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 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.

What’s in Your Heart?..Clarence L. Haynes. Jr.

 What’s in Your Heart?

By Clarence L. Haynes. Jr. 

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” - Matthew 6:19-21

I want to ask you a question that may not have such an obvious answer. Where is your treasure? The good “Christian” answer is to say my treasure is in heaven, and to say that would get a lot of amens from fellow believers. However, let’s take a moment and dig a little deeper and ask a second question. How do you know this? In this passage, Jesus points to the one thing that reveals where your treasure is. Your heart. The fact remains that only you truly know where your heart is and where your treasure is.

Masters of the cover-up.

We can become experts at covering up what is really in our hearts to the outside world. We can become so good at this that we can even convince people something is in our hearts that is not really there. When we do this, sometimes the one we are convincing is ourselves. Yet Jesus pulls back the curtain and says this one amazing statement. If you want to truly know what’s in your heart, the things you treasure will reveal it.

When reading this passage, one could make the mistake of thinking of treasure as only material possessions. While that could be the treasure, because there are many in this world who give their life to gaining things, treasure can go beyond that. Treasure is simply the things you are most passionate about and the things you value more than anything else. I want to give you another way to think about what you treasure. Think about this question. What do you want people to say about you when you are no longer here? This will also reveal what you treasure and where your heart is. As you think about it from this perspective, you soon realize that so much of what we spend our time running after doesn’t mean as much as the value we put on it. Because we live in a culture that is always going, it can become easy to get caught up and start valuing the things the world values. When we value what the world values and set those things as treasures, guess what happens? Our heart follows those things. 

Time to refocus.

It might be time for you to reshape the things you treasure and set your heart on the right things. Since we all only have 24 hours in a day, you can’t set your heart on everything. So here is a treasure map for you to help ensure your heart is always pursuing the right things. If you set your heart on these two things, it will help define the things you run after.

1. Your relationship with Jesus.
The thing you should treasure more than anything else is your relationship with Jesus. This should be the most important thing in your life. So often, we make Jesus just one component of our life. I know this because I have done it before. If we are going to view life correctly, then Jesus should be at the center, and the components of our life should flow out of that center. Think of how your choices will change when your whole life revolves around your relationship with Christ. You will value what he values, and your heart will be in a better place.

2. Your commitment to do his will.
Closely related to your relationship with Jesus is your commitment to do his will. Like our relationship with Jesus, we can treat God’s will as a segment of our life. We tie ministry responsibilities to his will, but miss the other facets of our lives as part of God’s will as well. God’s will for your life is not something you accomplish only in church. It is something you live out every day. God’s will is about your family, your career, your finances, your leisure, and everything you do. It all has a purpose, and when you see it in this fashion and set your heart after it, then you will treasure the things of heaven because you see how it is all connected.

Where is your treasure?
Let’s finish with the original question. Where is your treasure? Regardless of where it is right now, I hope you can see where it should be. If you place your treasure in your relationship with Jesus and your commitment to doing his will, you will store up much treasure in heaven while having a great impact on the days you live on this earth.

Intersecting faith and life:
When you are treasuring the will of God, you will consider things based on if they will move your closer or further away from the place God wants you to be.

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.