Praise the Lord, {{first_name | my friend.}}

The story of Noah and the flood is one we have probably read many times.

And, when we read about everything that happened, it reminds us of how seriously God takes sin.

Before the flood, the world had become a very wicked place.

You see, people were living in ways that displeased God, and things had reached a point where God brought judgment upon the earth.

Now, we might think that we are nothing like the people who lived in those times.

But let's be honest with ourselves for a moment, my friend.

When we do something wrong, how often do we try to justify it?

We get angry and say the other person deserved it.

Then hurt someone and focus on what they did to us instead of admitting our own mistake.

We always seem to have a reason for what we do, don't we?

And, sometimes, we become so used to making excuses that we stop admitting when we are wrong.

And that is something we need to be careful about.

God knows our hearts, and we cannot hide anything from Him.

We may be able to explain our actions to other people, but that doesn't change what is right or wrong in His eyes.

And no, this is not about feeling guilty all the time or thinking that God no longer loves us when we make mistakes.

We all fall short, and we all need His grace.

But we shouldn't use that grace as an excuse to keep doing what we know is wrong.

Jesus gave His life for our sins, so let's not take that sacrifice lightly, my friend.

When we realise that we have done something wrong, let's be honest with God, ask for His forgiveness, and try to do better.

May His will be done in our lives.

We don’t know who needs the above reminder, but God knows, my friend.

So let us share it with a prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for loving us even when we fall short.

Please help us see our mistakes and be honest about the things we do wrong.

Help us stop making excuses for our sins and give us the courage to admit when we are wrong.

Please change our hearts and help us turn away from anything that displeases You. Thank You for giving us Your grace.

Help us never to take Your love and forgiveness for granted and teach us to live in a way that pleases You.

Lord, we also pray for the person who will receive the above post when we share it.

Please use it to touch their heart and help them grow closer to You. May it reach someone who needs to hear those words today.

In Jesus' name, we pray.

Amen.