Healing Past Wounds and Forgiving Present Scars..Craig Denison Ministries

 

Healing Past Wounds and Forgiving Present Scars

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:“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24

Devotional:

All of us have experienced trial and pain. All of us are living life wounded and scarred. We learn to deal with our wounds and press forward, but whether we acknowledge it or not, wounds and scars change us. There are no perfect parents. There are no perfect friends. There are no perfect siblings or spouses. We live in an imperfect world with imperfect humans. We lash out and hurt others because we are broken and in need of healing.

One of the most critical spiritual exercises we can undergo is allowing God to heal our past wounds and guide us to a lifestyle of forgiving present scars. Without healing and forgiveness, other people’s mistakes will affect our future. Without the inner working of the Holy Spirit, we will live in continual suffering from the sins of others.

Our God is a God of healing. Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 103:2-4 says, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy.” 1 Peter 2:24 says, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” Your heavenly Father longs to speak to the wounded places in your life and heal them with his love.

What past experience, trial, hurtful word, or person is still harmfully affecting your life today? Where do you need the Holy Spirit to come and speak healing over you? Where do you need to cry out to God in anger or frustration over a wound? Opening the wounded places of our hearts is an emotional and difficult process, but until we allow God into the harmful events of our pasts we will never experience true freedom and restoration from them. Until we allow ourselves space to deal with what for some have been harmful and defining moments, we will never experience the entirety of the abundant life available to us.

And as the Lord begins to heal our wounds, we must allow him to guide us to a lifestyle of forgiveness for our present scars. We must forgive those people who hurt us so the scars in our lives become symbols of God’s redeeming love rather than reminders of painful events. James 2:13 says, “Mercy triumphs over judgment.” Show mercy to those who are undeserving of it just as your heavenly Father has shown you mercy. Love your enemies as Jesus did so that you can experience triumph instead of pain, freedom instead of enslavement to negativity, and joy instead of anger. May your heavenly Father be allowed to love you, hold you, and care for the places in your heart that need his healing touch the most.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on God’s desire to heal your wounds. Allow Scripture to fill you with courage to open your heart to the Spirit, and let him provide healing today.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3

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

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

2. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what he wants to heal today. What wound is affecting your life? Where do you need God to speak his truth and love over you?

3. Open your heart to the Lord and ask him to speak truth and love to your wound. Ask the Holy Spirit to heal your wounds in whatever way he desires. Trust and follow his leadership.

“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy.” Psalm 103:2-4

Receiving healing for wounds and the courage to forgive present scars is a constant process. There will always be more for the Lord to heal. There will always be new wounds the Lord wants to speak to. If you will allow the Lord to faithfully love and heal your wounds, you will experience abundant life to greater depths than you thought possible. May you be filled with newfound courage and freedom today in response to the overwhelming love and power of your heavenly Father.

Extended Reading: Psalm 147

The Rewards of Patience..Dr. Charles Stanley

 The Rewards of Patience

Dr. Charles Stanley

Psalms 40

The Scriptures contain many stories of people who waited years or even decades before the Lord's promises came to pass. What modern believers can learn from the patience of biblical saints like Abraham, Joseph, David, and Paul is that waiting upon the Lord has eternal rewards.

Today let's look at Israel's most memorable monarch. David was the chosen heir to Israel's throne, but he spent years dodging King Saul's wrathful pursuit. Despite having two different opportunities for vengeance, David resisted the temptation and spared Saul's life. He chose to adhere to God's timetable for his coronation instead of dishonoring the Lord by killing the divinely anointed king. David's psalms reveal his intimate awareness of Yahweh's work in his life. The shepherd king not only achieved his objective through patience; he also observed that God's way was always best.

David left behind an incredible testimony of God's faithfulness for each of us to read and meditate upon. He was committed to waiting upon the Lord, and as a result, he had the Father's approval and blessing. We cannot underestimate the reward of living in divine favor. That isn't a special state reserved for "giants of the faith" like David. All who obediently endure until the Lord acts on their behalf abide in His favor.

David didn't receive his blessings because he was special; he was honored among men because he honored the Lord above all. And since he trusted in God's faithfulness, he endured hardship with patience. We, too, can expect to be blessed when we wait upon the Lord.

Sin Like a Red Light..Emma Danzey

 Sin Like a Red Light

By Emma Danzey

 “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.” - 1 John 1:8-10

Have you ever been at a red light and been tempted to blaze through it? Were you running late or getting impatient because the person ahead of you was texting on a cell phone? Have you pushed the envelope just enough because you saw someone else going through it and thought that you would be ok because they were going too? Sin is like a red light. It tempts us, lure us in, and tells us to push the limits and come on through; however, it leads us to damage and destruction in our lives and in the lives of others. 1 John 1:8-10 warns us that we all sin and reminds us of the hope that we can all have through Jesus to forgive us of the many “red lights” that we have crossed in our thoughts and in our lives. 

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”

If someone says that he is a good person and has never sinned, that person is deceived. The truth reveals to us that we all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. Maybe you’ve been at a “traffic light of temptation” for the sin of sex outside of marriage. Perhaps you have never actually physically crossed over the boundary line. However, Jesus tells us that even looking at someone else with lust is committing the sin of adultery in our hearts. So even pondering a sin counts as breaking God’s law.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Now imagine you realized that either intentionally or by accident, you have run a red light. Not only that, but you have also hit another vehicle and caused a massive wreck. You see a police officer’s lights come on and know that you are toast. When you come to a stop, something amazing happens. He says, “You have broken the law,” and now owe money and jail time for the damage done. However, I have a perfect track record, I have upheld the law perfectly, and have decided that I am going to completely cover your ticket and serve your time for you in your place so you can go free. All you have to do is accept this gift.”

This is what Jesus has done for us (Of course, in a much grander, incomparable way). We are all guilty of sin, but while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. We did nothing to deserve this, it is grace and a gift from Him. The beautiful part is that if we acknowledge Jesus as Lord and believe in Him, He forgives us and purifies us from all of our sins. Our completely hideous track record is immediately erased and forgiven because of His sacrifice on the cross for our sins.

“If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar, and his word is not in us.”

Those who claim to not have sin in their lives make Jesus out to be a liar since He makes it very clear that all of humanity is in need of a Savior. His Word tells us the truth of sin, this world, and the gospel of Christ. If we neglect to acknowledge that we are sinners, we deny His Word, and we miss out on the truth of how we need a Savior and Jesus is the only way to be saved. This verse reminds us of the beauty in admitting our failures and need for Christ.

Intersecting Faith and Life:
Are you racing through or unknowingly crossing the line over a spiritual red light? How can the truth set you free? Have you personally confessed that you are a sinner in need of a Savior? If so, how has He changed your life? How is the Lord growing you in your faith and hope found in Him and His Word today? Who is someone who has not accepted God’s grace through Jesus that you can pray for today?

Further Reading:

• Matthew 5:28 
• Romans 3:23
• Romans 5:8

Bible Verses that Undeniably Describe the Trinity..Jennifer Waddle

 Bible Verses that Undeniably Describe the Trinity

by Jennifer Waddle

BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. John 1:1-5 NKJV

If ever there was doubt about the deity of Jesus, John 1 sets the record straight. From the beginning, Jesus existed. He was with God, and He was God. In fact, the book of Hebrews records Jesus as the Creator of all things.

“You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands.” Hebrews 1:10

Skeptics will point out that the word “trinity” isn’t in the Bible. That is true. However, the Scriptures clearly identify the trinity as One God, complete in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Here are 4 verses that undeniably describe the Trinity:

1. For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NKJV

It is nothing short of amazing that Isaiah prophesied about Jesus hundreds of years before His birth. He identifies the Son as Mighty God and Everlasting Father. In fact, the book of Isaiah is full of revelation about the deity of Christ. (see Isaiah 7:14, 12:2-3, 42:8, 44:6)

2. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 NIV

Trying to understand Jesus as fully God and fully man is sometimes difficult. Our minds cannot comprehend the Creator of the universe stepping down from heaven and dwelling among us. In fact, that was a huge stumbling block to the Jewish nation, who had their hopes set on a Messiah who would come to rule and reign.

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life—the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us…1 John 1:1-2

3. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily…Colossians 2:9 NKJV

Perhaps you’ve seen the object lesson of an ice cube being heated in a pan. The solid cube represents the Father, the steam rising symbolizes the Holy Spirit, and the water that remains refers to Jesus. From one piece, three elements are displayed. This tiny example may not fully explain the mystery of the Trinity, but it offers insight into three distinct parts demonstrated from one whole.

The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. Hebrews 1:3 NIV

Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Corinthians 3:17

4. For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. 1 John 5:7 NKJV

This verse leaves no room for doubt that God exists as the Trinity. The Father, the Word, and the Spirit each have their specific role within the Godhead. We do not worship, as some false religions would say, a “three-headed” god. We worship the one true God of the Bible.

Perhaps, our finite minds will never fully understand the miracle of the Trinity. However, the working of the Father through the righteousness of His Son and the power of His Spirit, is a magnificent truth that cannot be denied.

A Prayer to Be Wise..Emma Danzey

 A Prayer to Be Wise

By Emma Danzey

Proverbs 16:16 says, “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!”

When King Solomon could ask for whatever he wanted from God, he chose wisdom. 1 Kings 3:8 says, “The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this.” The Lord delighted in giving Solomon wisdom. He was pleased with this question, and I believe that God is still pleased when we ask Him for wisdom today.

One of the best prayers that we can pray is the same as Solomon's. We too can ask God for wisdom. The amazing thing about living after Jesus’ resurrection is that we have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit. God’s Spirit Himself lives inside of us. We have full access to His wisdom if we would just seek the Spirit over our flesh. Wisdom is better than everything that this world has to offer because it is knowledge applied. When this is Biblical knowledge, Christ-like knowledge, this is not only influential but life-changing.

Let's Pray:

Dear Lord,
Thank You for being all-wise and all-knowing. You are the wisest of all. In James 3:17, You tell us, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” God, this is the kind of wisdom that You have offered to us. You are pure in all ways, You are peace-loving, thoughtful, humble, merciful, you do not have favoritism, and you are true. Would You please help us to cling to this kind of wisdom by the power of the Holy Spirit today?

You know the questions and the uncertainties that I have in my life, and You care about them. You know exactly what I need and how I should respond to the circumstances around me. Please forgive me for being impulsive and unwise in the past. Help me to live by Your ways and lead me down Your paths.

Give me wisdom for myself and show me how to be wise for my spouse, my family, and my friendships. Help me to have wisdom in my community and at church. Especially provide me with extra wisdom when interacting with those who don’t know You. Give me the right words to say and questions to ask. Show me how to love well and communicate Your gospel of hope in a way that is understandable and applicable to them.

You say in Proverbs 19:8, “The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.” Making wise choices leads to loving life because it means that I am choosing ways that You want me to take. Help me to resist the temptation to follow my sinful nature and guide me out of the enemy's traps that he set up in my life. Give me instead Your wisdom to say yes when I need to say yes and no when I need to say no.

Help me to live out Matthew 7:24, which says, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Jesus, You are the foundation of my faith. You are the best decision of my life. Would You help me to stay anchored on the foundation that You established? Be my Rock. Give me the courage to build my whole life and every decision upon You. I need Your help. I am weak, but You are strong. I am helpless, but You are my Help. Give me the ability to live by the Holy Spirit as I move forward and not by my own sinful ways. Help me to trust You and hear Your voice. Guide me by Your Word.

You tell me in Isaiah 55:8 that Your ways and Your thoughts are not my own. Even when I do not understand why, give me the faith to trust You. Give me the strength to walk in the wise ways which You would have me to go. Thank You for offering this gift of wisdom so freely to Your children. Amen.