Colossians 3:14 (NIV)
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Psalm 32:1-2 (NIV)
Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.
Devotion
If you are anything like me, then you’ve often fallen short of God’s perfect holiness. Because we are all sinners, we struggle with guilt. And over time, the guilt can turn into shame. Easter offers tremendous HOPE for the one who feels unforgiven. Jesus was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. Justification was a legal term that means “declared free of guilt.” Because of Jesus’ resurrection, we can walk through life FORGIVEN! King David knew the power of God’s forgiveness. In Psalm 32, David revels in the joy of being forgiven. There is no sin that is a match for God’s amazing forgiveness.
Questions to Ponder
Do you ever feel like you’ve sinned so much that God’s forgiveness is out of reach? How does it make you feel to know that even David, despite his great sins, was able to experience the joy that comes from God’s forgiveness? In this world, we all need HOPE! Where is your hope found? Have you experienced the amazing grace and forgiveness of God?
Prayer
- Pray for our church family: For anyone who feels condemnation rather than conviction or feel they need to “clean their act up” before talking to God. PRAY they will know His arms are wide open and that all they have to do is turn to Him with a heart that says “I’m sorry Lord”. No “works.” No “cleaning up.” Just acknowledging their sin and receiving His forgiveness.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you and to share Jesus with someone today. Ask God to open a door so that you can share with someone how your life has changed because of Jesus Christ.
- Ask the Lord to help you to be sensitive to the conviction of the Spirit of God and to keep short accounts (confess sin) throughout the day. Ex. Pray in your heart, “Forgive me Lord for being worried, remind me that You are peace. Come and minister to my mind”
Father, thank You for reminding me today that I am forgiven and made clean by the finished work of the cross! Thank You that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. I agree with David’s prayer in Psalm 32:1-2 which says that I am blessed, that my sins have been covered, and You don’t hold them against me. Thank You Lord that even though I fail daily, it’s your kindness that leads me back to You to say I’m sorry and receive Your forgiveness. You forgive as far as the east is from the west and keep no record of my wrongs.
I ask Lord, that You would help me to forgive those around me just as You have freely forgiven me. Make me an agent of Your love, grace, and forgiveness today. As I am anchored in the Hope of Christ Jesus, I will open my mouth today to share Your love with those around me. Remind me to pray for people, to encourage them, as well as grant grace and forgiveness. Help me to be holy as You are holy. In the Name of Jesus Christ, I ask, amen.