Wednesday, January 3, 2018

When they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin—and you become angry with them and give them over to the enemy, who takes them captive to a land far away or near; and if they have a change of heart in the land where they are held captive, and repent and plead with you in the land of their captivity and say...[.]

2 Chronicles 6

When they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin—and you become angry with them and give them over to the enemy, who takes them captive to a land far away or near; and if they have a change of heart in the land where they are held captive, and repent and plead with you in the land of their captivity and say...[.] v36-37

Solomon, in a prayer to God dedicating the newly built temple, acknowledges that all people sin (see also Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8) and asks for God to forgive those who repent and turn from their sin towards God - here is the rest of his prayer:

'We have sinned, we have done wrong and acted wickedly’; and if they turn back to you with all their heart and soul in the land of their captivity where they were taken, and pray toward the land you gave their ancestors, toward the city you have chosen and toward the temple I have built for your Name; then from heaven, your dwelling place, hear their prayer and their pleas, and uphold their cause. And forgive your people, who have sinned against you. v37-39

We have a God who loves us SO much that He sent His one and only Son Jesus Christ (John 3:16) to die on the cross so that we could have freedom from the sting of sin and death.  He not only hears our cry but He is able to transform our hearts and minds so that we become more like Him (see also Romans 12:2). 

He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me so much that You gave Your one and only Son so that I would have freedom from the sting of sin and death...I know that You love me, even though You know everything about me, including my sin.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love.  I am selfish, hurtful with my words and actions, and more.  Please forgive me and help me turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.