Clean the slate, God, so we can start the day fresh! Keep me from stupid sins, from thinking I can take over your work; Then I can start this day sun-washed, scrubbed clean of the grime of sin. These are the words in my mouth; these are what I chew on and pray. Accept them when I place them on the morning altar, O God, my Altar-Rock, God, Priest-of-My-Altar.
Psalm 19: 12-14. The Message
Many of us remember chalkboards in school, and the large erasers which were used to clean those big expanses of green slate. It was always a good feeling when you entered a classroom and the slate was clean. Mentally, it told us students that today was a new day.
God’s forgiveness wipes the slate of our sins clean. They are no longer there! This complete cleaning of the ledger of our sins is something we cannot accomplish ourselves. However, God does it for us, and for all who accept the gift of forgiveness offered by His son, Jesus Christ.
I recently engaged in the very dirty job of painting my fence, with an oil-based sealant. I applied it with a roller, so the oil got on my hands, my glasses, my arms, my clothes, and my shoes. Removing all the soiled clothes and getting clean felt wonderful. The oil from that dirty job is now only a memory to me, and not a constant reminder on my skin.
That is how it is with forgiveness! God’s forgiveness washes away the grime of our sin. Relish and enjoy and treasure the precious and wonderful forgiveness of God! Because of Jesus’s love and redemption, we can know the absolute truth that we are forgiven of our sins! Hallelujah! and Amen.
Prayer
Forgiving Lord,
Thank You, Jesus, for us the ability to be clean spiritually every day. Your steadfast love never fails! We praise You for that incredible gift! Help us to remember Your faithfulness, and to dress ourselves daily in your Righteousness. We cannot offer you enough thanks for the cleansing power of Your sacrifice, which washes us clean. Yet we are eternally grateful. We pray this prayer in Your Holy name. Amen
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