THE OFFER OF FORGIVENESS

“Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord.

Though your sins are like scarlet,

I will make them as white as snow.

Though they are red like crimson,

I will make them as white as wool”.

Isaiah 1:18 NLT

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It seems to me that a few people reading “THIS WEEK’S WORD FROM GOD” are struggling with guilt over their sinful past. They have had a problem believing that God will ever forgive their sin. There are times when they are able to bury the guilt for a while, but it keeps coming back again and again.

Are you one of those people I am referring to? Then today’s scripture is meant especially for you. The Lord’s invitation to you is “Come now, let’s settle this.” You don’t need to continue in your guilt and misery. No matter how terrible your sin has been. Jesus paid for it all when He died on the cross and rose again! And on those grounds God can justly promise, “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.” Indeed, “If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” I John 1:9 NLT. Call out to God right now. Admit your sin to Him, and ask Him to forgive you. You can trust Him to keep His promise. He will forgive you!!

There are endless examples in scripture and in everyday life of God forgiving every sort of sin no matter how vile – every kind of thievery, sexual abuses of all sorts, dishonesty, adultery, murder, etc., etc. The list is endless, and it includes the very sin or sins you suffer guilt over. “Listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is declared right with God.” Acts 13:38,39 NLT

Most of you (350+ people) who are reading these words this week know that your sins are forgiven. You have settled that matter with the Lord and are enjoying the peace He gives. Would you please take a moment right now and pray for those who are still struggling.

Let’s Pray-
Father, thank you for loving us enough to sacrifice your sinless Son on the cross to pay for everyone’s sins. May doubters humbly acknowledge their sin today and find faith to believe that you have washed them whiter than snow. We ask it in Jesus name.
Amen


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IN THE GRIP OF THE FATHER'S HAND

The Lord directs the steps of the godly.

He delights in every detail of their lives.

Though they stumble, they will never fall,

for the Lord holds them by the hand.

Psalm 37:23-24 NLT

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This scripture brings to mind a young child walking through unfamiliar territory with his father. He has never gone this way before. Being young and inexperienced he doesn’t know the possible dangers that need to be avoided. But there is no fear in his heart because he is with his father and he knows his father loves him. What’s more, his father has a hold of his hand.

The father delights in every detail of his child’s life. He rejoices over him as he watches him grow and become more and more like him - even beginning to walk and talk like him. If his child were holding onto the father’s hand he could very easily lose his grip stumbling, and injure himself in a fall. The father knowing that is very likely to happen makes sure that he has a firm grip on his child’s hand.

Does this illustration have anything to say to us concerning our walk with the Lord? It speaks to my heart. First off, it assures me that the Lord will direct my steps because He desires His best for my life. Secondly, it lets me know that I am loved by my heavenly Father, who takes delight in me! How absolutely incredible!! Thirdly, He knows if it depended on me holding on to His hand I would not only stumble, but fall and destroy myself. He is not going to let that happen to His child in whom He takes delight. So to keep us secure He takes hold of our hand. We need not fear, He will not lose His grip!!


Let’s Pray-
Father, I am eternally grateful for your unconditional love! There is nothing as comforting as the firm grip of your hand on mine. I know you will not let me fall.
Amen

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TREASURE IS SECURE IN HEAVEN

Don’t store up treasures here on earth,
where moths eat them and rust destroys them,
and where thieves break in and steal.
Store your treasures in heaven,
where moths and rust cannot destroy,
and thieves do not break in and steal.
Wherever your treasure is,
there the desires of your heart will also be.
Matthew 6:19-21 NLT

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What has been happening with the economy lately is sending shock waves around the world. We thought we had planned well for the “golden years,” now we are not so sure. Most everyone with any kind of retirement plan has seen their “nest egg” painfully shrink. Moths and rust are doing their destructive work, and thieves are stealing what we have been counting on. Worry is a natural reaction.

In the last few decades many people have been able to live “lavishly” (a relative term – seldom do we see ourselves as living lavishly). At the same time many people have stored up treasure on earth way beyond what they would normally need. Saving and planning for our future needs is the right thing to do. However, it is important to realize “where our treasure is, there the desires of our hearts will also be.” Nothing we store up here on earth, or spend on ourselves, will end up as heavenly treasure.

Jesus asks, “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things? . . . Don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Luke 12:25,26,29-33 NLT

Paul says, “Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future.” I Timothy 6:17-19 NLT

It may seem untimely to be talking about helping the poor when our savings are shrinking daily. But it may be just what we need to conquer our self-pity and add to our heavenly treasure at the same time. After all, Jesus told us “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 NLT

Let’s Pray-
Oh Father, we have been so self-centered. The desires of our hearts have been so earth bound. Please forgive us! Help us to store up treasure in heaven by sharing our earthly treasure with the poor and needy. We ask this in Jesus’ name.
Amen

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GOD IS ALWAYS WITH US

Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.

I have called you by name; you are mine.

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.

When you go through rivers of difficulty,

you will not drown.

When you walk through the fire of oppression,

you will not be burned up;

the flames will not consume you.

Isaiah 43:1-2 NLT

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When God created us, He made us social beings that need others to interact with. And that is especially important when we find ourselves going through difficult times. Today’s scripture passage tells us how God has made provision for such times. We belong to Him not only because we are part of His creation, but even more so because He has ransomed us – He bought us to be His personal possession. And now He calls us by our name and assures us, “You are mine - I will be with you.” No matter what we go through in this life, we are never alone!

Having this personal relationship with Him doesn’t mean that we are exempt from difficult and scary times. His command, “Do not be afraid” shows us that He wants us to focus on His promise instead of on what strikes fear into our hearts. He will be with us in every situation no matter how threatening it may be. He will not allow His ransomed ones to be destroyed.

When we are in deep waters way over our head and our feet can’t touch bottom anymore, He will be there with us, holding us up and bringing us to solid ground - all the while calling us by name and reminding us that we belong to Him. In rivers of difficulty with strong currents about to pull us under, His assuring promise is “I will be with you . . . you will not drown.” We are not alone in the struggle. Even in the midst of the fire of oppression when we go through fiery trials, He is with us like the fourth man in the fiery furnace.

Deep waters – rivers of difficulty and fire of oppression are allowed in our lives not to harm but to strengthen and purify us. Remember His word to us is, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. . . I will be with you.”

Let’s Pray-
Father, help us not to give in to fear when in threatening times. Grant us grace to rest in your promise that you will be with us through every experience. Help us to know that you cause everything to work together for the good of those who love you and are called according to your purpose.
Amen

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GREAT IS THY FAITHFULESS

I praise your name

for your unfailing love and faithfulness;

for your promises are backed

by all the honor of your name.

Psalm 138:2 NLT

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I started singing scriptures songs and praise and worship choruses over 30 years ago. They have stimulated my faith and helped me express love and appreciation to God for His mercy and grace. But I also love the old hymns of the Church. My most favored of all is “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” by T. O. Chisholm. You know the familiar refrain: “Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided, Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!”

I became aware of that reality over 58 years ago and I still praise His name for His unfailing love and faithfulness. Today’s scripture reminds us that God’s promises can be counted on without reservation because they are “backed by all the honor of His name.” God will never go back on His word for that would bring dishonor to His name. In fact it is impossible for Him to be unfaithful and still be God! Being faithful is His nature. As the hymn says, “There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy passions they fail not; As Thou hast been Thou forever will be.”

How blessed we are to have "Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, His own dear presence to cheer and to guide; Strength for today and bright hope tomorrow, Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside."

Let’s Pray-
Lord, I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness. You keeping your promises brings honor to your name and after all that’s what it’s all about – the honor of your name!
Thank you, Lord.

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HOW TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION

Trust in the LORD with all your heart;

do not depend on your own understanding.

Seek his will in all you do,

and he will show you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT

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When we are confronted with making decisions, our normal inclination is to assume that we can handle it on our own, even when there are major unknowns involved. I guess it may be a bit of pride in us that motivates us to do that sort of thing. If I read this week’s Scripture right - that’s depending on my own understanding, which I shouldn’t be doing. Our understanding is so limited – the Lord’s is unlimited - so the wise thing for us to do would be to try and find out what His will is in the matter.

There are many decisions we make from day to day which aren’t that consequential. But if the decision could have serious effects on our life or the lives of others, we really need to check it out with the Lord. I think most of us know how to do that. It’s just a matter of doing it. We need to pray about it with an open mind – find out what His Word has to say on the issue – be willing to set aside our will where it conflicts with His.

If we honestly desire to know His will and trust Him wholeheartedly, He will show us the way we should take. It may take a while and we may vacillate between doubt and trust. But once we trust Him wholeheartedly, we will have peace and we will know we are on the right path.

Let’s Pray-
Father, forgive us for “going it on our own” so much of the time. Help us to seek your will in all we do. And when you show us the way, grant us grace to trust you with all our heart!
Amen


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PRAY FOR CIVIL LEADERS

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people.
Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf,
and give thanks for them.

Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority
so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives
marked by godliness and dignity.

This is good and pleases God our Savior.

I Timothy 2:1-3 NLT

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During political elections, and for that matter most other times as well, it is common to speak disparagingly of political leaders and aspiring politicians, especially those of the “other” party. Political discussions can get downright nasty to the point of destroying friendships. As Christians we need to guard against falling into that sort of attitude. “For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.” Romans 13:1 NLT

No candidate or elected official is going to be perfect, measured by God's standards. They will have some policies and values with which we do not agree. And even the people we feel the most comfortable with most likely do not fully measure up. So as we chose for whom to cast our vote, it will come down to choosing the lesser of two evils. This requires that we be informed concerning the candidate’s stand and what biblical principles have to say on the issues. Instead of belittling and maligning candidates or elected officials, whether local, state or national, we need to treat them with respect, even those with whom we differ.

This week’s Scripture says we are to pray for all in authority – that would mean regardless whether they promote godly policies or not. We are to intercede for them and ask God to help them “so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” That sort of “support” is good and pleases God.

Let’s Pray-
Father, thank you, that we are blessed with a government instead of anarchy. We pray that it would please you to grant us leaders who govern righteously. Help us to do our part to bring that about.
Amen

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