Daily Devotional: Friday, April 16
Speaker: Ben Sigman
Theme: Repairing Relationships
Weekend Music links on iTunes: Today is the Day by Lincoln Brewster; Glory to God Forever by Fee; Love Came Down by Ben Cantelon; From the Inside Out by Hillsong.
READ: Philemon
BIBLE CHALLENGE: Luke 24
THINK: We live in an era of reminiscing. Fashions have taken a jump back to the eighties, seventies even sixties. Camaros and Mustangs are in demand. Growing gardens and cooking fresh food from scratch is competing with frozen dinners and fast food. Mothers are deciding to stay at home, bringing back the term "housewives."
Restoration Hardware is a fun place to go for a trip into the past. Walking around amidst the products brings back memories of childhood, grandma's house and all things gone by. The store professes to carry products of lasting value. Now there is a concept. Instead of depreciation, these items bring a sense of appreciation. They are enjoyed, treasured, and cherished. They are held in high esteem, insured and kept safe. What if we regarded our relationships in the same way?
God regards us as His treasured possessions. He looks upon us with great affection and out of His love for us He has redeemed us even before we ask. That is a hard act to follow, but a worthy challenge in dealing with others. It is in our nature to reciprocate, retaliate and seek revenge. God has demonstrated and asked us to do just the opposite. We are to be proactive in love, quick to forgive, and to seek reconciliation.
As He hung on the cross, Jesus called out to our Heavenly Father and begged, " Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34)
DO: Following the example of Jesus, let's take the challenge to assume that others do not know what they are doing. Then choose to be proactive in forgiving with the goal of living in peace with one another. Our dear Pastor admonished us to believe that "stepping into the power of a restored relationship frees us from the bondage of hurt, guilt and regret." Who must you forgive? Who do you need to ask for forgiveness?
PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father thank you for restoring us in relationship with you through Jesus. May we rejoice in this good news, truly love one another and excel in forgiving as you have forgiven us. AMEN
The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.
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