the forgiven life

on tuesday night i had the pleasure of joining some friends up at loyola university for capture (a student lead night of worship and teaching). it was an awesome experience with a good friend of mine teaching about how we respond to those people that are outside the "in" crowd of society. the night was concluded by a virtual feast of pb&j's on honey wheat bread, which were to be given out to people who needed some lovin' on a very cold Halloween night.

i was feeling pretty good by the time my head hit the pillow, having ourselves had the opportunity to give one gentleman a couple of spelendid pb&j's. the next morning started off on a bit of a lower note as i really struggled to get motivated and found myself slipping into the guilt of my lack of committment to god and the abundant nature of my sin. by the time i made it in to work, the other guys were at a staff meeting so i sat down in front of the imac and decided i should at least read a little scripture.

i decided to camp out in colossians for a little while and read it as a letter in the first person (it helps me get some flavor, rather than just bland reading). i came to verses 21-22 (still feeling in a funk) when i read:

"although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind," <-- formerly, i thought, i'm still feeling pretty much that way
"engaged in evil deeds" <-- still got my number here
"yet HE has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death," <-- as i read this my spirit began to lift, Jesus has "NOW" reconciled me! not just by decreeing it but by actually sacrificing his very own flesh (wow, i thought, what a gift).
"in order to present you before Him (GOD)"
"HOLY"
"And BLAMELESS"
"AND BEYOND REPROACH"

by this time my spirit was soaring, what a beautiful thing is the forgiven life! not having to hold onto the fear, guilt or anguish of my sin but realizing the amazing gift that god has given those who are his.

I'd love to say that the rest of my week was lived in that thought but i would be lying to have you think that. i am finding though the freedom of the forgiven life. realizing god's grace and longing to give grace myself, i'm finding that the light of god banishes all darkness of doubt and sin.

Verse 11-12:
stregnthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; and joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance fo the saints of Light.

qualified to be one of the saints of Light <-- now that's an awesome way to be described!

peace