“For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy. And the Holy Spirit also testifies that this is so. For he says,

“This is the new covenant I will make with my people on that day, says the Lord:
I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.”

Then he says,

“I will never again remember their sins and lawless deeds.”

And when sins have been forgiven, there is no need to offer any more sacrifices.

Hebrews 10: 14-18

I had the most wonderful weekend. I was incredibly blessed to attend a Third Day concert with my friend, Jennifer. I love the music Third Day creates, so I had been looking forward to this weekend for a long time.

So there I was, singing, praying, worshiping, and generally having a magnificent experience. And suddenly, right in the middle of the concert, I was overcome with feelings of guilt and remorse over and event that happened years ago. The thought kept rolling through my mind, “How can you stand here and worship God with so much unresolved sin in your life?”

That was a downer. So I sat down in the middle of this huge crowd and began to pray through that situation. The truth is, both when it occurred and many times since then, I have prayed and asked God to forgive me for my part in the situation. But the problem is, I keep hanging onto it and feeling somewhat guilty and unresolved.

So I prayed through it some more, not really getting anywhere. But right before the concert ended, Mac Powell, the lead singer introduced the following song, and encouraged us to look at the person next to us and to affirm that we were indeed children of God.

Friends, I took one look into my friend’s eyes, I heard her say the words, “You are a child of God,” and I knew that I had been forgiven. It was a powerful experience. When someone speaks profound truth into your life, it changes you.

So I take this opportunity to share as much truth as I know with you. This is your time to get as close to our Lord as you possibly can.  Don’t allow any barriers, especially those you create yourself, to stand in your way.

If you have any doubts about your salvation; if you have any worries about God’s intent to forgive your past mistakes, please take the time to let this truth sink into your soul:

When Christ sets you free, you are free indeed.

• When we pray and ask forgiveness for those things for which we are sorry;
• when we repent and do our best to turn away from our mistakes;
• when we ask the Holy Spirit to lead us, instead, down paths of righteousness

That is all it takes friends. Jesus says “It is finished.” And He means it. So live into that truth today and do not let the enemy of your soul convince your otherwise.

Heavenly Father,

I come to you asking for your forgiveness and mercy. I confess that I have sinned in the following ways: ______________________________________ . But I believe in your promises of grace and redemption. Create in me a clean heart. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and show me any offenses I have committed against You or my brother. Change my heart and cloak me in humility. And I trust You to lead me down the paths of righteousness.

 In the name of Jesus Christ, my Savior, I pray,

Amen

Song for the day: Children of God – Third Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pn6Ry46KOc

Lectio Divina Passage for the Day:

“I am counting on the Lord;

    yes, I am counting on him.

    I have put my hope in his word.

 I long for the Lord

    more than sentries long for the dawn,

    yes, more than sentries long for the dawn.

 O Israel, hope in the Lord;

    for with the Lord there is unfailing love.

    His redemption overflows.

 He himself will redeem Israel

    from every kind of sin.”

Psalm 130:5-8