Romans 8:1 - There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:1 (ICB) - So now, those who are in Christ Jesus are not judged guilty.
II Timothy 4:8 - Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the right of judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
Titus 3:4-7 - But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according tot he hope of eternal life.
Dear God, thank You for declaring me NOT GUILTY. Now help me take the same forgiveness You have given me and show it to Tom as You give me the words I need to say to him in the letter. And please God, work in his heart as I prepare that letter and get it ready for mailing to reach out in kind and offer the same forgiveness You have for him as well. Like the words of Jesus say, "Judge no, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven...." While it may too late for things to be corrected with regard to the abuse his church put me through, and I will include a letter for them delivery contingent upon his response offering them the same opportunity, it really is not too late for Tom. I still care about him as a friend cares about a friend. And that is the honest truth since really I have no other choice but to be honest here or anywhere. God, I do have one other request. And this might actually bring a smile or a laugh for Tom if he happens to read this, but a certain young man really needs some major help! He has asked me if I want to hang out with him. Now he is leaning toward Friday. But here's the kicker, it is like he wants me to commit when I do not even know what he wants to do and what time! I am shaking my head with aggravation as I say to my mom, "Mom, this guy will need to man up and realize if he is going to initiate and ask, he will need to make the plans. If I initiate and ask, I should be responsible to make the plans or at least contribute to them. How can I commit when I do not know when and where and what. Girls need at least 48 hours so they can properly prepare. And I have a responsibility to my dog this weekend first and foremost. The fireworks. But if this is how this is going to be, there will be NO wedding bells anytime in the next five years. I can handle parenting when I am financially able to adopt, but I do not know about him being able to handle it." Mom's response: "If his mom would spend more time teaching him things, maybe, but someone has to teach him." After seeing him in a grocery store the other day (I know what are the odds?!?), she was tickled because he ran into us with the same three items he checked out do the store with yet he was seen going all over the store looking for things. He had not been given any list or he was distracted when the list was given and didn't get it written down. Duly noted that I will need to ask about having someone lead a class to teach the special needs parents how to help us become as fully independent as possible. Life skills. I still need some life skills as well, but I think I may actually have a slight edge at this point. Now about the size of our kitchen and house not being conducive to expansion. If my mom does ever need to be placed in a wheelchair like the doctors are talking about doing, we would need a new house-one that is deemed ADA-compliant. The kitchen alone.... Even the hallway. God, I thank you for Your forgiveness. Now I ask for. Your provision for my family when it comes to financial needs. $3000 needed for hearing aids. And insurance doesn't pay for adults who need them. And we still have some home repairs to make as well. I know You will help make sure we have what we need, but we could use a miracle. Thank You God for everything You have done and will do and are doing for me. In Jesus' Name, Amen!
Not Guilty Anymore by Aaron Keyes (YouTube)
It doesn't matter what you've done
It doesn't matter where you're coming from
Doesn't matter where you've been
Hear me tell you I forgive
You're not guilty anymore
You're not filthy anymore
I love you, mercy is yours
You're not broken anymore
You're not captive anymore
I love you, mercy is yours
Can you believe that this is true?
Grace abundant I am giving you
Cleansing deeper than you know
All was paid for long ago
There is now
Therefore no condemnation
For those who are in Jesus
You're not guilty anymore
You're not filthy anymore
I love you, mercy is yours
You're not broken anymore
You're not captive anymore
I love you, mercy us yours
You are spotless
You are holy
You are faultless
You are whole
You are righteous
You are blameless
You are pardoned
You are mine
Not Guilty by Mandisa (YouTube)
I stand accused
There's a list a mile long
Of all my sins
Of everything that I've done wrong
I'm so ashamed
There's nowhere left for me to hide
This is the day
I must answer for my life
My fate is in the Judge's hands
But then He turns to me and says
I know you
I love you
I gave My life to save you
Love paid the price for mercy
My verdict not guilty
How can it be?
I can't begin to comprehend
What kind of grace
Would take the place of all my sin?
I stand in awe
Now that I have been set free
And the tears well up as I look at the cross
'Cause it should have been me
My fate was in the nail scarred hands
He stretched them out for me and said
I know you
I love you
I gave My life to save you
Love paid the price for mercy
My verdict not guilty
I'm falling on my knees to thank You
With everything I am I'll praise. You
So grateful for the words I heard You say
I know you
I love you
I gave My life to save you
Love paid the price for mercy
My verdict not guilty
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