Crosswalk.com--The Devotional

[Judy Harder]

The Month of Love
by Shawn McEvoy, Crosswalk.com Managing Editor

Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church - a love marked by giving, not getting.
Ephesians 5:25, The Message

For once in my marriage, I really did something right.

My wife's name is Valerie - Val for short - so she's always held Valentine's Day in even higher esteem than most women. Not only that, but her birthday is March 15, so she's always believed (with a smile, of course) that February 14 though March 15 equals "The Month of Love" equals "it's all about her" for one-twelfth of the year.

One year, I decided to agree. Each morning for 31 days when she woke up, there was a small hand-made red envelope (amazing what useful skills one can learn watching children's programming) stuck on some wall of our house. Written in sparkly marker (chicks dig the sparklies) on the outside of the envelope was one of her top character qualities. Inside the envelope was a Bible memory verse related to that quality. Embedded in the memory verse was a clue to where a small hidden gift could be found in or around our home.

I just thought this could be a nice little way to tell her I love her. Boy was I short-sighted. I could have bought her the Taj Mahal and she wouldn't have appreciated it more, been more thoroughly impressed. "He went to Jared"? No way. He went to PBS and Hobby Lobby. But already Val is considering how to pass this story down to our grandchildren. She says I will never top myself. And she was saying these things before she even knew about the surprise at the end, where all the envelopes could be arranged so that the first letter of each character quality would spell out the grand prize: that she had her choice of a new wardrobe, upgraded wedding ring, or vacation, any of which would be shopped for together, 'cause she's big on that. Even so, she never took me up on the grand prize. I can't say I wasn't a little bit disappointed, but she was definitely exercising the wisdom of foresight. And anyway, to her, the biggest gift had already been received.

Valerie thinks this took me ages to dream up and hours to prepare, but it took me about 10 minutes per day, plus a weekly trip to the store to stock up on a few minor gifts. But the outcome net me - if not crowns in Heaven - at least major returns in this life. Anytime a group of gals gathers together and asks each other, "What the best gift you've ever received," that ends up being a fun day. Several times during the Month of Love itself I was told to take an evening to myself and go see a movie. And I learned something I thought I already knew - diamonds aren't a girl's best friend. Her husband is, if he even shows a rhinestone's-worth of interest in her.

Not every wife speaks the same "Love Language." I know some who truly would have preferred a simple one-time big purchase, while others would be thrilled to see him wash dishes and dust shelves. But this I can be fairly sure in saying about wives: what all of them really want is a husband that makes an effort to understand them and speak their language, whatever it is, without being told. Yeah, I know, and all one has to do to make millions in the majors is hit a curveball. But unlike the major leagues, in marriage, most of the time, simply making the effort is appreciated.

Intersecting Faith & Life: If you haven't already, read The Five Love Languages with your spouse. Once you learn what says, "I love you" to him or her, come up with a special way of saying so.

Further Reading

Hebrews 13:4
Languages of Love

[Judy Harder]

While You're Waiting
by Laura MacCorkle

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31, RSV

Do you get tired of waiting? I sure do.

Sadly, impatience just happens to be one of my specialities. And it shines the brightest whenever I am stuck on the phone, waiting on customer service. This has happened to me more often than not in recent years, as I've moved around quite a bit and have had to establish Internet access in each new dwelling.

As I'm sure you know, before you can actually speak to a real, live human being, you must go through a seemingly endless round of automated filtering. Answer this question, push this button, speak the last four digits, wait for the next instruction. Lather, rinse and repeat.

This can last for 10, 15, even 20 minutes or more sometimes. I know. I've done it. And it's during these times of waiting that I've become easily frustrated. Correction: I choose to become frustrated, and I choose to have a bad attitude.

I think Chuck Swindoll explains it nicely in his famous quote: "I am convinced that life is 10 percent what happens to me and 90 percent how I react to it."

Well, not long ago I was waiting (again!) to speak with someone about why my DSL was not working. But this time, I decided that I could be doing something while I waited. I didn't need to focus on the fact that I was having to wait and how uncomfortable that was making me and how it didn't fit in with my timeline or my plans for my day.

First, I punched the "Speakerphone" button on my phone and set it down. My hands were now free! Then, I decided I could work on a writing project on my computer or organize paperwork in my office. I could also go through the last several days' worth of mail or I could go over my schedule for the rest of the week. And I could even use my cell phone and return some calls, while my landline was tied up!

You see, in the blink of an attitude adjustment, I was feeling much differently about my situation. Instead of fussing and fuming, I was able to be productive and get some work accomplished that would otherwise have not gotten done.

This example teaches me that no matter the situation that makes me wait - as trivial as waiting in line at the grocery store to as serious as waiting for a mate - God is looking to see how I will respond. Am I getting out of the way, so that He may work in my life? Am I resting in His timing? Am I truly waiting on Him?

If we let go, God will lift us up. In our weakness, it is His strength that will help us adjust and refocus as we wait on Him.

Intersecting Faith & Life: When was the last time you had to wait? How did you respond? Did you grumble or did you take the opportunity to rest in God's timing for you? While you're waiting, ask how you can best serve Him.

Further Reading
Lamentations 3:25, RSV
Why Waiting Is Really Trusting

[Judy Harder]

Overcoming Disappointment
by Ryan Duncan, Crosswalk.com Entertainment Editor

Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort. – 2 Corinthians 1:7

We've all been there. It's that letter from the college you wanted to attend, saying they are not able to admit you at this time. It's that person on the stage surrounded by people, announcing that first prize goes to the other contestant. It's watching all the time and effort you put into something crumble away in a matter of seconds. Sometimes disappointment can be more devastating than tragedy, because it requires you to have invested in the outcome first.

The Bible tells us that we should rejoice in our sufferings, but I'd be lying if I said that what I did every time I was disappointed. Most of the time I just want to crawl off and be alone, or I end up angry and resentful. Sometimes I even find myself arguing with God over what just happened. So, what are Christians supposed to respond when faced with disappointment? Personally, I think there's only one thing we can do: hope.   

The early disciples faced their own share of letdowns. Paul in particular had his share of troubles in life, but look what he writes in Romans chapter 5, 

Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. – Romans 5:2-6

Sometimes disappointment can't be overcome, only endured. In moments like that it's important to remember that we have hope on our side. Hope in Christ's love, hope for better days to come, the hope to maybe even try again. So when the storms of life come your way don't let yourself be troubled, instead pick yourself up and remember with God there will always be hope. 

Intersecting Faith and Life: Whatever you may be going through remember to hope in the Lord.

Further Reading

Romans 15:13

[Judy Harder]

Freedom from Addiction
by Sarah Phillips

I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12: 1-2

Have you ever met someone you thought was beyond God's reach? Someone whose life has sunk to such depths all seems hopeless? Most of us can think of people we've encountered like that. It may even be someone we love.

When we start to lose hope for another's soul, it's good to remind ourselves that some of the greatest Christian Saints were some of the most broken people. This week, in my search for Christian heroes, I encountered the story of one such person that did not resemble the perfect stained-glass images I grew up with. His name was Matthew Talbot, and here's a glimpse into his life.

The second of 13 children, Matthew was born in Dublin, Ireland on May 2, 1856. His family was poor and heavy drinking was the norm among his father and brothers. So from the start, Matthew was predisposed to alcoholism -- and sure enough, his drinking began at age 12.

As Matthew entered his teen years, odd jobs led way to a career working with bricklayers. While the local community considered him excellent at his trade, his drinking became central to his life. By the time his twenties arrived, it was common for Matthew to spend all his earned wages obtaining alcohol. When that wasn't enough, he began selling his possessions and eventually resorted to credit. Finally, after racking up too much debt, he sunk to an all-time low: stealing.

Not only was Matthew a heavy drinker-turned-thief, but he had a terrible temper and a vulgar tongue. Gripped by his disease and his poor choices, Matthew's life was going nowhere. His mother, Elizabeth, pleaded with him to change his ways. Finally, Matthew's life sunk so low he had no earthly place to turn.

So, in 1884, Matthew's mother received an answer to her prayers. The 28-year-old went to the only place left to go: Church. There, he confessed his sins and took a pledge to avoid drinking for 3 months. He seemed an unlikely candidate to keep the pledge. Yet Matthew had experienced an interior conversion in that church.

Three months passed, and he was still sober. Inspired by his progress, he pledged to avoid drinking for life and also gave up tobacco.

While Matthew's first several years of sobriety consisted of intense, interior battles, he lived the rest of his life with unwavering devotion to God. The once angry, vulgar Irishman became kind to those he encountered, and he paid back all his debts. He lived simply, prayed daily, and served those in need, eventually taking monastic vows.

Mathew Talbot died at age 69 while walking to church. He had been sober for 41 years.

Matthew's story is a testament to God's transforming power as well as our participation in that transformation. A tearful mother pleaded, a broken young man made a decision to change, and God poured out His graces. It's also worth noting that Matthew, with the help of his pastor, employed many of the same steps later incorporated into the Alcoholic's Anonymous 12-Step program. While he wasn't healed overnight, Matthew Talbot eventually experienced new life, giving hope to those battling addictions and the people who love them.

Intersecting Faith & Life: Devote your quiet time this week to praying for the "impossible cases," especially those in the throws of addiction.

Further Reading:

Matthew 14:34-36
Myths and Facts about Alcohol Consumption
(Details of Matthew Talbot's life obtained from "The Venerable Matthew Talbot" http://www.savior.org/saints/talbot.htm and the Venerable Matt Talbot Resource Center: http://venerablematttalbotresourcecenter.blogspot.com/)

[Judy Harder]

Tsunami of Emotion and Understanding
by Shawn McEvoy, Crosswalk.com Managing Editor

"Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!"
Job 2:9

This week, I came across a story that is all at once heartbreaking and hope-giving, tragic and uplifting, devastating and determined.

This excellent article by the International Mission Board's Shawn Hendricks chronicles what has happened to and through one Christian family on India's east coast since the tsunamis of late 2004. I encourage you to check it out. If you do, it will effectively function as your devotional for today much better than what I am about to write in response to it.

In a real-world account of events straight from the Book of Job, Paramesvaran and Choodamani lost all three of their children the day after Christmas that year. My heart breaks for families who lose one child, much less three. Imagine having lost one of them who was in your arms but who you were just not strong enough to hold on to against the crushing force of so much water.

Imagine being mocked by your friends and family for your faith while you are suffering such tragedy and burying your own offspring.

Imagine being so full of grief you discuss a suicide pact.

But then... eventually... the clouds lift, first for one spouse who is gifted by a word from the Lord about the blessing that her husband survived when so many others did not. Then, later, the husband feels the tugging of the Lord letting him know that his children are safe with Jesus, they're okay, they're full of praise and life.

The real, personable, meaningful faith in God pulls the couple up, and back together. They are blessed with two new children. But beyond that...

...the fact they are alive and together allows them to become adoptive parents to TWENTY orphaned children. Each of them has come to a saving relationship with Jesus, several helping their new father preach the gospel throughout the area.

The example of the family, assisted by donations of Christians around the world, has "brought the Good News into areas that were once unreceptive to Christianity."

The ends of things are truly never known until later. Purpose is often invisible until it isn't. Damaging floods can become cleansing baptisms through the passage of time and reflections from fresh perspectives.

Job refused to curse God and die. He instead decided ultimately to acknowledge that nothing he ever had was his, and that the only thing worth living for was the knowledge that God is awesome, powerful, and beyond our comprehension. And yet, loves us beyond measure.

His story is not just a fable or morality tale. It can seem that way to our modern ears, which are unaccustomed to the reality of THAT much tragedy. But that much tragedy occurs all too frequently around our globe, and when it does, it should not shock me to the extent it did when I read this story. I feel like I should nod knowingly about the cost and fragility of life on this big blue ball, and how despite all the shaking and quaking there can still be a steady security when I give up any notions that I am god, that I am in control, that my job is to do anything with my time here but praise and share, worship and help, live and move and be every minute that he allows.

Intersecting Faith & Life: May God continue to bless the ministry of Paramesvaran and Choodamani, and increase the strength in them that was built from climbing out of their tragic valley. May I not complain today about events that matter not. May I continue to see God's hand in everything as long as I have eyes to take it all in. And should I or my loved ones suffer anywhere close to this much, may we never forget this example of coming out the other side reborn, making ministry from the madness.

[Judy Harder]

Wasting the Word
Ryan Duncan

But the word of the Lord remains forever. And this word is the good news that was preached to you.
1 Peter 1:25

Not long ago, a friend sent me a funny message over Facebook that went something like this,

Question: If someone from the 1950's suddenly appeared before you, what would be the most difficult thing to explain to them about life today?

Answer: I possess a device, in my pocket, which is capable of accessing the eternity of information known to man. I use it to look at pictures of cats and get into arguments with strangers.

I can remember laughing after I read this. It really was true; I mostly used the internet to watch reruns of TV shows or recommend new music to friends, pretty trivial tasks for a device that contains all the world's knowledge. After I signed off however, I was struck by a sudden thought, "Am I wasting God's word the same way I waste the internet?" It was a sobering question. I picked my Bible up off the coffee table and for a few moments just stared at it. 

Here in my hands was a book that recounted the days when the Immortal, Eternal God of all that was and will ever be walked the earth as a man and spoke to humans. How was I using this gift again? Last I could remember it was to find a prayer that would keep me from going bald. To tell the truth, I think all Christians (me included) have a serious problem with wasting the Gospel. Just look at how we've used it in the past:

To argue why one political party is better than another,
To tell divorcees, and homosexuals, and people from checkered backgrounds that they're not good enough for God,
To justify why we don't help the broken and the needy.
The Bible is a precious gift and a valuable resource; it should never be used lightly or frivolously. So the next time you sit down for a quiet time or look up a favorite verse, remember that what you see is more than words on a page. You possess, in your hand, a testament to God's love for humanity and his desire to be a part of our lives. Make sure you don't waste it.

Intersecting Faith and Life: Do not waste the Word of God. When you read the Bible, seek to apply it.

Further Reading

Matthew 13:33

[Judy Harder]

Give a Little Grace
by Debbie Wright, Assistant Editor, Crosswalk.com

Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters (Romans 14:1).

Winter weather is pretty bipolar in the great Commonwealth of Virginia. One day it can be warm and sunny, and the next day you curse your bad luck for not wearing earmuffs and gloves when you walk out the door. However, when bad weather is forecast, local reactions are solidly predictable, specifically when it comes to "preparation" and driving in abnormal road conditions.

"Snow? SNOW? IT'S GOING TO SNOW?!"

People around here freak out and buy a lot of bread and milk when storms are predicted. If your significant other suggests, "hey, we're out of ____, can you stop by Wal-Mart?" on the evening a snowstorm is predicted to hit: forget about it; society is on crazy pills. Additionally, nobody around here can drive in the snow either. Obviously greater caution is called for with icy and slippery road conditions, but people see white stuff and generally throw out every rule they ever learned about How to Be a Good Driver.

Such reactions generate a lot of scorn from imported northerners. After all, children in Michigan attend school daily in the wintery months in upwards of a foot of snow. Why do Richmond kids get classes cancelled at the forecast of snow? There is definitely impatience and indignation – and no doubt it is well-deserved!

After doing a fair amount of grumbling during our recent snows, I thought, Hmm, this seems familiar... spiritually...

Isn't it easy to find ourselves being "northerners" when we find ourselves around those at different points in their spiritual walks? We find it easy to look down upon, mock, or judge people who have difficulty living with restraint, modesty, chastity, gentleness, or a host of other spiritual virtues. We roll our eyes at people unfamiliar with the Bible, who can't rattle off verses by memory as quickly as their ABCs.

Essentially, we are impatient with those who have less (or different) theological, spiritual, or biblical exposure and knowledge. But how is that fair? In reality, many people are ill-prepared simply because of their upbringing. Many come to Christ as adults, out of nonbelieving families. Many people don't have much time (or the inclination!) to devote to in-depth biblical or theological study. Many people grew up in a church where only the most basic of Gospel truths were touched on, and become paralyzed when more complex life situations rear their ugly heads.

Should all Christians have an intense drive to make themselves as knowledgeable and as spiritually "prepared" as possible? Well, yes. But we live in a busy, imperfect world full of busy, imperfect people. Everyone's experience is different; everyone is part of a unique story.

So when the "snowstorms" of life come, don't mock the "southerners" in your midst who freak out. Instead, be there for them. Extend grace, love, and friendship. Not everyone can be prepared for what seems like No Big Deal to you. Everyone's hard place deserves validation in a Kingdom of God marked by compassion, equality, forgiveness, and love.

Intersecting Faith and Life: The next time you hear someone complain about someone else (say, a crazy driver) – let it remind you that everyone's story is unique, and every situation has a context.

Further Reading

Romans 14
1 Corinthians 12:25-26

[Judy Harder]

Celebrate Valentine's Day without Being Miserable
by Ryan Duncan, Crosswalk.com Entertainment Editor

"I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil--this is the gift of God." – Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

I won't lie -- I was a little peeved when I discovered I'd be writing Crosswalk's Valentine's Day devotional. After all, I'm a single twenty-something in an office full of married co-workers, and for me Valentine's Day is less about the joy of love and more the glaring reminder of what I'm missing. You can probably relate if you're like me. Every wedding invitation, every perky TV rom-com, makes a small voice in your head ask, "What's wrong with me? It's not like I'm asking for some smoking hot individual to pull up at my door in a Mercedes; I just want to be happy."

I wish I had the answers to these questions. If I did, I wouldn't be single. What I can share with you however, is a lesson I learned from the book of Ecclesiastes.

"I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired men and women singers, and a harem as well -- the delights of the heart of man. I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. In all this my wisdom stayed with me. I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun." – Ecclesiastes 2:8-11

I think one of the biggest challenges people struggle with (or at least one of the biggest ones I struggle with) is keeping "love" from becoming an idol. We keep telling ourselves that once we're in a relationship we'll be happy -- that it's only after we get married that life is truly fulfilling. Hate to tell you this, but that's not true. Just look at Solomon; he had everything a person could ever want.

Money? He had more than he knew what to do with. Success? He was King of Israel. Romance? Completely covered, and he wrote an entire book of love poetry! Yet despite all these things, when he wrote the book of Ecclesiastes, his message was, "I am unfulfilled." There is a God-shaped hole in all our hearts, and nothing in this world can fill that void.

So, what does that mean for us? Well, my advice if you're single is to keep your chin up and keep looking. You never know who God is going to send your way. More importantly though, don't let the joy God gives you be defined by your relationship status. God blesses us in a lot of different ways, but as long as we keep "love" on a pedestal, we will never be able to enjoy any of it. This Valentine's Day, whether you're married or single, take a moment to acknowledge and enjoy all that God has given you.

Intersecting Faith and Life: Have a happy Valentine's Day!

Further Reading

Ecclesiastes

[Judy Harder]

The Real Thing
Anna Kuta, ReligionToday.com Editor

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16).

As the granddaughter of an FBI agent, I heard various anecdotes throughout my childhood regarding the job and its practice. One thing that stuck with me was how FBI agents are taught to recognize counterfeit money. They don't spend time learning about all the possible variations that could be manifested in a counterfeit bill, as one might think; they simply studied the real thing.

When someone knows the distinguishing characteristics of real money, it suddenly isn't that hard to spot a fake. It's a principle that applies to other things as well -- recognizing the truth versus any lies. These days in our culture, lies seem to abound, especially when it comes to faith and religious philosophies. Sometimes, the message of Jesus seems to get lost among all the noise.

In 1 Timothy 4:1-2, Paul says, "Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron." It seems like Paul could be describing the year 2012, doesn't it? Everywhere you turn, someone has a new idea of Jesus or Christianity, all claiming to be true. With "deceiving spirits" and false doctrines everywhere, how can we know what to believe?

Paul answers the question in 2 Timothy 3:16: Turn to the Scripture. From Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21, all Scripture is "God-breathed," as the Greek word literally says, and useful for all purposes of the Christian life. This includes doctrine, teaching, correction, knowledge of Jesus, instruction in righteousness, being equipped for every good work. The Word of God is absolutely, 100 percent true – all of it – and it points to the absolute truth of God.

Just as a federal agent with a trained eye of what's real can recognize a counterfeit bill right away, so the Word of God can be used as a measuring stick against falsehoods. In order to spot the lies, it's crucial to know Truth. How do you know Truth? Look to the Scriptures. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Intersecting Faith & Life: Spend some time reading the Bible and learning about Jesus as He is revealed in His Word – so you will be able to recognize things that don't line up with truth.

Further Reading

Romans 15:4

2 Peter 1:20-2:9

[Judy Harder]

The Perverse Generation
by Sarah Phillips

"O unbelieving and perverse generation,"Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you and put up with you?" Luke 9: 41

There is much written today about how the world has lost touch with God and morality. It's easy to view the past with rose-tinted glasses, to believe in "the good old days" or reminisce about a golden era.  We do this in the Church all the time, often pointing to one practice that, if resurrected, would surely turn this generation around.

"If only the women still wore head coverings in church... "

"If only we sang ancient hymns... "

"If only young men and women got married earlier... "

Don't read me wrong here... these issues are important. But the stark reality is, every generation has fallen short of God's glory. Every generation has sinned. Does this sound familiar?

"The children now love luxury; they have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect for elders and love chatter in place of exercise. Children are now tyrants, not the servants of their households. They no longer rise when elders enter the room. They contradict their parents, chatter before company, gobble up dainties at the table, cross their legs, and tyrannize their teachers."

How often have I been tempted to mutter these words when encountering today's teenagers? But this quote is attributed to Socrates by Plato. Apparently teens weren't doing so well in the ancient world either. The fallen nature of man has followed us through the ages, plaguing the young and old alike. Our broken nature manifests itself in so many ways... from the darkest sins to our lack of basic manners and courtesy.

Jesus himself seemed to grow weary of the sins of his own day. I imagine the opening scripture was expressed with a mix of sadness and righteous anger. During Lent, which begins with Ash Wednesday on Feb. 22nd this year, our church acknowledges God's just anger at the end of every service with this chant: Parce, Domine, parce populo tuo;/ ne in aeternum irascaris nobis which translates to: "Spare your people Lord: /Be not angry Lord with your people forever."

But what is the rest of the story? Even as his sinful followers surrounded him, Jesus healed the spiritual and physical afflictions of a possessed boy. We see here that going back to the "good old days" doesn't have the power to save us. It's the person of Jesus Christ who saves. This is the miracle of Easter: The incredible mercy of a God who would be justified in staying angry forever after the golden era of Eden went terribly wrong. He hears our cries for redemption - weak though they may be - and saves us.

Is the world worse today than it was yesterday? Does it matter? God's patience and mercy for our "perverse and unbelieving generation" reveal the depths of his divine love. And those forgiven the most sins have the greatest number of reasons to rejoice.

Intersecting Faith & Life:  Have you ever felt so deeply ashamed of your sins that you thought no one could be as bad as you? Take heart. Some of the greatest saints were the worst of sinners. All sins can be forgiven when we call out to the Holy Spirit and ask for mercy. Rejoice in the second chances that come with Easter.

Further Reading

Luke 7: 47

Romans 3: 23