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Monday, April 1, 2013 (7:28 a.m.)

Tuesday, April 2, 2013 (5:11 a.m.)

Amazingly Beautiful Christ,

I readily accept and admit that I am a sinner (Romans 3:23). I believe You came and died for my sins (John 3:16). I confess with my mouth that You are Lord (Romans 10:10).

I have spent days feeling guilty for not loving, being, wanting and doing enough for You (Mark 12:30). These are all things I have imposed upon myself. Thank You that I get to turn in Your Word (The Life Recovery Bible) and read that I am "Declared “Not Guilty” BIBLE READING: Romans 3:23-28".

This particular devotion speaks of falling short of our own personal ideals. “At some time, all of us have held high ideals. We have used them to define what we think life should look like. But most of us learned early on that we couldn't measure up to them. Worse yet, we have fallen short of the expectations of others and the desires of God. Oh, the weight of guilt we carry! Oh, the pain to think of how we have disappointed those we love! Oh, the longing for some way to make up the difference between what we are and what we should be!”

And that is where I quit every single time. I see the vast distance between who I am and all that I ever wanted to be. I declare myself weak. Lazy. Uncommitted. And then I start building walls to protect myself. I don't want to get hurt so I refuse to care. I look at life from my own vantage point and hide myself even more.

Father, again I thank You for the love You have for us. A love so big and perfect that I can't even begin to understand it.

The Living Bible uses these words for Romans 3:23-24, “Yes, we all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious ideal; yet now God declares us 'not guilty' of offending Him if we trust in Jesus Christ, who in His kindness freely takes away our sins.”

You have given me such an enormous gift which I absolutely don't deserve. Help me us it wisely this day. Your love. Your forgiveness. Your power. All in the form of Jesus. I accept Him as my Savior. I believe Him to keep His promises. I confess Him to be Lord.

♫Lord I lift Your name on high, Lord I love to sing Your praises, I'm so glad You're in my life, I'm so glad You came to save us. You came from heaven to earth, to show the way. From the earth to the cross, my debt to pay. From the cross to the grave, from the grave to the sky, Lord I lift Your name on high♫

Thank You, Amazingly Beautiful Christ. Thank You, Always Bountiful Creator. Thank You, Love and Lord of my life. Surround me with all grace and glory (Romans 5:2) that I would use them well this day. Thank You. I love You. Amen.

(498 words ~ 6:27 a.m.)