“And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept.” Genesis 33:4 Another familiar story that we have read many times, but I saw something different this time when I read it. Remember that after Jacob had convinced his father…
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:1 We are all human and we make mistakes, at times we will sin and do things that are contrary to God’s plan for our lives.…
“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24). “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Anyone remember whispering this to themselves on the playground when bullies would hurl unkind words your way? At the time…
“But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you.” (Luke 6:27 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible) In essence, Jesus was saying, “Listen up!” While reading this passage today, I was reminded of a time I was trying to…
As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12, Holy Bible, New King James Version)
Transgression is synonymous with disobedience, misbehavior, wrongdoings, offenses, and indiscretions. Most of us try to forget unpleasant events that hint at transgressions. The Psalmist could have measured the distance to the sun or the moon, but seeing them would remind us of our sins. Instead, he speaks symbolically with the greatest distance he can imagine, from east to west, so far that our past sins are invisible.
Apostle Paul makes an even stronger statement of how God, the great forgiver, sees our past.
“For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” (Hebrews 8:12, NKJV)
Now that’s complete forgiveness.
Prayer: Lord, when I remember my transgressions before Your forgiveness, I rejoice that You do not. Amen.
Devotion by Violet Carr Moore
“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Matthew 6:16 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.) It was Sunday morning and we had a wonderful service. The altar was full of those hungry for more of God. As the service closed,…
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God: Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” (Romans 3:23-24 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.)
A few months ago I was at a conference and a young lady who had gone to our church previously came to me after the service. She asked me to pray for her as she had made so many mistakes and wanted to do what was right. I told her immediately, “Join the club; we have all made mistakes.”
Thank God for His grace and mercy. None of us deserve a second chance but He gives us just that. We can’t go back just forward.
It’s admirable to realize and admit to being wrong. You’re headed in the right direction when you do so.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for righting the wrongs in my life. Your forgiveness is so awesome, God. When I ask Your forgiveness it relieves me of the condemnation that sin carries.
Devotion by Kaye Singleton
“He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12, Holy Bible, New Living Translation).
A questionnaire lists options to circle or check physical ailments. “Have you or anyone else in your family ever had. . . ?” followed by medical conditions. A driver’s license application questions, “Have you ever lost consciousness except during surgery?” Financial forms demand an answer to “Have you ever filed bankruptcy?” Employment applications include “Have you ever been convicted of a felony?”
EVER! Ever becomes forever―never to be erased―always demanding a response. When Jesus forgives your sins, He expunges “Have you ever?” With Him, yesterday is gone. Today is a new day; a fresh start.
Prayer: Thank You Lord for removing my past mistakes and giving me a fresh start. Amen.
Devotion by Violet Carr Moore
“Ever feel like you’ve turned your back on Jesus? The disciples did. READ: Matthew 26:56 from the Holy Bible, King James Version:
“Then all the disciples forsook Him (Jesus) and fled.”
The disciples were twelve men that were chosen by Jesus. They went with Him everywhere. They saw him heal people. They saw Him walk on water. Jesus knew the disciples would flee when the soldiers came for Him. He also knew they would recover and preach salvation to the whole world. He waited for them to realize how much they needed Him. How very much He loved them. How, willing He was to welcome them back with open arms of love.
It is the same for you. Jesus knows you’ve failed Him. He also knows you will succeed in Him again one day. He’s waiting to welcome you back with open arms of love.”
Prayer: Jesus, help me to forgive myself as easily as You forgive me. Thanks for loving me, no matter what!
Devotions by Debbie Simler-Goff