by Charity Pence
Sin has been a part of our world from the beginning. Satan enticed Eve to eat forbidden fruit, and she in turn enticed Adam to eat. Genesis 3:6 says, "So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate." By reading the entire passage we see what really happened there. Satan fooled Eve. He knew what would happen once she ate of the tree. But did he share that information? Of course not. Instead, he showed her all the great things the fruit had to offer, nothing else. You know something? Satan still operates the same way today. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." 1 Peter 5:8.
Sin is deceiving. Sin often looks pleasant; we believe it will make us feel good or bring about something beneficial. The path of destruction runs far, however. The lustful thought that turns into an affair can destroy a marriage. A lie at work or an immoral business decision forces one out of work which may lead to bankruptcy or prison. An addiction destroys the one addicted and those around him/her. There are consequences for our sins. The consequence we should be most concerned with, though, is the separation from God sin brings about if we let it.
Are you ready for the good news? Romans chapter 6 can be difficult to grasp, but it is worth reading. Verse 14, one of my favorites from this chapter, offers the following assurance: "For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace." Throughout the chapter, we come to see that by believing Jesus to be our Savior, accepting what He has done for us, and turning our lives over to Him, we are set free from the curse of sin. That is wonderful news! It means sin has no power over us unless we give in to Satan.
In order to deflect Satan's attacks, we must protect ourselves. How? By putting on the armor of God. Gird your waist with truth. Put on the breastplate of righteousness. Shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace. Take the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit. (See Ephesians 6:11-20)
Keeping a close relationship with our Heavenly Father offers the best protection. "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it and is safe." Proverbs 18:10. God offers His strength to us so we can resist temptations. But we have to strive to remain close to Him. And when we do mess up, we must repent. God forgives us when we admit our wrongs. "The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." Psalm 34:18.
God loves us, and I hope you understand how much. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believer in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16. 1 John 4:10 further states, "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His son to be the propitiation of our sins." God's love is nothing short of amazing. After all, He not only knew how sin would entice us but also prepared a way for us to still enjoy eternal fellowship with Him. Hallelujah!
Still looking for instruction? Open your Bible. God's Word is filled with instruction and knowledge. The Bible is not just a book of stories or information. It's a journey. One which will take you directly to your Heavenly Father and away from sin.
Dear Heavenly Father, help us all to get this, to take this message to heart. Show us where we have taken the wrong steps. Convict us and show us Your truth. Cover us with your security so that the devil's attacks bounce away harmlessly. You have sacrificed your son for us. Help us to understand how powerful your love for us. Thank You for never forsaking us. I love You, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Showing posts with label forgiveness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label forgiveness. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Sin's Destruction
by Charity Pence
Proverbs 5:21-23 states, "For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He ponders all his paths. His own iniquities entrap the wicked man, and he is caught in the cords of his sin. He shall die for lack of instruction, and in the greatness of his folly, he shall go astray." (NKJ)
This passage has long been a favorite of mine, though I'd had to read it a few times before it really took hold. The meaning is clear. Sin leads us away from God. God loves us unconditionally; His love never fails. But that doesn't mean He is pleased when we allow sin to control our lives. When I've allowed sin to hinder my walk with God, I imagine God shaking His head and asking with a heavy heart, "What are you doing?"
We know better, don't we? Yet we partake in sin anyway. We tell a little fib. Take part in gossip. Pass judgment on another. Doesn't that make you just cringe? It's so easy for us to get it wrong, which is why instruction is so important. And where does our instruction come from? The Bible. As Christians, we should make reading the Bible a priority. Reading God's word helps us to draw near to our Lord. And the closer we become to our Heavenly Father, the less enticed we are by sin's destructive ways. We may still stumble, but when we repent God will be right there to pick us up.
Dear Heavenly Father, I am far from perfect; I am a sinner. Thank You, Lord, for Your never ending grace. Thank You for remaining by my side even when I choose the wrong path. Please forgive me for the sins I've committed, and help me draw near to You so that I can follow You and not the world. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Proverbs 5:21-23 states, "For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He ponders all his paths. His own iniquities entrap the wicked man, and he is caught in the cords of his sin. He shall die for lack of instruction, and in the greatness of his folly, he shall go astray." (NKJ)
This passage has long been a favorite of mine, though I'd had to read it a few times before it really took hold. The meaning is clear. Sin leads us away from God. God loves us unconditionally; His love never fails. But that doesn't mean He is pleased when we allow sin to control our lives. When I've allowed sin to hinder my walk with God, I imagine God shaking His head and asking with a heavy heart, "What are you doing?"
We know better, don't we? Yet we partake in sin anyway. We tell a little fib. Take part in gossip. Pass judgment on another. Doesn't that make you just cringe? It's so easy for us to get it wrong, which is why instruction is so important. And where does our instruction come from? The Bible. As Christians, we should make reading the Bible a priority. Reading God's word helps us to draw near to our Lord. And the closer we become to our Heavenly Father, the less enticed we are by sin's destructive ways. We may still stumble, but when we repent God will be right there to pick us up.
Dear Heavenly Father, I am far from perfect; I am a sinner. Thank You, Lord, for Your never ending grace. Thank You for remaining by my side even when I choose the wrong path. Please forgive me for the sins I've committed, and help me draw near to You so that I can follow You and not the world. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Thou shalt...
by Charity Pence
This Week’s Verse: Psalm 9:8 “He shall judge the world in righteousness, and He shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness.” (NKJ)
…not lie.
…not steal.
…not commit adultery.
…not murder.
Sound familiar? They should. Christians ought to have the entire Ten Commandments committed to memory. As soon as we learn them, they become our creed. We live by them. Take a moment to take an inventory. Which commandments have you obeyed today? Now what about this:
Thou shalt not judge.
Hmm. Feeling uneasy? I am.
Sometimes in our eagerness to be “good little Christians” we judge those who do not appear to be as “good” as us. But who are we to judge? Has God appointed us with that task? No. In Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus says, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (NKJ)
Nowhere in the Bible will you find a ranking system for sin. However, don’t we rank sin anyway? For example, wouldn’t we say a murderer is worse than a liar? But you know what? God views all sin equally. A sin is a sin is a sin. Period. Case closed. So why is it we judge others based on their sins?
Now what about this:
Thou shalt love thy neighbor.
Feeling convicted? Yep, me too!
When we judge others, we show condemnation rather than God’s love. We treat others as if their sin defines them. “She’s a liar.” “He’s a murder.” “She’s an adulterer.” “They’re sinners,” you think. We’re all sinners! Ask yourself what sin you struggle with the most. Do you want your life to be defined by that? Do you want God to judge you for that sin as harshly as you judge others? I sure don’t. Jesus died for every single one of us. As Christians, covered by the blood of Jesus and saved by God’s grace, our focus should be on showing that love and grace to others rather than behaving as if we are better than they are. “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.” Luke 6:35-38 (KJV)
How many people do we turn away from God with our hypocritical attitudes? How many people could we save if we were truly obedient? Think about that.
Dear Heavenly Father, I am a sinner. I have judged harshly and neglected to show Your amazing love to others. Please forgive me for being a stumbling block to those who would otherwise come to You. Thank You for forgiving me, despite my sins. I thank You, dear Lord, for offering Your grace, which allows me to come to You without condemnation. Continue to convict me so that I can be truly obedient to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
God does not intend for any to be condemned. We are not condemned; we should not condemn others. If this week’s devotion has convicted you, seek God’s guidance. Repent, and God will forgive. Then take the grace God has offered you and share it with those around you.
Power Verses:
1 John 2:10 “He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.” (KJV)
1 John 4:11 “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” (KJV)
1 Peter 3:8 “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous.” (NKJ)
This Week’s Verse: Psalm 9:8 “He shall judge the world in righteousness, and He shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness.” (NKJ)
…not lie.
…not steal.
…not commit adultery.
…not murder.
Sound familiar? They should. Christians ought to have the entire Ten Commandments committed to memory. As soon as we learn them, they become our creed. We live by them. Take a moment to take an inventory. Which commandments have you obeyed today? Now what about this:
Thou shalt not judge.
Hmm. Feeling uneasy? I am.
Sometimes in our eagerness to be “good little Christians” we judge those who do not appear to be as “good” as us. But who are we to judge? Has God appointed us with that task? No. In Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus says, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (NKJ)
Nowhere in the Bible will you find a ranking system for sin. However, don’t we rank sin anyway? For example, wouldn’t we say a murderer is worse than a liar? But you know what? God views all sin equally. A sin is a sin is a sin. Period. Case closed. So why is it we judge others based on their sins?
Now what about this:
Thou shalt love thy neighbor.
Feeling convicted? Yep, me too!
When we judge others, we show condemnation rather than God’s love. We treat others as if their sin defines them. “She’s a liar.” “He’s a murder.” “She’s an adulterer.” “They’re sinners,” you think. We’re all sinners! Ask yourself what sin you struggle with the most. Do you want your life to be defined by that? Do you want God to judge you for that sin as harshly as you judge others? I sure don’t. Jesus died for every single one of us. As Christians, covered by the blood of Jesus and saved by God’s grace, our focus should be on showing that love and grace to others rather than behaving as if we are better than they are. “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.” Luke 6:35-38 (KJV)
How many people do we turn away from God with our hypocritical attitudes? How many people could we save if we were truly obedient? Think about that.
Dear Heavenly Father, I am a sinner. I have judged harshly and neglected to show Your amazing love to others. Please forgive me for being a stumbling block to those who would otherwise come to You. Thank You for forgiving me, despite my sins. I thank You, dear Lord, for offering Your grace, which allows me to come to You without condemnation. Continue to convict me so that I can be truly obedient to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
God does not intend for any to be condemned. We are not condemned; we should not condemn others. If this week’s devotion has convicted you, seek God’s guidance. Repent, and God will forgive. Then take the grace God has offered you and share it with those around you.
Power Verses:
1 John 2:10 “He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.” (KJV)
1 John 4:11 “Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” (KJV)
1 Peter 3:8 “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous.” (NKJ)
Friday, September 23, 2011
Accept One Another
by Bethany Lashbrook
This week's verse: Romans 15:7, “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” (NIV)
Devotion:
Recently, one of my friends cried to me and other friends regarding a way someone had spoke about her child. As a mother, there is nothing more discouraging than others thinking your child is inadequate. After all, they came from us. We raised them. They are a blessing in our lives, no matter their circumstances. Everyone makes mistakes, but let's face it, when it is our children - we have more compassion.
Our children are condemned by others. Yet, when I am upset with someone (for simple or large things) I tend to forget that this child has a mother, a father, and a family who loves and cares for them deeply - even with their inadequacies.
Just the same, God loves us as we love our children. God has watched us from the beginning idolize other gods (Deuteronomy 7:4 & Jeremiah 5:7) but continues to adore us (John 13:1, Deuteronomy 7:9). Our inadequacies don't matter. We know we can repent and ask for forgiveness (Acts 2:38). So, why don't we use this general rule when applied to our own lives? Why look so harshly upon others? We don't know the whole story.
But, God does know our whole story, and He loves us anyway. Today, let's be less judgmental and more loving towards others. Let's remember who Jesus loves - each and every single one of us. We are all created in his image (Genesis 1:27). Praise the Lord for that!
Dear Lord, thank you for your forgiveness when we are wrong. Thank you for making us each unique. When we fail you Lord, help us to remember that you love us anyway. When others fail us, help us to remember we are all human. We know we all make mistakes, but help us to remember we all need forgiven too. In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen.
Application: Do you have an issue with someone in your life? Do you look down on someone for choices they have made? This week, every time you want to snuff them, pray blessings upon them and let's all marvel on how our lives will be changed!
Power Verses:
John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (NIV)
Acts 10:43, "All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” (NIV)
Friday, October 1, 2010
Rummage Giveaway
By Bethany Lashbrook
This Week’s Verse: Matthew 25:40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ (NLT)
Devotion:
I like definitions. So, I chose to look up the title of this week’s devotion. To rummage, according to the Mirriam-Webster dictionary, means to discover by searching or to examine minutely and completely. Giveaway means the act of giving something away free.
This Saturday, October 2, First Christian Church in Marshall is hosting its second annual rummage giveaway. It is designed to help those who could use some extra clothing, children’s items, or household items to make it through the winter.
The response is overwhelming. Donations are piled up in the hallways. Volunteers spend countless hours preparing. And as those who come to the giveaway line up, the joy is incomprehensible.
Although this act is selfless in nature, the term rummage and giveaway put together remind me of the most selfless act ever in history. Jesus.
Jesus gave away his life for us. And, he chose to do it for free. Because of him, we can lay our sins at the cross and ask for forgiveness. He bore our sins for FREE. How amazing is that?
And we must rummage to find him. We must discover Jesus in our lives. Yes, he is there from the beginning. But, he gives us the free will to find him, to follow, and to listen for his words. We must examine minutely and completely his word and relate it to our life.
As the date approaches for this year’s rummage giveaway, pray with me for those who enter our church to find the one free gift that Christ paid for all – our salvation in the Lord, Jesus Christ.
Dear Father, we thank you for the ministry of believers who have chose to give sacrificially and selflessly. We ask for those who enter the church to be blessed beyond our own human awareness. We thank you in advance for those lives that you will touch. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application: If you find yourself in need, please come to the rummage giveaway on Saturday. If you find yourself in need of giving, please pray for all those involved with this event. If you would like to give your time, an extra pair of hands is always helpful!
Power Verses:
John 19:29-30 "a jug of wine was standing by. Someone put a sponge soaked with the wine on a javelin and lifted it to his mouth. After he took the wine, Jesus said, "It's done...complete." Bowing his head, he offered up his spirit." (MSG)
Galatians 6:14 “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (NIV)
Hebrews 12:2 “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (NKJV)
Friday, May 29, 2009
Un-Offendable
by Stephanie Neibarger
This Week's Verse: Col. 3:13, “You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” (NLT)
Devotion:
A few years ago, while up from Kentucky for a visit, Jeff Noel gave the message for a Wednesday evening service. I don’t remember everything he talked about, but the key concept of his message was that as Christians, we are to be “un-offendable.” I have reflected on that message periodically over the years. If you know me very well, then you probably know that I can get offended a little too easily. I usually remember Jeff’s message some time after I have gotten offended… hey, at least I eventually do remember! One of these days I will remember before being offended!
It’s easy to get upset when things don’t go our way or at least the way we had pictured it in our head. We can get upset when someone has said or done something to harm us, and we may want to ‘pay them back.’ But we are instructed in 1 Peter 3:9, “Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you do and he will bless you for it”(NLT).
We need to follow Jesus’ example in 1 Peter 2:23: “Although he was abused, he never tried to get even. And when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he had faith in God, who judges fairly”(CEV). It is not our place to judge the intentions of someone’s actions.
Joyce Meyer puts it this way, "The devil sets you up to get you upset." This is confirmed in 1 Peter 5:8, where it says “Be careful – watch out for attacks from Satan, your great enemy. He prowls around like a hungry, roaring lion, looking for some victim to tear apart”(TLB). Satan, the father of lies, wants us to believe the worst about a situation to get us upset. That’s when we are most vulnerable to be attacked by Satan and his attempts to destroy our faith.
We need to be patient with each other, including ourselves, and not be so quick to jump to the wrong conclusion. I’ve had Jeff’s message stuck in my head for years now and I’m still working on being “un-offendable!” 2 Cor. 4:16 says, “Do not lose heart, though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”
Search me, O God, and know my heart; Test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24)
Application:
Are you easily offended? How many times could you have offended God by some of the things you have done? In the same way God has forgiven you for those offenses, we need to learn to forgive others.
Proverbs 18:19, "It's harder to make amends with an offended friend than to capture a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with iron bars."(NLT)
Romans 12:17-19, "Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. 'I'll do the judging,' says God. 'I'll take care of it.'"(MSG)
Genesis 50:20a,"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good…"(NIV)
This Week's Verse: Col. 3:13, “You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” (NLT)
Devotion:
A few years ago, while up from Kentucky for a visit, Jeff Noel gave the message for a Wednesday evening service. I don’t remember everything he talked about, but the key concept of his message was that as Christians, we are to be “un-offendable.” I have reflected on that message periodically over the years. If you know me very well, then you probably know that I can get offended a little too easily. I usually remember Jeff’s message some time after I have gotten offended… hey, at least I eventually do remember! One of these days I will remember before being offended!
It’s easy to get upset when things don’t go our way or at least the way we had pictured it in our head. We can get upset when someone has said or done something to harm us, and we may want to ‘pay them back.’ But we are instructed in 1 Peter 3:9, “Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you do and he will bless you for it”(NLT).
We need to follow Jesus’ example in 1 Peter 2:23: “Although he was abused, he never tried to get even. And when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he had faith in God, who judges fairly”(CEV). It is not our place to judge the intentions of someone’s actions.
Joyce Meyer puts it this way, "The devil sets you up to get you upset." This is confirmed in 1 Peter 5:8, where it says “Be careful – watch out for attacks from Satan, your great enemy. He prowls around like a hungry, roaring lion, looking for some victim to tear apart”(TLB). Satan, the father of lies, wants us to believe the worst about a situation to get us upset. That’s when we are most vulnerable to be attacked by Satan and his attempts to destroy our faith.
We need to be patient with each other, including ourselves, and not be so quick to jump to the wrong conclusion. I’ve had Jeff’s message stuck in my head for years now and I’m still working on being “un-offendable!” 2 Cor. 4:16 says, “Do not lose heart, though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”
Search me, O God, and know my heart; Test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24)
Application:
Are you easily offended? How many times could you have offended God by some of the things you have done? In the same way God has forgiven you for those offenses, we need to learn to forgive others.
Proverbs 18:19, "It's harder to make amends with an offended friend than to capture a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with iron bars."(NLT)
Romans 12:17-19, "Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. 'I'll do the judging,' says God. 'I'll take care of it.'"(MSG)
Genesis 50:20a,"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good…"(NIV)
Friday, January 16, 2009
Honor Them
by Debby Craig
This Week's Verse: Ephesians 6:2, 3, “Honor your father and mother, that it will go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on earth.” (NIV)
Devotion:
Since I have lost both of my parents, the Holiday season has not been the same for me. I just miss being "somebody's little girl" at Christmas time. During one of our Worship services this Christmas season, I noticed that paper about the poinsettia tree, so I wrote down my mom and dad's names, popped the $20.00 in the envelope, and dropped it in the plate, thinking to myself, “There, that's all you can do, feel better now, Debby.” But the Lord had a different idea than mine for making me “feel better.”
I walked into church that Sunday after Christmas and made my way over to the tower of poinsettias to read the memorial plaque at the base. As I read Mom and Dad's names, I instantly received this little glimpse of heaven. There was our Lord who, maybe for the first time, had called my mom and dad to His side as a couple and said, “Look there – see how she honored you today in My place for everyone to see.”
I loved that moment!! That was the best present ever. He understood my heartache. Did this instant vision come from God? Well, I must say I do have a vivid imagination when it comes to the Lord and heaven and all that, but this time I am giving the Lord all of the credit for surprising me with that little tidbit from Heaven and what followed this event.
I went home feeling different about Christmas for the first time since Dad's death but I kept remembering those words Our Lord spoke, “See how she honored you today.”
But did I honor them when they were here with me or even with my words after their death? Not always. Conviction set in and I started to ask the Lord for forgiveness. I was mad at my mom all of my adult life for something she really couldn’t help and it showed in the way I spoke of her. My words were not honorable and sweet at all.
A little over a year after Mom's death my dad re-married. His new wife was very hard to get to know. Totally opposite of my mom, I thought to myself. Our new step-mom didn't seem to care or want to get to know us at all. Our relationship with Dad was different and strained from that point on. I was angry at both of them for that and it was a "justified" anger since I had a few siblings who agreed with me. My lifelong comments about that whole ordeal were definitely not honoring to my earthly father or my Heavenly Father.
Needless to say, I felt better after asking for His forgiveness and it was so typical of Our Lord to give me that gift and then attach a life lesson at the same time. This particular lesson was a hard one, however, even though my heart usually feels so much better when He has been tugging and yanking on it. Afterwards, I pondered this thought: What would my relationship have been like with mom and dad if I had turned that anger and bitterness over to the Lord a lot sooner?
Dear Heavenly Father, Search me O God, you know my heart: See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. Thank you Father for giving me back the sweet memories of my youth.
Application:
Anger and bitterness eat away at the person God created us to be. Ask Him to show you if there is a problem in the way you speak or feel about your earthly parents (or anyone for that matter). If we justify our anger or bitterness about our past we are leaving God out of our lives. Without a pure heart we cannot carry out the ministry He has planned for us in a way that honors Him.
Power Verses:
Ephesians 4:31, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger.” (NIV)
Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”(NIV)
This Week's Verse: Ephesians 6:2, 3, “Honor your father and mother, that it will go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on earth.” (NIV)
Devotion:
Since I have lost both of my parents, the Holiday season has not been the same for me. I just miss being "somebody's little girl" at Christmas time. During one of our Worship services this Christmas season, I noticed that paper about the poinsettia tree, so I wrote down my mom and dad's names, popped the $20.00 in the envelope, and dropped it in the plate, thinking to myself, “There, that's all you can do, feel better now, Debby.” But the Lord had a different idea than mine for making me “feel better.”
I walked into church that Sunday after Christmas and made my way over to the tower of poinsettias to read the memorial plaque at the base. As I read Mom and Dad's names, I instantly received this little glimpse of heaven. There was our Lord who, maybe for the first time, had called my mom and dad to His side as a couple and said, “Look there – see how she honored you today in My place for everyone to see.”
I loved that moment!! That was the best present ever. He understood my heartache. Did this instant vision come from God? Well, I must say I do have a vivid imagination when it comes to the Lord and heaven and all that, but this time I am giving the Lord all of the credit for surprising me with that little tidbit from Heaven and what followed this event.
I went home feeling different about Christmas for the first time since Dad's death but I kept remembering those words Our Lord spoke, “See how she honored you today.”
But did I honor them when they were here with me or even with my words after their death? Not always. Conviction set in and I started to ask the Lord for forgiveness. I was mad at my mom all of my adult life for something she really couldn’t help and it showed in the way I spoke of her. My words were not honorable and sweet at all.
A little over a year after Mom's death my dad re-married. His new wife was very hard to get to know. Totally opposite of my mom, I thought to myself. Our new step-mom didn't seem to care or want to get to know us at all. Our relationship with Dad was different and strained from that point on. I was angry at both of them for that and it was a "justified" anger since I had a few siblings who agreed with me. My lifelong comments about that whole ordeal were definitely not honoring to my earthly father or my Heavenly Father.
Needless to say, I felt better after asking for His forgiveness and it was so typical of Our Lord to give me that gift and then attach a life lesson at the same time. This particular lesson was a hard one, however, even though my heart usually feels so much better when He has been tugging and yanking on it. Afterwards, I pondered this thought: What would my relationship have been like with mom and dad if I had turned that anger and bitterness over to the Lord a lot sooner?
Dear Heavenly Father, Search me O God, you know my heart: See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. Thank you Father for giving me back the sweet memories of my youth.
Application:
Anger and bitterness eat away at the person God created us to be. Ask Him to show you if there is a problem in the way you speak or feel about your earthly parents (or anyone for that matter). If we justify our anger or bitterness about our past we are leaving God out of our lives. Without a pure heart we cannot carry out the ministry He has planned for us in a way that honors Him.
Power Verses:
Ephesians 4:31, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger.” (NIV)
Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”(NIV)
Friday, January 9, 2009
White as Snow
by Kathy Lay
This Week’s Verse: Psalm 51:7, “Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” (NLT)
Devotion:
We’ve had a few lovely snowfalls recently with big flakes gently blowing and then coming to rest. As I appreciate the beauty of each pure white flake, I always wonder if the old saying is true: Each snowflake is uniquely different and no two are the same.
That amazes me. Of all the snowflakes of all times—unfathomable numbers!—no two share the same pattern. It’s like God is saying, “I’m so infinite that I don’t have to duplicate anything. I have endless design patterns even for snowflakes—and especially for my children.”
Consider the life-cycle of a snowflake. It’s formed in heaven with just the right combination of ingredients until it takes its intended perfect shape. It leaves heaven pure and clean and comes to earth—maybe floating effortlessly and tranquilly until it lands softly, or maybe being driven by harsh winds and sleet only to be slammed into something hard. Regardless, in its new world the snowflake is only temporary. It gets soiled and dirty, a little heat changes its shape, and when its time expires it evaporates and goes back to where it originated.
Aren’t children of God a lot like snowflakes? We’re all perfectly but uniquely formed, we travel distinct journeys, and we have varied allotments of time here on earth. But the difference between us and snowflakes is that we decide how dirty and changed we allow ourselves to become in our time here before we too pass into our next phase.
The wonderful thing is that even when we’re soiled, if we melt just enough to soften our crytalized sharpness and come pliable to the throne of Jesus, He restores our purity. Once again, we are white and pure and beautiful—we’re clean and worthy of coming back home to the place we originated.
Father God, every time we see a snowflake remind us of how infinite and personal You are. Thank You for Your mercies that never cease and Your forgiveness that cleanses us each and every time we ask with humble hearts, so that we are (again!) perfect in Your sight.
Application:
Okay, Snowflake. What worldly elements have tarnished your beautiful crystalline self? Melt into the presence of Jesus and allow Him to wash you clean. Resolve to spend more time in His word—the ultimate soul cleanser. When He’s forgiven you, rejoice in your restored, unique and pure white beauty so you can shine for Him.
Power Verses:
Job 37:6, “He directs the snow to fall on the earth and tells the rain to pour down.” (NLT)
Isaiah 55:10, “The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry.” (NLT)
This Week’s Verse: Psalm 51:7, “Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” (NLT)
Devotion:
We’ve had a few lovely snowfalls recently with big flakes gently blowing and then coming to rest. As I appreciate the beauty of each pure white flake, I always wonder if the old saying is true: Each snowflake is uniquely different and no two are the same.
That amazes me. Of all the snowflakes of all times—unfathomable numbers!—no two share the same pattern. It’s like God is saying, “I’m so infinite that I don’t have to duplicate anything. I have endless design patterns even for snowflakes—and especially for my children.”
Consider the life-cycle of a snowflake. It’s formed in heaven with just the right combination of ingredients until it takes its intended perfect shape. It leaves heaven pure and clean and comes to earth—maybe floating effortlessly and tranquilly until it lands softly, or maybe being driven by harsh winds and sleet only to be slammed into something hard. Regardless, in its new world the snowflake is only temporary. It gets soiled and dirty, a little heat changes its shape, and when its time expires it evaporates and goes back to where it originated.
Aren’t children of God a lot like snowflakes? We’re all perfectly but uniquely formed, we travel distinct journeys, and we have varied allotments of time here on earth. But the difference between us and snowflakes is that we decide how dirty and changed we allow ourselves to become in our time here before we too pass into our next phase.
The wonderful thing is that even when we’re soiled, if we melt just enough to soften our crytalized sharpness and come pliable to the throne of Jesus, He restores our purity. Once again, we are white and pure and beautiful—we’re clean and worthy of coming back home to the place we originated.
Father God, every time we see a snowflake remind us of how infinite and personal You are. Thank You for Your mercies that never cease and Your forgiveness that cleanses us each and every time we ask with humble hearts, so that we are (again!) perfect in Your sight.
Application:
Okay, Snowflake. What worldly elements have tarnished your beautiful crystalline self? Melt into the presence of Jesus and allow Him to wash you clean. Resolve to spend more time in His word—the ultimate soul cleanser. When He’s forgiven you, rejoice in your restored, unique and pure white beauty so you can shine for Him.
Power Verses:
Job 37:6, “He directs the snow to fall on the earth and tells the rain to pour down.” (NLT)
Isaiah 55:10, “The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry.” (NLT)
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