Verse of the Day - 2 Corinthians 7:10

For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
~ 2 Corinthians 7:10 (NKJV)

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People may ask you, What impact does God really have in your life? I mean, what difference does He really make to you?

Perhaps you can point to a time in your life when you made a willfully wrong decision, where you chose to walk down the path away from God. And at some point, God brought you up short and called you to account. As His child, I'm sure you felt sorrowful for your actions, as you looked into your Father's eyes. But here's where the difference is, my friends: When your heavenly Father looks at a willful child who has remorseful tears in their eyes, His look of love makes a WORLD of difference! There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1), so all that's left is amazing grace. That beautiful gift draws us to desire cleansing and healing, and God is faithful to give it (1 John 1:9). So the relationship is restored, and we can once again have a heart of righteousness and a spirit of gladness, not sadness.

But just think about those you may know who don't have God in their lives. When they choose rebellion and suffer the consequences, they experience sadness without grace. They reap only condemnation for their willfulness. There is guilt in their spirit for which there is no cure. The Bible says this kind of worldly sadness leads to death. Maybe by lashing out at others in anger. Maybe by lashing out at themselves. Either way, it is destructive sadness that kills the spirit . . . and sometimes kills the body. The devil's playground, my friends.

"Come to me, all of you who are tired and are carrying heavy loads. I will give you rest. Become my servants and learn from me. I am gentle and free of pride. You will find rest for your souls." ~ Jesus, in Matthew 11:28-29 (NIrV)

I hope that you can hear God when you're sorrowful for sinful choices. Don't let your sorrow drag you down into spiritual misery and condemnation. Choose repentance and receive grace and restoration from God, who loves you so much.

Love,
Joelene