Monday - Philemon 1:1-25
Tuesday - Colossians 4:1-18
Wednesday - Acts 28:11-31
Thursday - 1 Thessalonians 2:1-20
Friday - Romans 16:1-27
Monday - Genesis 35:27-36:8
Tuesday - Numbers 20:14-21
Wednesday - 1 Samuel 22:11-23
Thursday - Psalm 137:1-9
Friday - Obadiah 1:1-21
Monday - Matthew 9:27-37
Tuesday - Matthew 28:16-20 and Acts 1:1-11
Wednesday - Acts 2:41-47
Thursday - James 1:19-27
Friday - Acts 28:17-31
Monday - James 2:-4-26
Tuesday - John 8:1-11
Wednesday - Galatians 2:11-21
Thursday - John 13:1-35
Friday - John 17:1-26
WEEK 6
DAY 40- WE KNOW YOUR KINGDOM IS ETERNAL AND HAS NO END
Scripture- Exodus 15:18; Psalm 145:13; Daniel 4:3
My friends and the youth I serve often tease me because one of my favorite places to go for quiet reflection is the cemetery. When I first started visiting the cemetery, I didn’t know anyone who was buried there, but sadly I do now. Nevertheless, it’s a place I go to talk to Jesus, to slow down, and to remember that the time I have here is limited. Though I find comfort in knowing that this life is temporary, I confess that the thought of eternity sometimes scares me. I can’t wrap my head around “forever.”
It’s overwhelming to think that those who have passed before us are already experiencing “forev- er,” either with Jesus or eternally separated from Him. While dwelling too long on “forever” can be frightening, I find comfort in knowing that in the “forever” that I will experience, the Lord—our good, good King—reigns. While whatever peace and goodness we experience here is often overthrown by heartache and evil, the goodness, faithfulness, and kindness of God rules over the whole universe forever. There will be no end to His wonderful and mighty dominion. In moments when life is hard, dark, and heartbreaking, let us remember that our God is on His throne, that His goodness reigns supreme, and that one day we will see it with our own eyes and enjoy it forever.
REFLECTION PRAYER
Our Father,
You have put eternity in our hearts to remind us that we have been made for more than what our eyes can see, what our hands can touch, and what our minds can conceive. I praise You because You are the God whose wonders are mighty and whose Kingdom is everlasting. Jesus, by Your Resurrection, You have provided the foundation of our hope—that the day we are absent from the body, we will be present with You. Holy Spirit, please help us today to set our minds on things above and live faithfully for You. Amen.
By Betty Morejon
WEEK 6
DAY 39- WE PARTICIPATE IN YOUR KINGDOM AS AN END-TIMES MOVEMENT
Scripture- Matthew 24:14; Romans 10:13-15
It happened again—someone added something new to Scripture. I’ve read it many, many times before, but clearly that phrase is new since last I read through the Word. The first part of the verse I’ve heard and even preached on: “Therefore [Jesus] is able to save completely those who come to God through him” (Heb. 7:25a). These are powerful words on their own, but someone snuck in an added phrase: “ . . . because [Jesus] always lives to intercede for them” (Heb. 7:25b). I had never seen that before; at least it had never registered until the Spirit pointed it out this time.
Yes, Jesus modeled a powerful prayer life while on earth. Jesus taught us how to pray. But here and now, I find that He, sitting beside Abba in heaven, is always interceding for me. It stands to reason that He prays more wisely than I do, with more power than I have, with greater insight than I ever could have, and with knowledge of the future that I could only wish for. My grocery list of prayer pleas and Christmas lists of requests seem somehow less needed when I discover Jesus is already always praying for me and with me. Yes, I should still share my heart in prayer, but I find I can more easily abide in Him with hope and rest when I realize that He is already, always, powerfully, wisely praying for and with us.
REFLECTION PRAYER
Jesus,
You have granted grace and salvation; I am eternally grateful. Further, You’ve gifted me with the companionship of the Spirit. I couldn’t imagine life otherwise. Beyond that, You continue to labor in love on my behalf by always interceding for and with me. Seeing the powerful impact of Your prayer life while You walked in this world makes me take a deep breath of hope as I abide in the reality that You are praying for my life and journey in the same all-powerful way. And here I exhale in rest, peace, and hope. Amen.
By Jeff Miller
WEEK 6
DAY 38- WE TRUST IN YOUR REDEMPTIVE PLAN
Scripture- Genesis 1-3; Romans 3:23
God is good and can be trusted. He made a beautiful garden for mankind to live in and rule and then blessed us to be fruitful and increase in number. Sin entered the world through Eve and Adam’s choice to break the boundary God established when He told them they must not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil or they would die. We see this sinful nature even in two-year-olds who walk directly toward the very thing their parents told them not to touch. I, too, have moments when I willfully disobey what God asks of me. God wanted Adam and Eve to freely choose obedience out of love for Him, but their choice to do their own thing led to separation from Him (see Gen. 1-3 and Rom. 3:23).
But the story doesn’t end here. God would not allow sinful separation to be the final word. He had a redemptive plan for us in the same way good parents have a redemptive plan for their two-year-olds. God’s heart is revealed in 2 Peter 3:9, which reads, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” God’s plan is freely offered and available to all people, and though He knows not all people will choose Him, He will never stop His loving pursuit. Will you trust His redemptive plan for your life today?
REFLECTION PRAYER
Father,
Thank you for free will. I repent of my momentary lapses of defiant willfulness to go my own way and do my own thing. I surrender to Your Lordship. I acknowledge that I do not know better than You, and I will continue to come into Your presence and wait for Your direction before I act. I will trust Your ways, especially when I cannot see around the corner, because Your redemptive plan for my life is good. Thank You for always desiring deeper intimacy with me. I say “yes” to Your tender invitation to choose You. Amen.
By Wanda Walborn
WEEK 6
DAY 37- WE TRUST IN YOUR GOODNESS
Scripture- Titus 2:13
I ensure my future by remembering the past.
We’ve all gone through difficult moments in life. Sometimes we walk through circumstances that are adverse to us. But when we focus too heavily on our problems, we often lose sight of the blessing that God is more powerful than any situation we are experiencing. We cannot deny that the problem is there, that it troubles us, that it robs us of our joy and our hope. In our worst moments, we feel that heaven is closed to us. How can we escape these paralyzing thoughts?
The psalmist reminds us whom we serve: the Creator of the heaven and earth, the omnipotent Maker of wonders. He is always good. His love is everlasting. We must proclaim these truths with boldness and gratitude. We must take Scripture at face value and remember that there is no one like Him! If He is omnipotent, is anything too difficult for Him?
Regardless of your circumstance, declare the greatness of our God! Remember that He will work for His name to continue to be glorified in all things. His Word reassures us that He is always in control of every situation—even those we are not aware of. And in each of them, His purposes will be fulfilled!
How long should I wait for Him to answer? Knowing that His plans are always for His own glory and my own good, we must not lose hope or be discouraged—or least of all, tire of praying. Continue proclaiming that He is a doer of wonders and that His works are perfect.
REFLECTION PRAYER
Lord Jesus,
I believe that You are the almighty Creator and Sustainer of everything that exists. As I am Your child, You’ll take care of my life and family. I know that You will care for the things that worry me because You seek to help Your children. I am experiencing situations that I cannot understand, but I look at the past, and the Scriptures remind me that You are good, that Your love is everlasting, that You are the omnipotent Doer of wonders, and nothing is impossible for You! Amen.
By Eliat Aponte
WEEK 6
DAY 36- PRAYER AS AN EXPRESSION OF HOPE
For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever.
When we look around this fallen world, we see and hear so many incidents that seem so unjust and evil. If we let those things sink deep into our minds, we can easily fall into frustration and even have our faith come down with doubts and questions about the future. As children of God, this is where we are called to deepen our roots in His Word and grow in our faith. As the Word says in John 15:5, abiding in the relationship of Jesus
is the key for us to have hope in this world as Jesus has promised that He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much
fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” We need to believe that our Lord is in control of everything in our life. Hence, prayer becomes an expression of hope. So, how do we use our personal and corporate prayer time as an expression of hope? In what ways could prayer effectively build believers to become His witnesses in this fallen world?
By David and Ty King
WEEK 5
DAY 35- LEAD US INTO VICTORY
Scripture- Daniel 7:25
Each week, Christian churches gather together and proclaim songs of God’s victory such as, “The Battle Belongs to the Lord!” These songs are both a declaration and a reminder that no enemy can defeat God and His people. This refreshes our faith and challenges us not to get short-sighted when troubles find us, knowing that our sovereign King has already won.
In Daniel 7, Daniel’s vision reveals coming kings and kingdoms who subdue the earth. A final king rises up, oppressing God’s people. But afterward, Daniel sees that “all the kingdoms under heaven will be handed over to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him” (Dan. 7:27). God’s eternal victory is guaranteed.
A friend shared with me three “p’s” to consider in the midst of present suffering and temporal defeat, to which I will add a fourth. The first is “presence.” God is with us in the midst of trials. He will never leave us nor forsake us. The second is “prayer.” Petition for God’s mighty hand to deliver you while accepting and acknowledging your desire to see His will accomplished regardless of personal pain. Pray for peace regardless of the outcome. Third is “perspective.” Reframe your thoughts from temporary sufferings to the eternal victory promised by God. And finally, “perseverance.” We run the race set before us, which is an arduous journey guaranteed to contain troubles. We must not give up! God will lead us to victory!
REFLECTION PRAYER
Almighty God, our Heavenly Father,
Yours is the power, glory, and honor forever.
Lead us to victory in Jesus. Help us not to despair in the midst of temporal pain but set our eyes on the eternal hope of glory that we might run well this race that You have set before us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
By Jerry Henderson
WEEK 5
DAY 34- LEAD US THROUGH SPIRITUAL WARFARE
Scripture- Matthew 6:13
You may be familiar with the passage on Jesus and His temptations but have possibly missed a very key aspect: Jesus wasn’t there by accident, but rather the Holy Spirit led Him into the desert for the expressed purposed of being tempted by Satan. This may seem at odds with the Lord’s Prayer, “. . . lead us not into temptation . . .” (Matt. 6:13). However, it gives insight into God’s relationship with us. God could shield us from all temptation, but He desires for us to trust Him to deliver us, to equip us to face our enemy head-on. The Lord has given us His authority, His power, and His purpose. All it takes to access those tools and weapons is our faith in Christ.
When Jesus was in the desert, He used Scripture to combat the lies of the devil. He also stood firm in His authority, in His sonship, and in His purpose. Using that example, it is clear that our greatest weapon against the enemy is intimacy with the Father. The closer we draw to the heart of the Father, knowing His Word, the more effective we are against the powers and principalities of this world. When temptation comes, our knowledge of our firm place in the Kingdom of God and our connection to the love of the Father will give us the same strength we see Jesus exercise in Matthew 4 when He said, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
REFLECTION PRAYER
Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your presence in our lives. Thank You that You knew us and loved us and chose us long before the creation of the world. We stand righteous and redeemed because of Your sacrifice on the cross and because of Your great love for us.
Because of that, the enemy has no ground on which he can accuse us and no weapon with which he can attack us. Draw us more and more near to Your heart, and forgive us when we doubt.
We ask all this in Your holy name, Jesus. Amen
By Paul Garcia
WEEK 5
DAY 33- LEAD US INTO PUTTING ON THE ARMOR OF GOD
Scripture- Ephesians 6:8
You must remember that each day God permits you life on this planet, you are engaged in spiritual warfare. This is not simply a descriptive statement (acknowledging a truth). For the Christian, this is a prescriptive statement (a truth you must act on).
When Paul talks about putting on the armor of God to the Ephesian Christians (Eph. 6:10-18), he makes it clear that it is a necessary first step for every Christian. It is the armor of God that gives you the strength to stand firm (v. 11), fight against the mighty powers of darkness who rule this world (v. 12), and be fully prepared for what He is calling you to (v. 15).
Are you feeling spiritually exhausted? Defeated? Overwhelmed? Unprepared? Are you ready to retreat? Circle the wagons? Wave the white flag of surrender to the world around you? Is the enemy too great and your own strength too small?
Your Father promises you His strength and victory when you lay down your armor and weapons and take up His. Don’t be fooled into thinking that acknowledging this truth is the same as acting on it. Paul’s final encouragement in this passage is to “pray at all times and on every occasion” (v. 18).
Make it a point today to spend time with Him in prayer. Confess your dependence on Him. Don’t stop praying until you are encircled with His peace. Meditate on Scripture. Consider His truth and righteousness. His armor brings the victory today. Put it on, Christian!
REFLECTION PRAYER
Father,
You have called me to spiritual warfare today. Without You, I cannot win. If I fight this battle on my own, defeat is certain. Fill me with Your peace today. Remind me of who You are. You are the God of truth. You are the God of righteousness. You are the God of salvation. I confess my dependence on Your Holy Spirit. Replace my exhaustion with Your joy and my fear with Your boldness. Fill me with Your strength that I may stand firm and fight faithfully today.
By Justin Dubose
WEEK 5
DAY 32- LEAD US INTO PROTECTION AND COURAGE
Scripture- Psalm 125
“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore.” —Psalm 125:1-2
In 2018, I was assigned to Hill Air Force Base, Utah, which is nestled at the foot of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains. When we arrived, we were awestruck by how huge the mountains were and how close they seemed. They were especially beautiful in the winter—snowcapped and strong, always there, always present.
One morning, I got up early, weary and worried, looking to pray regarding the uncertainty of the future we were facing at the time. I opened my Bible and landed on the above Psalm. After I read these words, I looked out and saw those steady and strong mountains literally surrounding our house. I felt God saying, “You see those mountains there? That’s how present I am with you. Do you trust that those mountains can’t be shaken? Neither can I, because I made them. So trust in me. I’m surrounding you. I’m protecting you. I will not be moved from you, my child.”
When we are in times of difficulty and stress, it can often seem like God is distant. At times, we look for answers or rescue and there seems to be none. This is a reminder that regardless of the trouble we face, God is surrounding us with protection and provision both now and forever.
REFLECTION PRAYER
Father,
When it seems like we are being surrounded by attacks and adversity, may we remember that You do not forsake Your people. Rather, You surround us with Your presence. You are a God who cares for His people and longs for us to cast our cares upon You. We thank You for Your Spirit that guides us in truth, comforts us in our pain, and guards our hearts and minds with Your peace. In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, amen.
By Gabe Lawson
WEEK 5
DAY 31- LEAD US INTO DELIVERANCE
Scripture- Psalm 23:4
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” —Psalm 23:4, KJV
In times of danger, difficulty, and even death, I will fear no evil. Why? “For thou art with me” in every situation of life. The “rod” (a short club) is a weapon of defense or discipline, symbolizing God’s strength, power, and authority. The “staff “(a long slender stick with a hook on one end) is used to draw a sheep close to the shepherd, guide it in the right way, or deliver it from trouble.
God’s rod and staff reassure us of God’s love and guidance in our lives. We often require deliverance from the onslaught of Satan and the world’s system, which is separated from the holiness of God. Satan is a masterful strategist who seeks our downfall by his various schemes. Some schemes of Satan are failures, disappointments, hurts, depression, worry, fear, grief, anger, conflicts, and broken relationships designed to defeat God’s people. Because of the presence and nearness of God, we can walk in victory and above all our circumstances. Our deliverance from evil is assured by our intimate relationship with Christ Jesus through the Holy Spirit.
REFLECTION PRAYER
Almighty God,
You sent Jesus to suffer and die for my sins. Lead me through all things that hinders my walk with You. I call on Your name to deliver me from the entanglements of Satan and everything that impedes me from receiving Your blessings and a victorious lifestyle. By Your grace and mercy, I stand on the promises of Your Word that “thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” In the name of Christ, amen.
By Rufus McDowell
WEEK 5
DAY 30- LEAD US INTO LIBERATION FROM THE GRIP OF THE EVIL ONE
Scripture- Luke 5:1-11
Liberation is the act of setting someone free. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free! He made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
Likewise, many on the battlefield have given their lives for our freedom. Lt. Murphy is credited with risking his own life to save the lives of his men when he knowingly exposed himself to enemy fire to gain a better position to transmit a call to get help. In his memory, “Murph” is a workout completed by CrossFitters and Navy Seals on Memorial Day every year. In the midst of running one mile, completing 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, and finishing with another mile, it is tempting to give into the pain and give up, but many persevere to honor the fallen who have died for our freedom.
Similarly, in life, we find ourselves tempted to give up or give into the enemy’s schemes, but we must keep fighting to honor Christ’s sacrifice and remember that He gives us victory over sin in our lives. He died so that we may be free from Satan’s grip. Not only that, the weapons we fight with have divine power to demolish the strong grip of the enemy. We fight with worship, the Word, and with prayer. In 2 Chronicles 20, worshipers led the march into battle. In response, the Lord sent an ambush against their enemies! The Israelites kept their eyes on the Lord and followed orders to stand firm and watch the deliverance God would bring!
REFLECTION PRAYER
1. Our freedom isn’t free. Spend a moment in silence to honor those who’ve died for your freedom. If you’ve ever been to a war memorial, remember the deep reverence and gratitude you felt.
2. Take some time to remember Christ’s sacrifice. Thank Him for your freedom. Praise Him for the victory He gives over the grip of the enemy! Satan has no hold on you!
3. Take time to worship Him, focus your eyes on Christ, follow His orders to stand firm on the ground that’s already been won by His sacrifice, and be watchful as He brings deliverance!
By Krista Lain
WEEK 5
DAY 29- PRAYER AS SPIRITUAL WARFARE
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
2 Chronicles 20:12 is interesting: “Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” Three armies had surrounded the Israelites. Understandably, they were tempted to be afraid, discouraged, overwhelmed, and worried. You can feel it in their words, their pleas. Often, we do not know what to do. Other temptations in the form of the devil’s spiritual attacks can seek to neutralize us and drain our spiritual life. When we are faced with personal troubles or attacks from the evil one, when the devil tries to dump all kinds of evil temptations on us, we can stand strong. Christ will lead us on into victory.
By David and Ty King
WEEK 4
DAY 28- WE CONFESS CORPORATELY
Scripture- 2 Chronicles 7:14; James 5:16
The Bible consistently positions repentance before revival—whether it’s spiritual awakening, national healing, or cultural renewal. Throughout the Scriptures, we see God’s kings and prophets alike who are led to confess and repent of their peoples’ sin. Each time the Lord answered with healing and renewal—just like He promised (2 Chron. 7:11-14). When Jesus teaches us to seek forgiveness for sin, His prayer assumes a corporate nature: “. . . forgive us our debts . . .” (Matt. 6:12). Of “the prayers” to which the Early Church was devoted, corporate confession would have been vital. A culture of repentance was at the heart of the New Testament Church.
My friend Jim planted a church where another church had closed several years before. In his first months, while reading through old church files, he discovered that the church had made the decision to forbid performing interracial marriages in the 1970s. While it was a decision Jim had nothing to do with, his response was to lead his church in corporate repentance for the sinful, systemic patterns practiced by the previous congregation. The Lord answered. Today, Jim pastors one of the most diverse congregations in The Alliance.
Our churches ought to be marked by the perpetual practice of confession and repentance. It’s how the people of God reorient themselves from the powers and patterns of the world to the presence and purposes of God. The Lord responds by breaking the chains of cultural and institutional patterns of sin. If we want revival, let us begin with repentance.
REFLECTION PRAYER
Seek the Spirit’s leading to bring attention and awareness to areas of sin that may have taken root in your church. Allow these questions to shape prayers of confession and repentance:
1. What practices or patterns in our church are lacking in love (thoughts, words, deeds)?
2. Where might we be allowing sin to compel us in what we’re doing or what we’re not doing (pay attention to inherited behaviors)?
3. If anyone has been wounded by our sin, how might we seek forgiveness?
By Spencer Sweeting
WEEK 4
DAY 27- WE CONFESS INDIVIDUALLY
Scripture- Psalm 32:5; Proverbs 28:13; Acts 3:19
I don’t know how many times I’ve seen “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” calligraphied on some farmhouse style home decor or on some lady’s prayer journal. And justly so—it’s a beautiful reminder that we are utterly and completely known. Could anyone claim to know me better than the One who created me?
If you haven’t yet—pause and meditate on the whole of Psalm 139. This Psalm starts by declaring that the Lord God has searched and known our every thought, action, and circumstance—our very soul. When we’re at our best or our worst, when we’re feeling distant or close, there’s nowhere to flee from His presence. Does that warm you up or make you shudder? I reckon, both?
This leads us to the second half of the passage—a plea. It’s a heartfelt longing to know Him as He has known us; a profound yearning to be as righteous as He is just. But no matter how well we think we’ve managed our own thoughts and ways, we don’t know what we don’t know.
“Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.”
You believe God answers prayers, right? Are you willing to be obedient when He reveals His response? Do you understand the gravity and power of this confession? Are you willing to go there?
REFLECTION PRAYER
God,
You know me so well! As my Creator, You know how I was meant to be. As my Savior, You’ve experienced the extent of my fallen state. You demonstrate Your love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8).
Like the psalmist, I acknowledge what I do know—about You, about me, about others—but I confess that I don’t know what I don’t know. Examine me, O Sanctifier, and lead me as You will. And by my will—my heart, mind, soul, and strength—I will follow you daily into everlasting. Amen.
By Grace Cheon
WEEK 4
DAY 26- HELP US BE FREE FROM GUILT AND SHAME
Scripture- Psalm 103:8-14; Romans 8:1-2
If there is a struggle with living free from guilt and shame, it’s not uncommon for there also to be a struggle with believing in the goodness of God. Who you believe God to be will reflect what you believe about yourself. In His goodness, Jesus died, was buried, and rose from the dead—according to the Scripture—to set you free not only from sin and death but also from guilt and shame. However, the enemy will ride guilt and shame on the back of conviction in the form of false claims:
You are so ______. I can’t believe you would _______. You’ll never _______.
Then, with a subtle shift, “you” turns to “they”: They think you’re so _______. They can’t believe you would _________. They think you’ll never ________.
And gradually “they” becomes “I”: I am so _______. I can’t believe I would ______. I’ll never _______. And when you tell yourself a lie long enough, you’ll eventually believe it.
Conviction does not equal condemnation. Conviction is the feeling of having done something wrong; condemnation is the impending punishment for what you did wrong. In His goodness, Jesus received your punishment; therefore, you are no longer condemned.
Living free from guilt and shame doesn’t come without practice. Being able to recognize the enemy’s false claims only comes after having realized you’ve believed a lie. Once you’ve learned how to identify the voice of the enemy, you can extinguish false claims with the truth of God’s goodness: You’ve been acquitted, and the Lord has honored you.
REFLECTION PRAYER
(Pray aloud) Jesus, help me. I am struggling with living free from guilt and shame.
I confess that sometimes it’s hard for me to trust in Your goodness. When I’m convicted for repeatedly doing the wrong thing, I feel like such a failure.
I renounce the lies that “I’ll never be able to quit,” and that “You’re disappointed in me.” I choose to believe that You will help me and that You take joy in me because Your Word says I am no longer a slave to sin but to righteousness—and You smile on me. Amen.
By Caesar (Chavo) Chavez
WEEK 4
DAY 23- HELP US FORGIVE
Scripture- Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” —Ephesians 4:32–5:2
My four-year old doesn’t like help. But . . . he can’t button his shirt yet either. So, in the morning, I watch him struggle. He gets so mad trying to cover himself with that little shirt, and I often offer to be an example. One of two things is likely to happen: (1) On a good day, he watches me button it while I explain how much better it will cover him this way; and (2) On a not-so-good day, he tells me I’m not his friend anymore and walks around with a shirt that will open wide to leave him exposed any moment.
When it comes to forgiveness, I differ little from him. Have I been dressed in Christ’s forgiveness through His sacrifice? YES! And do I try it myself with great frustration sometimes? YES! It’s like telling Jesus He isn’t my friend and trying to “button myself up” when I’m a moment away from being exposed. He asks if I will allow Him to show me the immense forgiveness He has offered me so that I can begin to rely on how it changes me. This allows Him to help me forgive others in return.
It’s when I don’t allow His amazing grace in forgiveness to be shown to me that I end up holding onto grudges I have against those who have wronged me—at the risk of being uncovered completely! Can we agree together today that we desire the graceful covering of Jesus’ forgiveness offers? We must allow His example to change the way we offer it to others.
REFLECTION PRAYER
Jesus,
It is hard to admit that we need You for so much, and it is our pride that tempts us to feel that way. We repent of the pride we still carry. We acknowledge that forgiveness is not only something You have audaciously offered us but also something you have commanded of us. We repeatedly fail at this, Lord, but you have promised us that we can follow You as our example. Please come into our lives. Humble us to see Your forgiveness towards us so that we may graciously extend it to others. We need Your help. Amen.
By Meica Campbell