“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. Matthew 5:21-22

So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. James 4:17

Uh oh!!  Between those two scriptures…I’m TOAST!!

I am a terrible sinner because I’ve been angry a lot and I’ve definitely done things that I knew were not right…not to mention all of the other illicit behavior I have accomplished in my short life time.  Ugh!

Clearly, I do not deserve a ticket into heaven.  In fact, I am guilty as charged.

The truth is that I could spend my whole life trying, but I will always fall short.  My only saving grace comes from the only one who lived on earth and did NOT commit sin, Jesus Christ.

The sacrifice Jesus made on that cross were for people just like you and me…flawed, sinful and guilty as charged.

We don’t have a prayer on our own account – BUT – and it’s a BIG BUT – Christ’s blood on that cross over 2000 years ago washes away our sin with two very meaning words, “Forgive me.”

Thank you, Jesus.  Thank you, God.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

Easter reminds us what had to happen in order for us to punch a ticket into heaven and the cost was HUGE.  Whoa, when I think of what happened to Jesus during that week and what he chose to do for us, it honestly breaks my heart.

Then I think about the last time I deliberately sinned and it breaks my heart even more that I’m one of the many reasons Jesus chose to climb up on that cross and stay there…for me…for you.

Kind of puts sinning into perspective.

What we have to remember is that Jesus Christ is our hope!!!  We should grasp His grace and LIVE IT.

Sure, there will be days that we fall in a gutter, but with God’s help it won’t be as often and the normal behavior will be generously giving of our time, money, love, hope, joy and peace.

So, how can we start on the path towards His Glory?

1. Stop looking at others and what they are doing.
2. Stop judging others and what they are doing.
3. Ask Jesus to wash away your sins.
4. Start reading your Bible.
5. Pray continuously for guidance, strength and courage.
6. Live generously by using your gifts for others no matter whether you think they deserve it or not.
7. Seek a relationship with Jesus.  Talk to Him.  Listen to Him.  Thank Him.
8. Be who God created you to be.

Jesus is truly our Lord and Savior.  And He came into to the world to SAVE us, not condemn us!  Seek Him and you will find Him!

Happy Easter!

Some Wisdom for Today:  Proverbs 23:17-18 – Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day.  Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.