Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. (Matthew 6:9-13) Help me today to take command of my morning through Your Holy Spirit to shake all evil from my life and mind.
Holy Spirit, Your word tells me that I must forgive for You to forgive and hear me. I have often thought about what forgiveness means, does, and why it is so powerful. You have taught me that forgiveness does not always equate to someone else getting off scot-free. Forgiveness relinquishes our right to hold something against someone and places us in judgment over You. When we forgive, truly forgive, we commit whatever the offense is to God, the true King and Judge in this world. We allow Him to do what is best at the time and what will be held into account in the future. It takes a great burden from us and
allows us to heal. Bitterness and pride are two of the enemy’s strongest weapons to destroy us. Solomon told us bitterness can eventually destroy us to our bones. When I allow love, peace, joy, patience, longsuffering to replace the bitterness of offense, the pride of being my own master and judge and jury, then and only then can the Holy Spirit our comforter, can flood our heart and begin actual growth, faith and trust in Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit. Help me to forgive and not let my pride get in the way, nor let bitterness take root in my heart and destroy me.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Amen. [Romans 15:13]