don't apologize

Lately I've been struggling with guilt about my new life. I feel guilty especially for getting to stay home with Crawford full-time. This is something I've dreamt of doing my entire life, and David and I made saving for it a priority since we got married. Even still, I feel guilty.

Kevin Bryant told me recently (in a pretty stern voice), "Do not apologize for God's blessings." I've been noodling on that sentiment for a few weeks now, and the Lord has really used it in my own life and to minister to others. I think the devil uses our guilt as a tool to steal our joy and God's glory in times of celebration. The guilt I feel is just a ploy to distract me from the truth of this verse I recently read while studying the book of James:

"Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise." James 5:13b

Praise the Lord that in seasons of blessing, we should receive those blessings with open arms, give the glory to God and sing praise!

sacrifice no more

As I've been reading through my reading plan on YouVersion, I stumbled across the most astounding (yet elementary/foundational to our faith) truth. Each day I have a reading from the Old Testament, Psalms or Proverbs and New Testament. I just started Leviticus and Acts, and the parallels are amazing. You read in Leviticus about the detailed laws for burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, guilt offerings and on and on... and then...

Acts 2:22-24
22 "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know—23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.

Jesus came and died to take the place of every offering we have ever and will EVER need to approach the throne of grace with confidence! He saved us then, and he continues to make atonement for us every time we need forgiveness. Praise the Lord!