Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: FRESH START (01/05/17)
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TITLE: Starting Over | Previous Challenge Entry
By Donna Wittlif
01/07/17 -
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“For I know my transgressions; and my sin is ever before me†(Psalm 51:3, ASV).
We all know the story of King David’s sin with Bathsheba. It was a double sin, committing murder and adultery. The thought of doing either one would shock and horrify most of us. To Christians, those are among the worst sins. Yet God forgave David.
Saul, who became the apostle Paul, also did things we would never think right. He was probably guilty of murder, as he had Christians persecuted. God forgave Saul and gave him a fresh start as a messenger of His love. After his conversion, Saul often thought about his terrible deeds (1Timothy 1:15).
If we sin, God forgives us because He loves us. When we are in Christ, He forgives us because Jesus paid for our sins. Paul reminds us that God gives us mercy to show forth all His longsuffering and to let Paul be an example of all who believe (1 Timothy 1:16).
God tells us that if we confess our sins He will forgive us (1 John 1:9). The promise of forgiveness is so much stronger for us when we see examples of God’s love and mercy all through the Bible. Think of King Manasseh, who did much evil, but repented and was forgiven (2 Chronicles 33). Jonah ran away from God and didn’t obey Him, but God saved him. Of course we think of Peter, who denied Jesus three times, yet God forgave him and used him mightily in the church.
Have we committed such sins as these men? Most of us will say no, but we know we have sinned and need forgiveness. As those in the Bible whom God forgave, we also can have a fresh start by repenting and turning to God.
Hymn: “Bring Christ Your Broken Lifeâ€
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we know we have sinned and fallen short of Your glory. Please forgive us, and grant to us the joy of knowing we have a fresh start in Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
All scriptures are from the American Standard Version.
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Scripture at the beginning of devotionals are often skipped. Need to develop what it means for God to transform our lives.
Thanks for sharing this. Keep writing, and God bless.
Trudy
God bless~