GOT BAGGAGE?

We all do. Skeletons in the closet? Sure thing! Nobody is without them. Embarrassed and ashamed? Me too!

Too often our past drags us down, kicks us in the teeth, stifles, depresses, sickens and in some cases may cause our demise. “My sin and past is so grievous that God couldn’t possibly forgive me. I just can’t turn loose of it. I dwell on it day and night. How could I have been so foolish? What do others think?” Is this your thinking?

To declare that God can’t forgive my sin limits God! Having faith that God yearns to forgive even the most grievous sin gives us a small glimpse of His ubiquitous power and majestic love! Yes, even for you and me!

Consider David. Upon running from Saul to Nob, he lied to Ahimelech about why he was there. As a result, all the priests and an entire city were massacred. He went to the Philistines, (remember he killed their giant), and acted insane with saliva running down his face. He was surrounded by those in debt, distress and discontent. After becoming king, he stayed in the palace one spring when he should have been at war, became a “peeping tom,” adulterer, and a murderer!

Does life have you down? Does the past haunt you? Be at peace! Your slate has been wiped clean! Be healed! HE remembers no more! David accepted God’s mercy and grace. He was a “man after God’s own heart.” Would you have voted for him for President? You have already been elected by God to be one of His. Yes, even with all that baggage! I and II Samuel is such a magnificent story. Turns out that is wasn’t about David after all. It’s a story about God’s awesome love, compassion and power to forgive sin.

We may always remember our past and cry. Just make sure those tears are tears of joy and thankfulness because He made you His! Leave your trash at the foot of the cross. That’s where it belongs-not in your heart. Got baggage? Yeah, but now I have someone to tote it for me!

Prayer : God, please take all the trash from my life, forgive me and heal me. Make me so thankful and my faith so deep that I can’t keep my mouth shut about Jesus!
Amen

Dr. Phil Hart

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