Today's reading: Ephesians 1-3
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and insight. Ephesians 1: 7-8 NRSV [One period removed by me between us and with.]
What imagery concerning the forgiveness of our sins!
Redemption through his blood: picture Jesus hanging on the cross, the blood freely flowing from this wrists and ankles.
Forgiveness of our trespasses: we have gone into territory that we are not allowed into, yet we are not fined or imprisoned. We are forgiven. Our sins are wiped clean!
According to the riches of his grace: I see piles of gold, platters of food, comfortable chairs and pitchers of good drinks: that is God's grace richly provided for us.
That he lavished on us: The word lavish says to me that this is a gift that is given and more than enough is given. In fact, so much is piled upon me that I am astounded at the gift!
With all wisdom and insight: This was not a last-minute decision not did we just happen to catch God at the right time. God used all of God's wisdom and insight to give us forgiveness of sins! This was a planned thing, not a spontaneous action. Since verses 3-14 of this chapter were originally one long sentence, I just had to take out the period as this makes more sense going with the forgiveness of our sins.
God, thank you for Christ and his redemptive blood. We are grateful for your lavish grace and all your wisdom and insight. We praise you! In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Showing posts with label forgiveness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label forgiveness. Show all posts
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Forgive
Today's Reading: Matthew 17-20
Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?" Matthew 18:21 NRSV
We all want rules. We want to know what the boundaries are, how we should behave and what is not allowed. If we don't have rules, we end up with chaos and usually someone gets hurt.
Peter wanted to know the rules. Jesus has just give the disciples the guidelines for one someone in the church had offended them. Peter wants to know how often one must go to all this trouble: meeting with the individual, taking one or two witnesses when you can't work it out, going to the whole congregation when there is still disagreement, then resorting to kicking the person out so that they would have to be evangelized again. How often, Lord, must we go through this arduous process? Would the perfect amount be the perfect number -- seven times?
Would you be able to forgive someone who had sinned against you seven times?
I have a hard enough time forgiving someone one time. In fact, there are at least two individuals whom I work constantly to forgive and I still haven't gotten there yet. Seven times would stretch my forgiving ability.
But many of us know that Jesus wants us to forgive again and again and again. That, of course, is what love is about. And there is no ruling when it comes to love.
God, you want us to love one another, not just follow a set of rules. May forgiveness be central to our love for one another. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?" Matthew 18:21 NRSV
We all want rules. We want to know what the boundaries are, how we should behave and what is not allowed. If we don't have rules, we end up with chaos and usually someone gets hurt.
Peter wanted to know the rules. Jesus has just give the disciples the guidelines for one someone in the church had offended them. Peter wants to know how often one must go to all this trouble: meeting with the individual, taking one or two witnesses when you can't work it out, going to the whole congregation when there is still disagreement, then resorting to kicking the person out so that they would have to be evangelized again. How often, Lord, must we go through this arduous process? Would the perfect amount be the perfect number -- seven times?
Would you be able to forgive someone who had sinned against you seven times?
I have a hard enough time forgiving someone one time. In fact, there are at least two individuals whom I work constantly to forgive and I still haven't gotten there yet. Seven times would stretch my forgiving ability.
But many of us know that Jesus wants us to forgive again and again and again. That, of course, is what love is about. And there is no ruling when it comes to love.
God, you want us to love one another, not just follow a set of rules. May forgiveness be central to our love for one another. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Following the Plan
Today's reading: Ezekiel 41-44
When they are ashamed of all that they have done, make known to them the plan of the temple, its arrangement, its exits and its entrances and its whole form -- all its ordinances and its entire plan and all its laws; and write it down in their sight, so that they may observe and follow the entire plan and all its ordinances. Ezekiel 43: 11 NRSV
What kind of plans have you made for today? Do you think you will need to change them in any way?
If it is at the end of the day, did any of your plans work out the way you wanted them to?
What do you think God's plan for you life is?
God wanted the exiles to know that there was plan for not only returning them to Jerusalem but also for rebuilding the temple. However, God knew that they would not be ready to hear and follow the plans until they acknowledged their mistakes and felt the need for forgiveness. Otherwise, there was little chance that they would follow through with God's plans.
If God revealed God's plans for your life today, would you be ready to listen to them? Are you prepared to follow them? Perhaps, like me, you need a bit of confession and restitution before following through.
God, forgive us for our mistakes and sins against you and others. May we receive your forgiveness and mercy in a humble spirit. May we then be ready to receive your plans for our lives. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
When they are ashamed of all that they have done, make known to them the plan of the temple, its arrangement, its exits and its entrances and its whole form -- all its ordinances and its entire plan and all its laws; and write it down in their sight, so that they may observe and follow the entire plan and all its ordinances. Ezekiel 43: 11 NRSV
What kind of plans have you made for today? Do you think you will need to change them in any way?
If it is at the end of the day, did any of your plans work out the way you wanted them to?
What do you think God's plan for you life is?
God wanted the exiles to know that there was plan for not only returning them to Jerusalem but also for rebuilding the temple. However, God knew that they would not be ready to hear and follow the plans until they acknowledged their mistakes and felt the need for forgiveness. Otherwise, there was little chance that they would follow through with God's plans.
If God revealed God's plans for your life today, would you be ready to listen to them? Are you prepared to follow them? Perhaps, like me, you need a bit of confession and restitution before following through.
God, forgive us for our mistakes and sins against you and others. May we receive your forgiveness and mercy in a humble spirit. May we then be ready to receive your plans for our lives. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Friday, August 6, 2010
You Shall Surely Live
Today's reading: Ezekiel 17-20
But if the wicked turn away from all their sins that they have committed and keep all my statutes and do what is lawful and right, they shall surely live; they shall not die. Ezekiel 18:21 NRSV
It is interesting that the most popular musical these days is entitled "Wicked." Now I admit I have not seen it but I have heard the music. Nor have I read the book it is from. However, I find it ironic and a bit concerning that a musical with the name of "badness" is that popular.
In Ezekiel, God is promising retribution on those who have been wicked, but only on their own behalf. So, if they repent and return to God, God will forgive and have mercy on them. They will then live and not die.
I want to live. Don't you?
What sins have you committed? I am thinking of all mine right now. And I do have several!
Are we doing what is right? What is lawful? I mean, are we loving God with all that we are and loving our neighbors as ourselves?
Hmmm....maybe. Maybe not.
God, forgive us for all our sins. We list those that come to mind right here and now: ________________________________________________________________________________.
In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
But if the wicked turn away from all their sins that they have committed and keep all my statutes and do what is lawful and right, they shall surely live; they shall not die. Ezekiel 18:21 NRSV
It is interesting that the most popular musical these days is entitled "Wicked." Now I admit I have not seen it but I have heard the music. Nor have I read the book it is from. However, I find it ironic and a bit concerning that a musical with the name of "badness" is that popular.
In Ezekiel, God is promising retribution on those who have been wicked, but only on their own behalf. So, if they repent and return to God, God will forgive and have mercy on them. They will then live and not die.
I want to live. Don't you?
What sins have you committed? I am thinking of all mine right now. And I do have several!
Are we doing what is right? What is lawful? I mean, are we loving God with all that we are and loving our neighbors as ourselves?
Hmmm....maybe. Maybe not.
God, forgive us for all our sins. We list those that come to mind right here and now: ________________________________________________________________________________.
In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
According to My Ways
Today's reading: Ezekiel 5-8
Now the end is upon you, I will let loose my anger upon you; I will judge you according to your ways, I will punish you for all your abominations. Ezekiel 7: 3 NRSV
This verse reminds me of the part of the Lord's Prayer in which we pray: "Forgive us our trespasses (sins) as we forgive those who trespass (sin) against us." I think because the Lord is speaking to Ezekiel that the people will be judged according to "their ways." God is not judging them on who they are. Neither are God's punishments given on a whim. It is the actions and behavior of the people that are called into question. If their behavior is right, then God will be right. If their behavior is wrong, God will punish them. We will be forgiven if/how much we forgive others who sin against us. Straighten up, people, and God won't get mad at you!
If God were to judge you according to your ways, how would you fair?
Do you see any improvements that are needed?
Who have you judged lately?
What could you do to work on forgiveness rather than judgment?
God, you ask us to be right with you. But first we need to be right with our neighbors. Help us to live more in forgiveness than judgment. Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Now the end is upon you, I will let loose my anger upon you; I will judge you according to your ways, I will punish you for all your abominations. Ezekiel 7: 3 NRSV
This verse reminds me of the part of the Lord's Prayer in which we pray: "Forgive us our trespasses (sins) as we forgive those who trespass (sin) against us." I think because the Lord is speaking to Ezekiel that the people will be judged according to "their ways." God is not judging them on who they are. Neither are God's punishments given on a whim. It is the actions and behavior of the people that are called into question. If their behavior is right, then God will be right. If their behavior is wrong, God will punish them. We will be forgiven if/how much we forgive others who sin against us. Straighten up, people, and God won't get mad at you!
If God were to judge you according to your ways, how would you fair?
Do you see any improvements that are needed?
Who have you judged lately?
What could you do to work on forgiveness rather than judgment?
God, you ask us to be right with you. But first we need to be right with our neighbors. Help us to live more in forgiveness than judgment. Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Monday, June 14, 2010
Have Mercy
As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, until he has mercy on us. Psalm 123: 2 NRSV
Several thoughts in my head concerning this passage:
God, we come before you to entreat you for mercy. Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy upon us! In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Several thoughts in my head concerning this passage:
- hands of a master or mistress: does this entail punishment, i.e. a slap for doing wrong?
- looking at a person's hands means that you are lower than they are, at least to some extent
- the visualization here is someone on their knees, kissing the master's/mistress' hand
- if you look at someones hands, you can't be looking at their eyes: sign of shame
- if you look at someones hands, you can't be looking at their eyes: sign of subservience
- until God has mercy: how long is the servant/slave bowing before their superior?
God, we come before you to entreat you for mercy. Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy upon us! In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Prisoners in Misery and Irons
Some sat in darkness and gloom, prisoners in misery and irons, for they had rebelled against the words of God, and spurned the counsel of the Most High. Psalm 207: 10-11 NRSV
A friend of mine was recently in a courtroom, waiting with a loved-one to go before a judge. While there, she saw so many people who were truly in chains. These were real prisoners but they made her think of all the people in that courtroom who were prisoners of sin. She could almost smell their misery and their living hells. She was moved to pray for them.
I guess we don't think of ourselves as bound to our sins. We don't see ourselves as prisoners to evil. But often we are in chains, in abject misery and darkness. The reason is because we have ceased to follow God or we have foolishly followed humans (including our own rebellious desires).
If you could name one sin that you are bound to right at this moment, what would it be?
Why do you feel bound to this sin?
God wants to free you from this sin. But you have to be willing to confess, admit your guilt, and accept God's forgiveness.
Are you willing and able to do so today?
God, I pray that you will break the chains that hold this person reading this devotional. May they accept your forgiveness and mercy. May we all be freed in the Holy name of Jesus. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
A friend of mine was recently in a courtroom, waiting with a loved-one to go before a judge. While there, she saw so many people who were truly in chains. These were real prisoners but they made her think of all the people in that courtroom who were prisoners of sin. She could almost smell their misery and their living hells. She was moved to pray for them.
I guess we don't think of ourselves as bound to our sins. We don't see ourselves as prisoners to evil. But often we are in chains, in abject misery and darkness. The reason is because we have ceased to follow God or we have foolishly followed humans (including our own rebellious desires).
If you could name one sin that you are bound to right at this moment, what would it be?
Why do you feel bound to this sin?
God wants to free you from this sin. But you have to be willing to confess, admit your guilt, and accept God's forgiveness.
Are you willing and able to do so today?
God, I pray that you will break the chains that hold this person reading this devotional. May they accept your forgiveness and mercy. May we all be freed in the Holy name of Jesus. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Sunday, May 23, 2010
I held my peace to no avail
I was silent and still; I held my peace to no avail; my distress grew worse, my heart became hot within me. Psalm 39: 2-3a NRSV
I find this Psalm confusing. At first it seems the psalmist is trying to keep silent because of all the evil people around. Perhaps the psalmist wishes to convict them of their sins? Yet, the psalm goes on as if there is great guilt on the heart of the psalmist and the wish is to keep silence so that the wicked don't know of the individual's own sin.
Finally, it is a bit much for the one trying to hold their tongue. The mouth may be closed, but the heart is burning. The psalmist can no longer keep silence.
And the words spoken are then addressed to God.
God, why are you punishing me?
God, forgive me of my sins!
God, my only hope is in you!
Hear my prayer, God, and take this misery away from me!
At this very moment, would you say you could be silent because of the sinfulness of others or because of your own sins?
God, forgive us, we pray. Help us to keep silent when appropriate and set our hearts on fire when we need to speak. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
I find this Psalm confusing. At first it seems the psalmist is trying to keep silent because of all the evil people around. Perhaps the psalmist wishes to convict them of their sins? Yet, the psalm goes on as if there is great guilt on the heart of the psalmist and the wish is to keep silence so that the wicked don't know of the individual's own sin.
Finally, it is a bit much for the one trying to hold their tongue. The mouth may be closed, but the heart is burning. The psalmist can no longer keep silence.
And the words spoken are then addressed to God.
God, why are you punishing me?
God, forgive me of my sins!
God, my only hope is in you!
Hear my prayer, God, and take this misery away from me!
At this very moment, would you say you could be silent because of the sinfulness of others or because of your own sins?
God, forgive us, we pray. Help us to keep silent when appropriate and set our hearts on fire when we need to speak. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Forgive Me
Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart, and bring me out of my distress. Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins. Psalm 25: 16-18 NRSV
The psalms were meant to be sung or at least recited like poetry. But we tend to forget this and read them more like prose. Certainly they can be prayed but there is so much creative imagery and feelings expressed through the psalms. Often ideas are repeated in different ways using different words. Those of us who do not speak or read Hebrew also miss out on how the poetic verses sound.
These three verses are really saying the same thing: God, help me to feel better for I am depressed. The psalmist asks for God's attention, God's grace, relief from heartache and stress, and God's understanding while the psalmist is in misery. However, the last verse also gets to the heart of the matter: forgiveness of sins.
What do loneliness and affliction, troubles and distress have to do with our sins?
Can admitting my sins and asking for forgiveness help me to feel less depressed?
This past week I made a comment on facebook that hurt someones feelings. I quickly deleted the comment and messaged the person with my apologies for posting the comment. However, I never heard back from them. The next day I was very depressed. It was hard for me to get even the simplest tasks accomplished because I could only think about my mistake. However, I don't think I have yet to ask for God's forgiveness for this. Maybe that is the key -- receiving God's forgiveness.
I don't think this will work every single time we are down. But I do think our troubles often come about because we have done that which is displeasing to God -- sometimes just thinking too much about our afflictions can be displeasing! God wants our attention, our praise and our gratefulness. Kind of hard to give God all that when we are feeling lonely and distressed.
God, forgive me of my sins. Relieve me from my affliction and my troubles. For to you belong all glory and praise. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
The psalms were meant to be sung or at least recited like poetry. But we tend to forget this and read them more like prose. Certainly they can be prayed but there is so much creative imagery and feelings expressed through the psalms. Often ideas are repeated in different ways using different words. Those of us who do not speak or read Hebrew also miss out on how the poetic verses sound.
These three verses are really saying the same thing: God, help me to feel better for I am depressed. The psalmist asks for God's attention, God's grace, relief from heartache and stress, and God's understanding while the psalmist is in misery. However, the last verse also gets to the heart of the matter: forgiveness of sins.
What do loneliness and affliction, troubles and distress have to do with our sins?
Can admitting my sins and asking for forgiveness help me to feel less depressed?
This past week I made a comment on facebook that hurt someones feelings. I quickly deleted the comment and messaged the person with my apologies for posting the comment. However, I never heard back from them. The next day I was very depressed. It was hard for me to get even the simplest tasks accomplished because I could only think about my mistake. However, I don't think I have yet to ask for God's forgiveness for this. Maybe that is the key -- receiving God's forgiveness.
I don't think this will work every single time we are down. But I do think our troubles often come about because we have done that which is displeasing to God -- sometimes just thinking too much about our afflictions can be displeasing! God wants our attention, our praise and our gratefulness. Kind of hard to give God all that when we are feeling lonely and distressed.
God, forgive me of my sins. Relieve me from my affliction and my troubles. For to you belong all glory and praise. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Friday, May 14, 2010
I Have Sinned
If one does not repent, God will whet his sword; he has bent and strung his bow; he has prepared his deadly weapons, making his arrows fiery shafts. Psalm 7:12 NRSV
If you don't repent, you will become God's target.
Ouch. I am not good at admitting that I have done wrong. I don't like to examine my own sins. I am much better at listening to the faults and foibles of others. I can pronounce God's forgiveness to others who repent but I am the last to admit my own faults.
But if I am to be set apart, holy to the Lord, a follower of Christ Jesus, then I need to first admit that I am a sinner.
Yes, I do sin.
I'm not gloating about it, either. In fact, I will also admit that I can take any one of my faults or sinful behaviors and convince myself and everyone else that that behavior was not actually a sin. I will spend more energy trying to rationalize my sins as non-sins than what it would take to fall to my knees and ask for forgiveness.
This psalm reminds me that God has me in His sight. Although Jesus has died for my sins, God still sees my wrongdoings and is perfectly capable of punishing me. As a follower of Christ, I sometimes forget this and think I am above being reprimanded. I need to know that I can become just as much a target as the next person.
God, forgive me for my sins. I lift up to you these things that I have done wrong: ________________. Forgive me, God, forgive me. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
If you don't repent, you will become God's target.
Ouch. I am not good at admitting that I have done wrong. I don't like to examine my own sins. I am much better at listening to the faults and foibles of others. I can pronounce God's forgiveness to others who repent but I am the last to admit my own faults.
But if I am to be set apart, holy to the Lord, a follower of Christ Jesus, then I need to first admit that I am a sinner.
Yes, I do sin.
I'm not gloating about it, either. In fact, I will also admit that I can take any one of my faults or sinful behaviors and convince myself and everyone else that that behavior was not actually a sin. I will spend more energy trying to rationalize my sins as non-sins than what it would take to fall to my knees and ask for forgiveness.
This psalm reminds me that God has me in His sight. Although Jesus has died for my sins, God still sees my wrongdoings and is perfectly capable of punishing me. As a follower of Christ, I sometimes forget this and think I am above being reprimanded. I need to know that I can become just as much a target as the next person.
God, forgive me for my sins. I lift up to you these things that I have done wrong: ________________. Forgive me, God, forgive me. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Praying for Friends
And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he had prayed for his friends; and the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. Job 42:10 NRSV
Job is rewarded once he has prayed for his friends. God has asked the friends to offer up seven bulls and seven rams and for Job to pray for the men. The prayer that God requests Job to pray is for God not to deal with the friends according to their folly. For God has admitted that Job understood God best; it was the three friends who had it all wrong. They would have been better off keeping silent.
The issue is not that Job prays for his friends but that, in the act of prayer, Job is forgiving his friends for their hurtful words.
Have you ever been hurt by a really good friend?
It takes a lot more to reconcile with a good friend than with an acquaintance. This is because our friends know us best and they can hurt us the most.
Do you have any "former" best friends that need your forgiveness? What kind of offering would help to heal your friendship? How would you best pray for them?
Or perhaps you are one of the friends who needs to ask for forgiveness and to give an offering. Are you courageous enough to do this?
Remember that Job is rewarded because he forgave his buddies. What kind of reward do you think God will give to you if you reconcile with your friend?
God, whether we need to forgive or ask for forgiveness, help us realize our own folly in keeping estranged from our friends. May your healing power come upon our relationships. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Job is rewarded once he has prayed for his friends. God has asked the friends to offer up seven bulls and seven rams and for Job to pray for the men. The prayer that God requests Job to pray is for God not to deal with the friends according to their folly. For God has admitted that Job understood God best; it was the three friends who had it all wrong. They would have been better off keeping silent.
The issue is not that Job prays for his friends but that, in the act of prayer, Job is forgiving his friends for their hurtful words.
Have you ever been hurt by a really good friend?
It takes a lot more to reconcile with a good friend than with an acquaintance. This is because our friends know us best and they can hurt us the most.
Do you have any "former" best friends that need your forgiveness? What kind of offering would help to heal your friendship? How would you best pray for them?
Or perhaps you are one of the friends who needs to ask for forgiveness and to give an offering. Are you courageous enough to do this?
Remember that Job is rewarded because he forgave his buddies. What kind of reward do you think God will give to you if you reconcile with your friend?
God, whether we need to forgive or ask for forgiveness, help us realize our own folly in keeping estranged from our friends. May your healing power come upon our relationships. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Prayer for Forgiveness
For a multitude of the people, many of them from Ephraim, Manaseh, Isachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet they ate the passover otherwise as proscribed. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, "The good Lord pardon all who set their hearts to seek God, the Lord the God of their ancestors, even though not in accordance with the sanctuary's rules of cleanness." The Lord heard Hezekiah, and healed the people. II Chronicles 30: 18-20 NRSV
I am very accustomed to asking God to forgive me. But how often do I ask God to forgive others?
King Hezekiah asks for God to forgive those who participated in the Passover feast without properly cleansing themselves as the Law required. He did this because he saw that these people were actively seeking God and trying to do the right thing. God then forgives these people. We know this because God also healed them.
Who do you see as being in need of God's forgiveness? In asking for God to forgive them, know that God's forgiveness will be manifest in their lives in a powerful and highly evident way. Let's pray together:
God, you know our hearts better than we even know ourselves or those we love. We ask your forgiveness for ________________________. Even Jesus on the cross asked that you forgive those who tortured and killed him, even those who mocked him as he died. We invoke that powerful forgiveness - not just for those who have hurt us but for those who have hurt you. In Jesus' powerful name we pray. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
I am very accustomed to asking God to forgive me. But how often do I ask God to forgive others?
King Hezekiah asks for God to forgive those who participated in the Passover feast without properly cleansing themselves as the Law required. He did this because he saw that these people were actively seeking God and trying to do the right thing. God then forgives these people. We know this because God also healed them.
Who do you see as being in need of God's forgiveness? In asking for God to forgive them, know that God's forgiveness will be manifest in their lives in a powerful and highly evident way. Let's pray together:
God, you know our hearts better than we even know ourselves or those we love. We ask your forgiveness for ________________________. Even Jesus on the cross asked that you forgive those who tortured and killed him, even those who mocked him as he died. We invoke that powerful forgiveness - not just for those who have hurt us but for those who have hurt you. In Jesus' powerful name we pray. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Anti-Benjaminite
But the Benjaminites did not drive out the Jebusites who lived in Jerusalem; so the Jebusites have lived in Jerusalem among the Benjaminites to this day. Judges 1: 21 NRSV
From the first chapter of Judges, it is clear that the tribe of Benjamin is not the best. They have not cleared out the people in their lands which will make the susceptible to foreign gods. In fact, their behavior will eventually cause them to become completely wicked by the end of this book. They will end up fighting against all their Israelite kin and losing.
This is a very interesting story of a tribe that came from one of Israel's favorite sons and later will produce King David.
I would say that the book of Judges is clearly anti-Benjaminite.
This tribe is not the only tribe that has turned to foreign gods. The tribe of Benjamin is probably not the only tribe that has done evil things is the sight of God and neighbor. However, they do become easy targets. And they end up suffering and causing others to suffer even when their kin try to put things to right at the end of Judges.
This brings to mind our human inclination to point fingers and find someone to blame. How much easier it is to put the responsibility for our problems on someone else! Yet, during Lent we reminded to stop the pointing unless it is at ourselves. We are to look at our own hearts, our own actions, and our own sins. Lent is a time to think in terms of anti-me.
God, we spend this season of the church year taking a close look at ourselves. But you don't leave us there, wallowing in our blame and shame. You also want us to accept the forgiveness you have for each and every one of us. Open us to your mercy. Thank you, Lord! In Jesus' precious name we pray. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
From the first chapter of Judges, it is clear that the tribe of Benjamin is not the best. They have not cleared out the people in their lands which will make the susceptible to foreign gods. In fact, their behavior will eventually cause them to become completely wicked by the end of this book. They will end up fighting against all their Israelite kin and losing.
This is a very interesting story of a tribe that came from one of Israel's favorite sons and later will produce King David.
I would say that the book of Judges is clearly anti-Benjaminite.
This tribe is not the only tribe that has turned to foreign gods. The tribe of Benjamin is probably not the only tribe that has done evil things is the sight of God and neighbor. However, they do become easy targets. And they end up suffering and causing others to suffer even when their kin try to put things to right at the end of Judges.
This brings to mind our human inclination to point fingers and find someone to blame. How much easier it is to put the responsibility for our problems on someone else! Yet, during Lent we reminded to stop the pointing unless it is at ourselves. We are to look at our own hearts, our own actions, and our own sins. Lent is a time to think in terms of anti-me.
God, we spend this season of the church year taking a close look at ourselves. But you don't leave us there, wallowing in our blame and shame. You also want us to accept the forgiveness you have for each and every one of us. Open us to your mercy. Thank you, Lord! In Jesus' precious name we pray. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Guilty of Sin
Yearly Reading: Leviticus 4-7
Thus the priest shall make atonement on your behalf for the sin that you have committed, and you shall be forgiven. Leviticus 4: 31b NRSV
What sins have you unintentionally committed in the last two or three days? Have you admitted these to God? Why or why not? Is there something preventing you from asking for forgiveness from God?
Let us spend sometime today asking for God's forgiveness with this prayer of confession:
God of mercy and forgiveness, I come to you with my whole heart. Where I have unknowingly sinned against you, reveal this to me so that I can ask for your pardon. Help me to give voice to places in my life where I know without a doubt I have sinned but have lacked the courage to admit this to you. Please place your conviction on my life so that I can see where I have let you down. Forgive me for all of these sins, not with the covering of blood on the altar but with the holy blood of Jesus. Wash me clean of all my iniquities; make me white as snow and right with you. Let the barriers of sin that separate us fall so that I can bask in your glory and mercy. I know you love me and that you forgive me for all those sins that I place before you. Thank you for your grace. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Thus the priest shall make atonement on your behalf for the sin that you have committed, and you shall be forgiven. Leviticus 4: 31b NRSV
What sins have you unintentionally committed in the last two or three days? Have you admitted these to God? Why or why not? Is there something preventing you from asking for forgiveness from God?
Let us spend sometime today asking for God's forgiveness with this prayer of confession:
God of mercy and forgiveness, I come to you with my whole heart. Where I have unknowingly sinned against you, reveal this to me so that I can ask for your pardon. Help me to give voice to places in my life where I know without a doubt I have sinned but have lacked the courage to admit this to you. Please place your conviction on my life so that I can see where I have let you down. Forgive me for all of these sins, not with the covering of blood on the altar but with the holy blood of Jesus. Wash me clean of all my iniquities; make me white as snow and right with you. Let the barriers of sin that separate us fall so that I can bask in your glory and mercy. I know you love me and that you forgive me for all those sins that I place before you. Thank you for your grace. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Don't Quarrel Along the Way
Yearly Reading: Genesis 44-48
Then he sent his brothers on their way, and as they were leaving he said to them, "Do not quarrel along the way." Genesis 45: 24 NRSV
Today's reading for the year was rather lengthy and there were several themes: God's provision, reconciliation, and making amends for past wrongs to name a few. However, this is the verse that spoke to me today: Do not quarrel along the way.
My bible has a translation note that the word quarrel can also mean "be agitated." It is as if Joseph doesn't want his brothers to play the blame game or to be afraid of what Joseph is going to say to their father- perhaps even worry over what they are going to tell their father. They did sell their father's favorite son into slavery after all!
They must own up to what they have done but at the same time, they need to accept Joseph's (and God's) forgiveness.
Admitting you have done the wrong thing is hard enough. Accepting someone's forgiveness without fear or trepidation is even harder.
God, you want us to admit our faults and be reconciled with you and with others. Help us to do so without being agitated or quarreling. May we be graceful in accepting your grace. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Then he sent his brothers on their way, and as they were leaving he said to them, "Do not quarrel along the way." Genesis 45: 24 NRSV
Today's reading for the year was rather lengthy and there were several themes: God's provision, reconciliation, and making amends for past wrongs to name a few. However, this is the verse that spoke to me today: Do not quarrel along the way.
My bible has a translation note that the word quarrel can also mean "be agitated." It is as if Joseph doesn't want his brothers to play the blame game or to be afraid of what Joseph is going to say to their father- perhaps even worry over what they are going to tell their father. They did sell their father's favorite son into slavery after all!
They must own up to what they have done but at the same time, they need to accept Joseph's (and God's) forgiveness.
Admitting you have done the wrong thing is hard enough. Accepting someone's forgiveness without fear or trepidation is even harder.
God, you want us to admit our faults and be reconciled with you and with others. Help us to do so without being agitated or quarreling. May we be graceful in accepting your grace. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Seeing God's Face
Yearly Reading: Genesis 32-35
Jacob said, "No, please; if I find favor with you, then accept my present from my hand; for truly to see your face is like seeing the face of God - since you have received me with such favor." Genesis 33:10 NRSV
God's face is the face of forgiveness and reconciliation.
Yet, how many times have we refused to give forgiveness or to be reconciled?
For Jacob, this meeting was something that he dreaded and he prepared for Esau's anger. Yet, it ended up as a blessing because Esau was happy to see him. We don't know if Esau was influenced by his family or by God. But he obviously had matured since his brother's trickery and departure. Instead of an army, he greats his brother by running, hugging, kissing and weeping.
All of Jacob's worries still are with him but he recognizes God's provision in making peace with his brother.
God's face is the face of forgiveness and reconciliation.
God, your face is available to us when we are willing to accept forgiveness and reconciliation with other people. Thank you. Amen.
Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims
Jacob said, "No, please; if I find favor with you, then accept my present from my hand; for truly to see your face is like seeing the face of God - since you have received me with such favor." Genesis 33:10 NRSV
God's face is the face of forgiveness and reconciliation.
Yet, how many times have we refused to give forgiveness or to be reconciled?
For Jacob, this meeting was something that he dreaded and he prepared for Esau's anger. Yet, it ended up as a blessing because Esau was happy to see him. We don't know if Esau was influenced by his family or by God. But he obviously had matured since his brother's trickery and departure. Instead of an army, he greats his brother by running, hugging, kissing and weeping.
All of Jacob's worries still are with him but he recognizes God's provision in making peace with his brother.
God's face is the face of forgiveness and reconciliation.
God, your face is available to us when we are willing to accept forgiveness and reconciliation with other people. Thank you. Amen.
Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims
Monday, November 23, 2009
#1 Priority: Thanking God
Some were sick through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities endured affliction; they loathed any kind of food and they drew near to the gate of death. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress; he sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from destruction. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind. And let them offer thanksgiving sacrifices, and tell of his deeds with songs of joy. Psalm 107: 17-22 NRSV
Living in sin can make you sick.
Acting sinfully can kill you.
Crying out to God and admitting your guilt can be your deliverance. God will forgive and heal.
When this happens, we should be thankful and share our testimony of what God has done for us.
When the ten lepers are healed and only one returns to thank Jesus, no wonder Jesus asked where the others were! [See Luke 17:11-19] When we are healed, when we are forgiven, our greatest priority is to thank God.
Share a few moments right now talking to God and being truly thankful for God's forgiveness and healing in your life. Then share with someone else about what God has done for you.
Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims
Living in sin can make you sick.
Acting sinfully can kill you.
Crying out to God and admitting your guilt can be your deliverance. God will forgive and heal.
When this happens, we should be thankful and share our testimony of what God has done for us.
When the ten lepers are healed and only one returns to thank Jesus, no wonder Jesus asked where the others were! [See Luke 17:11-19] When we are healed, when we are forgiven, our greatest priority is to thank God.
Share a few moments right now talking to God and being truly thankful for God's forgiveness and healing in your life. Then share with someone else about what God has done for you.
Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims
Friday, November 13, 2009
Praise is Due to God
Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion; and to you shall vows be performed, to you all flesh shall come. When deeds of iniquity overwhelm us, you forgive our transgressions. Happy are those whom you choose and bring near to live in your courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, your holy temple. Psalm 65: 1-4 NRSV
You do not have to have much to be thankful.
In fact, it is the most basic of God's gifts - forgiveness - that is the most precious gift of all.
Being forgiven means that God can choose to dwell near us. Satisfaction then comes from being chosen to live in God's presence. God is not limited to the temple presence or even the church altar. God can be with us wherever we are living.
In addition, the psalmist tells us that these things will make us happy. Not just content, but happy.
Forgiveness.
Living in God's presence.
Joy.
Three simple things for which to give God thanks.
God, thank you for forgiving me, for choosing to be with me and for giving me your joy. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Name one thing you are thankful for in this moment.
Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims
You do not have to have much to be thankful.
In fact, it is the most basic of God's gifts - forgiveness - that is the most precious gift of all.
Being forgiven means that God can choose to dwell near us. Satisfaction then comes from being chosen to live in God's presence. God is not limited to the temple presence or even the church altar. God can be with us wherever we are living.
In addition, the psalmist tells us that these things will make us happy. Not just content, but happy.
Forgiveness.
Living in God's presence.
Joy.
Three simple things for which to give God thanks.
God, thank you for forgiving me, for choosing to be with me and for giving me your joy. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Name one thing you are thankful for in this moment.
Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
A New Song
I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord. Psalm 40: 1-3 NRSV
My life had been one long downward spiral and now I found myself at the lowest of the low points. There was no way I could get myself out of this mess. There was no human being who could help me. In fact, there was no human being who even desired to help me as I had burned those bridges long ago.
So I did the only thing I had left to do, I prayed to God. It was awkward at first because I had not talked to God in so very long, at least not seriously. My prayer was more like a rant that became a humble request for something - I wouldn't call it help but perhaps forgiveness.
To my surprise, God did forgive me. I felt it, I knew it and I can't even explain it or put it into words.
But God did more than that. God helped me get out of the bleak situation that I was in. In fact, God did more than that. God got me out of trouble and caused some wonderful things to happen in my life. God brought back people who loved me and God met more than the most basic needs that I had.
This was not something that I had done, but what God had done. What else could I do but praise and thank God? I could not stop speaking aloud of what God had done in my life. For some reason, this made other people realize the awesome power of God and humbled them greatly. I didn't try to evangelize. The thanks and praise from someone so selfish and caught up in themselves was enough for others to see God for who God is.
A new life, a new chance and a new song: all through God's splended power and and love.
God, only you can give new life. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Name one thing you are thankful for in this moment.
Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims
My life had been one long downward spiral and now I found myself at the lowest of the low points. There was no way I could get myself out of this mess. There was no human being who could help me. In fact, there was no human being who even desired to help me as I had burned those bridges long ago.
So I did the only thing I had left to do, I prayed to God. It was awkward at first because I had not talked to God in so very long, at least not seriously. My prayer was more like a rant that became a humble request for something - I wouldn't call it help but perhaps forgiveness.
To my surprise, God did forgive me. I felt it, I knew it and I can't even explain it or put it into words.
But God did more than that. God helped me get out of the bleak situation that I was in. In fact, God did more than that. God got me out of trouble and caused some wonderful things to happen in my life. God brought back people who loved me and God met more than the most basic needs that I had.
This was not something that I had done, but what God had done. What else could I do but praise and thank God? I could not stop speaking aloud of what God had done in my life. For some reason, this made other people realize the awesome power of God and humbled them greatly. I didn't try to evangelize. The thanks and praise from someone so selfish and caught up in themselves was enough for others to see God for who God is.
A new life, a new chance and a new song: all through God's splended power and and love.
God, only you can give new life. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Name one thing you are thankful for in this moment.
Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Cleaning House
So all who fell that day of Benjamin were twenty-five thousand arms-bearing men, all of them courageous fighters. But six hundred turned and fled toward the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon, and remained at the rock of Rimmon for four months. Meanwhile, the Israelites turned back against the Benjaminites, and put them to the sword - the city, the people, the animals, and all that remained. Also the remaining towns they set on fire. Judges 20: 46-48 NRSV
Wow. Pretty harsh. Not only did 24,400 warriors die in battle, but now everyone and everything of the tribe of Benjamin is destroyed. Did you catch that? Every single person that was of this tribe was killed. Every animal was killed. All of their belongings were burned. This is total destruction; this is cleaning house mafia style.
Sure, they did some very bad stuff. They were so off the mark when it came to being God's followers that they were acting as non-believers. But did they have to be eliminated? Including the women and children? What did the animals do? Obviously, the thought is that sin this bad must be totally eradicated as well as give everyone else an example not to follow. Who would now want to disobey God when that could get you and your entire tribe wiped off the face of the earth?
Have you ever led a life of such depravity that the only solution seemed for God to wipe you off the face of the earth? The amazing thing is that God, despite being jealous, does not punish us in this way. Instead, God does something remarkable: God has given up God's son in our stead so that God's son dies for our sins. God wants to forgive us if we only can admit our faults and accept Jesus into our lives. Sure, that is going to clean house but only in a good way.
The hope in this passage of Judges is that 600 men are left. They are hiding in the wilderness. That reminds us that there is hope with God.
God, thank you for your forgiveness and the gift of Jesus who died for our sins. Forgive us for the sins we continue to make. Help us to clean our own house. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Question of they day: What sins or sin do you need to admit before God today?
Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims
Note from Amelia: Sorry I was unable to complete last week's devotionals! Hopefully, you will be able to pick up here from where we left off on Thursday.
Wow. Pretty harsh. Not only did 24,400 warriors die in battle, but now everyone and everything of the tribe of Benjamin is destroyed. Did you catch that? Every single person that was of this tribe was killed. Every animal was killed. All of their belongings were burned. This is total destruction; this is cleaning house mafia style.
Sure, they did some very bad stuff. They were so off the mark when it came to being God's followers that they were acting as non-believers. But did they have to be eliminated? Including the women and children? What did the animals do? Obviously, the thought is that sin this bad must be totally eradicated as well as give everyone else an example not to follow. Who would now want to disobey God when that could get you and your entire tribe wiped off the face of the earth?
Have you ever led a life of such depravity that the only solution seemed for God to wipe you off the face of the earth? The amazing thing is that God, despite being jealous, does not punish us in this way. Instead, God does something remarkable: God has given up God's son in our stead so that God's son dies for our sins. God wants to forgive us if we only can admit our faults and accept Jesus into our lives. Sure, that is going to clean house but only in a good way.
The hope in this passage of Judges is that 600 men are left. They are hiding in the wilderness. That reminds us that there is hope with God.
God, thank you for your forgiveness and the gift of Jesus who died for our sins. Forgive us for the sins we continue to make. Help us to clean our own house. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Question of they day: What sins or sin do you need to admit before God today?
Copyright 2009 Amelia G. Sims
Note from Amelia: Sorry I was unable to complete last week's devotionals! Hopefully, you will be able to pick up here from where we left off on Thursday.
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