Depend on God’s Promised Redemption
OPENING PRAYER:
Dear Father, open my eyes to the truth of your word and the acceptance of these truths to what I decide and do, or say, today.
READ:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NIV)
“Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.
You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:18-19 (NIV)
“I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.” Isaiah 44:22 (NIV)
Acts 22:1-21 (NIV) - Story of Saul/Paul’s conversion
REFLECT:
As we continue to think about parenting in our devotions this week, we consider what happens when our children, whether 2 or 22 years old, do wrong things. Will these wrong choices impact them for life? Are they something that will follow them the rest of their lives or unable to overcome? When we look to the Word of God, we see that God responds with good, with forgiveness, and with mercy when we repent. He moves to be present and active in redemption when we respond to him, even after we sin. If we wonder how this could be possible, we only need to look at the life of the apostle Paul (formerly Saul). Paul was guilty of hunting down Christ followers having them imprisoned, beaten and even murdered. Yet God not only forgave and redeemed Paul he used Paul greatly to preach and teach and bring thousands to faith in Christ. God used Paul’s wrong actions and his redemption as a testimony to others to show that no one is outside of his love and forgiveness. Paul, under the inspiration of God, was used to author nearly half of the 27 books making up the new testament portion of the Bible. Does God forgive and redeem the mistakes you or your children make in life, regardless of the magnitude? Absolutely, if we only come to him and repent.
APPLY:
When children fail at life and make decisions or actions that violate God’s holy standards for living, know without a doubt and assure them that God desires to forgive and help them to be successful at life if they come to him and ask his forgiveness. Memorize this verse from God’s word - “If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9). Using a children’s Bible or a paraphrase, share with them the story of the life of Paul in Acts 22. Talk with them about how God has a plan and a promise and makes all things new. Hallelujah, what a savior.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Dear God, I know that if you are for us, who can be against us? Thank you for forgiveness and redemption when I deserve just the opposite. Help me to raise my children today and each day by teaching them to live Godly lives. Help me to also teach them that you are quick to forgive and anxious to use them even if they have made bad decisions along the way. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen
WORSHIP: