I mess up sometimes. The problem, I thought one day, is when others see and know I mess up. Then I realized that was just pride talking. It is embarrassing when I mess up; embarrassing to me if to no one else. But humility says, “Yes, I messed up again. I veered off the path again. I missed the mark with my aim again. I let those people down who my words or actions affected.” Any number of ‘sayings’ could describe what I’m feeling. I can have any number of reactions that would be deemed as normal. Reactions would vary. My family and friends would probably say, “Yes, you messed up. So have we at times. Pick yourself up, ask and accept forgiveness, and go again.” Some friends, seeking to help my sore feelings would say things to make me not feel so badly. “It’s OK; people who know you know your heart. Your friends know you wouldn’t hurt anyone on purpose. No one is judging you.”

But then there are the ones who would judge me. I am responsible for my witness; my life’s witness of Who Jesus is. That witness is before all the world that is around me. I am so very thankful for God’s Word to lead me and guide me, His Holy Spirit to teach me, and His Son Jesus to do what I couldn’t do for my salvation in His name. I’m most thankful for the mercy, grace, and forgiveness that the one true living God gives to me so that I can have His hope living in me. I can’t imagine anything but hopelessness without Him.

Because of God and His love, I have the hope of a new day every day. I don’t have to wait for New Year’s Day for a new beginning. Great is His faithfulness! He promises in His Word that, “The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; the Lord is my portion, says my soul, Therefore I have hope in Him. The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him.” Lamentations 3:22-28

I can rest in this. I invite you to invite Jesus, God’s only begotten Son, to forgive your sins; ask and accept His forgiveness, and ask Him to live in you as your personal Lord and Savior. He will be your most faithful companion, and never leave you. You can just ask Him from where you are. That’s where he meets us; where we are. Jesus’ lovingkindness is there for every one of us. Just ask. There are some simple guidelines to help you. It’s no magic formula or words, just simple faith in Him and Who He is, and that He will do what He says He will do. He will meet you and answer you.

I’ve printed a simple explanation and a guide to praying and asking God for Salvation through His son, Jesus. It’s on the page, “How To Ask Jesus To Be Your Personal Lord and Savior.” I am by no means an authority on this, but I have done this myself a long time ago. If you have questions, I’ll answer the ones I can, and try to find the answers for you if I don’t know. I’d love to meet you in Heaven one day.

Be blessed, my friend