Guilt

June 16th – Romans 5:1

Romans 5:1

How wonderfully freeing it is to know we are made right with God through our belief in Jesus Christ, not by our own efforts. Like a weight being lifted from our shoulders, this justification brings us great peace. It transforms our relationship with God from one of distance, to intimate harmony. To be justified by faith is to trust fully in God’s grace and the redemptive work of Christ, acknowledging that nothing we can do on our own can secure this reconciliation. It’s an assurance that despite our flaws, weaknesses, and mistakes, we are accepted and loved by our Heavenly Father. Giving us a deep and abiding peace. A peace which calms our anxieties and fears, rooting us in the certainty of God’s unwavering love and forgiveness. Through this justification, we experience freedom from the burden of guilt and the constant striving for perfection. Allowing us to rest in God’s grace. Justification by faith alone opens the door to a life of serenity, joy, and a secure future with God.

June 16th – Romans 5:1 Read More »

June 26th – John 8:44

John 8:44

He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

Two of the of the greatest weapons Satan has in his armory are guilt and shame. And he wields them generously. He whose name means Accuser does just that, whispering in our ears that we are unclean, unforgivable, unworthy, and unloved. He delights in reminding us of our past sins. Constantly he tries to inject our hearts with feelings of doubts about God’s truth and love. And when we give him even an inch of opening, he takes full advantage. He’ll turn that inch into a mile; taking up residence and building destructive strongholds in our minds. But He is a liar and not to be believed. And so we must cling to the truth of the Lord. Jesus while hanging on the Cross says with His final breath, “It is finished!” (John 19:39) Our Savior declared all of our sins, past, present, and future, paid in full; forgiven forever. Because of His shed blood we are deemed righteous, no matter what the Enemy tries to tell us.

June 26th – John 8:44 Read More »

June 24th – Isaiah 53:5

Isaiah 53:5

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.”

One of the greatest ways God heals us is with His forgiveness. God’s forgiveness is a balm for the wounded soul. And a source of healing and restoration that surpasses all human understanding. When we come before Him with a repentant heart, confessing our sins and seeking His mercy, God extends His loving forgiveness to us. In His boundless grace, He wipes away the stains of our past, erasing the guilt and shame that weigh us down. The chains of sin are broken, and we experience a fresh start and a new identity in Christ. God’s forgiveness brings healing to our brokenness, filling the void within us with His unconditional love. And as we experience the depth of God’s forgiveness, our souls find solace and peace. Empowering us to extend that same forgiveness to others. Most wonderfully of all, through God’s forgiveness, we discover the transformative power that brings wholeness, and restores our soul to its intended purpose. A purpose rooted in God’s divine love and grace.

June 24th – Isaiah 53:5 Read More »

June 9

Psalm 103:12

As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”

One of the most beautiful verses in the Bible is Psalm 103:12. Because it demonstrates the limitless extent of God’s forgiveness and grace. And not only does it offer us freedom from guilt and shame, but also a path to redemption and growth. Nothing can hold us down like the regret of past mistakes. It keeps us separated from God, and living in defeat. And that’s not the life God wants for us. I love what Charles Stanley says. “When we stray from His presence, He longs for you to come back. He weeps that you are missing out on His love, protection and provision. He throws His arms open, runs toward you, gathers you up, and welcomes you home.” When we confess and repent before God, we promises to remember our sins no more. So go to Him. Receive His divine forgiveness and restoration. And watch God take you on a journey of personal transformation, characterized by love, compassion, and a renewed sense of purpose.

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June 1st – Psalm 100:5

Psalm 100:5

“For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.”

I don’t know about you, but I struggle with repentance. Oh I can apologize easy enough. And I do feel sorry for having sinned against others and God. But sadly, I’m a repeat offender. Because for me it’s easier to sin and ask for forgiveness, than to stop the sin in its tracks before happening. And that’s why I’m so thankful for God’s goodness. Because part of that goodness involves His forgiveness. A forgiveness I need second by second, minute by minute, hour by hour, and day by day. And it’s through His forgiveness, which God demonstrates His abundant mercy, compassion, and grace. I have a long way to go, and am definitely a work in progress. But God knows that. And despite how I fail Him, He is always faithful. Faithful in His love, patience, and forgiveness. Are you struggling with shame and guilt? Go to God. Lay all your sins at His feet. Receive His forgiveness and restoration. And know that even though sin may have a temporary hold on us, Jesus has a greater hold. A hold no sin could ever break.

 

June 1st – Psalm 100:5 Read More »

October 9th – 1 John 1:9

1 John 1:9

God’s Promise – “If you confess your sins, I will be faithful to forgive and cleanse you.”

It’s said that confession is good for the soul. Confessing our sins means telling God what we’ve done, agreeing that it was wrong in His eyes, and apologizing for our sin. And how does God respond when we tell Him that we’re sorry? I love this by Dr. Charles Stanley, “When you pour out your heart in genuine confession and repentance, God forgives you completely and declares you justified, no longer guilty in His eyes. The Lord understands your struggles and He wants you to find victory in them-not to continue to feel shame because of them. He is merciful and loving, which is why once you confess and repent, you are absolutely forgiven!” Guilt and shame are powerful weapons of the enemy. They keep us from experiencing God’s very best for our lives, and the freedom that comes from His forgiveness. So the next time Satan whispers his lies of guilt in your ears, remember God’s truth. Our Father knows the very worst about us and loves us all the more.

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September 12th – Psalm 32:1

Psalm 32:1

Many Christians struggle with forgiveness. We understand the concept in our heads, but fail to receive it in our hearts. And often times, we are far more willing to extend forgiveness to others then we are to ourselves. Needlessly we carry around the burden of guilt, shame, and pain. We fear our sin is too great for God to forgive. And why would He forgive us anyway when we fail him daily? But those feelings and thoughts are lies from Satan who wants nothing more then to keep us from experiencing victory and God’s sweet presence in our lives. The truth is, when we confess and repent God promises to remove our sin from us as far as the “east is from the west.” (Ps. 103:12). So when you falter, talk to God. Draw near to the Lord, telling Him what you’ve done. Then forgive yourself as God forgives you. And most importantly, don’t get discouraged. Because even when we stumble, God is faithful to forgive!

September 12th – Psalm 32:1 Read More »