Forgiveness, Mercy and Grace – 3

Click here for part 1

Remember, God does not forgive us because we are worthy; he forgives us because of who he is.

God gives us what we need to lighten the load, the enemy gives us things to weigh us down.  Condemnation crushs us under the weight of sin.  Conviction is God simply asking if we want to agree with him so he can shoulder the burden.

My Confession: Because I love my sin, I find myself going down this road over and over, seemingly without change however, in faith, I trust that God is working.

I developed a love of my sin over time, perhaps it may take time to develop a hatred for that same sin.

Hatred for sin comes through continued agreement with God by confessing my sin every time I partake of it.

For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death.  So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good.  Did that which is good, then, become death to me? By no means! But in order that sin might be recognized as sin, it produced death in me through what was good, so that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful.1

Revelation: That’s it!  The reason I struggle is because the sin in my life is becoming utterly sinful –my love for sin is but to death by agreeing with God.  Yes, I’m a sinner.  No, I don’t deserve mercy.  Yes, I need a savior.

My Prayers: Lord, thank you for dying on the cross in my place.  Please forgive me; please give me a hatred for sin.  Thank you for having mercy on me.  Change my heart, my thoughts, and my ways.2  Transform me into your likeness.3

Lord, I have struggled so long, this seems impossible, please give me the faith to believe again, with my lips I can say, “I do believe”, but my words ring hollow; please help me overcome my unbelief.4

My word for today is that what may be impossible for me is not impossible for you God!5  6  7  Please open my eyes that I can see you at work and be encouraged.8

 

24/7

There are 168 hours in a week.

If I spend an hour or two a week devoted to God, 99% of my time is away from God.

Considering the math, do I really believe spending 100% of eternity with God is a good idea?

Does how I spend my time reveal that an eternity without God would be a better fit?

My Prayer: Lord, thank you for inviting me into your presence. Please teach me to delight in You and give me the desire and will to spend more and more time with You. 9 Thank you for making a way when there was no way. 2 Thank you for the grace to respond to your call. Thank you that, unlike me, You are open to relationship 24/7; please make me more like You. 3 I humble myself before you; with thanksgiving I praise your Holy name!

Count it all Joy

“Fits of anger generate an illusion that we are strong, simply because it feels like strength; it’s not, it’s actually a terrible weakness.” – David Kupelian, How Evil Works (Paraphrased)

Anytime we ally with the enemy we’re partnering with weakness; how different life would be if we could recognize such a truth.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be complete, lacking in nothing. 4

 

Points to ponder:

  • Is temptation not a trial?
  • Not succumbing to temptation, is that not a test of our faith?
  • If we do fail, does repentance not also test our faith?
  • At the moment of conviction, are we not positioned to be set free from the bondage of the enemy through confession and agreement with God?2
  • Is not faith required for us to come boldly into the presence of God?3
  • Is it possible that no matter the outcome, if we remain in relationship with God, we are on the road to steadfastness?4
  • Can we have a greater hope; is this not the hope of the gospel?5

My Prayer:  Thank you God for loving us unconditionally.  Thank you for providing us the way back to unbroken relationship with you.  Thank you for the grace to respond to your calling.  We are so richly blessed by you!  Amen.