So, what is Teen Challenge? I found this on their website:
Teen Challenge has seen tens of thousands of drug addicts discover God’s healing and deliverance. Those who were in such bondage and hopelessness have discovered a whole new way of living, one filled with hope. More than 1,000 Teen Challenge programs exist in 93 countries of the world. http://globaltc.org/
Just yesterday I wept as I listened to the changed lives through heart wrenching testimonies and the glorious praises sang to our Lord and Savior, Jesus by the members of a Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge choir.
While praying this morning, I had this incredible urge to ask God to reveal specific forgotten unconfessed sins to me from my past. I wanted to confess them to Him so He could wash me clean of my past guilt and shame. I was surprised at the length of my prayer and of the memories that flooded in. I have done this several times before, but just felt the need for some good 'ol "spring cleaning." God is so amazing. God is truly sovereign.
This morning while I studied this next verse, the puzzle pieces came together as the Holy Spirit pressed on my heart His message of forgiveness.
"Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise." Psalm 106:47
Psalm 106 is a confession of Israel's long history of rebellion and a prayer for God to once again save his people. A prayer for deliverance and restoration.
As I said, God is amazing. He has such detailed control of our days that He allowed me to witness Teen Challenge, led me to pray for forgiveness, and then gave me this devotional from Jesus Calling. All while studying Psalm 106:47 for the past week.
When your sins weigh heavily upon you, come to Me. Confess your wrongdoing, which I know all about before you say a word. Stay in the Light of My Presence, receiving forgiveness, cleansing, and healing. Remember that I have clothed you in My righteousness, so nothing can separate you from Me. Whenever you stumble or fall, I am there to help you up.
Man's tendency is to hide from his sin, seeking refuge in the darkness. There he indulges in self-pity, denial, self-righteousness, blaming, and hatred. But I am the Light of the world, and My illumination decimates the darkness. Come close to Me and let My Light envelop you, driving out darkness and permeating you with Peace.
"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." 1 John 1:7
"I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." Isaiah 61:10
"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'" John 8:12
It didn't end there. After I was done with my morning quiet time I turned on my Christian music station... the song that was playing was Mark Schultz's "Love Has Come." Here are the beginning lyrics:
Well, I know this life is filled with sorrow
And there are days when the pain just lasts and lasts
But I know there will come a day
When all our tears are washed away with a break in the clouds
His glory coming down and in that moment
Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess
That God is love and love has come for us all
Every heart set free, every one will see
That God is love and love has come for us all
Read more at http://www.songlyrics.com/mark-schultz/love-has-come-lyrics/#UAOafIST3Vm42WMr.99
It doesn't surprise me in the least that God had me walk these steps in the order they came. It also doesn't surprise me that he didn't allow me to see this forgiveness message until today. I prefer to post two times a week... just a goal that I set for myself when I began this "thanks" study. I even told my discussion group last week that "I faithfully post about twice a week." God's timing is perfect. Mine is not. I am learning that I am better off allowing my stubborn will to bend to meet God's. He's much wiser than I.
God wants to fight for us. He wants to deliver us from our sins, addictions, shortcomings and failures. I have sinned and I am no different in God's eyes than the person being delivered from 30 years of drug abuse and multiple jail sentences. We all need Christ's redeeming blood. We all need God's amazing love... but we must be still and allow Him to do His work in our hearts and in our lives.
"Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" Psalm 46:10
I am so thankful that God is a God of mercy, grace and forgiveness! He loves us so much He wants to gather us to Himself in His heavenly kingdom. For that we can give thanks and glory in His praise!! Amen?
"And be thankful." Colossians 3:15b
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