August 2022
Reflections of God's Goodness
God knows us so well. When Jesus taught the disciples to pray, He said “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” We know that every one of us needs to forgive and be forgiven.
“. . . all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God.”
God knows that forgiveness is critical to our lives, our health and our happiness. When we withhold forgiveness from those who have hurt us, it hurts us more than the other person. When we sin or fall short in our own eyes, sometimes we struggle to forgive ourselves. Imagine how God feels about that! I’m sure you have heard the saying that unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die! God continually reassures us in His word.
“So if a son frees you, then you will truly be free.”
When we are unable to forgive ourselves for some sin or failing, we are acting out of pride in a way. Perhaps we think our sin is greater than God’s forgiveness. Satan is called the accuser for a reason. Don’t listen to his lies.
“So submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
God has said over and over that if we repent and confess, He will forgive us and put our transgressions far from us.
“If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing.”
All unrighteousness!
“Hence, now there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
That dear friend, brings Joy! Allow the Joy of the Lord to fill you today and everyday as you come before Him. Here are the instructions for how to live in the joy of the Lord.
“Trust in the LORD and do good that you may dwell in the land and live secure. Find your delight in the LORD who will give you your heart’s desire. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will act. And make your righteousness shine like the dawn, your justice like noonday.”
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the holy Spirit.”
Blessings,
Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN
For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, Abba, Father!
