Forgiveness

December 17th – Matthew 6:14-15

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Matthew 6:14-15

At Christmas, one of the most precious gifts we can give is not found under the tree but within our hearts. And it’s the gift of forgiveness. In forgiving, we echo the profound love of the Christmas story. Making the holiday truly shine with the light of peace and understanding. So in the spirit of the season, may forgiveness be the gift we exchange freely. Just as we anticipate the warmth of family gatherings and the glow of festive lights, may our hearts also be aglow with the lightness of forgiveness. Christmas invites us to unwrap the burdens of resentment and bitterness, extending the grace we ourselves have received. For in forgiving, we emulate the essence of Christmas. Which is the divine forgiveness bestowed upon humanity through the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. As we exchange presents under the tree, let us, in equal measure, exchange forgiveness, allowing the transformative power of grace to weave a tapestry of love and reconciliation, making this Christmas truly merry and bright.

December 17th – Matthew 6:14-15 Read More »

October 25th – John 1:16

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

John 1:16

We all sin against God daily. And not just once, but multiple times each day. Some sins we are fully aware of, some we commit without knowing. Thankfully, for those who have received Jesus as their Lord and Savior, we have access to an endless, overflowing source of God’s unmerited favor and love. Through Christ’s death and Resurrection, we are now reconciled back to our Father. That means no matter how many times we screw up, how many times we need forgiveness, when we come before Him with a truly repentant heart God is faithful. Faithful to not only to forgive but forget our transgressions. Never again to remember them nor hold them against us. (Ps. 103:12) For His love, mercy, and goodness are boundless. And His grace is continually poured over us. Always available to help us overcome challenges and give us strength in our weaknesses. Allowing us to live with confidence, gratitude, and an unwavering trust in His abundant love and blessings.

October 25th – John 1:16 Read More »

October 13th – Colossians 3:17

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Colossians 3:17

The apostle Paul encourages us to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. This means aligning our thoughts, actions, and decisions with the teachings and example of Christ. Approaching all we do with an attitude of love, humility, and devotion to Him. Every aspect of our existence, from our words and actions to our thoughts and deeds, should be a testament to God’s goodness and blessings. By recognizing His lordship in our lives, we strive to bring honor and glory to Jesus in everything we do. It also means that our actions should reflect His character of compassion, forgiveness, and grace. Ultimately, doing everything in the name of Jesus is an invitation to live a life that emulates His love and reflects His teachings. It’s creating a positive impact on the world and contributing to the advancement of God’s kingdom. Because even in the smallest of actions, we have the opportunity to express gratitude and reflect God’s abundant love.

October 13th – Colossians 3:17 Read More »

September 5th – Psalm24:7

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Psalm 24:7

“Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.”

When Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, it was the first Palm Sunday. The priests were praising God at the temple and reciting, “Lift up your heads, O gates, and be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in!” Jesus is the King of Glory because through His life, death, and resurrection, He forever conquered sin, death, and darkness. As the Son of God, He left His heavenly throne to walk among humanity. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus conquered sin’s power, offering forgiveness and redemption to all who believe. His resurrection from the grave affirmed His victory over death, assuring us of eternal life. In ascending to heaven, Jesus returned to His rightful place of honor and majesty, seated at the right hand of God as the King of Glory. This title signifies His divine authority and dominion over all creation, reminding us that in Him, we find not only salvation but also the source of eternal hope and the embodiment of God’s glorious grace.

September 5th – Psalm24:7 Read More »

August 14th – Colossians 2:14

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Colossians 2:14

“Having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.”

We are all born sinners who need to be reconciled to our perfect and holy Creator. That’s why we must depend on Jesus. Because He is the only one who can cleanse us and prepare us to dwell in His house forever. On our own, there is nothing we can do to be good enough to stand before a righteous God. Our sin is too great, and our sentence is death. But because of His great love, our Father paid our sin debt Himself. God sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, through whose death on the cross, became the perfect sacrifice and atonement. And it is only because of His shed blood can we receive forgiveness. A sweet forgiveness that restores our fellowship with God, and provides a path to eternal life. Once condemned, in bondage to sin, and separated from God, our Father took the perfect righteousness of His Son and put it on us. Why? To reconcile us back to Himself, and so we could experience the joy and freedom that comes with knowing our sins have been forgotten and the slate wiped clean!

August 14th – Colossians 2:14 Read More »

August 8th – Colossians 3:1

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Colossians 3:1

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”

With the rapid and continuing decline of today’s society, I can’t help but selfishly cry, “Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!” And I say selfishly because as desperately as I look forward to Christ’s return, I know that as Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father, He has important work to do. As the hour is short before He comes again, He’s busy acting as our High Priest, Advocate, and Mediator. In the exalted position that only He can hold, Jesus intercedes on our behalf. Day and night He presents our prayers, needs, and concerns before God. And with His sacrificial work on the cross ever-present, He advocates for our forgiveness and redemption. As if of all of this wasn’t enough, Jesus is also actively ruling over all creation. Faithfully He orchestrates the course of history according to God’s divine plan. For He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, exercising sovereign authority over the universe. And in His great love, Jesus is holding His glorious return until everyone has had the chance to receive Him as their Savior.

August 8th – Colossians 3:1 Read More »

July 31st – Proverbs 25:4

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Proverbs 25:4

“Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel,”

During the process of refining and purifying precious metals, the waste materials that are separated through smelting are called dross. Intense heat causes the dross to separate from the ore and rise to the top. There it forms a froth and can be eliminated, leaving a pure metal base. That’s how it should be with our inner circle of friends. Friendship is a treasure given by God, and we should surround ourselves with only the cream of the crop. Those who have stood the test of time and proven themselves to be trustworthy, honest and loyal. Both to us and to God. Because such relationships are vital in a world of fake followers and friends. Like beacons of light, they guide us along the path of faith and righteousness. And in the company of such friends, we find solace, encouragement, and accountability rooted in the teachings of Christ. These precious, treasured, friendships inspire us to be better versions of ourselves. And they challenge us to grow in love, compassion, and forgiveness.

July 31st – Proverbs 25:4 Read More »

July 14th – Proverbs 29:1

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Proverbs 29:1

“He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.”

We serve a God of second, third, and fourth chances. But although His patience, is immense, it’s not infinite. While God’s mercy and grace abound, there comes a point where persistent disobedience and unrepentant hearts can exhaust His patience. Eventually He’ll wash His hands and give us over to our sin. (Rom. 1:26-28) That’s why it’s so important to understand that God desires our genuine repentance, obedience, and a humble willingness to live lives according to His will. Procrastinating in our spiritual growth, ignoring His instructions, or taking His grace for granted can lead to severe consequences. A stiff-necked attitude towards God rejects the opportunity for growth and humility. It hinders our ability to learn from our mistakes, seek forgiveness, and make necessary changes in our lives. And most sad of all, unrepentant sin distances us from the One we should be closest to. The only true source of wisdom and grace, our Heavenly Father.

July 14th – Proverbs 29:1 Read More »

July 10th – Proverbs 4:4

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Proverbs 4:4

“Then he taught me, and he said to me, ‘Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live.”

There’s a reason the Bible is the best selling book of all time. Because in it can found the perfect blueprint for life. Solomon’s father David knew the life saving benefits of believing and following God’s Word. And so he ingrained the need to know and study the Lord’s commandments into his son. Words echoed by Solomon to all who seek wisdom. God’s Word provides much needed guidance, discernment, and direction for every aspect of our lives. Through the stories, parables, and teachings it contains we can find answers to life’s deepest questions, discover the character of God, and learn how to live according to His will. The Bible shows example after example of love, forgiveness, and redemption. Which in turn inspires us to live with compassion, humility, and integrity. More than just a good book, God’s Word is alive, active, and sharper than any double-edged sword. (Heb. 4:12) And if we follow it teachings, will point us to a meaningful and Christlike life.

July 10th – Proverbs 4:4 Read More »

June 30th – Psalm 79:9

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Psalm 79:9

“Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliver us and atone for our sins, for your name’s sake.”

When Asaph cried out to God for forgiveness, he knew God would respond. Why? For His name’s sake. Meaning God’s character and reputation are all deeply connected with His forgiveness. Throughout the Bible, God reveals Himself as a compassionate and forgiving Father. When He forgives us, it showcases His divine attributes and brings glory to His name. God’s forgiveness shows His unwavering commitment to righteousness and justice. And it proves how much the Lord desires to have a close, personal relationship with each of us. By forgiving us, God shows His boundless love and mercy, revealing His true nature to the world. Even more wonderful, when God forgives it highlights His power to transform lives and bring about spiritual restoration. Ultimately, forgiveness for His name’s sake ensures that God’s character is upheld and His glory is magnified in the process of redemption and reconciliation.

June 30th – Psalm 79:9 Read More »