If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].
—1 John 1:9
Many years ago when I was first developing my relationship with the Lord, each night I would beg His forgiveness for my past sins. One evening as I knelt beside my bed, I heard the Lord say to me, "Joyce, I forgave you the first time you asked, but you have not received My gift of forgiveness because you have not forgiven yourself."
Have you received God's gift of forgiveness? If you have not, and you are ready to do so, ask the Lord to forgive you for all your sins right now. Then pray this aloud:
Lord, I receive forgiveness for (name the sin), in Christ Jesus. I forgive myself and accept your gift of forgiveness as my own. I believe that you remove the sin from me completely, putting it at a distance where it can never be found again—as far as the east is from the west. And I believe, Lord, that you remember it no more.
You will find that speaking aloud is often helpful to you because by doing so you are declaring your stand upon God's Word. The devil cannot read your mind, but he does understand your words. Declare before all the principalities, powers, and rulers of darkness (see Ephesians 6:12) that Christ has set you free and that you intend to walk in that freedom.
When you speak, sound as though you mean it! If the devil tries to bring that sin to your mind again in the form of guilt and condemnation, repeat your declaration, telling him: "I was forgiven for that sin! It has been taken care of—therefore, I take no care for it."
Putting God First
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.”
Proverbs 3:7–10
I read a beautiful story from a missionary to Africa who told about a young man who knocked on his door one day. When he answered the door, he found the man holding a large fish. He said, “Missionary, you taught us what tithing is, so I have brought my tithe.” The missionary took the fish and then asked, “So where are the other nine fish?” The man smiled and said, “They are still in the river. I’m going back to catch them now!”
When it comes to our time, our money, and our talents, God is to come first. Because of His greatness and glory, He should occupy the position of priority and preeminence in our lives. He should not and will not come last and accept the scraps and leftovers. He commanded that the Israelites bring sacrifices that were the very best that they had: “But whatsoever hath a blemish, that shall ye not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you” (Leviticus 22:20).
Of course God does not need anything that we have, and everything we have is a result of His grace and belongs to Him. The thing that is important is that we demonstrate His place of honor and importance in our lives when we put Him first. The Christian who claims to love God and put Him first but does not give, serve, and help in His work does not love Him as He deserves and demands. It is not in our speech but in our actions that we demonstrate the depth of our devotion to Him.
Proverbs 3:7–10
I read a beautiful story from a missionary to Africa who told about a young man who knocked on his door one day. When he answered the door, he found the man holding a large fish. He said, “Missionary, you taught us what tithing is, so I have brought my tithe.” The missionary took the fish and then asked, “So where are the other nine fish?” The man smiled and said, “They are still in the river. I’m going back to catch them now!”
When it comes to our time, our money, and our talents, God is to come first. Because of His greatness and glory, He should occupy the position of priority and preeminence in our lives. He should not and will not come last and accept the scraps and leftovers. He commanded that the Israelites bring sacrifices that were the very best that they had: “But whatsoever hath a blemish, that shall ye not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you” (Leviticus 22:20).
Of course God does not need anything that we have, and everything we have is a result of His grace and belongs to Him. The thing that is important is that we demonstrate His place of honor and importance in our lives when we put Him first. The Christian who claims to love God and put Him first but does not give, serve, and help in His work does not love Him as He deserves and demands. It is not in our speech but in our actions that we demonstrate the depth of our devotion to Him.
Today’s Growth Principle:
It is never a mistake to put God first, no matter what those around us may think, say, or do.
Receiving Forgiveness
by Joyce Meyer - posted February 02, 2017If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].
—1 John 1:9
Many years ago when I was first developing my relationship with the Lord, each night I would beg His forgiveness for my past sins. One evening as I knelt beside my bed, I heard the Lord say to me, "Joyce, I forgave you the first time you asked, but you have not received My gift of forgiveness because you have not forgiven yourself."
Have you received God's gift of forgiveness? If you have not, and you are ready to do so, ask the Lord to forgive you for all your sins right now. Then pray this aloud:
Lord, I receive forgiveness for (name the sin), in Christ Jesus. I forgive myself and accept your gift of forgiveness as my own. I believe that you remove the sin from me completely, putting it at a distance where it can never be found again—as far as the east is from the west. And I believe, Lord, that you remember it no more.
You will find that speaking aloud is often helpful to you because by doing so you are declaring your stand upon God's Word. The devil cannot read your mind, but he does understand your words. Declare before all the principalities, powers, and rulers of darkness (see Ephesians 6:12) that Christ has set you free and that you intend to walk in that freedom.
When you speak, sound as though you mean it! If the devil tries to bring that sin to your mind again in the form of guilt and condemnation, repeat your declaration, telling him: "I was forgiven for that sin! It has been taken care of—therefore, I take no care for it."
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