ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE DAY

Mary-Ellen's Commentary

Sometimes a phrase runs through my mind when I am caught in a problem that is similar to a situation I've dealt with before. Somehow the "residues" of the former experience cling to the new situation. I find myself muttering, "Break the power of cancelled sin and let the sinner go free." We need to learn from the experience, not be inhibited by it.

At times this situation occurs for the struggling Christian. God has long ago forgiven and forgotten the transgression, but somehow we keep dredging up the memory or impressions of the former behavior. We need to accept forgiveness and move beyond the memories to face each new happening with freshness and Christian courage. The sense of forgiven sin should bring us joy and freedom and the fresh resolve to begin each day with hope, wisdom, and new strategies of dealing with life's difficulties.

I've even thought occasionally that God has a sense of humor when we keep wallowing around in the human residues of old sin or praying about the memory. It seems to me I've heard him say, "I've forgotten all about that; you don't want to remind me, do you?" (with a smile in His voice)

The sense of freedom and release we get when we accept God's mercy and grace and put the past behind us is exhilarating. We do need to walk ever in newness of life, enjoying God's guidance, love, forgiveness, and grace.
…..Mary-Ellen Grisham" (meginrose@gmail.com) Eternal Ink (eternal_ink@associate.com) by way of “Christian Voices” (www.ChristianVoicesWorldwide.net