Monica Johnson's Blog : Forgiven!

Today's OneWord is "Forgiven"

The Bible says, "We have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and charter strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love' (Romans 5:1, 3-5).

Most Gracious Lord, our heart's prayer today is for You to teach us how to forgive as Jesus told Peter in Matthew 18:21-22, "Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy times seven." We pray we comprehend that Your love and forgiveness have no limits. Therefore, Heavenly Father, we abolish every stronghold and bondage that has kept us in lack or need due to unforgiveness. We pray that the limits of our love for others be increased. We pray for healing of the broken heart due to not forgiving. We decree and declare that You, Father abolish all unforgiveness due to rejection, abandonment, or manipulation. Set us free Lord! Not just delivered, but also SET us absolutely free!

I pray, You grant us the commemoration or our debt being cancelled at the cross of Calvary. Bring to the forefront of our mind that Jesus gave a gift that should motivate each of us to forgive others. Father, place over us Your power and understanding that Your forgiveness is unlimited. And that You canceled a debt that we could never repay. Let us be humbled and thankful. Help us to remember the truth when we have an opportunity to forgive others who have wronged us. Father, do not let us hang on to anger, resentment, and bitterness when forgiveness brings about healing, freedom, and restoration. Your Word says, "Then you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free" (John 8:32).

Father as we prepare to forgive and are always ready to face the enemy who wants to bring doubt, separation, and discouragement help us put on Your armor. Father would You grant us the strength to "Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God's armors so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. Therefore, stand your ground putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For those shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith, to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God" (Eph 6:10-11, 14-17). Father, I ask You to help us put on each piece at the start of this day so we can stand and enjoy Your grace and peace. Father, we pray that we realize the best is yet to come in our lives.

We know we are covered in the name of Jesus. Amen!