Annette M. Irby

The heavy burden of unforgiveness can eat at us day after day. Our consciences weren't
meant to carry it around with us. Ideally, our consciences can be cleaned. And when
that happens, we're free! Joy wells up inside because that heavy, horrible, monstrous
burden has been not only removed, but obliterated.

Here's how it works:

We've all made mistakes. That's called being human.

We can't erase our mistakes. Though we'd like to, we can't go back and make better,
wiser decisions, so unless someone steps in, we will carry the burden for that sin all of
our lives.

Jesus knew our predicament. Almighty God wasn't surprised (though I believe He
was heartbroken) by Adam and Eve's sin in the garden. He wasn't surprised when I blew
it, or when you blew it. He knows our condition.

Once we blew it, we couldn't fix it. We're only human, and no sinner can rescue
other sinners.

Jesus cared enough to step in. Oh, this is where it gets gooood. God, knowing the
suffering we'd endure (due to sin) had a solution: the perfect sacrifice for our sins--Jesus!

God knew we needed a Savior. Without His intervention we'd only know pain and
suffering and the burden of longing for forgiveness, knowing we couldn't pay our own
debt.

And Jesus stepped in to save us.

Now, all we have to do is say "yes."

Say "yes" to forgiveness: Dear Jesus, I know I've sinned. You don't have to look very
far in my life to see a whole slew of mistakes. And I know You made a way for me to
be forgiven. Please forgive me for my sins.

Say "yes" to His leadership: Take over in my life. Help me learn Your ways and hear
Your voice and do Your will. I've already shown that if left up to me, I'll make a mess
of my life. But with You in charge, I can have hope.

Say "yes" to life: Help me live for You. Thank You for saving me and giving me
eternal life, plus the abundant life You offer me as a child of God.

Say "thanks": Thank You, Jesus! Amen.

If you prayed that, if you believe that Jesus is Lord, and say it aloud, you're saved!
Now, let real life begin! Let joy reign! Let your relationship with God grow and flourish!

Read the Bible (start with the Gospels-I especially like the book of John). Pray often!
Worship! And get plugged into a great church where they will support you, help guide
you and teach you solid biblical truths. That solid biblical foundation will make all the
difference in your world.

And rejoice! Your sins have been forgiven!