Promise for Today Favorite - Help Me to Remember

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.

Luke 23:34 KJV

He was ostracized before He was born (born in a barn to a mother who was pregnant by Someone other than her husband). Those who knew Him best didn't respect Him (Mark 6:3-5). The high priest and leaders of the temple hated Him and conspired to kill Him.

What did Jesus do? He prayed. How many times do we read in Scripture that Jesus prayed? He sought God in all things. I would submit for your consideration that one of the things Jesus prayed about while living on earth was the constant rejection. How do you continue to love people who constantly reject you or hurt you? And if you can't love them, how can you forgive them? Matthew 6:12 tells us, If you can't forgive them, you can't be forgiven by your Father in heaven.

How many of us walk through life with the Marine attitude of "Kill 'em all - let God sort 'em out"? Now, I don't know about you, but for a long time in my journey, I wanted to forgive, but there just seemed to be something so wrong about the one who committed the offense being let off the hook. It was like letting them get away with it. How can you let someone get away with that kind of thing? That's just not right...is it? You can't let them think they got away with it scot-free, can you?

I'm reminded of the accessory line that was released quite a few years back. WWJD - Do you remember those teeshirts and bracelets and earrings and necklaces, Bible covers, etc. "What Would Jesus Do?" Reminding us to be like Jesus. Well, what did He do? Did one of His own disciples betray Him? Yes. Did Jesus know about it? Yes. Did the leaders of the temple conspire to kill Him? Yes. Did Jesus try to stop any of them?

Did they taunt Him with lies and shove it in His face? Read Luke 23:35-39 NLT, [The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. "He saved others," they said, "let him save himself if he is really God's Messiah, the Chosen One." The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. They called out to him, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" A sign was fastened to the cross above him with these words: "This is the King of the Jews." One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, "So you're the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you're at it!"]

Was He - is He God's Messiah, the Chosen One? Yes! Could they have killed Him if He hadn't laid down His life in OBEDIENCE to the Father in sacrifice for our lives? No, they could not! Did they kill Him? Yes. Did they think they got away with it? Yes...

What did Jesus do? "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do..." When the circumstances demanded justice at such wrongdoing, He gave mercy. Aren't we to be like Jesus?

Prayer:

Father,
          Help us to realize that forgiveness is not a feeling. It's a choice of will. Help us to understand Matthew 18 and forgiving others seventy times seventy... Remind us to choose to forgive every time it comes up. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Lent - Day 39 - Evidence of God's Gift

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2025

******************************************************
When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.

Matthew 25:31-46

Jesus gives us a picture of what it will be like on the day of judgment. All people will be judged on the last day, and it will be like when a shepherd separates His sheep from the goats. There are two things we should notice about this day of judgment for the sheep. First, before any of the acts of kindness are viewed and compared Jesus already separates those who receive the inheritance from those who do not. Second, to those who receive the inheritance Jesus says, “Come, you who are blessed by God.” No matter how we live our lives entering into God’s inheritance is still a gift, still a blessing that God gives. And yet we see Jesus’ words that talk of lives of grace, mercy, and kindness. This section is not a checklist we make sure to complete in case Jesus is watching. Jesus is saying, as my child filled with the Holy Spirit you show mercy because you have been given mercy. You show love because you have been given love. You show grace and forgiveness because you have been given grace and forgiveness.

Prayer:

Jesus Christ, 

                You have made us Your sheep. We surrender our will to be directed by Your Spirit that we might show mercy and love to Your church, and to the world. Amen.

Lent - Day 35 - Blood On Our Hands

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2025

******************************************************
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel! Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous, saying, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ Thus you witness against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers. You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell? Therefore I send you prophets and wise men and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town, so that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah the son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. Truly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’

Matthew 23:23-39

“If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.” These are easy words to say when the prophets are dead and can’t speak out against you. Ironically in just a few days, Jesus’ blood will be shed in response to their accusations; accusations fueled by their anger because Jesus speaks judgment against them. As His body is beaten their voices will shout out “blasphemy”. As He stands trial their voices will ring out, “Crucify Him”. As the stakes are driven through His flesh their voices will hurl insults. In many ways, Jesus’ teachings can be difficult to take in. His words of truth ultimately drove many to lead the charge for His death. Today we may find our way through some of His more difficult teachings only by softening the blow, applying them to others but not ourselves, changing their intent or meaning, or just ignoring certain sections altogether. All the while we wonder how anyone could have put the Savior of the world to death.

Rather than absolve ourselves of responsibility for Jesus’ death because we were not there, it is important that we recognize that ultimately His blood is on our hands. Why? Because our sins (your sins and mine) require payment that can only be made through the shedding of Christ’s blood. While this truth might lead us to great guilt and shame, Jesus invites us to something different. He invites us to see that angry shouts did not lead to his death but rather the plan of a gracious Father. Christ wants His blood to be on us, not as condemnation but as forgiveness freely given for our sake.

Prayer:

Lord, 

        Thank You for shedding Your blood for our forgiveness. You have caused Your Word to be written for our learning. Grant that we may hear and read it, that in our learning we may be strengthened in Your truth and remain steadfast in Your grace. Amen.

Lent - Day 32 - True Repentance

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2025
******************************************************

In the morning, as he was returning to the city, he became hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And he said to it, “May no fruit ever come from you again!” And the fig tree withered at once. When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither at once?” And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question, and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, from where did it come? From heaven or from man?” And they discussed it among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From man,’ we are afraid of the crowd, for they all hold that John was a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And he said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things. 

"What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him. 

Hear another parable. There was a master of a house who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a winepress in it and built a tower and leased it to tenants, and went into another country. When the season for fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to get his fruit. And the tenants took his servants and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent other servants, more than the first. And they did the same to them. Finally he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.’ And they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?” They said to him, “He will put those wretches to a miserable death and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures:
‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone;
this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?
Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.” When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them. And although they were seeking to arrest him, they feared the crowds, because they held him to be a prophet.

Matthew 21:18-46

In Jesus’ parable about two sons it seems strange to give positive support to a son, who was initially obstinate and disobedient, just because he later “changed his mind.” I am sure we would like it better if there could be a third son, one who is asked, agrees, and does the will of the Father. However, there is only one who fits that character profile and He’s telling the story. Jesus uses this parable to highlight the contrast between two groups of people from his interactions. There are the “sinners” whose lives have been full of disobedience to God but heard Jesus’ call to repentance and turned to Him. 

Then there are the chief priests and elders whose lives seem to demonstrate obedience to God but who refuse to believe the testimony of John the Baptist and turn to Christ. The word used in “changing his mind” gives a sense of being filled with regret and can be connected with the ideas of repentance. From the time Jesus entered into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, He has done nothing but concern Himself with people repenting. There are many ways we deceive ourselves or try to fool others with a charade of obedience. But this really is no different than the second son giving empty lip service. Instead, Christ would recall John’s testimony in order to persuade us to repent: Flee the final judgment, turn from sin, turn to Christ and bear fruit in keeping with repentance. (Matthew 3:1-12)

Prayer:

Father, 

         Please forgive us for all the ways we disobey You. Forgive our feigned obedience by looking instead at the perfect obedience of Jesus and His sacrificial death. Strengthen our faith by Your Holy Spirit and produce in us fruit in keeping with repentance. Amen.

Lent - Day 31 - Dead to Sin

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2025

******************************************************
Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 

And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.” 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. He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.” And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant, and they said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, 'Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise’?” And leaving them, he went out of the city to Bethany and lodged there.

Matthew 21:1-17

Due to their lives of sin and deceit, thieves would flee to caves between raids for safety from the people they had robbed thus giving birth to the phrase “den of robbers.” When Jesus used this phrase He quoted the Old Testament from the prophet Jeremiah. God spoke through Jeremiah saying, Has this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? (Jeremiah 7:11) These words were spoken to people who would not change their lives of sin. The people wrongly believed that the temple protected them from the consequences of their evil and from punishment for their idolatrous actions against God. Refusing to repent or change they would emerge from the temple ready to engage in more defiance of God’s will. Unfortunately, this was still the case in Jesus’ day. Life in Christ calls for a very different confidence. We stand fully confident in the grace that Christ pours out for us freely. However, we should be careful not to turn this into “cheap grace,” assuming permission to sin all the more as a way to “give” God the “opportunity” to forgive us even more. Life in Christ means living each day fully repentant of our sinful lives. We are not to remain confident in our sins but rather grieve them. We are not to seek ways to continue in our sin, but rather desire that God would help us overcome temptation and sin. Reconciled to God through Christ we are confident because our sinful flesh is put to death and we daily rise as a new creation to live before God in righteousness and purity.

Prayer:

Lord, 

        Please forgive our sins. Change our lives. Amen.

What to Do?

“This king did the same as my heavenly Father will do to you. You must forgive your brother or sister with all your heart, or my heavenly Father will not forgive you.”

Matthew 18:35 ERV

Have you ever gotten into a situation where your response was less than loving and you needed to humble yourself and ask to be forgiven? Most of us have at one time or another, and usually, the person will forgive us. I believe that is the 'walk-it-out' Truth of Micah 6:8, "The Lord has shown you what is good. He has told you what He requires of you. You must act with justice. You must love to show mercy. And you must be humble as you live in the sight of your God."

But what if they won't forgive you? What do you do then? I think we should pray and seek God's face. Ask for His wisdom. Don't harden our hearts. Remember, "You will never be called upon to give anyone more grace than God has already given you (Max Lucado)."

Prayer:

Father,

          We want to walk according to Your Word. Strengthen us beyond our human frailty. Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who have trespassed against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

It's Not Fair

"One of you might have to suffer even when you have done nothing wrong. If you think of God and bear the pain, this pleases God. But if you are punished for doing wrong, there is no reason to praise you for bearing that punishment. But if you suffer for doing good and you are patient, this pleases God. This is what you were chosen to do. Christ gave you an example to follow. He suffered for you. So you should do the same as he did:
'He never sinned, and he never told a lie.'
People insulted him, but he did not insult them back. He suffered, but he did not threaten anyone. No, he let God take care of him. God is the one who judges rightly."
1 Peter 2:19-23 ERV

Have you ever gotten in trouble for something you didn't do? Have you ever felt as though you were in an interminable season of life where everything or someone was against you and none of it was because of something you did? How did you handle it? Did you want revenge or were you able to forgive and turn it over to God?

The Bible tells us that whoever angers us controls us, which is a terrifying thought. Better to forgive so that we can be forgiven, too. We must learn to live and love like Jesus who cried out from the Cross, "Forgive them, Father..." Talk about 'not fair'.
***********************************************
An excerpt from the Encouraging Word Bible reads,
"Vengeance fixes your attention at life’s ugliest moments. Score-settling freezes your stare at cruel events in your past. Is this where you want to look? Will rehearsing and reliving your hurts make you a better person? By no means. It will destroy you."

"Folks, if you’re expecting to be given a fair shake in your life, forget it! You won’t be. You’re going to face illness. And your body is going to wear out. You may be the victim of someone else’s mistake. But you can get through those tough times if you prepare your heart now, living to know and serve the Savior who loves you and died so that you might have an eternal home free of pain and sorrow.

"The struggles that you’re going through now—don’t discard them. Listen to God as He teaches you so that you can teach others. You see, a time of suffering teaches us something we never knew before and may prepare us for a time of counsel that we will give someone years from now...

"Trying to avoid suffering in this life is like trying to avoid breathing. It can’t be done. As a matter of fact, the Bible says that those who desire to live a godly lifestyle will suffer. Ask God how your suffering can bring you closer to Him. Then thank Him that He is a good God no matter what you’re going through."
***********************************************
Prayer:

Father,
            We don't always understand trials and tribulations, but humbly we ask, as we forgive and turn them over to You, please help us to embrace what You would have us learn from it. We want to be a reflection of Your Light and love in this world. Let our only thoughts of fair be with regard to countenance. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Have You Ever

If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Matthew 6:14-15 NLT

Have you ever made a mistake?

Have you ever said something you wish you hadn't?

Have you ever been mean on purpose?

Have you ever lied?

Have you ever hurt someone - intentionally or not?

Have you ever taken something that wasn't yours?

Have you ever cheated on a test or your taxes?

Have you ever not given your tithes?

Have you ever withheld something when you could have given it? 

Have you ever sinned?

At some point, we've all done at least one because the Bible tells us in Romans 3 that all of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Do we want to be forgiven? Yes, without a doubt, we do! 

Can we be forgiven? Well, forgiveness is available to us IF we have forgiven others. Are we holding a grudge? Are we still mad about __________? Our Promise for Today is very forthright - It's Jesus speaking - If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Prayer:

Our Father,
                 Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Grace

You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 2:1 NLT

In our Promise for Today - Paul instructs Timothy to be strong in grace. Take a minute to think about that. We are saved by grace through faith... Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT reads, God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 

During job interviews, we are often asked what are our strengths. It can be the determining factor for whether or not we get the position we want. As humans, we tend to take great pride in what we see as the strengths in our lives. Do you know yours? Would you say grace is one of your strengths?

Here's a way to test ourselves to know. How about that one that gets on your last nerve every time you see him or her coming? How do we get rid of the anger? On paper, the answer to that is simple. We need to forgive for whatever caused the rift in the first place. Easier said than done, but so totally possible only by the grace that is in Christ Jesus. How do we forgive? Grace. How does God forgive us? Grace.

The Truth is we shouldn't take personal pride in any of our strengths. God gave them to us while we were being formed in our mother's womb. He gifted us with what we would need to accomplish His purpose for our lives. We must choose to grow in grace and to extend it toward others. In other words, do what we're supposed to be doing - to live like Jesus every day.

Prayer:

Father,

           Forgive us for holding unforgiveness, for being critical and judgmental. Change our hearts and minds to reflect Your love. Help us to walk in Your Word that instructs us to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Doing Good

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

Sometimes, God has to use an illustration to get our attention and make us see His Word...well, at least that's how it works in my life. I'm a hands-on, visual learner. Thankfully, He loves us enough to reprimand us when we need it, and then provides grace and mercy, along with His forgiveness.

The other point He drove home for me today is that, if the prayer or the verse is just a decoration - a pretty plaque sitting on the shelf or hanging on the wall - just something sitting around and not actively in use in our hearts and evident in our lives, it doesn't do any good for us or those around us. And we are here to follow in Christ's footsteps, who according to Acts 10:38a-b, ...you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good...  

Yeah, what are we doing?

Prayer:

Father,

           Thank You for loving us more than we can comprehend and enough to repeat the lesson as many times as it is necessary for us to get it. We want to learn the first time. Make it so, Father.  In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Our Only Defense

I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins. 

Put Me in remembrance; Let us contend together; State your case, that you may be acquitted.

Isaiah 43:25-26 NKJV

Was it something we did? Something we said? Something we flaunted as though it was our own creation? Was that the reason God chose to not remember our sins? The Truth is that the something we said or did was most probably a case of sinning against God. Anything we may have created to flaunt was rooted in pride - also very offensive to God. So for His own sake, He chose to create a way to forgive us and not compromise His own holiness.

And lest we persist in thinking it might have been something we earned, let's review how we may state our case and be acquitted. Our ONLY defense is to confess our sins to God and repent - turn from our sins - receive His forgiveness and throw ourselves on His mercy which is new every morning and never-ending.

Prayer:

Father, 

          Forgive us for any time we thought we might be able to rid ourselves of our selfish, sinful ways. Thank You for Your unfailing love, for loving us first, and for Your faithfulness. Thank You for providing a way out of the debt we owed You by having Your Son pay the penalty for our sin. Guide us in loving others as You have loved us. Teach us Your ways, Father, so that they are our first response to those around us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - In the Bloodline

He did evil in the eyes of the LORD, just as his father had done. 

2 Kings 24:9 KJV

Have you ever been told you look like your father? Or that you act "just like your father"? Is that a good thing... or maybe a not-so-good thing? Have you ever known families where the children all mimic the father's mannerisms and attitudes? That's exactly what we find in our text today and throughout the book of 2 Kings.

Is it a learned behavior or a generational curse? I don't intend to try to determine that here, nor will I address good fathering practice / bad fathering practice because those are rather apparent (no pun intended).

However, I will point out two very important Scriptures. Ephesians 6:4, Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. And the second is very similar - Colossians 3:21, Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged.

As a born-again believer, your Bloodline flows from the Cross at Calvary...the one brought about because our Father God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son...who in turn gave His life so that we can be forgiven.

Prayer:

Father,
           By Your Grace, so let us continue our lives to do just as You have done - Help us to give freely of our love and our time and our provision to others. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.

From Now Until Easter - The Pursuit of Peace

From Ash Wednesday until Easter, I will post from Lent and Easter devotionals offered online. Tonight's post features excerpts written by Dan DeVries, religious services coordinator at Hope Haven, Inc.

************************************************

Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

Psalm 34:12-14 (NIV)

The psalmist’s paraphrased response is, “What we speak is really important.” We choose every day between having our tongues speak evil or praise. And if we choose to keep evil and lies from crossing our lips, we also need to ask forgiveness for the times we have allowed evil and lies to escape. In asking for forgiveness, whom do I also need to forgive? How relentless am I in pursuing forgiveness and the forgiving of others?

Pursuit is an active word that suggests vigor. Pursuing peace found only in God delivers us from all our fears. And if our daily newsfeed is to be believed, we have much to fear. Fear is the most natural response to the unknown, and it blinds us to the freedom that we have to pursue peace and seek God. As the old hymn assures us, “’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear and grace my fears relieved.”

According to this psalm, orienting our life in God’s ways—fasting from evil speech and lying lips and turning from evil—promises an abundant and joyful life. It comes to fruition through peace-making—pursuing peace.

Good days. How does one whose very life has been saved by God respond? Verse 1 of this psalm answers, “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.”

Prayer: 

Prince of Peace, 

                        Thank You for the “grace that taught my heart to fear and grace my fears relieved.” Thank You for the promise of life and many good days. In Jesus’s name, amen.

Reminders - Forgiveness

Matthew 6:14-15 - For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Isaiah 1:18 - “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

Micah 7:18-19 - Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.

Mark 11:25 - And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.

Colossians 3:13 - Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Ephesians 4:31-32 - Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

The Prayer was written by Kristine Brown. It is a great prayer for forgiving...

Father,
          Thank You for Your gift of forgiveness. Your only Son loved me enough to come to earth and experience the worst pain imaginable so I could be forgiven. Your mercy flows to me in spite of my faults and failures. Your Word says to “clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” (Col. 3:14) Help me demonstrate unconditional love today, even to those who hurt me.

I understand that even though I feel scarred, [I don't know if she meant 'scarred' or 'scared' but either way...] my emotions don’t have to control my actions. Father, may Your sweet words saturate my mind and direct my thoughts. Help me release the hurt and begin to love as Jesus loves. I want to see my offender through my Savior’s eyes. If I can be forgiven, so can he. I understand there are no levels to Your love. We are all Your children, and Your desire is that none of us should perish.

You teach us to “let the peace that comes from Christ rule in our hearts.” (Col. 3:15) When I forgive in words, allow Your Holy Spirit to fill my heart with peace. I pray this peace that only comes from Jesus will rule in my heart, keeping out doubt and questions. And above all, I am thankful. Not just today, not just this week, but always. Thank You for the reminder, “Always be thankful.” (Col. 3:15) With gratitude I can draw closer to You and let go of unforgiveness. With gratitude I can see the person who caused my pain as a child of the Most High God. Loved and accepted. Help me find the compassion that comes with true forgiveness.

And when I see the person who hurt me, bring this prayer back to my remembrance, so I can take any ungodly thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ. (2 Cor. 10:5) And may the confidence of Christ in my heart guide me into the freedom of forgiveness. I praise You for the work You are doing in my life, teaching and perfecting my faith. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Unoffendable by Brant Hansen

Today's inspiration comes from: Unoffendable by Brant Hansen
***************************************************

When you are angry, do not sin, and be sure to stop being angry by the end of the day. 

Ephesians 4:26 NCV

So, overall, how does Scripture, which is well acquainted with injustice, describe anger? Take a look at some verses from the New Living Translation.

Anger is described as “fierce” and “cruel” in Genesis 49:7. It’s “burning” in Exodus 11:8. In the same book, it’s also described as a “blazing fury,” and if you’re not careful, it can “blaze against you” (Exodus 15:7; Exodus 22:24).

In Leviticus 26, anger is something given “full vent” and equated with “hostility” (v. 28). In Deuteronomy 7, it is associated with the words “burn” and “destroy” (v. 4). In 1 Samuel 20, we see an anger that “boil[s] with rage” (v. 30). Anger “will not be quenched,” according to 2 Kings 22:17. In 2 Samuel 6, it “bursts out” (v. 8); in Job 4, it “blasts” (v. 9); and in Job 16, God Himself, in anger, “tears” and “pierces” (v. 9).

Anger is terrifying and fierce in Psalm 2:5. It’s burning and consuming in Psalm 69:24, then smoldering intensely in Psalm 74.

In Isaiah 9:12, it’s associated with a fist poised to strike. In chapter 30, it’s demonstrated with flames, cloudbursts, thunderstorms, and hailstones (v. 30). In Isaiah 63:3, it tramples.

It doesn’t exactly chill out in Lamentations. The words “engulfed” and “slaughtered” are used in chapter 3 (v. 43)...

...The Bible directs us to get rid of anger (Ephesians 4:31; Colossians 3:8), but our idea of “righteous anger” turns that directive on its head: we ...actually pat ourselves on the back for being offended and embracing anger.

And all that boiling, piercing, corrosive power becomes part of our lives—and destroys us.

We cling to our self-righteousness and can’t possibly imagine giving it up. We think it’s how we’re supposed to live. But our Father is holding out another way of living, entirely. He’s saying it’s far more valuable. He knows. He made us. He knows we can live better this way. We’ll be under less stress. We’ll be able to live in the moment. We won’t be constantly offended, perpetually nursing hurts. He’s telling us to hand over the idea that we know things we don’t about ourselves and others, and simply be humble.

I’ve found myself thinking — even if I don’t say it out loud — that part of my job as a Christian is assessing where people stand. Therefore, if I didn’t try to make this assessment about others, I wasn’t taking Christianity seriously enough, or something. I don’t know what I was thinking.

What a sweet, sweet relief to not have to do this.

Jesus had to point out to seemingly upstanding religious leaders that some prostitutes were closer to the Kingdom of God than they were. Would you or I have known that?

Last night, I talked with a new friend of mine who shared that he’s always seemingly been angry. “I spend half of my life with anger,” he said. “I’ve always lost a tremendous amount of sleep because of it.”

Life is better when we admit what we don’t know, realize our own moral status before God, and give up our made-up Right to Be Offended.

 God knows how we’re wired. He tells us to forgive and to get rid of anger. People made in His image would do well to listen. It means everything, not just for us, but for those around us.

We think we want a right to “righteous anger.” It takes a tremendous amount of humility, an extraordinary “dying to self” to hand over this desire, this job, this obsession, to God. But He made us, and He knows how we operate best. He says to hand it over.

And He’s promising something of value that no one else — and literally, no other religion — promises. He’s promising a release from the constant evaluation, never-ending striving, and relentless assessment of where we, and everyone else, stand.

He’s promising a better way of life. He’s holding it out to us, saying, “Hand over the garbage;” and He means it, because He loves us, and He has something better to offer.

He’s offering peace.

Prayer: 

Beloved Jesus, lead me to someone today who needs to hear Your story of love and forgiveness.

**************************************************************************

Advent - Day 19 - Forgiveness

I have chosen a different devotional for the remainder of Advent. It is rich.
It is titled "Every Good Gift" and is written fully by Compassion Canada
**************************************************************

“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” (Mark 11:25)

We never have to wonder if forgiveness is God’s will. It always is. Jesus tells us that as we show mercy, so it shall be shown to us. But when we think about how often we are hurt by others or they are hurt by us, we wonder how do we forgive like Jesus? How do we show this kind of mercy when we are deeply hurt?

“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times.’” (Matthew 18:22)

Jesus charges us to forgive as many times as we are wronged.

Once again, we are reminded that to do anything as Jesus did, is to become more like Him.

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5)

Jesus came to call the sinners to repentance. (Luke 5:32) He came as God’s letter of forgiveness to a sinful world. To everyone He met, touched and healed, He would say: your sins are forgiven. Jesus was showing us that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the enemy of our soul. (Ephesians 6:12) He forgave sins and cast out evil spirits. When we have this revelation, we can forgive freely. When we understand that the enemy has mastered ways to turn people against their loved ones through offense and bitterness, then will we be quick to offer forgiveness so that we can open the door to reconciliation and restoration, just as Jesus has for us.

Forgiveness always leads to joy. It’s often not an easy road, but it is always one that is worth taking for the joy that will surely follow.

Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to begin this work in us this Christmas, so that we can recognize that people are not the enemy. That the one enemy we have, Jesus has put under His feet. (Psalm 110:1) Doesn’t that just put a spring in your step?

Prayer:

Precious Holy Spirit, 

                                 I give You full permission to begin Your glorious work within me. Create within me a clean heart and renew a right spirit in me. Settle within me the revelation that I do not wrestle against people. Help me to see that You have won all the victory for me so that I can forgive quickly, truly find mercy and experience the joy of restored relationships. Amen.

It's So Easy

Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.
Hebrews 12:14-15 NLT

These days, it's so easy to offend someone without even trying. It's even easier to find people who seem to try to do everything they can to offend others. (If you think I'm joking, try reading an online news article that allows comments at the end.) There's a whole movement whose sole purpose, it seems, is to make inflammatory and or insulting statements - like an equal opportunity offender.

We're not to be like that! People can be so wounded emotionally. It's so easy to want to defend or protect them, but before you know it, you can get caught up in the antagonistic, caustic vitriol of it all. Then it's so easy to become bitter. It's so easy to spew that all over anyone who is around you. Hurt turns to bitterness making it so easy to miss God's grace and forgiveness.

It's so easy to forget that the cost of His mercy and grace was the shed blood of Jesus Christ. The Cross was not easy...

Prayer:

Father,
            Thank You for all that You've done to make it easier for us to get back into a right relationship with You. We want to live peaceably with others. We want to live a holy life. We want to see You! Remind us that we must forgive in order to be forgiven. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Mandatory

This one was written by my pastor, Alan Neel.
*************
If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Matthew 6: 14-15

The Kingdom of God has a foundation based entirely upon love. In fact, Heaven is going to be a place eternally filled with love. So, any time we refuse to act in love and forgiveness, we are rejecting God’s Kingdom. Wow! That is startling, but true.

God’s great love that is expressed through grace and mercy should change our hearts to also express grace and mercy. Love is not selfish, love is always giving, that includes forgiveness.

LIVE, LOVE, FORGIVE! REPEAT!

**************

Prayer:

Father,

          Thank You for Your love and forgiveness. Forgive us for all the times we have not followed Your example. Give us Your strength to do so from now on. Father, give us clean hands and pure hearts so that we can properly portray You to a lost and dying world. Let them know we are Christians by the love we show and share. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Not an Option

If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Matthew 6:14-15 NLT

Usually, when we have been hurt or wronged, we want revenge. Some sort of payback. Sadly, forgiveness is not the first thing to come to mind. We might get there eventually... once we get past the feelings and emotions, the anger and/or pain of the offense. 

We tend to think of readily-available forgiveness as only for us, not for someone who sinned against us. That somehow God is as mad at them as we are for what they did. Not so. 

I remember the first time I read today's promise with the understanding that in order to be forgiven of my sins, I must first forgive others. I remember arguing with God, "Yeah, but they did such-and-such! And for no reason!" "Yeah, but..." and more 'Yeah, buts'. I tried to weigh out the right and wrong of it, working through the intense emotions. It's tough to forgive when there are all those feelings, but we're called to walk by faith... Especially when dealing with repeat offenses, and yet, Jesus addressed that, too, in Matthew 18. Remember Peter's question. How many times do I have to forgive - seven? And Jesus told him no, seventy times seven...

Forgiveness is not about feelings. Forgiveness is not presented as an option. Forgiveness is not just a choice - it's an act of obedience to the words of Christ. If we want to be forgiven, we must forgive.

Prayer:

Father,

         Thank You for making provision so that we can be forgiven of our many trespasses against You. Let Your Word manifest in us so that we walk by faith and not by our feelings, so that we can truly love and forgive others as You have forgiven us. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Living the New Life

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Colossians 3:1-17 NLT

Prayer:

Father,

          Thank You for sending Your Son to pay the death penalty for our sin. Teach us how to live more fully in Your way. Holy Spirit, remind us always to make the choices to walk in mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, love, and forgiveness as we live out our role as Christ's ambassadors. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen