Lenten Devotional for Sunday, February 17

Dr. Jim Denison's 2013 collection of Lenten devotionals is entitled, "If My People..." and comes at a time that he believes "a Fifth Great Awakening is sweeping the nations, as more people are coming to Christ than ever before in Christian history. How can you join this great movement of God's Spirit?" He goes on to write, "in this year's Lenten devotional guide, we will walk each day with King Solomon as he leads his nation into God's presence and glory. We will commit ourselves to our Father's purpose and experience his transforming power. And we will claim his promise: '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 will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land' (2 Chronicles 7:14). 'If My People ...' is more than a Lenten guide - it is God's invitation to intimacy with him. Please join us on this joyous journey."

CLICK HERE for a free copy of Dr. Denison's 2013 Lenten Devotional (in a downloadable/printable Adobe .pdf file)

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Sunday, February 17
Have you wronged your neighbor?

The Day America Told the Truth is a revealing look into our nation's soul. Its authors asked thousands of Americans about their personal lives and habits. The confidential answers they received tell us more about ourselves than we may want to know. For instance, 74 percent of us say "I will steal from those who won't really miss it." And 91 percent of us admit that we lie regularly.

As Solomon continued his service of dedication at the temple, he prayed: "When a man wrongs his neighbor and is required to take an oath and he comes and swears the oath before your altar in this temple, then hear from heaven and act" (2 Chronicles 6:22-23). How many of us need such repentance today?

Jesus defined our "neighbor" as anyone who needs us (Luke 10:25-37). His second Great Commandment is to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39, quoting Leviticus 19:18). Would your neighbors say that you are obedient to this command? When was the last time it cost you something signi cant to help someone in need?

On this fifth day of Lent, would you ask the Spirit to show you any relational sins in your life? Would you then confess them to the Lord, asking him to cleanse you so that you might be an instrument of spiritual awakening?

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Prior to founding the Denison Forum on Truth and Culture, James C. Denison, Ph.D., was pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church, a 10,000-member congregation in Dallas, Texas. He also pastored churches in Midland and Mansfield, Texas, and in Atlanta, Georgia. He earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy of Religion and Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and received a Doctor of Divinity degree from Dallas Baptist University. He is also the the author of seven books.