Morning Devotionals

by Don Emmitte

 

February 7th, 2008

 

“I'm Broken (Part 5)”

The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. (Psalm 103:8-12 NLT).

Probably the single greatest opportunity for me in my ministry has been dealing with people seeking forgiveness for their past. Perhaps you are one of those who are having a hard time accepting the grace of God?

Much like many of the other issues we’ve addressed in this series, the key to getting over your past is to live by truth. When you fully understand the grace of God, and when you live in that reality, you will never again doubt that God has forgiven you for past sins. God’s grace is sufficient to cover all your sins; past, present and future.

Have you been living with guilt? Where do you think that comes from? It doesn’t come from God. God may convict you of sins, but He doesn’t bring guilt on you. Guilt has to do with condemnation and requires a punishment. Jesus took all your sins (if you are a believer) and nailed them to the Cross. If you are a child of God then you are free! Free from your past. Free to live in the presence and glory of God. You have total access to God’s Throne Room. He wouldn’t give you the key (Jesus) unless you were worthy.

Make this clear in your mind. You aren’t okay with God because of anything you have done. You are okay with God only because of the perfect sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. If you have met Jesus personally then God is looking at you as righteousness. He sees you as pure.

Don’t let anyone, including your own mind or feelings, tell you otherwise! If you are struggling with this truth, please spend the time reading Romans chapters 5 through 8 and the Book of Galatians.

Guilt in your life today can help you remember your sin so that you will attempt to live more under the grace of God, but guilt should never feel condemning.