GOD’S WORD FOR JULY 25

We are reading from a daily devotional  called “Running To Win” written by Erwin Lutzer  and the late, great D.L. Moody.   Erwin Lutzer is a light in our day as D.L. Moody was in his.  Besides his many ministries, and many books, Pastor Lutzer was Senior Pastor at Moody Church in Chicago for 36 years and now serves as Pastor Emeritus there.  He is  Chancelor and a former professor at Moody Bible Institute, where he taught Theology and Ministry, and now has numerous radio teachings.

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DISCIPLINED TOWARD REPENTANCE

Ezekiel 33:15-16

“If the wicked restores the pledge, gives back what he has taken by robbery, and walks in the statutes of life, not doing injustice, he shall surely live:  he shall not die.  None of the sins that he has committed shall be remembered against him.  He has done what is just and right; he shall surely live.”

D.L. MOODY

If you have ever taken money dishonestly, you need not pray God to forgive you and fill you with the holy Spirit until you make restitution.  If you have not got the money now to pay back, you must will to do it, and God accepts the willing mind.

Many a man is kept in darkness and unrest because he fails to obey God on this point.  If the plough has gone deep, if the repentance is true, it will bring forth fruit.  What use is there in coming to God until I am willing, like Zacchaeus, to make it good, if I have done any man wrong or have taken anything from him falsely?  Confession and restitution are the steps that lead up to forgiveness.

ERWIN LUTZER

Obviously, Ezekiel 33 is not teaching salvation by works, it is referring to civil penalties that can be avoided if the offender makes restitution.  But I cannot overemphasize the need for restitution; we should not pray for the fullness of the Spirit until we have returned what we have stole and asked forgiveness from those we have hurt.

Years ago, there was a genuine revival in western Canada.  Christians were experiencing deep and abiding repentance.  They were returning money they had misappropriated from their taxes; they were asking forgiveness of each other.  Such humble actions were blessed by God and people came to saving faith in Christ.  God wants His children to be fully right with Him and also have a clear conscience in regard to others.  If we are willing to pay any price to be fully right with God, we will experience the fullness of the Spirit I any blessed ways.

PRAYER

Father, search y heart.  Convict me of any sin I have hidden.  Let me make restitution wherever appropriate – no matter the cost.

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Proverbs 28:13

    “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”

Ephesians 4:32

    “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Acts 26:20

    “I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds.”

2 Corinthians 7:10

    “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”

Psalms 51:10

    “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

Luke 15:21-22

    “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet!’”

James 5:16

    “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

Matthew 6:14-15

    “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Mark 11:25

    “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

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