We have to remember that our transgressions and sins have been blotted out, as if God took a cloth and wiped us clean, or like an eraser on a chalkboard. He has completely forgiven every sin we ever committed. Psalm 103:12 states, "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." He will never bring them up again. It is only Satan who keeps reminding us of what we once did or who we used to be. But according to 2 Corinthians 5:17, "We are a new creation in Christ. Old things have passed away; all things have become new." We don't have to beat ourselves up for past mistakes, nor do we have to listen to Satan's lies. Remember, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him, as John 8:44 says.

We need to remind ourselves that we are children of God. We are lights in a dark world, and we are accepted in the Beloved, according to Ephesians 1:6. We are redeemed, justified, sanctified, and washed in his blood. Jesus died for us on the cross, suffering excruciating pain and abandonment by the Father. That’s how much He loves us. We are precious in His sight. We are the bride, and He is the bridegroom, and one day He will return for us. Remind yourself of that every day and encourage your heart.

Think of all the benefits we have been given, and be glad and rejoice. We have a place in heaven with Him. We have been adopted into the family of God. He is our Father, and we are His children. He has given us His Word to cleanse and instruct us, and He has given us His Spirit to guide us. We have the righteousness of Christ. With Him, nothing is impossible. His power and strength are available to us when we ask for it. His love, mercy, and grace cover us. As Pastor Javon said in his message on Sunday, "Our God is bigger than our problems." In fact, He is so great that nothing can contain Him. Stop putting Him in a box and thinking that He cannot help you.

He is the God of the impossible, as Luke 1:37 says. Nothing is too hard for Him, according to Jeremiah 32:17. The One who made all things can do anything. We need to remind ourselves that the past is behind us, and we need to press on, as Philippians 3:12-13 tells us. Pastor Javon further said, that no one is too far gone to be saved. Jesus died for everyone, not just a few. All the blessings are ours when we are saved. We cannot change what is in the past, but we can change how we act now. We can choose to encourage ourselves with all of our benefits and send Satan packing. Because our sins are no more, we are free in Christ Jesus.

Querido Padre Celestial,

With praise and adoration, I thank You that as Your child, I am a child of the King of all kings and the Lord of all Lords. I praise You that I am fearfully and wonderfully made in Your likeness. As such, I accept the responsibility of reflecting You. I cannot do this on my own, so I ask that Your gentle promptings and guidance be ever present in my day to day life, in every situation. May I be salt and light in this dark and sinful world. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Remember to encourage yourself in the Lord each day by feasting on His Word and experiencing Him through prayer and devotion. Make time for Him today.