I trust you had a Merry Christmas yesterday as we celebrated the One who came to save his people from their sins. Speaking of sins, today we come to a surprising phrase in the Lord’s prayer- “Forgive
us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.” But, aren't we already forgiven?
Then why do we have to ask God to forgive us? Answer: God, as our Judge, has
forgiven our sin debt because it was paid for by His Son, the Innocent One. Thus,
we are eternally right in his sight and will be forever together. But as our
Father, God is calling us to forgive others as he has fully forgiven us. We are
to be like God, “forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you”
Eph.4:32. Today we will begin with this first phrase “Forgive us our sins.”
Tomorrow we will deal with those who have sinned against us and stronghold
sins.
Because of salvation in Christ, we are forgiven and new
creations in Christ, but we still have an “enemy within the gates” that wages
war against our soul. We must constantly guard our new hearts from the enemies
of sin and Satan. Men, we are in a battle. Passivity is our downfall. Thus as
soldier’s, we are given this manly command, “Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life” Prov.4:23. If an enemy could capture or
pollute a town’s well, the people were doomed. Thus, our hearts must be guarded
at all costs from enemy attack. The corrupt nature wants to ruin us. So it is-
kill or be killed. “Put to death,
therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality,
impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these,
the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these
ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger,
rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to
each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on
the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator" Col.3:5-10.
But what
do we do when our guard has slipped and such enemies have breached the gates of
our Mansoul?
We must drive them out! But how? “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.
On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds” 2 Cor.10:4. The first weapon to
use to drive out sin is surprisingly simple- it’s confession. As we come to
this part in the Lord’s prayer, with God’s help we can do a quick scan of the
land of our heart. Has bitterness crept in? Name (confess) the enemy. Is it resentment,
pride, lust, greed, bad language or unforgiveness to others? We should confess these as soon
as we are aware of them, even in the middle of our day. When we confess such
sins, God gives us a wonderful promise to claim-“If we confess our sins,
He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness” 1 John 1:9. The waters of cleansing are waiting for us
(John 13:6-11). When I confess what sins I am aware of, He then even cleanses me
from what I’m not aware of- all unrighteousness. TYF! (Thank You Father!)
Thus, we don’t need to go on a
witch hunt of introspection to find sins to confess. To fix our eyes on searching
out sin is a dark and despairing pursuit. We are called to fix our eyes on
Jesus who brings forgiveness, joy and peace. Instead, at this point in the Lord’s
prayer, simply invite God to search you-
“Search
me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See
if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” Ps.139:23-24.
1.-As we have
seen, there are plenty of passages that speak to us about this vital subject of
sin, confession and forgiveness. (To save you time, I wrote them out, rather than
asking you to look them all up.) Pick out one verse or phrase out of the many
that were quoted above and share your good thoughts regarding such.
2.- Copy down 1
John 1:9 on your 3x5 as your MP3 of the day (your verse of Meditation, Prayer,
Praise and Passing on to others). Then do the “Did it.”
This Sunday is a special day for a couple of reasons. First, we will be having our open house from 2-5 PM for you and your loved ones. We're at 9541 S. Oakley Ave. There will be plenty of desserts and great fellowship with you there.
Also this Sunday, we will be featuring our first GDP (Growing Deeper Project) on our blog. So stop on by here, read, be blessed and encourage your teammate who wrote it. Plus, you can leave a praise phrase from Sunday's message.
Several of you have talked to me about the coach quality men you are reaching out to. Way to go! Please see if you can get them on board with us by the end of this month. The absolute latest would be at our Jan.11th meeting. Share your enthusiasm! Also please share your enthusiasm with me- your written words regarding M3. Please knock this out this weekend (put it on today's or Sunday's blog) then I can put together several M3 testimonies for you to share with those coach quality men that you're seeking to recruit. Teamwork makes the dream work.
The above picture of warriors fighting reminds us that we are in a terrible battle. But the weapons we must use to defeat satanic forces that hold men in apathy are supernatural. They include the sword of the Spirit and the spear of the Spirit- the word of God and prayer. So we need to be prayer warriors and recruit prayer warriors. We're deceived by the enemy already if we think we can win otherwise. So for those of you who have not yet recruited two prayer warriors, please do so by Monday the 29th. Just email me their names and email addresses. I will send them weekly prayer warrior updates for you and the team. They will be our hidden strike force. The kingdom of God advances forcefully. Prepare to attack. Plus, they will be honored and invited to an important prayer gathering happening at the same time as our first meeting- Jan.11th- on a different floor of Jack’s home. So you married men, please highly consider inviting your wife to be one of your prayer partners. Plus, we will be launching "The Bible" DVD discussion group at 1:00 PM Jan.11th. More on that Monday.
| G=God's Word | R | E | A | T=Team members recruited | |||
| For Wed.12.24.14 | |||||||
| Alpha Force | 100% | ||||||
| Fire Team 1 | |||||||
| 1 | Jack Rogers | Y | 2 | Daniel & Roger | |||
| 2 | Daniel Contreras | Y | 1 | Vince | |||
| 3 | Vince Diaz | Y | |||||
| 4 | Roger Vinlasaca | Y | |||||
| Fire Team 2 | |||||||
| 5 | Israel Fuentes | Y | |||||
| 6 | John Pallozzi | Y | |||||
| 7 | Sam Vargas | Y | |||||
| Delta Force | |||||||
| Fire Team 3 | 100% | ||||||
| 1 | Alvin James | Y | |||||
| 2 | Dave Heidekruger | Y | |||||
| 3 | Mike Pagan | Y | |||||
| Fire Team 4 | |||||||
| 4 | Eddie Morales | Y | 2 | Gary & Ismael | |||
| 5 | Gary Remson | Y | |||||
| 6 | Ismael Andrade | Y |
I know you all are looking forward to the upcoming test more than a little kid in front of Christmas presents:) So I'll let you peek at a few of the questions that will be on the upcoming test:
1.-What is our mission? To multiply MANLY men.
2.-What does MANLY stand for?
Mature in character
Active in mentoring
Noble in battle
Loving in relationships
Yoked with Christ and others
3.-We also embrace the Marine Corp motto "Semper Fi" which means ______________ (Always Faithful)
3.-Our Father loves us and longs to meet with us and build us up. How often does God want us to meet with him in His word? Daily
4.-When a man makes and keeps the commitment to daily meet with God and his brothers on the blog, even if it means staying up late (No Scripture, No sleep), he becomes un_____________. (unstoppable). He "keeps his oath, even when it hurts" Ps.15:4. He gets the big rocks in no matter what.
5.-True or False- To earn the Unstoppable pin, which is necessary to advance, a man needs to demonstrate that he has been faithful to his commitment by daily meeting with his brothers on the blog and posting his comments before the next blog goes up at 3:00 AM. (Commenting after that time is fine, but it is not credited.) True
6.-Who are your prayer partners you have recruited (non M3 people)?
1.- 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
ReplyDeleteNot only did God send Jesus to die for our sins but has also made a provision for us to stay pure of sins in His eyes, He has told us that we must confess our sins (daily) and in turn He is going to forgive us our sins.
In light of this verse how important we see it is to meditate on His Word (daily) so that we are always focused on Him. When we do sin we should should come to His throne of grace and ask for forgiveness and God promises to cleanse us. Thank you Lord that despite the fact that we continue to fail you on a daily basis you still love us and want to be with us.
That a great verse it show GOD mercy to us. He is a GOD of chances.
DeleteLove your words here Roger- "Thank you Lord that despite the fact that we continue to fail you on a daily basis you still love us and want to be with us."
Delete2.- Did it
ReplyDelete1. I have been meditating on Ps.139:23-24. Here is an article I would like to share regarding this verse. I think it is great, especially as we evaluate ourselves towards the end of the year.
ReplyDeletehttp://blueprintforlife.com/blog/the-most-dangerous-prayer/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The%20Most%20Dangerous%20Prayer&utm_content=The%20Most%20Dangerous%20Prayer+CID_55978518583968c35131c707a4e7deaa&utm_source=TodayMail&utm_term=Read%20More
2. Did it.
Thank you for sharing the article Eddie. It can definitely be intimidating when God asks us to step out of our comfort zone and step into our calling. With Him we can do all things and be content through our struggles and failures.
DeleteInteresting article Eddie on a great passage.
Delete1) Psalm 139:23-24
ReplyDelete23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
I know with my thoughts and inactions, I sin. If something bad crosses my mind, I ask God for help and forgiveness. Fasting and prayer is a powerful tool I have used for devastating a bad habit.
2. Did it.
Sam, thanks for your comments--Prayer as so important in overcoming bad tendencies and thoughts, and it is so wonderful to witness the Holy Spirit in you and how many hearts you touch every day Bro.
DeleteThanks Sam! And thanks for encouraging others faithfully.
Delete1. 1 John 1;9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
ReplyDeleteThis verse spoke to my heart, as long as we live in this world we will be confronted with temptation, but as we have died to ourselves and now live with the Holy Spirit in us we know God's will through his word, prayer and our relationship with him as we communicate with him.
God has made us aware of the 600+ sins through his word and we love now vs. fear, we can lean on Jesus as we avoid temptation, we live for God and not ourselves.
But when we sin, we immediately turn to God and acknowledge it, repent, ask for his forgiveness and change our ways. This will free our minds, hearts , and souls to focus on our Father and allow faith to have its full effect.
Most important is that God will free us from all unrighteousness.
2. Same verse--did it
Thanks Jack! Thankfully, we are not under the OT, so here's a list of 124 sins mentioned in the NT. It uses old KJV terms and doesn't include their references, but it's still sobering. http://www.angelfire.com/empire2/psuclass0/sinlist.html
DeleteThe sins of the heart are the ones we will never extinguish this side of glory. May we keep fighting the good fight of faith against them.
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ forgave you." EPH 4.32
ReplyDeleteA powerful verse of sowing seeds. Being a God example. just as Christ did on earth. It a simple command but so hard to do. It take leaving our PRIDE to complete. When I do show kindness and compassion I feel better. When I show forgiveness I feel great like a weight has been lifted from my shoulder.
GOD BLESS
Yes Vince, I like your words- "When I do show kindness and compassion I feel better. When I show forgiveness I feel great like a weight has been lifted from my shoulder."
DeleteThe verses in Colossians are still the reminder for me. Something that has never departed was the
ReplyDeleteChrist-likeness taught by Paul. "take off the old self and its practices and put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge of the image of its creator. The devotional from yesterday is very similar speaking about the knowledge of Gods glory and how it transforms every fiber of our being cleansing the heart and renewing the mind.
So indeed through Christ resides the Forgiveness and a "new self"
I wrote 1 John 1:9 on my card
Excellent Gary! So enjoyed having you and the other NGLs over a few years ago working through Col.3. What a rich passage and rich times together!
DeleteThe verse I meditated on is “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” Prov.4:23. This verse reminds me where your heart is so is your soul. If your heart is hard so is your soul. Therefore make every effort to forgive those who needs to be forgiven and apologize to those you have wronged. I remember a quote from Pastor Asa "It's not who wins the race on earth, it's who wins the race to the cross." So saying sorry for something or confessing our sins will help us win the race to the cross and gets us brownie points on earth.
ReplyDeleteDid it.
Yes Mike, sometimes it takes great effort on our part to forgive others and to apologize when we are the offender. How freeing it is when we do. I know too many people that are so crippled in life because of they are unforgiving. They are blind as to how much more they are hurting themselves and ruining any relationship they have with God.
DeleteGood MP3 Mike. I've been thinking about Prov.4:23 as well. You'll read some of my thoughts about it in an upcoming blog, but that's a secret, so don't tell the other guys:)
DeleteTo forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you - Lewis B. Smedes
Delete1) 1John 1:9 - “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”
ReplyDeleteI am so relieved that I cannot wear out this merciful promise. My Heavenly Father is always faithful to forgive my little sins, my greatest sins, and the sins I repeat too often. And He is righteous when he does forgive me, for His Son, the Lamb of God, paid dearly for every one of them. It has been this verse that helps me to get back on my feet again and again each time I have fallen. Proverbs 24:16 “For though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again.” What also is so incredibly amazingly is that the Merciful and Gracious One also cleanses me deep down within my heart and soul so that I am not just restored and improved within. Thank you Lord for Your gentle Holy Spirit who keeps leading me back to you for forgiveness and cleansing, each time I turn and go my own way.
2) Did it - wrote out - will share it tonight.
I love your words Dave, they made me smile- "I am so relieved that I cannot wear out this merciful promise."
DeleteI know you looking for opportunities to pass on what you are learning. Excellent!
1. 1 John 1:9 / I love what a brother shared with me about the enemy bringing condemnation for our sins, but God bringing conviction of our sins... but a way to redemption through Jesus. This verse fills me with encouragement that His faithfulness and forgiveness is accessed when I confess my sins. There is no condemnation, as he cleanses me from all unrighteousness.
ReplyDelete2. Did it
Very good Daniel- conviction, not condemnation. Turn to God vs. hide from God.
Delete1. “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” Ps.139:23-24. What I like most about this verse is that it reminds me if the insidious nature of sin. The psalmist seems to convey that you can sin without even being aware of it, but (here's the great part) God is not interested in playing "gotcha!" He desires to correct us and lead us. Simply astounding!
ReplyDelete2. Did it!
Yes, I agree with your thoughts here. Our goal is to walk in the Light as 1 John 1:5-8 says "This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." I love the Psalmist's heart here, as he does not want "Anything" to interfere with his walk and fellowship with God. Oh Lord, please help me and Alvin have this type of heartbeat for You :)
DeleteYes indeed Alvin. I like your words a lot- "God is not interested in playing "gotcha!" He desires to correct us and lead us. Simply astounding!"
ReplyDelete1. I chose 1 John 1:9 that says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." -- We should confess our sin so that we can maximize our fellowship and experience Joy with God and with our fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord:) A repentant and true confession of our sin involves a commitment not to "Continue" in our sin. Thus, when we confess our sins to God, we are agreeing with God that our actions/ sin is truly "sin" and that we are willing to repent from it. This also insures that we don't just hide or suppress our sin, we expose it to the light, which in turn helps us know that we need our Savior to Wash us from all unrighteousness and for us to rely on God's grace and Power to overcome our sin.
ReplyDelete2. Did it
Excellent Israel! Also hope you and your dad, whom I invited, can stop by tomorrow.
DeleteProverbs 4:23 NIV
ReplyDeleteAbove all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
This one caught my eye. The word "gaurd", in other translation says "vigilant" but also meaning defend, shield, preserve, resistance. That is what we must do to keep any sin from our hearts and to watch them at bay, in order to that we must keep asking those vital questions. .. how is my relationship with God, am I opening my heart to you and your word, is there anything that is hindering me from your word? And in turn everything we do results in our life and walk with Christ.
O Lord, may you purify my thoughts and ways and keep my walk in a righteous direction. With your mercy and grace that's keeps me pushing forward, I am freed from all bondage.
2. Did it.
Thank you for your insight Ismael. It is a pleasure reading your posts. I don't know how you do it. I can't think straight passed 11pm. Good to see you are unstoppable.
DeleteVery good Ismael! I like the way you dug into the meaning of the word "guard." It's a manly duty, isn't it, for we have a great foe against us.
DeleteI appreciate how in Colossians 3 in the beginning we see sins of evil desires and impurity immorality and pride and greed. all of these are centered around the self we make idols of ourselves if we indulge in these may we never be consumed by them may God always gives us the strength to see through our own sin. Also towards the end of the passage in verse 10 we see God having a renewal process not just a one time event to make us like and more and more to the image of his son
ReplyDeleteCol.3 is so rich, isn't it? So glad we memorized our way through much of it a few years ago together.
Delete