4-16-2024

Good Morning All,

              Psalm 103:12; “as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.”

     Little Timmy was a rambunctious young man.  He seemed to be able to cause grief for his mother most of the day.  He was often more curious than anything but that still led to broken flowerpots, or spilled milk or broken windows or electronics which were no longer in working order.  He kept his parents on their toes at all times.  Yet today, he was especially active even for Timmy.

     After an exhausting day, Mother decides that it is best if Timmy goes to bed before anything else can go wrong.  She gave him his bath and then they went to his room for his one book and then Timmy was saying his prayers.  Timmy was exceptionally quiet during his book time.  When it came time for his prayers, he seemed restless.  His mother asked what was wrong.  He asked his mother if he could pray by himself.  Sensing something was wrong she asked, “Bobby, is there anything you want to tell me?” “No, Mommy, you would just scold me. If I tell God, he will forgive me and then forget about it.”

    Maybe you have had days like little Timmy.  Maybe you didn’t start out to sin but by the end of the day, there were a couple whoppers.  They may have even been bad enough to hurt, to have really hurt.  You may even feel that if you admit to them; God will turn away from you.  So, we try and hide them away. We think we can hide them in the back of our mind and in our psyche.  We think if we push them down enough that they will go away, but they always remain around to bug us and to remind us of our weaknesses and our failures.

    The thing we need to remember is that little Timmy was right.  When you tell God, he will forgive and forget; in fact, he forgave even before you told him.  He forgave them when Jesus died on the cross at Calvary.  The sin you commit is forgiven.  God has released you from the consequences of that sin by placing the cost on Jesus.  His freedom is complete.  Your sins are gone, as far as the east is from the west.  He keeps no record of them so you shouldn’t either.  You should let those sins that burden your heart and soul go.  You should free yourself from the pain and guilt that the devil likes to use to keep you down.  God has freed you; trust in his grace to let you enjoy that freedom.  Take hold of this freedom from the slavery of sin and live the life that God has designed for you to live, as his dear children.

Merciful Father, your love pours over us every day.  Your grace supplies all that I need.  Move us by your loving kindness to hold onto your gift of forgiveness.  Give us the strength and courage to throw off the devil.  Hold us in your loving arms and keep us safe.  Keep us secure in your eye.  In the precious name of Jesus we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret