Good Morning,

Today's devotional is a consideration of the fact that in spite of the messes / sins we commit in life there is always forgiveness from a loving God who created us so that He could always bless us with eternity if we follow His Son and if we repent when we do something wrong. Lynda wrote, "Our Father is so gracious and kind, not only does he forgive us when we confess, but He truly forgets. And His Son bore the scars for all of our wrongdoings, so we could appear wholly acceptable and deserving of heaven!"

God is good all the time.

Blessings
Lynda Kinnard
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Today's Devotional

"A Bump on the Head, or Worse"
Written by
Lynda Kinnard

This morning, as I walked from the train station to my office, I passed a couple headed in the opposite direction, sharing a bike. He was in front, standing as he pedaled and she sat on the seat, holding his waist and laughing. It was an endearing site, until the Mom in me kicked in, and I wondered why they were not wearing helmets.

Of course, I never wore a helmet while riding my bike, downhill, on a curve, with the handlebars coming loose halfway down. I survived, so I was hopeful they would as well. I did offer up a prayer for them, just in case. After all, I am where I am because of the prayers of others, which lead me back to God and His grace.

The encounter got me thinking about some of the movies and TV shows where the main character gets a bump on the head and is transported back to a turning point in their lives, so they could change a key moment and alter their future for the better. Of course, I began the, “I wonder what would have happened if I’d…” game in my head – again. I stopped myself quickly, as I needed to focus on crossing the street and getting to work in one piece. And, unless I am planning to write about it, there is no benefit in trying to replay my past. Except…if I review and acknowledge the many times that the Holy Spirit has helped me change direction and saved me from my own short-sighted selfishness.

The guilt from my past mistakes should be a memory too; as I thank the Lord, for His mercy and grace. Just imagine if we actually showed traces of each bad choice we ever made on the part of our body that made it. I would be missing most of my toes, at least one hand, one eye and not have a mouth, for sure!

But thankfully, Our Father is so gracious and kind, not only does he forgive us when we confess, but He truly forgets. And His Son bore the scars for all of our wrongdoings, so we could appear wholly acceptable and deserving of heaven!

“Thank you, Father God, for having my wrong choices erased by Your offering of love through the sacrifice of Your son, Jesus Christ. I pray that I remain aware and grateful for all of the scars I do not bear, as I accept Your forgiveness, which I could never earn on my own. Please keep me humble and help me show the world how wonderful it is to live in the glow of Your Divine and Perfect Love. I pray this, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

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"Forgiveness"
Sung by
Matthew West