Tag Archives: forgiveness

A No Contest Case–Already Decided

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An unexpected courtroom lesson during Bible study reminded me just how complete Christ’s forgiveness really is.

It is always my pleasure to be on the learning side of a class. One of the blessings of our Sunday morning Bible study is having a wonderful co-teacher who shares the teaching responsibilities. I truly enjoy those mornings because they give me the opportunity to learn from someone else.

This past week, we were studying our sinful nature in Romans 7, and during the discussion, we found ourselves following the trail of something unexpected—a “no contest” plea.

As I understand it, a “no contest” plea means a person does not argue the charges but simply allows the judge to decide the case. If the case is later appealed, the next judge will usually honor the original judge’s ruling.

As the class discussed this idea, a thought occurred to me. The concept offers an interesting picture of our own judgment. One day, we will leave this world and stand before the One and Only God—the Judge of all that was, is, and is to come. Our Counselor, Jesus Christ, will stand beside us. When the charges are brought, He will remind the court that this case has already been settled. The penalty was paid and the judgment satisfied at the cross.

That forgiveness, however, does not give us permission to deliberately break God’s commands. Instead, it should deepen our desire to follow Him closely. When we walk with Him daily, we become more aware of the Spirit—the Counselor within us—who guides and advises us. When we ignore that voice and choose what we know will displease Him, we miss the great blessing that comes through obedience and the growth of holiness of heart and life—the very struggle Paul describes in Romans 7.

Edited and rewritten 3/7/2026. No Contest originally posted on 10/10/2011

Forgiven

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The poem in the picture above is a Haiku. The simplicity of this Japanese poetic form has been an unexpected gift in my meditation and prayer time. It helps me clear my scattered thoughts and focus on a specific word of God’s Word and applying it to my life.

For me this is a deliberate act of submission. It helps me take a broad and powerful truth from God’s Word and make it into a focused, crystal clear declaration.

When I rise from my quiet time to go on with the pleasures and pressures of the day my focus remains on what God has said to me in this sweet moment of clarity.

If you would like to use this in your own quiet time here is an outline:

A Haiku is a powerful little poem that helps clear your mind. It follows a strict 3-line structure: 5 syllables, 7 syllables, 5 syllables. We use this structure as a spiritual filter to capture God’s truth, not our own thoughts.

5 Steps To Creating Your Own Haiku

1. 📖 Find the Core Truth

Begin by reading and meditating on Scripture.

  • Goal: Pinpoint the single most impactful truth, command, or revelation the Holy Spirit is highlighting to you right now. This is your foundation.
  • It’s not about your feelings; it’s about His Word.

2. 🔍 Distill to One Image

Take that spiritual truth and find one concrete image that represents it.

  • Goal: Give the abstract concept a visual form (e.g., ‘Grace’ becomes ‘shelter,’ ‘Forgiveness’ becomes ‘clean flowing water’).
  • Focus on the image that best clarifies God’s action or character.

3. 📝 Submit to the Structure

Using the 5-7-5 syllable constraint, draft your three lines.

  • Goal: Let the structure force you to select only the most precise, potent words.
  • This is an act of submission—letting the form strip away your own unnecessary words.

4. 🔗 Bring Clarity to the Message

Ensure the lines connect but also create a moment of insight in the third line.

  • Goal: The last line should offer the spiritual conclusion, application, or humble response to the truth presented in the first two lines.
  • The final line should point the meaning back to His glory.

5. ✨ Pray and Act

Read the final haiku aloud slowly. Do not over-edit it.

  • Goal: Use the finished poem as a concise prayer.
  • Commit to letting this truth guide your action as you move from meditation into the world.

Walking Wisely

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This verse is David’s earnest plea for God’s guidance. He wants every step he takes to be led by God’s Word. He is asking God to shield him from any and all kinds of sin.

Like David, is it your greatest desire to be in total harmony with God’s Word? I hope so and I hope these 3 steps will help you on that journey.

Step 1: Reflect on your own path. Are you following the path He has planned for you?

Step 2: Surrender completely and trust totally that He knows what He’s doing. Invite Him, whose wisdom surpasses all understanding to guide you in all you think, say, and do. (Philippians 4:7)

Step 3: In this battle against temptation and sin, we need to take up David’s battle cry, “Let no sin rule over me!” The victory is ours!

Take a moment now to meditate and pray. Allow the wisdom of Psalm 119:133 to permeate your soul. Let it guide and strengthen your resolve to walk single-mindedly in God’s Word and ways.

Sunday Psalms 7

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Psalm 7

LORD, protect me! I will hide in You from those who want to harm me, then, I will not be alone in this battle.

LORD, forgive me! If I have caused this or done something wrong ~~ Forgive me!

If I have harmed a friend or taken what is not mine mine ~~ Forgive me!

If I have done any of this then let the enemy win.

LORD, fight for me!

You are my judge and my shield. You save those whose heart is fully attached to Yours. Guide all of my ways, all of my days. Save my soul!

I have repented of my sins unlike those who refuse to think they have done anything wrong. You fight against those who are evil, wicked, unrepentant, and those who lie. They will fall into their own pit.

Your righteousness demands my thanks! I will praise Your name!

Sunday Psalms are the Psalms in my own words.  You can click on the Psalm number at the top to read it from the English Standard Version.

Forever Forgiving

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How often must I forgive?

Do you find yourself asking forgiveness for the same thing over and over? Do you find yourself forgiving the same thing in someone else over and over? That’s actually what this verse is about.

Peter asked Jesus how many times he had to forgive his brother and Jesus replied, “I tell you not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Jesus was saying forgiveness is not a one-time thing. He wants us to forgive as many times as it takes.

We are to forgive just as God did and does. Over and over again!

Abba, Father, remind me of Your kind of forgiveness every time I’m tempted to be unforgiving. Give me a kind, compassionate, forgiving heart.