Check out the new concept album from Rusty Shipp!
Check out the new concept album from Rusty Shipp!

JFH Devotionals by J.M. Farro


Rewards for the Repentant


"God is high and lifted up. He lives forever. His name is holy. He says, ‘I live in a high and holy place, but I also live with people who are humble and sorry for their sins. I will give new life to those who are humble in spirit. I will give new life to those who are sorry for their sins.'" - Isaiah 57:15 ERV

Weeks before the Coronavirus broke out here in the U.S., the Lord began dealing with me about adopting a posture of deep repentance. Instead of asking God in a general sense to pardon me for my sins, the Holy Spirit led me to begin mentioning my specific sins as I prayed for forgiveness. I didn’t realize just how much I was “falling short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) until I began expressing sorrow for my sins in a very specific way. While I was truly sorry for my sins, instead of feeling condemned as I voiced my repentance, I came away feeling refreshed and renewed. And I rejoiced in God’s promise which says: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 NIV) When we confess our sins in a godly way, we experience purification, instead of condemnation.

Isaiah 57:15 reveals that while our great God lives in “a high and holy place,” He also lives with “people who are humble and sorry for their sins.” People like these will experience the Lord’s presence in a deeper way, and will see more of His involvement in their daily lives. But there’s more. God promises, “I will give new life to those who are humble in spirit. I will give new life to those who are sorry for their sins.” Those who live their lives with a humble dependence upon God, and an attitude of reverence, respect, and repentance, will be given “new life” here on earth. This means that God Himself will lift us up, and fill us with divine energy, confidence, and courage. And He will give us a new purpose for living, and send us new assignments in His Kingdom.

A lot of Christians are seeing this pandemic as a wake-up call from Almighty God, and I am one of them. Do I believe that God sent this deadly virus? Absolutely not. But the fact that He is allowing it should give us pause. Scripture says: “For the time [has arrived] for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will [be] the end of those who do not respect or believe or obey the good news (the Gospel) of God?” (1 Peter 4:17 AMP) Before we look at the ungodly and blame them for the predicament we are in right now, we need to look at ourselves. Have we always been loving, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled? (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV) No, we haven’t. We have failed to consistently set a good example for other Christians, as well as for the ungodly. And because of this, we have given up a tremendous amount of ground to Satan and his forces of evil – ground that should have belonged to Christ.

As I was writing this message, the Holy Spirit brought to my mind Second Chronicles 7:14 (NIV), which says: “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” I hesitated to include it here, until the Lord had me listen to a brief message by Charles Stanley, “America’s Pastor,” in which he quoted this verse with regard to our nation and this pandemic. Many Christian leaders believe that our right response to this crisis could usher in a Great Awakening here in America, and around the world. Let us turn to our God in humble repentance today, so He can use us to bring multitudes into His Kingdom during these dark and difficult times!

Prayer: Lord, I turn to You in heartfelt repentance now for all of my sins. Cleanse me with the precious Blood of Christ, the spotless Lamb of God. Grant me the new life and rewards that You promise in Your Word to those who are truly humble and repentant. Give me a new purpose for living, and new assignments in Your Kingdom. Thank You for filling me with supernatural strength, confidence, and courage, and for using me to touch and change lives in an eternal way for Your glory!

- J. M. Farro

 

go to main Devotionals page
go to Devotionals archive

 

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH



This Friday, June 27, 2025
ALBUMS
7eventh Time Down We Praise You [BEC]
The Browns 25th Anniversary: Better Days Ahead [StowTown]
Franni Cash Wild Child - EP [Capitol CMG]
Matt Crocker interlude [Anotherland]
Jimmy Fortune Songs of an American Dreamer [Gaither]
Roxanne Grace Road Trip - EP [DREAM]
JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise The Live Reunion: Washington, DC [James Town]
Kutless The Seventh Seal - EP [BEC]
Evvie McKinney It Ain't Over - EP (independent)
Rusty Shipp Capsized Empire (independent)
SEU Worship A Forgiving God [Provident]
The Shimmering Carnelians The Doorway (Version 2.0) (independent)
We Are Messengers A Thousand Times - EP [Curb]

SINGLES
Anchor & Braille Rattlesnake - Single [Equal Vision]
ANTHNY imposter syndrome - Single [Provident]
Blanca Right On Time - Single [Curb]
Landry Cantrell & Elenee sunshine & rainbows - Single [DREAM]
Eddie Clark Never Content - Single [Syntax]
Colony House Atomic - Single [Roon]
Megan Danielle Preachin' To The Choir - Single [Provident]
Drea LP & OnBeatMusic Don't Try Me (DTM) - Single [Syntax]
ELI GABLE Glory Bound - Single [Capitol CMG]
Joseph Habedank Running to Me - Single [Daywind]
Lonnie Hunter Flow (Like A River) - Single [Uncle G]
Kashh Kade HELP - Single [Syntax]
KB x KEANU Keanu's Song - Single [Provident]
Tasha Layton Singing In the Dark - Single [BEC]
Tasha Cobbs Leonard The Hand That Keeps Holding - Single [Motown Gospel]
Claire Leslie Thank God I'm Not Alone (from Claire's Phone) - Single [Capitol CMG]
Tim Lovelace Celebration of America Medley (feat. Charlie McCoy) - Single [StowTown]
Lecrae Tell No Lie (feat. Jackie Hill Perry) - Single [Reach]
LO Worship The Perfect Love of Jesus - Single [Integrity]
Patrick Mayberry Thank The Lord - Single [Provident]
Michael Monroe John The Baptist (feat. Chris Renzema) - Single [Provident]
Alexander Pappas A Great Awakening / Un Nuevo Despertar - Single [Integrity]
PEABOD Summer in Seattle - Single [RMG Amplify]
Rave Jesus Walk On The Water Remix (From The Chosen) - Single [Provident]
The Rocky Valentines Nat Song - Single [Velvet Blue]
Tommy Royale, gio. Like Dat - Single [Capitol CMG]
Saints In Exile & Cutright My Dead End (ft. Jeannie Ortega, Luc DiMarzio, Jericko) - Single [Syntax]
Emilie Weiss Take Care (Studio Sessions) - Single [BEC]

DVD
Jimmy Fortune Songs Of An American Dreamer DVD [Gaither]

Next Friday, July 4, 2025
ALBUMS
Chad Cory America [DREAM]
Tenielle Neda The Way Of Love [Wings]

SINGLES
Christian Back Now - Single [DREAM]



For all release dates, click here!
 

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images