“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.” Romans 8 v1-2 (NLT)

As a John Wayne fan, I find great comfort in this passage. Where my “True Grit” fails me, and most other men, I find peace in the Holy Spirit’s presence within me to lead me back to Jesus and His gift of salvation.

I am my worst critic; I save my harshest verbal retribution for myself.  I have mastered the inner voice that questions “when will I learn”, “why have I failed (again)”, “it’s time to give up” or many other such cries of frustration and anger at myself for “missing it” yet again.  Sometimes only minutes after I have asked God for forgiveness for a similar action.

I give thanks that I am re-born to a loving God that loves me despite my frequent errors.  He loves me without condemnation or without attack. He loves me as I step back into His arms and ask for forgiveness, again, again and again.

God’s knowledge of me is true.  I can hide nothing from Him.  My acts will not restore me to Him and I cannot possibly be holy enough or good enough to achieve God’s standard.  I am accepted into His grace through no act of my own.  I am restored through the salvation of Jesus Christ as my savior.  My salvation is secure since God sees me through the “Jesus lens” and I am made pure only through Him.

God, thank you for my faith in you.  Thank you for my life here on earth, my wife, my family and my chance to rest in your grace.