“¹⁵And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.” — James 5:15 (ESV)

And there it is, James writes and we should all read and remember. With prayer of faith, we will be forgiven. Just my prayer is not going to get it done. I have to pray with faith that it will be done.

I have written in my bible the following; “Pray for God’s will with faith. Not our request for action we want, but action for and about God’s will.” I recently had the opportunity to witness to a friend going through a hard time. There was open admittance to not believing in God and yet there was an openness to listening to my witness. I did not take a hard line pushing salvation, I only pushed the love of God and as a result this person was grateful and accepting of what they stated as “you and Lori are a great example of what true believer should be”. Whereas I know that there is more work for God to do in this person’s life, I fulfilled my duty by praying with faith for God’s will and His love on this person.

Too often my motives may not be wholesome and in line with God’s plan for my life or the lives of those around me. I have to remember to pray with faith that God’s will be done and not my selfish requests. My wants are not the priority. God may grant them, but I have to take the approach that when He does so, it is and/or will have some part in the fulfillment of His plan for me in the future that I cannot see.

It is my sincere prayer of faith that God hears and takes action on. God has already granted my forgiveness, and now He only wants that I continue my deep relationship with Him. When I do, He will grant those requests that are in line with His plan.

What things have you asked for from God? Are you asking for them on the surface with just your words and are the more for you and your wants? What if you were to pray with faith and for those things that are in line with His will?

I have written on this topic before and this morning I was reminded once again.

“¹²Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, ¹³bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. ¹⁴And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” — Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV)

Verse 13 above really tells what actions we should be taking. Forgiveness is in our bag as we follow Christ. He forgave me for what sins I committed and more importantly, those that I have yet to commit. I have a duty to pay that forward to those I come in contact who somehow commit them against me or anyone else for that matter. I am not the judge of the actions of others, I am simply to apply the character of Christ to those and allow them to be judged by Christ as He pursues a relationship with them.

Notice verses 12 and 14 above as well. I am to forgive based on verse 13 and I am to be compassionate, kind, meek, and patient in situations and with others. I am to love them as Christ loves me along with the act of forgiving those wrongs to me and others.

This passage is found under the title in my ESV bible of; “Put on the New Self”. This “New Self” infers that there is an “Old Self” to take off and do away with. I know that there is plenty of old me that I have gotten rid of over the past number of years. With my “One Word” each year I am taking on something new and with it I am ridding myself of the old that is contrary to the new. The same applies with my “New Self” and the actions listed in verses 12-14 above.

“⁸But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.” — Colossians 13:8 (ESV)

And there they are, those items to put away and rid myself of and replace them with the New Self and those actions and items that drive me to following Christ and His example.

What are you holding on to that is getting in the way of your New Self? Are you hoping that you can make it as you are today? What will it take for you take the action of replacing the old with the new and taking on the actions of Christ including but not limited to forgiving as your were forgiven?

I have everything I need and could ever need in Christ.

“¹³And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, ¹⁴by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.” — Colossians 2:13-14 (ESV)

All that I am guilty of has been forgiven. All that I will be guilty of has been forgiven. I am free from the yoke of sin and can focus my attention on doing the work of Christ for His glory. I have been woken to a life of Christ as I go through this world. I have the opportunity to go about life clean and fresh thanks to His death, burial, and resurrection.

“¹¹In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, ¹²having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.” — Colossians 2:11-12 (ESV)

As Christ died, so did my sin. He took my sin with Him to the cross and accepted the consequence of it even as He was guilty of none of it. I have been forgiven so that I can live. I am now alive in Christ thanks to that forgiveness and now I can proceed to live for Christ at every turn of my new life.

What sins are in your life? Are you walking around wondering about your forgiveness and your life? What if you were to accept the fact that Christ died for your forgiveness and now you are alive in Him?

Wow, this morning I was led to Romans as I continue studying the word “forgiven” and as I compare my study from yesterday and my post title, I have to say I may have misled you.

“²For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. ³For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” ⁴Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. ⁵And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, ⁶just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:” — Romans 4:2-6 (ESV)

Yesterday I wrote about actions leading to forgiveness. Where I am not wrong in my writing, I may have not been clear with the whole of how it works. Before we can be forgiven of our sins, we have to be remorseful in our heart and have faith that God will indeed forgive us of our sins. Our remorse and faith is that which God is looking for in us and thanks to that, He will forgive our sins. It is our remorse and duty to God that drives our actions and those actions will be dedicated to the glory of God. It is our selfish actions for the glory of God that demonstrates to all of our dedication to God and the remorse for sin and faith we have in Him. Being forgiven is a result of our faith and not our works.

“⁷Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; ⁸blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” — Romans 4:7-8 (ESV)

God forgives our sin thanks to our faith in Him and not as a result of our actions. Our actions are a demonstration of our faith and what others are able to see. We conduct actions and works as a result of our faith which leads to our righteousness.

So here it is to be a bit more clear in from yesterday and today as my study has driven to more discernment. Acceptance of our sinfulness, remorse for our sin (in our heart), faith in God to forgive our sin, and our actions to demonstrate our remorse and faith leads to our forgiveness. Our actions are not what gets us the forgiveness from God, it is our faith that God looks for and forgives as a result. Our actions show the world our glory to God and demonstrate our dedication to Him and His assigned work.

How is it you are trying to achieve forgiveness? Are you trying to do more work in hopes that God will notice and provide forgiveness? What if you were first to recognize, accept, and have faith in God and allow Him to forgive you for your heartfelt remorse for the sinner you are?

This morning I was led to the passage in Luke titled in my ESV bible, “A Sinful Woman Forgiven”. In this passage, Jesus is eating with a Pharisee and a woman of the town who was known to be a sinner joined them and immediately took to serving Jesus as she wept based on her sins. Now, this may or may not seem normal as was the custom in those days for servants to wash the feet and care for the guests and masters of the house. Where this is not as normal is in the idea that she was not necessarily a servant of the household and the care for Jesus as guest was not from the master of the house, but this woman from around town.

“⁴⁴Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, ‘Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. ⁴⁵You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. ⁴⁶You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. ⁴⁷Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.’” — Luke 7:44-47 (ESV)

This woman gave much to serve Jesus and through her actions was certainly demonstrating remorse and shame. Her actions were much greater than those of the Pharisee at whose table Jesus was sitting as guest. Based on her actions, Jesus pointed out to those there that she was indeed giving everything and had not asked for anything. As a result, Jesus demonstrated His love and authority again by forgiving all of her sins and provided a clean slate for her as related to her sin.

I see at all times those that make public admonishments to draw attention to themselves and in the social and political world we live in, are treated as larger than life. At the same time, there are those that are giving fully of themselves and are treated as though they lack existence in this world and are somehow expected to do those things and expect nothing in return. Jesus recognizes those that are taking action from the heart and rewards them for their actions. The thing I have to remember is that those rewards may not be for everyone to see or even be aware. Jesus rewards based on those actions from the heart and in those that are meant for the glory of God and not for the aggrandizement of man.

What actions are you taking in the world and what is the reason for those actions? Are you looking for grandiose actions that draw attention to you for acceptance in the world? What if you were to take actions not expecting anything from the world, but for the glory of God and demonstrate your dedication to Him and His plan for you?

It is easy to say the above. It is something else to mean it and carry it out.

“⁵For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?” — Matthew 9:5 (ESV)

Jesus was well aware of the ease at which one can say something that is difficult to, if not impossible to understand (unless you are of/for God). Anyone can say something, but to make it so takes another level of capability. Jesus had that capability and authority to do so.

“’⁶But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’—he then said to the paralytic—‘Rise, pick up your bed and go home.’” — Matthew 9:6 (ESV)

Man, those not of/for God, find it difficult to accept that which they cannot see. Jesus knew and understood this and as such, He proved himself to those looking on at the events as they unfolded. He mentioned that it was indeed easy to say that the man’s sins were forgiven and that with His authority, He meant it, but to prove to them His authority, He also healed the man of his paralysis.

Jesus has all authority to say and act as He will. He spent His time saying and acting to bring glory to God the Father and doing His work here in this world. It is a shame that as humans there is a need to require proof. As Jesus knows this, He does what is necessary to reach those which are in need. Even upon His resurrection from death, He proved His life with Thomas.

“²⁵So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.’ ²⁷Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.’ ²⁸Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ ²⁹Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’” — John 20:25 & 27-29 (ESV)

Jesus did what was needed for others to believe. I like to believe that I am one of those referred to in the last part of John 20:29, “those who have not seen and yet have believed”. Jesus has forgiven my sins and for that I am grateful and devote myself to doing the work He has for me in this world.

What is your approach to believing? Are you one that requires things to be proven for you to believe? What if you were to accept Christ and the forgiveness of your sins without things being proven?

I have been perplexed by those in the world that do not take an opportunity to reciprocate. There are many times that I have witnessed the giving, or given myself and that is where it ends. There is simply the, what appears to be the empty “thank you” and no return of anything for that which was received, except for the expectations that the gifts will keep coming. This is not the approach that should be taken.

This morning I was again led to The Lord’s Prayer as I study the word “forgiven”. I was reminded that much has been given and forgiven for me and it is my duty going forward to provide the same for those in my sphere.

“¹²and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” — Matthew 6:12 (ESV)

I know that I should not be hung up on the reciprocation of others as my role is to give and serve others and my reward is from Christ in heaven. I am not to worry with the actions of others and do all that I can to provide for them. I am to give and forgive for much has been given and forgiven for me. But, that does not make is sting any less.

I should not be caught off guard by those that are self-aggrandizing and just do the work God has for me and give and forgive all. I should be working for Christ and not concern myself with others and what appears to be their lack of concern for anyone other than themselves. I have to concern myself with doing that which will bring glory to God and all else will be dealt with by God in His time and manner.

I have been forgiven by God for the sins I have committed and as such I am due to forgive those that have sinned as well. I have no debt with God as it was paid with the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus’ death on the cross. I have a duty to forgive any debt others have with me as anything owed to me is of less importance than the debt God forgave me.

What debts or actions have you been holding on to from others? Are you looking for them to repay those debts or actions? What if you were to forgive them as God has forgive them of you?

I believe that one of the more difficult things to realize about God, salvation, and forgiveness is that all that is needed is to acknowledge sin and ask sincerely to be forgiven. I know that for me I have heard too many times, “if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is”. Well, the more one hears something, the more true it seems to become.

“⁵I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,’ and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.” — Psalm 32:5 (ESV)

Here are words from David, a man after God’s own heart. These show the path to forgiveness and the ease at which it is actually to achieve. Acknowledging sin to God and bringing it out into the light so that it is not hidden. God will forgive those and thankfully we are able to encounter relief. David knew that God was fully aware of his sin and the way to be forgiven of them was to confess them and get everything out in the open, acknowledging it exists so that it can now be dealt with.

Once I have acknowledged my sin, I have to be open enough to know that it is not just a one time thing. I have to revisit my sin daily in acknowledgment to be sure that I have nothing hidden and I can live openly with my relationship with God.

“¹Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. ²Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.” — Psalm 32:1-2 (ESV)

With my acknowledgment of sin in my life, I am opening to have everything exposed. It is scary for sure to know that everything is out there for God to see, but, He already knows anyway so why not get it out so that I can get past the hiding and deception that all is well. In order to truly ensure that all is well with God, I have to get it out. I have written in the margin of my bible the following as I know that I have studied these verses before: “Get it out. Let God know that you are a sinner. He wants to forgive our sin.”

God wants to have the open, honest relationship with me and in order for that to be, I have to be open and honest with Him. I have to acknowledge my imperfections (that are too many to count) and allow God to forgive me for each and every one of them, even those that have yet to come.

What sin in your life have you now acknowledged? Are you hoping that God will just overlook them since you have denied that they even exist? What if you were to open up, acknowledge your sin and that you are a sinner and allowed God to forgive you?

I look out into my surroundings and those that are around me and notice that there are those that are excelling in areas I wish I was able to excel. They seem to have a knack for success in those areas, financial, relational, physical. I see them with the natural ability to and are recognized as a go to person in those areas. I find myself envious of them and want only to be like them.

“⁴Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; ⁵and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; ⁶and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. ⁷To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” — 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (ESV)

This morning I was reminded that not everyone is given the same gifts. If they were, then who would excel in the other areas where work is needed for Christ. Someone has to do the other work. And God will give the gifts to those who need them to complete and excel in that work.

I think even to myself and what my gifts that are given by God and how I use them to do the work He assigns me. I am a teacher. I have been given the gift of teaching. I have been successful in leading classrooms and individuals in their growth and development, whether that is in the world, or as relates to God’s Word. I sit here this morning giving my thoughts on this subject, not only to share them, but in hopes that someone will read and be led to pick up God’s Word, study and learn more on their own. I may not see the fruit of the labor I have been doing as in keeping with my role, I only sow the seeds for Christ and allow Him to cultivate and work with that seed in the others lives.

My gifts are not to be compared to anyone’s. I have been made and grown into the person and Christ follower I am for the glory of God. He has given me a gift that will make work He has assigned for me effective in the completion of that work. I am unique in that regard and should only look to how I am able to use my given gifts for His glory and nothing else.

What comparisons are you making with your gifts to those of others? Are you looking with envy on others and what appears to come easy to them? What if you simply accepted the gifts give to you and worked to use those gifts solely for the glory of God?

Those things given by God are not for all to understand, and when not of/for God, understanding of that given by God will not happen.

“¹⁴The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” — 1 Corinthians 2:14 (ESV)

This seems a bit odd as wouldn’t it make sense for those that are seeking God to be able to understand Him and that which comes from Him. I have a friend that was open with me in their journey to salvation. Their first encounter with God’s Word was well before their acceptance of His freely given salvation. When picking up the Bible and trying to read, they admitted to me that it seemed to be in a different language and they were fully unable to understand, or even read God’s Word. They were open to exploring God’s gifts and some time later after opening their heart, they picked up God’s Word again and amazingly to them, the same Bible and the same passage were somehow now legible and they were able to begin studying.

“¹¹For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. ¹²Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. ¹³And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.” — 1 Corinthians 2:11-13 (ESV)

I can only attribute the understanding of God’s Word for my friend with their opening and acceptance to the Spirit of God that was now within them. Their opening of heart to accept God and all that He is and provides gave them the ability to understand that which is from God, namely in this case His Word.

The example, may seem extreme and somehow far fetched to some, I however fully believe. I know even for me and my family, there are a lot of things that happen or do not happen, that at first glance are difficult to understand, but as I dig in and study God’s Word and open to His and the Spirit’s guidance, they become clear and on a number of occasions lately I or Lori have mentioned that only God could have done or allowed or stopped certain things. Understanding of those things of/from God are only for those that are of/for God.

What things are you having difficulty understanding? Are those things linked to God and Christ? What if you were to open your heart to Him and approach the understanding of them by accepting God and allowing Him to guide your understanding?