Be Inspired!

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Greetings to You All in Jesus' Name!

Here is this month's November Word of Encouragement for you:

Topic: God Is Gracious, and No One Can Fathom His Forgiveness

When we are unfaithful, unrighteous, and wicked in our ways, the Lord remains faithful. He forgives all who repent and turn back to Him. Let me share with you the story of a king from Judah named Manasseh, who ruled for fifty-five years – one of the longest reigns among the kings of Israel and Judah. Despite his longevity as a king, Scripture says, "He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, following the detestable practices of the nations the Lord had driven out before the Israelites" (2 Kings 21:2, NIV).

Manasseh turned away from God and began doing the same sinful things that the pagan nations around Israel had done – worshiping idols, building altars to false gods, and practicing witchcraft and other forbidden acts. His life reminds us of three important truths about God's justice and mercy:

1. Unfaithfulness and Evil Practices Bring Judgment

As we see in 2 Chronicles 33:10-11 (NIV), "The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention. So the Lord brought against them the army commanders of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh prisoner, put a hook in his nose, bound him with bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon." Manasseh ignored God's warnings, and as a result, judgment came. His sin led to humiliation and suffering, showing that turning away from God always brings consequences. God's discipline is never to destroy us but to bring us back to Him.

2. Turning to God Brings Forgiveness – Even After the Biggest Mistakes

In 2 Chronicles 33:12 (NIV), we read, "In his distress, he sought the favor of the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his ancestors." Even after all his evil, when Manasseh finally humbled himself and prayed, God listened. This shows that no sin is too great for God's mercy – sincere repentance opens the door to forgiveness. No matter how far we've fallen, God's grace reaches further still.

3. Go to Him – He Will Accept You with Open Arms to Save You

As seen in 2 Chronicles 33:13 (NIV), "And when he prayed to him, the Lord was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea; so He brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord is God." God accepted and restored Manasseh! When we come to Him with a humble heart, He receives us with open arms. His forgiveness not only removes guilt but also restores our lives.

Dear friends, perhaps today you feel like saying, "I've done too much wrong, and I can never be forgiven." But let me tell you this: our God is gracious and compassionate. No matter what you've done, if you come to Him, He will accept you and give you a new beginning. In the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), the father ran to welcome his son home. Our Heavenly Father is even more loving and passionate – He will never forsake those who call on Him.

Let this month remind us that, though we are not worthy, we can be forgiven and restored. His grace is greater than our sin, and His mercy has no limits.

Rev. Sanjaykumar