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Christina Cook Lee

Media Producer - Author - Blogger - Songwriter

bondage

Christian responsibility

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Topic: Love

Focus: Christian responsibility

1 John 3:16-18 (NCV) This is how we know what real love is: Jesus gave His life for us. So we should give our lives for our brothers and sisters. Suppose someone has enough to live and sees a brother or sister in need, but does not help. Then God’s love is not living in that person. My children, we should love people not only with words and talk, but by our actions and true caring.

Whether you’re a giver or a receiver, there are some important things to consider regarding Christian responsibility, when it comes to tangible expressions of love.

A brother or sister who has never been in need before, might have an awkward time discussing their need and making it known. People who don’t want to have to rely on others are very challenged by the idea of ‘taking charity’.

The opposite extreme, are people who have no problem letting others know when they have a need. They’ve become used to sharing the details of their life, so whenever there’s opportunity for them to make one of their needs known—they will. In addition, they’ve become content to let others take care of them, when truthfully, they could be perfectly capable of taking care of themselves…with a little direction.

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New Strength Inspirational Statement of the Day

A friend of mine told me recently about a period of her life when she was making excellent income—actually much more than she needed to live on. During that time, she realized that she was in a position to share with her adult siblings, so she did. She gave them housing and even provided generously for their everyday needs. As time passed, the economy took a nosedive and my friend was forced to make radical cut backs in her own lifestyle. Regretfully, she had to face the fact that she could no longer support her extended family. Unfortunately, her siblings had become accustomed to receiving all that my friend had been able to bless them with…in fact, they developed an ‘entitlement mentality’. When the day came that my friend had to tell her siblings that she was no longer able to pay their bills, instead of telling her, “Thanks for all you’ve done,” they actually turned on her and made her out to be the ‘bad guy’, for ‘cutting them off’.

This may be an exceptional case, but it is a reality of what can happen when people get used to receiving something they really don’t deserve—that they didn’t earn. My friend’s siblings were ‘able bodied’ and not ‘in need’.

Another scenario is the ‘unemployment syndrome’. In a season of unemployment, a person can become very insecure about the future. Some people simply need encouragement with their ‘self-esteem’ to get back on their feet. If they lost their last job, they still may be suffering from the experience, and might fear they would face more rejection if they tried to work again. However, a person who lost a job shouldn’t consider themselves ‘unemployable’. Lots of people who were terminated from one position went on to become successful at another. Losing a job doesn’t have to be the end of the world for anyone, unless they allow it to be. The Bible says people who don’t work should not be entitled to eat. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” The Bible is clear about the fact that not everybody who is unemployed is worthy of assistance.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NCV) says, “Remember this! In the last days there will be many troubles, because people will love themselves, love money, brag, and be proud. They will say evil things against others and will not obey their parents or be thankful or be the kind of people God wants. They will not love others, will refuse to forgive, will gossip, and will not control themselves. They will be cruel, will hate what is good, will turn against their friends, and will do foolish things without thinking. They will be conceited, will love pleasure instead of God, and will act as if they serve God but will not have His power. Stay away from those people.”

An unemployed person who fits into some of the description given in the verses above, probably needs to accept responsibility for taking care of their own needs and start working. Too much help from well-meaning people, can enable some people to continue being ‘needy’. It can also take away a person’s intentions of becoming independent or self-supporting.

In recovery from depression and dependency, a person who started out in a time of true need might fall into a ‘victim mentality’ and allow their situation to extend beyond normal limits if they aren’t encouraged to move forward. It’s important to remember ‘tangible expressions of love’, shouldn’t become a situation of bondage or dependency.

Declaration: I will find new strength by seeking God’s guidance and searching the scriptures for wisdom, should any of these situations occur in my life or the life of someone close to me.

IF YOU SUBSCRIBE TO NEW STRENGTH DEVOTIONAL BELOW, A NEW SEGMENT WILL COME TO YOUR EMAIL EACH DAY.

For music selections that will help bring hope and encouragement during your recovery from depression and addiction, https://www.youtube.com/user/NewStrengthMusic/playlists?sort=dd&view=1

All NEW STRENGTH posts are Copyright by Christina Cook Lee 2012. Please request permission to re-post or re-blog.

The Sovereignty of God

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Focus: The Sovereignty of God

Isaiah 9:6-7a (NKJV) For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His Name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end…

1 Samuel 12:22 For the Lord will not forsake His people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you His people. (NKJV)

2 Chronicles 20:6b …In Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You? (NKJV)

Psalm 2:7-8 I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, “You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession.” (NKJV)

Psalm 72:11, 19 Yes, all kings shall fall down before Him; All nations shall serve Him. And blessed be His glorious name forever! And let the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen. (NKJV)

Psalm 75:7 But God is the Judge; He puts down one, and exalts another. (NKJV)

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New Strength Inspirational Statement of the Day

Daniel 7:13-14 I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man,
Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him. Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion,
Which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed. (NKJV)

Micah 7:18-20 Who is a God like You, Pardoning iniquity And passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in mercy. He will again have compassion on us, And will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. You will give truth to Jacob and mercy to Abraham, Which You have sworn to our fathers From days of old. (NKJV)

Habakkuk 2:14 For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. (NKJV)

Zechariah 2:10-11 “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I am coming and I will dwell in your midst,” says the Lord. Many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and they shall become My people. And I will dwell in your midst. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you. (NKJV)

Zechariah 9:10b …And He will speak peace to the nations; His dominion shall be ‘from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth.’ (NKJV)

Malachi 1:11 “For from the rising of the sun, even to its going down, My name shall be great among the Gentiles; In every place incense shall be offered to My name, And a pure offering;
For My name shall be great among the nations,”
Says the Lord of hosts. (NKJV)

Matthew 10:29-30 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs on your head are numbered. (NIV)

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light… (NKJV)

1 Peter 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you… (NKJV)

Revelation 15:3-4 Great and marvelous are Thy works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints! Who shall not fear Thee, O Lord, and glorify Thy name? For Thou only art holy. For all nations shall come and worship before Thee, for Thy judgments are made manifest. (NKJV)

Revelation 22:13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. (NKJV)

Declaration: I will find new strength in knowing that the Word of the Lord will accomplish whatever He wants to achieve and whatever He sends it to do. It will not return to Him void.

IF YOU SUBSCRIBE TO NEW STRENGTH DEVOTIONAL BELOW, A NEW SEGMENT WILL COME TO YOUR EMAIL EACH DAY.

For music selections that will help bring hope and encouragement during your recovery from depression and addiction, https://www.youtube.com/user/NewStrengthMusic/playlists?sort=dd&view=1

All NEW STRENGTH posts are Copyright by Christina Cook Lee 2012. Please request permission to re-post or re-blog.

Not holding back

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Topic: Loneliness

Focus: Not holding back

Ephesians 3:14-19 (NKJV) For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

If strength is what you lack, there is hope for you today. If you are lonely, you don’t have to stay that way. There really is a way out of the trap you’re in…whatever it is. That thing you haven’t found that you’ve been searching for so long…well, He’s right there in the room with you now. You don’t have to go looking and wondering when you’ll find what’s been missing—you’re the one who’s been missing. It’s not something outside of you that has made you feel incomplete—it’s the vacancy that hasn’t been filled in you.

So what if you said to God, “Give me all You’ve got”…and really meant it? What do you think you’d get? Do you think all of God is enough to fix your problem? I’m pretty sure that getting all of God would change everything about what you think is wrong with the way things have been lately. You really don’t need anything more than more of God.

Oh, but don’t we hold back from giving Him full reign in us? Don’t we want to keep a safe amount of ‘self’, so that we can still think, and feel, and do the favorite things we’ve learned to love? Don’t we want to protect our own interest?

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New Strength Inspirational Statement of the Day

There is actually no reason to have any reservations about the possible repercussions. Just break loose of all that bondage in your mind. Freedom and independence in the way we know them, are really the worst kinds of slavery. Anything that encourages self-sufficiency is far from what brings true peace and security.

Real life is being free in another sense. Free to lose yourself in Christ and in the knowledge that HE is the one you have missed. He alone can satisfy the longings of your soul. Life is lonely for anyone until that realization is made. Nothing else will completely fill the void.

You can make the invitation. You can say, “Give it to me, God—I want all You’ve got,” if you’re ready for a real relationship with Him. Something much more than the superficial way you’ve known Him in the past. You might be a little offended at the idea that you haven’t already had as much of Him as you could get. We want to think we’ve been right and that the spiritual side of us is ‘intact’. It’s embarrassing to think that you might not have already ‘had it right’ before now.

Well, maybe you did say something like ‘Give me all You’ve got’ to God at another time in your life, and you’ve always looked back at that moment as though it was the apex, and the Light of His brightness would never shine quite that much again. But, He is so limitless. He knows no bounds. What He was to you then—is nothing compared to what He could be to you now. There is more of you to fill now than there was at that time…and ‘being filled by Him’ is not a one time occurrence. It’s something that goes on and on and on and on and on….or at least it should.

It’s not as though He’s not willing. The brightness of the Lord is like a Light that keeps getting ever brighter and never stops. You can’t wear Him out or use Him up. No matter how much He gives you of Himself today—there will be more for you tomorrow. It’s not a matter of how much He has to give—it’s how willing we are to receive. How much are you able to receive? How big of a hole is in your heart right now? Can you give Him that much space?

One key to releasing the flow of God’s love into you is by telling Him, “Thank You”. If all you feel is brokenness, then thank Him for your brokenness. If you are feeling numb—thank Him for your numbness. All you have to do is start thanking Him for basic things. You have air to breathe—thank Him for that. You have food and water—thank Him for that, too. You’re reading this—thank Him for leading you to these words that are challenging you to build a better relationship with your Heavenly Father, His Son, and the Holy Spirit—by letting the Presence of God, the three in one, into your heart and soul. Keep giving thanks for everything you can possibly think of. Don’t just thank Him for the ‘good stuff’…praise Him for the things that brought you to your knees. Thank Him for the pain and suffering—the loss and loneliness—that has driven you closer to Him.

Begin to live in that kind of atmosphere and you will feel like you crossed over into another universe…His. He’s there for you every minute of the day or night and His love for you is unstoppable and undeniable.

Declaration: I will find new strength by opening my heart and soul to take in more and more of God each day.

IF YOU SUBSCRIBE TO NEW STRENGTH DEVOTIONAL BELOW, A NEW SEGMENT WILL COME TO YOUR EMAIL EACH DAY.

For music selections that will help bring hope and encouragement during your recovery from depression and addiction, https://www.youtube.com/user/NewStrengthMusic/playlists?sort=dd&view=1

All NEW STRENGTH posts are Copyright by Christina Cook Lee 2012. Please request permission to re-post or re-blog.

Being transformed

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Topic: Progress

Focus: Being transformed

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (NKJV) Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Sprit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

As you continue to move forward, you will keep changing. You will not stay the same. Your life will be a constant process of newness. There was a time when you wondered how you would ever be able to change, but you don’t have to wonder anymore because the changing has already begun. You have changed more than you know—just by your decision to come out of bondage.

It’s a terrible thing to be bound in shackles…wanting things to be different, but not knowing how or where to begin to find freedom. In that condition, you continue to do what you have always done because you can’t imagine there could be another way. You live in a dull unawareness, going through mechanical motions—trying to accomplish what you think people expect you to do—without much thought about the fact that there could be another way.

Then one day the Spirit of the Lord reveals the chains that have been holding you back. You see that what you thought was freedom was really a myth.

Bondage causes us to see ourselves as through a ‘veil’. What we think we see is not the total truth. The bondage we bought into, gave us a promise that it didn’t deliver. We thought we were free to do what we wanted to do, but the freedom we thought we had—wasn’t actually freedom at all. When we come out from under bondage, the veil is removed and we’re able to see clearly.

Besides not seeing ourselves clearly, bondage also keeps us from being able to see the Lord clearly. Again, the veil has distorted our vision. How can we be transformed into the likeness of the Lord when things stand in the way of our seeing Him face to face? In order to become like Him—we have to be able to see Him…with nothing between Him and us. To see Him clearly, we have to get rid of the bondage that has veiled true clarity.

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Link to New Strength Audio Version
New Strength Inspirational Statement of the Day

You can’t really be free and under bondage at the same time. Galatians 5:1 (NKJV) says, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”  John 8:36 (NKJV) tell us, “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”

There are many kinds of bondage. Some kinds are obvious and others are almost invisible. Some kinds of bondage can seem like they’re not really bondage—until we choose to step into the light. When you have stepped out of the light and things have become ‘shadowed’ it’s hard to tell anything has changed at all. You go along in numbness, as though everything is fine—because you think it is.

When the day comes that you realize you are really not free and you have the tiniest fleeting memory or vision of what freedom was—or could be—you are faced with a choice to make. Will you continue to habitually and mechanically perform what you have come to accept? Or will you leap at the possibility for new life?

When the titanic was sinking, there were people who were trapped inside the vessel with no way out. There were others who were given an opportunity to step off the doomed ship into a comparatively small boat in the middle of dark, uncertain waters.

Some people undoubtedly felt guilty leaving those who weren’t being given the option of deliverance. Some probably stepped off the shuttering, groaning ‘unsinkable’ ship—that was indeed sinking—wondering if they were trading one kind of death for another. While others, made no hesitation.

The ones who seized the opportunity as it was offered, believed that abandoning ship was the only possible hope for life and a future. They were willing to take the risk—and they lived.

Still others, continued to believe it would be impossible for the gigantic, powerful ocean liner to actually disappear beneath the icy surface. They imagined staying on board would be much safer than launching out in a tiny lifeboat.

Depression and dependency are like a sinking ship on a dark night. You made the choice to take the lifeboat. You are alive. You made the right decision. Don’t look back…ever. Keep moving toward Jesus and stay free.

Declaration: I will find new strength daily as I remember I am no longer under bondage. I have been given a new life that will keep getting better and better as I keep moving toward Jesus and don’t allow anything to veil His image.

IF YOU SUBSCRIBE TO NEW STRENGTH DEVOTIONAL BELOW, A NEW SEGMENT WILL COME TO YOUR EMAIL EACH DAY.

For music selections that will help bring hope and encouragement during your recovery from depression and addiction, https://www.youtube.com/user/NewStrengthMusic/playlists?sort=dd&view=1

All NEW STRENGTH posts are Copyright by Christina Cook Lee 2012. Please request permission to re-post or re-blog.

Forgiving others

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Topic: Prayer

Focus: Forgiving others

Matthew 6:9-13 (NKJV) Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done. On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

In the middle of the Lord’s Prayer, the meaning of one important sentence could be easily missed—if we’re just saying the words out of habit and not considering what we’re praying in all seriousness. The part that says, “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors”, is almost like a ‘trick question’ on a ‘pop quiz’. It’s that question way down at the end of a bunch of easy questions that could be taken two ways. If you’re not paying attention, you give an answer that seems obvious—but the answer you think is right—is not right. And when the papers are corrected—well, guess what? You got that one wrong.

As we continue to look at the prayer Jesus taught His disciples to pray, we certainly don’t want to miss a line as important as this one. This line has everything to do with whether our prayers will be answered—or not.

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Because I want my ways to please God, I will forgive. --Christina Cook Lee, A Quest For New Strength
New Strength Devotional Inspirational Statement of the Day

It’s so typical to want our prayers to be answered—but not want the accountability that could make that wish come true. God has very definite issues with people who are not willing to forgive others. “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors”, is really another way of saying what we refer to as the Golden Rule—which says, ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’

The Golden Rule is based on a few scriptures. Leviticus 19:18 (NKJV) says, “You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.” Jesus said in Matthew 7:12 (KJV), “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” Another passage on the Golden Rule principle is found in Luke 10:25-28 (NIRV). “And one day an authority on the law stood up to put Jesus to the test. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to receive eternal life?” Jesus replied, “What is written in the Law? How do you understand it?” He answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Love Him with all your strength and with all your mind (ref. Deuteronomy 6:5). And love your neighbor as you love yourself.” “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do that, and you will live.”

Jesus goes on to tell the parable of the Good Samaritan. At the end of the story, He provides the answer to the question, “Who is my neighbor?” by saying that ‘your neighbor’ is anyone who is in need.

Throughout scripture, we see that the Golden Rule philosophy applies to not only doing for others as we would want them to do for us—but also forgiving others if we expect to be forgiven ourselves.

In Matthew 18:22-35 (NKJV) Jesus tells another story. “Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, “Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.” Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.”

“But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, “Pay me what you owe!” So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.” And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt.”

“So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, “You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?” And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”

Declaration: I will find new strength by accepting the truth Jesus spoke about God’s attitude toward those who don’t forgive others or do for others. I will stop excusing myself from being obedient to the Word. Because I want my ways will please God, I will forgive.

IF YOU SUBSCRIBE TO NEW STRENGTH DEVOTIONAL BELOW, A NEW SEGMENT WILL COME TO YOUR EMAIL EACH DAY.

For music selections that will help bring hope and encouragement during your recovery from depression and addiction, https://www.youtube.com/user/NewStrengthMusic/playlists?sort=dd&view=1

All NEW STRENGTH posts are Copyright by Christina Cook Lee 2012. Please request permission to re-post or re-blog.

Keeping a clean slate

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Topic: Prayer

Focus: Keeping a clean slate

Matthew 6:9-13 (NKJV) Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done. On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

We can learn so much from the prayer Jesus taught His disciples when they asked Him to teach them to pray. The word ‘debt’ in this context refers to something that is owed, but also denotes offenses, and sin. No matter how we look at it—debt refers to a negative account that needs to be settled. It’s undisputed that when we sin, we need forgiveness, yet forgiveness can be an area of debate in some circles. The best place to turn for answers is the Bible, itself. As we examine the scriptures that pertain to the need for forgiveness and the power of forgiveness, we will gain a better understanding on God’s viewpoint.

Some people feel the subjects of sin and repentance are personal matters—nobody else’s business. We may also believe we can do certain things as long as we’re not ‘hurting anyone else’. The Bible makes it clear that our sin can affect the conditions of the country we live in. Take a look around and ask yourself whether you think repentance might be in order concerning the state of our country and the world. When sin is rampant among God’s people—the population suffers. We can think we’re not as bad as some people, however what we should be looking at is not other people, but our own personal condition and need for repentance and forgiveness.

2 Chronicles 7: 14
 (KJV) says, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

God is making it clear that the healing of our nation has to do with our own willingness to humble ourselves and pray. As we seek God’s face and turn from our own wicked ways—He hears us. It is then that He will forgive our sins and heal our land. In this verse, God is talking about His own people—not the heathen who are living apart from God—but His own. 

(Read more below)

NOW, YOU CAN LISTEN AND/OR READ!

Link to New Strength Audio Version
New Strength Inspirational Statement of the Day

Some people believe once they have become cleansed from their sins, they have a ‘blanket pardon’ for all the sins of the past, present, and future. It’s true that pardon is available to us, and it’s true that the blood of Jesus covers all sin—but ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ seems to indicate that forgiveness is something we should continually seek.

Why would Jesus have taught His disciples to pray a prayer where a request for forgiveness was included in the same sentence as, ”give us this day our daily bread”, if it was not something that needed to be done on a regular basis? The entire prayer consists of acknowledgments and requests that are ‘constant’ and ‘continual’, so asking for forgiveness must be a thing that should continue to be done on an ongoing, consistent basis day by day…and after a person has come into the family of God and is capable of calling Him, ‘Our Father’.

God doesn’t keep a scorecard of our wrong doing if we have repented. He is eager to forgive and forget. Hebrews 8:12
 (KJV) says, “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” 1 John 1: 9 (KJV) goes on to say, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Colossians 1:13-14 (NKJV) 
says, “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.”

When we are living apart from God, sin has us in bondage. We are trapped in a net, so to speak. Without forgiveness, we stand condemned. When we make the decision to follow Christ and accept His blood sacrifice as the payment for our sins, we are no longer slaves to wrong doing—but that doesn’t mean we can’t willfully choose to do wrong.

In recovery, we are encouraged to make a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. It is further recommended that we admit the exact nature of our wrongs to God and another human being. We should be willing to humbly ask God to remove our shortcomings. We are instructed to live a life of strict accountability—admitting any wrongs we have committed promptly.

Nobody wants to be wrong. Most everyone wants to believe they are right. But the Bible says, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God”,  in Romans 3:23 (KJV), and “There is none righteous, no not one”, in Romans 3:10 (KJV). When we fail, we must be willing to repent and ask forgiveness. God wants us to stay free from sin and its bondage.

Declaration: I will find new strength by daily admitting any wrong I have done and asking God for forgiveness.

IF YOU SUBSCRIBE TO NEW STRENGTH DEVOTIONAL BELOW, A NEW SEGMENT WILL COME TO YOUR EMAIL EACH DAY.

For music selections that will help bring hope and encouragement during your recovery from depression and addiction, https://www.youtube.com/user/NewStrengthMusic/playlists?sort=dd&view=1

All NEW STRENGTH posts are Copyright by Christina Cook Lee 2012. Please request permission to re-post or re-blog.