Week 1: Day 6 - 2016 Fasting & Prayer
WEEK 1: DAY 6
A Call to Consecration - A Heart Without Offense
As we continue to prepare the way of the Lord to come to Chester Freedom Ministries, another foundational principle is a heart without offense. Jesus warns that, as we near the end of the age, many will be offended to such a degree that they will fall away from the faith. Listen carefully to His warning from Matthew 24:10-12 KJV: Then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another and because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. Carrying offense will only lead to division, betrayal, hate and a loveless church. Therefore we believe that possessing a un-offend-able heart is not optional and is vital to our posture and attracting the Lord to come.
While things may be offensive, we choose to be offended! Opportunities for offense are everywhere, but we believe that those who choose humility and to walk in repentance will not only rise above offense, but will be ministers of healing and freedom for others. As a result of carrying offense, many in the body of Christ are walking in broken and damaged relationships. Thankfully God has given us the means by which we may walk in freedom and restore broken relationship. Biblical Repentance and Forgiveness are the keys that will unlock the offended heart.
RESPOND
When we allow an offense to go unresolved in our hearts it causes serious spiritual consequences. Opportunities for offense are all around us, we may not like the way our boss talked to us, our children may disrespect our authority, a friend may disappoint us or family member may not meet our expectations. If we do not deal with offense it could lead to betrayal, hatred, the hardening of our heart and potentially falling away. Are you holding an offense currently? Has someone in your life not treated you the way you expected or feel you deserved? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal your heart and expose any areas where you are justifying holding on to offense.
REPENT
Be jealous for your relationship with God. Repentance is a response to love from the place of worship and His presence. It is personal before it is corporate. As the Holy Spirit reveals any offense you are holding on to, quickly repent and receive God's forgiveness.
- Repent for any offense taken from a family member.
- Repent from any offense you have taken from the Church or Church leadership
- Go to anyone you have been offended with and repent for your hard heart toward them.
- Have you offended someone else? Ask the Lord to reveal any offensive ways in you and repent.
PRAY
Lord, forgive me for being so easily offended and for carrying offenses. Father, my heart is foolish and weak. Grant me the un-offendable heart of Christ. Where I have hardened my heart, give me a heart of flesh once again. Where I have offended a brother/sister give me grace to go to them and repent and ask for forgiveness. Jesus I do not want my love to grow cold. Search my heart and reveal any wicked way in me. You are my greatest desire, I long for your presence more then I desire to hold on to any offense. (continue to pray)
WORSHIP
When we are free from offense we are free to engage in unhindered worship. Because we have a High Priest who understands and can sympathize with our weakness we are encouraged to draw near with confidence to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). When we walk in humility, practice forgiveness and seek to have an un-offendable heart we bear witness to what Paul tells us in Galatians 5:1. It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to the yoke of slavery.
This is Good News! Worship the Lord in the beauty of His Holiness through words, songs and actions that honor our God.