Sometimes we forget that when Jesus Christ took all our sins on the cross, he also took all our guilt. In the old testament, the high priest went into the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle once a year with the blood of a sacrificed animal to pay the penalty for all their sins. But Jesus gave himself, perfect, sinless as a sacrifice for all our sins so we don’t need to go year after year and bear the guilt of past sins. He has taken our guilt and shame on the cross. We no longer need to feel guilt. Psalm 103:12 says “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our sins from us”. We are free! So, when you start feeling guilty about a past mistake or failure, know that God has forgiven it and you are free from guilt. Claim His promise, capture that thought and throw it far, far away. Memorize scripture as above and say it aloud. We are in a battle, and we need to have the armour to fight it. Ephesians 6:10-18.Your whole body has been thoroughly cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. Now, all you have to do is wash your feet every day. Start and/or finish off the day asking for forgiveness for your daily mess-ups and ask for renewal in his strength to face the next day to step by step be more like Jesus. Don’t look at your mistakes as failures, but rather as learning steps in following Jesus. We are all on the stairway together, each on different steps, and none of us arrive at the top until we get to heaven and are welcomed into Jesus’ arms. Even then, we will continue to learn and grow spiritually.
Luke 12:6 Are not 5 sparrows sold for 2 pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs on your head are numbered. Don’t be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.
If you were going to war as a soldier, you would go through boot training camp and be physically and mentally trained and prepared. We are in the battle of life and need to be trained and prepared to face it. Saturate yourself with God’s Word, the Bible. When you read a passage ask yourself, “What is this about? How does that apply to me? What can I do to live it out?” Pray for God’s understanding of His scriptures. Live an abundant life in Christ, not a humdrum one. There is yet a higher height and a deeper depth to be explored to bring you even closer to Jesus Christ.
James 4:8 Come near to God and He will come near to you.
