April 20th, 2020 – Devotion With Pastor Dan
It’s not every day that we roll out of bed and think that we live in a perfect world, trouble free, no difficulties, all things wonderfully full of frosting and gum drops. OK!, so never! But in Christ we have the promise of Him working all things to the good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. But let’s assume you are feeling troubled, inadequate, weak, defeated, overwhelmed, alienated, or alone? Here are six gospel promises to embrace today:
1. The Gospel Promises Forgiveness Today
Many of us carry around our sin in a metaphorical backpack of regret, bruising our spiritual shoulders and breaking the back of our faith. Jesus took the weight of our sin on himself so that we wouldn’t have to carry it any longer. He says that he will remember our sins no more but will separate us from those sins as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12).
What freedom is found here! We don’t have to live imprisoned by fear, paralyzed by regret, or trapped in the darkness of guilt and shame when Christ offers complete forgiveness.
2. The Gospel Promises Deliverance Today
Christ came not only to forgive our sins, but to deliver us from them. On the Cross, he broke the power of sin’s mastery over us
What freedom is found here! We don’t have to live imprisoned by fear, paralyzed by regret, or trapped in the darkness of guilt and shame when Christ offers complete forgiveness.
2. The Gospel Promises Deliverance Today
Christ came not only to forgive our sins, but to deliver us from them. On the Cross, he broke the power of sin’s mastery over us (Romans 6:1–14). Because the Holy Spirit lives inside you, you have the ability today to say “no” to sin and “yes” to righteousness. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is living within you (Ephesians 1:19-20).
Reflection Questions:
How can you embrace each of these six gospel promises this week? Be specific in your application:
1. Forgiveness. What regrets are you holding onto that Christ has forgiven? How are these potentially crushing and restricting your faith?
2. Deliverance. What sins are you struggling with most today? Have you fallen into believing that you cannot break free? What steps can you take to experience deliverance?
3. Wisdom. Where are you feeling unable? Have you asked God for wisdom for that area where you are experiencing weakness and fear?
4. Mercy. How did Christ experience what you are struggling with? Think of examples from his earthly life and ministry. How should this comfort and strengthen you?