Dear family of God,

Good morning! Do you know what I mean about cutting past the past? I may have not phrased it well. To me it means letting the Word of God cut away all of the troubles of yesterday, all of the painful experiences, all of the fears. It is possible when we take our heart to the Lord. While I have been reading the Word of God, I am finding that there is not the fluff, the tickling of ears when He Speaks. God doesn't try to soften the darkness by candlelight. He does get to the core of it though. When Jesus spoke about sin, He was speaking to all mankind. All of us are in need of a savior.

So, I am back to 1 John 2:1-2..."My little children, I am writing these things to you that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world." What does this mean to you? Our Advocate is One Who will intercede for us. Jesus stands before the Father on your behalf. This is really BIG! Do you know of anyone else who would do that kind of representation when you have blown it and are found condemned? No one but Jesus!

Jesus Christ is the upright, just, Who conforms to the Father's will in every purpose, thought, and action. We can see this in His life while on earth can't we? So not only do we have someone to stand up for us, but, in place of us. He is the spotless lamb who gave His life as a sacrifice for you and I. Are you thankful? Jesus is our example of how to conform to the Father's will in every purpose, thought and action. I know that the Holy Spirit has been doing a work in my life. Sometimes it feels like He is putting alot of muscle behind the cleaning process! Then, He gently applies the salve for healing. My thoughts are being transformed as well as my attitudes and actions. Praise the Lord!

Verse 3-6 says..."And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, "I have come to know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him; the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked." This is a daily, by experience knowing Him. Not a once in awhile shot at being good. How is this working for you personally?

So, we need to bear in mind, observe and practice His teachings. How acquainted are we with the Lord? Do we know His desires or are we always telling Him ours? I have done this. I get so busy with the things on my own heart I don't pause to listen to what He wants. Be acquainted with Jesus. Treasure His Word in its intirety. Love God and know that we are in Him. Abide in Him knowing we owe Him our very lives. Walk and conduct ourselves the way He did. We could never repay what we owe Him but, we can give Him all we have, all we are and ever hope to be.

Maybe this all seems overwhelming, like a bunch of rules. But, remember that you belong to the Father and you are the Beloved of Jesus. Today, if you aren't sure about your position before Christ you can make it sure. Call on the Lord and ask for Him to forgive you of all your sins, whether you can name them all or not. It does not matter. Your heart before Him does. Ask Him to help you abide and really know Him intimately. He hears your cry. Now, begin by spending time with Jesus, listen as you read His Words. They will be fresh life to you and healing for your physical, emotional and spiritual being.

If you prayed this today you can rejoice because now you have eternal life! Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path...Proverbs 3:5-6. Begin there. I pray the Lord bless you and keep you today. Love in Christ, Patricia.

Abundance is...my past is past!