December 30, 2020

Bob Maas
“Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD’— and you forgave the guilt of my sin.”
Psalm 32:5
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.”
Romans 5:1-2

Seeking pleasure and instant self-gratification during the early years of my life eventually brought me to a place of extreme pain, guilt and shame. I am so blessed that the good news about forgiveness and justification by faith was able to bring me to the place where I made peace with God. When my life situation seemed hopeless, I gave up and called on Him for help. He lifted the heavy burdens that were the result of my ungodly way of living. Now, having been freely justified by His grace, I am able to walk in the way of mercy and love. Instead of living in a state of despair, I have a hope that enables me to face the worst circumstances and suffering with an assurance that He is enabling me to persevere by abiding in Christ. The love God has lavished upon me through the cross has helped me to understand that there is a pleasure that I can experience which is free from the misery of remorse and humiliation. It is the joy and peace that I have when I walk in fellowship with Him.