faith to save them. He’ll cleanse you of your every sin, and in turn, you’ll love him much.

Maybe you’ve believed for years, yet you’re discouraged in your struggle with sin. Remember, Jesus paid for all your sins long before he saved you. Ask him for forgiveness and he’ll forgive you and cleanse you of all unrighteousness. Not because you deserve it, but because he loves you. And you too will love much because you’ve been forgiven much.

I don’t advocate continual, morose, Eeyore-like dwelling upon our sins. But I DO advocate contemplating how much Jesus has forgiven us, because the more we realize the height and width and breadth and depth of Jesus’ forgiveness, the more we will love him.

The secret to loving God much: contemplate the immeasurable debt Jesus paid for you and how vast is his mercy and grace to you.

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 us 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.