Devotional

The Future Lies in the Past

By Bobby Bowden

Ready 

“At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you. Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:13-14

Set 

History always repeats itself because humankind fails to learn from its 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 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 but only to those who follow Him. For those who don’t, the consequences of 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 
  • Are you hanging on to a particular sin? If so, can you see that it is not going to prosper you?
  • Your sin brings dishonor to God and harm to yourself and others 100% of the time. You can repent right now. Will you?
Workout 

Zephaniah 1:12; 1 John 1:5-10; Ephesians 2:8

Overtime 

“Almighty God, send your 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 
Daily Impact Play
Bible Reference: 
2 Chronicles 7:13-14
Zepheniah 1:12
1 John 1:5-10
Ephesians 2:8