FCA ResourcesDevotional
The Future Lies in the Past
By Bobby Bowden
Ready
If I close the sky so there is no rain, or if I command the grasshopper to consume the land, or if I send pestilence on My people, and My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.” — 2 Chronicles. 7:13–14
Set
History always repeats itself because man fails to learn from his failures. Therefore, we do well to remember historical events such as the Holocaust, the Civil War, and the Israelites’ forty-year wilderness wandering. The Bible tells us why the world is like it is: sin. The Bible has much to say about the blessings that come as a result of obeying and the curses, or consequences, that occur as a result of sin. We find these truths from Genesis to Revelation. God certainly forgives the sin of those who belong to Him through Jesus Christ; however, there are still consequences to be faced. Are God’s people today settling down comfortably in the society in which we live, casting out our distinctive Christian focus?
For those of us who belong to Him, God’s discipline is always healing and restorative; not so for those who refuse to follow Him. For them, the consequences for sin lead only to more destruction. We see this everywhere in contemporary culture where anxiety and depression are so prevalent. Thanks to God, however, we have a sin cure, and that is our Savior, Jesus Christ. Those whom He has redeemed will inherit the blessings of eternal life, and that means even our sin suffering is used by God for our good. Jesus is the only hope we have. We are forgiven in Christ; nevertheless, we must ask God to forgive us and to give us the faith and courage to sin no more.
Go
1. Are you hanging on to a particular sin? If so, can you see that it is not going to prosper you?
2. Your sin brings dishonor to God and harm to yourself and others 100 percent of the time. You can repent right now. Will you?
Workout
Extra Reading: 2 Chronicles 7:14; Zephaniah 1:12; 1 John 1:5–10; Ephesians 2:8
Overtime
Almighty God, send our nation a revival. Thank You that You have revealed Your priorities in Your Word. Show me my role, and give me the courage to do Your will. Amen.
Group
Ministry