journey onWord with us

Has the following scenario caused conflicted emotions for you? While focusing on a project, someone interrupts you with the words, “Do you have a moment?” or “Are you busy?”  Internally your emotions scream, “No. I don’t have time!”  But instead, you whisper the words, “Sure. What can I do for you?”  Most caring people want to help others, but it seems that the interruptions of life disrupt our perfectly laid plans.  It’s so easy to build a model for what needs to be accomplished in a day, only to have it interrupted by a myriad of issues and people. It is instructive to view how Christ handled a life of disruptions compared to the frustration of those “Do you have a moment?” minor irritations that we face.

As I begin a new study of Matthew this week, the words of Jesus will be a main focus of my study. His words and actions are invaluable guides as I travel my own journey. Again, from my vantage point, Christ lived a very interrupted life.  I am certain His daily inconveniences would have taxed my preconceived plans . In the next few days, I will read again instances that show Christ handling moments of disruption with grace. It will be as instructive as the other times I have read the same portions of Scripture … but I am praying it will be so in a new and fresh way. The key for me (and I trust you) is to intentionally embrace those God-ordained moments. There are people who need what you and I have to offer, and what we do when interrupted can have lasting impact.

In reading The Rest of God, by Mark Buchanan, words about the life and interruptions of Jesus struck a nerve.

“He lived life with the clearest and highest purpose. Yet he veered and strayed from one interruption to the next, with no apparent plan in hand other than his single, overarching one: get to Jerusalem and die. Otherwise, His days, as far as we can figure, were a series of zigzags and detours, apparent whims and second thoughts, interruptions and delays, off-the-cuff plans, spur-of-the-moment decisions, leisurely meals, serendipitous rounds of storytelling…….

No, Jesus didn’t seem to keep time. But he noticed. So many people along the way—blind men, lame men, wild men, fishermen, tax men, weeping whores, pleading fathers, grieving mothers, dying children, singing children, anyone—captured his attention. He stopped to tell a lot of stories, many of which arose out of, well, more interruptions.”

Christ was far busier than you or me. Yet we become so enamored or absorbed in our schedule and our plans that we don’t —notice — like Christ did. This is not a call to spend our days singing Kumbaya, and missing what has to be done. At the same time, if you and I look at interruptions selfishly, then we’re certain to fail to notice meaningful opportunities given to us by God. We must look at interruptions with eyes which are wide open and with a heart full of His wisdom.

“My whole life I have been complaining that my work was constantly interrupted,” Henri Nouwen said near the end of his life, “until I discovered that interruptions were my work.”  Could it be that the daily interruptions that so often irritate us are moments of great value?  Moments of God-value!

Tomorrow, most of us will spend some time with family and friends, and there could be a moment of interruption. Be sure to embrace the moment … and do what Jesus would do! Happy Independence Day!!

We will begin anew in just a few days to read through the entire New Testament.  That truth had me thinking again of our singular focus at Journey onWord … being in God’s Word daily.  We certainly hope and pray that you enjoy our articles, but we would give them up tomorrow if they ever proved to be a distraction or substitution for your time with God in His Word.  There is no substitute; no voice which can stand in the place of God’s own in speaking truth into your life.  If you have fallen into a pattern of getting your One-A-Week vitamin T (truth) from a preacher or teacher … stop!  Don’t stop being a part of a local church, stop allowing it to be “enough.”  You need One-A-Day, not a One-A-Week!

Daily conversations with God through the discipline of sitting and reading His Word will change you.  Daily consumption of the heart of God will begin to make yours more like His.

He has given us preachers and teachers, pastors and earthbound “angels” who minister to us.  They are essential to the work He is doing in and through us, but they should never be the singular or supreme authority in your life and journey with Jesus.

If you’ve never had a daily discipline of reading the Bible, start today.  If the din and distraction of your everyday life has crowded out the time you used to spend with the Father in His Word every day, take the first step in returning to that daily pattern today.  All we have is today and right now.  Make the choice to begin or begin again.

And don’t wait for Matthew chapter one to come around again in a few days.  Too often, our “Matthew chapter one” resolve fades away before Matthew chapter one’s day dawns.

I don’t care what the chapters and verses are for the day, God has something to say to you in the pages of His Word.  Don’t depend solely on another person’s translation of the truth of Scripture.  Don’t understand or can’t hear anything as you’re reading?  Talk to God.  He hasn’t given us His Word to confuse or confound us.  Begin each sacred space and time with Him with a simple request to make the words make sense.  Then begin to listen and to tune your ear to the sound of His voice.  Taste and see that He is good (Psalm 34:8).

Begin or begin again today!

It’s definitely baseball season in the Robb household.  My oldest son is the umpire (his summer job last year and again this year).  My youngest son is the player (and we’re truly proud of the kind of player he chooses to be).  Dad is the score keeper (a passion since i was young — i still have the program and scorecard from the time my dad took me to Yankee Stadium in 1982.  My Yankees won 14-2 over the Milwaukee Brewers.  Dave Reghetti pitched a complete game five-hitter and one of my favorite players, Dave Winfield went 3-4 with a Grand Slam Home Run in the bottom of the second to break the game open).  And Mom is the #1 fan and Robb Team Manager (her baseball bag is stocked with everything from sunflower seeds to instant ice packs to sunscreen to an old school pencil and paper scorebook – as backup for the official score keeper in case his technology fails him in the middle of the game).

There’s a phrase i hear a lot these days … “Heads up!”  It’s unclear where the phrase originated, but it certainly suits the game of baseball … especially when you play tournaments at fancy facilities that have four fields clustered together where you need to keep your head on a swivel for foul balls.  And on that note, it still amazes me how many times i hear or say, “Heads up!” only to watch people immediately cover their head and duck down.  i still believe seeing something is the best way to respond to it, but maybe a psychologist would tell me “duck and cover” is at the very top of the self-preservation instinct scale.

i have a personal story i’d like to share with you which i pray brings the “Heads up” phrase into the context of our journey of following Jesus.

A little bit more than a month ago, i was a bit late in leaving my Wednesday morning men’s group heading to work.  As i started the car, i noticed i needed gas.  There are four preferred options on my way to work, but my gas gauge suggested it would be wise to choose the nearest.  Yet as i approached the first option, something within me urged me to keep going.  i passed by the station making a mental note of the per gallon price (i guess i was beginning to build a case to justify the risk of continuing by the reward of a few cents savings).  As i neared the next station, I felt the urge again.  It’s impossible to explain the feeling, except that it was very real.  The third option was not on my normal route to work (It’s on my typical route home and is usually the cheapest, but would be out of my way in the morning).  “That must be it,” i thought.  As if God works in mysterious ways to save me a buck and a half on a tank of gas.  i took the out-of-the-way path and threw on my blinker to make the right hand turn into the station.  But then, there it was again.  I made a right turn, but onto a side street just before the cheapest option.  The choice had been made in that moment.  It would be the fourth and final option.  While i admit i was confused, i was strangely joyful in having “finally made a decision.”

i pulled into the Marathon station just a block from the building where i work.  Four cents more expensive than the third station … there goes the buck and a half theory!  After putting the car in part and turning the key, i opened the glove box to retrieve my gas envelope.  It was stuck between a few things, so it took some time fumbling with it until i retrieved the cash and exited the car to walk into the station.  As i passed by the front of my car, i noticed another vehicle cutting closely through cars that were sitting at pumps on the inside lanes of the station.  This was my heads-up moment.  i noticed the car was navigating gingerly, so i kept a close eye.  i noticed the driver was focused to her immediate left and right to be sure not to graze the cars that were only inches away on either side.  i paused to wait and watch.  As the driver made her way most of the way through, she tapped the gas and her car lunged forward.  She pulled into to the opposite side of my pump, quickly stopped, made eye contact and waved me across.  i obliged and continued on into the station.

As i returned to my car, the driver was out of her car and beginning to pump.  i decided i would say hello and apologize if i had added to her any panic a minute earlier.  She was very kind in responding and i walked to my car and began pumping myself.  We were on opposite sides of the same pump and as i stood waiting, i decided to strike up a conversation.  My new friend’s name was Danette and it did not take long in conversation to sense that she was carrying a heavy burden.  Not seeking to pry but willing to listen, i asked only a few simple questions.  Danette responded with the most beautiful story that was as sad as it was stunning.  It seemed obvious that God knew Danette just needed someone who’d listen and offer back some simple kindness on what was a bit of a stressful start to a very heavy day.  She acknowledged as much in our few minutes together and didn’t tire in thanking me for listening and being there at that particular station at that particular time.  i felt confident that Danette was a believer, and she acknowledged this was no random encounter.  i shared a bit of what i hoped would be comfort, and shared a very broad explanation that i did not arrive at the station randomly that morning.  After a final and extended hug, Danette said, “You know, the most amazing thing is that I was actually here at this same station last night.”  She was trying to be prepared and came to get gas the night before.  All good, except one small detail … as she parked and went to get out of the car, she discovered that she had left her wallet at home.

You have likely experienced situations like this before.  Situations where God leads you (and usually someone else) to a specific place at a specific moment in time to do or be something He specifically needs.  Those moments are thrilling and they only happen by virtue of divine math and purpose.  And i would suggest that they only happen for you when you are choosing to live “Heads up!”  God is not limited by the degree to which you are paying attention, but He will not pull a string to manipulate your choice either.  Live “Heads up!”  Stay close to Him.  Listen.  Obey the prompts.  Observe what (and who) is right in front of you and in your periphery.

God invites us into the divine every single day – kingdom moments that thrill and feed our soul; busted and burdened people who Jesus deeply loves and died in order to reach and redeem.  God invites us to be a part of the work He is doing in the world.  “Heads up!”

This morning’s reading took me to different places that in a manner of minutes caused different reactions. There is so much to learn from the depth of Revelation to the practical advice from Proverbs. For me, Revelation is not a book to quickly read through.  Rather, it is one that needs to be studied and pondered. Correspondingly, Proverbs fascinates me in looking for wisdom principles for each day. God’s Word has practical advice and depth to ponder, and both can be accomplished in one sitting! But there was more to my reading that caught my attention. I want to know Revelation better and live out the wisdom of Proverbs, but what should my/our days look like?

Today’s reading also took me to a rather unusual place … the words of Johann Sebastian Bach! With my southern roots, you wouldn’t call me a classical music lover (although, my wife is giving her best effort to convert me). His ability to compose great scores is beyond the comprehension and capabilities of almost anyone who has ever lived. But his model of preparation and completion is something that you and I can take with us every day. In the book All IN, by Mark Batterson the story is told of how Bach would work on his cantatas.

“They were prayers before they were songs, literally. Before Bach started scoring a sheet of music, he would scrawl J.J.—Jesu juva—at the very top. It was the simplest of prayers: Jesus, help me. Then, at the completion of every composition, Bach inscribed three letters in the margin of his music: SDG. Those three letters stood for the Latin phrase, Soli Deo Gloria—to the glory of God alone. Soli Deo Gloria was one of the rallying cries of the Protestant Reformation, but Bach personalized it.”

I promise that it was not my intention to gain insight for my day from a classical composer. But along with reading the depth in Revelation and wisdom from Proverbs, clarity came in the form of a simple model. Whether you and I scrawl the letters J.J at the top of our daily to do list, or sincerely pray Jesus help me as we begin the adventure of each new day, the intent is the same. We are seeking and submitting to the help of the Savior. What better words could we use to start our day … or any project?

The ending of our day isn’t about completing a composition of music, but we should want the exact same result Bach penned on his work … SDG (Soli Deo Gloria)!  Often we just want to be finished with our day or project, but the sincere desire for SDG — to the glory of God alone — places a much higher value on what we are doing. SDG isn’t what to pray if we are just trying to get through the day. Truly God has a unique purpose for every follower of Christ, and that purpose should be wrapped in the desire for the help of Jesus and completed for the glory of God alone.

My wife has beautifully displayed these words in our home, “Make each day a masterpiece.” Admittedly, some days don’t feel like a masterpiece. But following the words of Bach (who composed many masterpieces), and more importantly, the Word of  God (which is the ultimate Masterpiece), will help us create our daily masterpiece. Live today seeking to compose a masterpiece!  SDG!

Year after year there are moments that stun and sadden us. We wonder if things can get any worse, and then the next tragic event confirms it. Who would ever imagine the leaders of our country would be put at risk while practicing to play in a charity baseball game? Yesterday’s scare reminds us that we are living in dangerous and chaotic times. Without a doubt, each new unsettling tragedy causes us to reflect on how bad things can get. Just as new challenges (tragic events) come every year to our country and world, each new year brings its own set of personal challenges (difficulties) as well. Our Creator is up-to-date on all our world’s challenges for this year, and He is also in tune with the challenges you and I will face.

It is not God’s control that creates an unsettled spirit within us as we face deep personal challenges. It is our shaken confidence in His sovereignty.  As a child, I learned the words of a song that were easy to believe. In growing older, I’ve never forgotten them. When I see or hear them I am reminded that God is not limited by my own challenges. He is in control!

Got any rivers you think are uncrossable;
Got any mountains you can’t tunnel through?
God specializes in things tho’t impossible;
He does things others cannot do.
(Excerpt from Got Any Rivers, Oscar C. Eliason, copyright 1945)

We are all repeatedly confronted with rivers and mountains which seem uncrossable and impenetrable. When we are not firm and steadfast in our view of God’s power, impossibilities look … well, impossible. The old song says that God specializes in things that are “tho’t impossible.” We can believe it, but how often do Christians characterize God doing the impossible as just wishful thinking? Experience has taught me, those who pray earnestly with confident faith see God do “things others cannot do.” You and I will never face a challenge that is bigger than God’s ability.

Just the other day our daughter shared a story with her mother and me that was something I believe was only of God. At the precise moment she needed it, God stepped in. It was one of those “you can’t make this stuff up” types of interventions. He really does do “things other cannot do.”

The prophet Jeremiah affirmed that truth in verse seventeen of chapter thirty-two in the book which bears his name.

Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.

Later in the same chapter we find these words:

Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?
v. 28

These words are not wishful thinking. They are absolute truth.  We can trust Him with all our challenges! Our problems are not impossible to or for Him, and the Father wants to walk with us through them.

Each new day, new week, new month and new year will bring events that are unsettling in our world. You and I can’t fix them, but we can trust God’s control in the midst of them. Events like yesterday should cause all Christ-followers to pray even more diligently for healing in our country.

Additionally, each year will also bring new challenges personally. I am sure you believe God is in control of our world, but can you also believe in Him in your own river crossings and mountain passes? Our daughter’s special moment was a reminder to me that our challenges are never too hard for Him.

Will you simply choose to believe His control over your seemingly impossible challenges?

He was only 21 years old when he gave his life for his country.  He had been detected, arrested, sentenced to death and hanged … all within the span of 12 hours.  It is still unclear, after all these years, how he was found out.  But in September of 1776, moments before the noose around his neck was tightened, Captain Nathan Hale uttered those famous words, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”

Not long ago, I read the book George Washington’s Secret Six, the story of the first American spy ring.  Here’s a brief synopsis: the British were occupying New York City and Long Island and it was imperative that the Americans regain control of this coastal area.  Gen. Washington was desperate for information about troop movements and ship arrivals, so he began to develop a spy ring inside of New York. The first volunteer for the mission was Yale grad Nathan Hale.  He was smart, educated, enthusiastic … and completely unprepared.  That got me thinking.

Our daily lives are not one’s of ease, are they?  Our daily obligations and responsibilities weigh on us, and the pressures and temptations of this complicated world take their toll.  I’m even quite amazed (and yes, a little taken back) by the current crop of television programs.  It seems to me, the more salacious the content, the higher the ratings.  And don’t even get me started on non-stop negative news reporting, terror attacks on the innocent, battles involving the White House, FBI, CIA and NSA, and lives of stress with our families and jobs.  How do we prepare for each day, each week … for this life?

From Ephesians chapter 6 (NLT):

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil…

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

v. 10-11, 13-17

According to Ephesians, we need to put on armor — a belt, special shoes, a helmet and a shield — every day to be prepared to fight our daily battles.  Yet most of us plow through on our own power, unprepared and unprotected for those daily attacks, and (I am most guilty) we only go to God for our armor when we have found ourselves backed into a corner.

Nathan Hale had never been to Manhattan or Long Island – he was from Connecticut.  He was completely unfamiliar with the lay of the land. He had no friends on the island.  He posed as a school teacher looking for work, but the school year had begun weeks before.  His cover was blown; he was unprepared and he paid for that with his life.  In hindsight, it was a foolish mission full of vulnerabilities, and Washington greatly regretted the loss of Hale for the rest of his life.

Their eyes were on the need for information.   Their neglect was in preparing a believable cover for young Hale.  The enemy saw right through him.

It was a race. Me against an airplane! It all started last Sunday in such an innocent way. On the runway at my hometown airport, the pilot announced the radar was off in Detroit so we would have to wait for a while. The delay caused the plane to arrive in Detroit after my next flight was boarding. Upon arriving at the gate, it was a race to my connecting flight. We arrived in concourse B and my next flight left from Concourse A. After a long adventure of walking fast, running and generally wearing my (almost athletic) self out, I finally arrived at A6 … only to realize the plane had just left the gate. The plane passing by the window in front of me was my ticket south. I could see it, but I missed it.

The words, “seeing it, but missing it,” had been echoing in my mind for several days before I literally experienced my own “saw it, but missed it.” Those words come from a sentence that arrested my attention from the book ALL IN, by author Mark Batterson. Speaking of a personal experience, he stated, “For a split second, I felt sorry for myself. Then I felt sorry for them. Why? Because they were seeing it and missing it at the same time. You cannot truly see what you have not personally experienced.”

The almost benign sentence resonated deeply with me. Immediately, I was aware of a deeply personal burden. My wife and I love to give to missions projects and see what the Lord does. However, my burden comes from seeing what the Lord accomplishes through missions, but missing the experience. And if the Lord leads me to go, and I stay (even while giving to a project), I have seen it but missed it. You probably have personal illustrations of seeing but missing.

When thinking of this principle, I am reminded of several illustrations of how seeing but missing happens regularly in spiritual issues. Have you ever heard someone boldly proclaim, “God blesses tithing?” But churches are filled with Christ-followers who see the principle, but miss the blessing. There is no one reading this article who hasn’t been wounded by someone else. We know forgiveness brings release and healing, but without forgiving, we see it but miss it. The greatest tragedy of all is for someone to see how God changes lives through salvation, yet they themselves reject Christ. They see changed lives, yet miss the experience of redemption! I could go on and on, but I’m sure you see my point. What are you seeing, but missing?

As Christ was closing in on the cross, there is a great scene where he washes the disciples’ feet (John chapter thirteen). His words from verses 12-17 are a vivid picture of seeing and not missing the blessing.

After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing?  You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am.  And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet.  I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.  I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message.  Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.”

All Christ-followers have repeated opportunities to see and not miss the experience of obeying God. It is critical that we all ask, “what am I seeing but missing?” Personally, it’s easier for me to give to missions than to go. But what will I miss? What experiences are you missing on the journey?

And, most importantly, if you have seen Christianity in action and have not yet turned to Christ in saving faith, don’t miss eternity in heaven. Accept Him today!

So, I missed a plane and got to spend five hours in an airport. So what! If that is my worst miss, I am thrilled. There is a lot for you and I to see (and experience) in this life. Determine with me not to miss those life-changing moments. Obey His leading!

PS: If you have any questions about accepting Christ as Savior, or growing on your faith journey, contact us at journeyonwordwithus@gmail.com.

Do you ever get frustrated over the battle that rages within you? You claim to love God and sincerely want to do His will. There is no doubt that you want to fulfill His purpose for your life. You have an internal commitment to read Scripture, pray over the needs of others and to have an impact for Christ in your world. But, then … there’s the other you! You find yourself using words that hurt others, having horrible thoughts, refusing to forgive and generally not fulfilling what you feel is God’s purpose for your life. Welcome to the Christian life. We all battle with submitting to the Spirit versus living by the desires of our flesh.

In How to Be a Christian without Being Religious, Fritz Ridenour captures the battle you and I will face for the rest of our lives.

What’s your problem? Temper? Impatience?  Self-control? Sex? Being honest? Your thought life? Pride? Laziness? Self-centeredness? Everyone has skeletons, and they don’t always stay in the closet. You want to do right but you do wrong. You want to choose obedience but you choose sin. Sometimes you’d almost swear you were a split personality, a regular “walking civil war.”

You can probably identify with the “civil war” analogy. Others may look at your life and think you have it all together, but you know where you struggle. If you are anything like me, you are often dismayed about not living out your faith more effectively. But there is no need to live frustrated when we can avail ourselves of the Father’s incomparably great power. Although we will not know perfection until heaven, progress in our faith can begin today. Note our opportunity:

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.  But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Galatians 5:16-18 (ESV)

If you are in Christ, the Holy Spirit will lead you and give you directions for the journey. In Ephesians all Christ-followers are commanded to be filled with the Spirit. But we have a choice: to live controlled by the Spirit or by our own selfish desires. When we seek to live in line with the Spirit’s leading, words like patience, self-control, peace and joy begin to define us. If each new day’s feelings control us, then emotions like impatience, selfishness, anger and irritation will dominate us.

There will always be the “civil war” struggles for us. However, in Christ you are given the opportunity to be led by the Holy Spirit (what a privilege). Would it be possible for you to begin today and tomorrow with words like, “Lord, right now I submit to the leading of your Spirit for today…. fill me and use me!”  If you value His leading for every day, your days will be different. Oh, there will still be “civil wars,” but you will absolutely notice the progress. Take the time today to submit!

Recently I had a conversation with a man who had developed a sense of extreme guilt. Forgiving himself is something he craves. He is also willing to listen to anyone talk about the principle, but when it comes to actually releasing his issues back to the Father, there is a definite disconnect. He accepted Christ as his Savior a few years ago, but is still living under extreme guilt. Without a doubt, the principle of “forgiving myself” is a problem for many true believers, and even paralyzing to some. The Father in no way wants His followers to live in a persistent pattern of guilt.

When anyone accepts Christ, our sins, past, present and future, have been dealt with. We are secure eternally, however, there will be sin to deal with for the rest of our lives. God, in His grace, has provided a way to deal with it. It is called confession.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
I John 1:9 (ESV)

For my friend, who is living with deep guilt, the first step in healing is to look at sin and the past the way the Father does. His word says if we confess, He will forgive. So when any of us prays, confesses sin and then continues to carry a burden of guilt, we can rest assured it is not God who is laying the weight on us. Living continually under a burden of guilt God has not placed upon us is devastating to one’s walk.

This is an important and often rarely discussed issue for believers. How are you with confessing (which means to say the same thing about sin that God does, and to acknowledge His perspective on sin) and then accepting that your faithful and just Father cleanses you? Why carry guilt that our Father has forgiven? My Life Application Study Bible (NLT), says the following in regards to  I John 1:9:

“Confession is supposed to free us to enjoy fellowship with Christ. It should ease our consciences and lighten our cares. But some Christians do not understand how it works. They feel so guilty that they confess the same sins over and over; then they wonder if they might have forgotten something. Other Christians believe that God forgives them when they confess, but if they died with unconfessed sins, they would be forever lost. These Christians do not understand that God wants to forgive us. He allowed His beloved son to die just so he could offer us pardon. When we come to Christ, he forgives all the sins we have committed or will ever commit. We don’t need to confess the sins of the past all over again, and we don’t need to fear that God will reject us if we don’t keep our slate perfectly clean. Of course we should continue to confess our sins, but not because failure to do so will make us lose our salvation. Our relationship with Christ is secure. Instead we should confess so that we can enjoy maximum fellowship and joy with him.”

Christ-followers will sin, but God is a forgiver!  We should never carry the burden of a sin(s) that God has forgiven and removed from us as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). Sometimes it’s not easy to emotionally let go, but agreeing and accepting I John 1:9 is a first step toward freedom. There is work to be done in helping my friend, but victory can be his … and yours!

If you are battling with nagging guilt, reach out to us at journeyonwordwithus@gmail.com.  We would love to come alongside and pray for you. And, most importantly, if you have never accepted Christ as Savior, reach out to us today!