I love this time of the year. One of my favorite things to do with my dad, as a kid, was to take the tractor out into the field to remove the stones prior to planting. We did this to spare the planter and ensure that the seed would make it into the ground. As we did this we dreamed of a great harvest.

During my time at ARC, I tried my best to remove stones and plant seeds of faith in the heart of the youth that will produce a great harvest in years to come. Below are the top ten seeds I tried to plant. I pray they fall on good soil and produce much fruit.

This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (John 15:8)

1. GOD IS LOVE! GOD IS SPIRIT. WE MUST WORSHIP HIM IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH.
2. GOD DESIRES AN INTIMATE SPIRITUAL RELATIONSHIP, NOT RELIGION.
3. RIGHT NOW I LIVE IN A FALLEN UNIVERSE THEREFORE I WILL FACE CHALLENGES IN THIS LIFE, BUT THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST WILL GUIDE ME THROUGH EACH CHALLENGE AND GIVE ME PEACE.
4. THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST LIVES IN ME AND GUIDES ME BY MY CONSCIENCE AND SMALL, SUBTLE PROMPTINGS. I NEED TO LEARN THESE PROMPTINGS.
5. GOD IS MAKING ALL THINGS NEW.
6. NEW CREATION-ME!
7. NEW HEAVEN
8. NEW EARTH
9. JESUS IS ASKING ME TO HELP HIM RENEW ALL THINGS.
10. THE BIBLE IS A LOVE LETTER FROM GOD AND AN INSTRUCTION MANUAL ABOUT HOW ALL THINGS WILL BE RENEWED.
11. THIS LIFE IS A 70-YEAR APPRENTICESHIP FOR MY ETERNAL LIFE IN THE NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH.
12. JESUS PROMISED ME I WILL BE REWARDED IN THE NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH FOR ALL MY LABORS OF LOVE IN THIS LIFE.
13. MY ETERNAL JOURNEY BEGINS TODAY. IF I FOLLOW JESUS IT WILL ALL BE WORTH IT WHEN HE RETURNS. HE IS THE KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. LOVE NEVER FAILS!

Jesus, who is the promised Seed, tells us in John 15:5 that we must remain in him to bear much fruit and apart from him we can do nothing. The greatest stone in the Church today is ignorance of the Holy Spirit. We are able to honor Jesus well as he was visible in the past and somewhat tangible. However, the Spirit is ever present, invisible. God desires that we fully know and love him in the fullness of his Trinity.

As I sit here to write my final article to you, my beloved ARC brothers and sisters in Christ, it is raining. Praise God! Without rain nothing can grow. What a humbling fact. Ultimately any success in farming comes from above. It is by His grace that He brought the rain. I pray the Holy Spirit may continue to rain from the Heavens to make these seeds grow.

Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop–a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. (Mat 13:8)

The humbling truth within the Parable of the Sower is that Jesus has done His work. He already poured out His grace and Spirit. He said, “It is finished” (John 19:30). The harvest is now dependent on our effort to remove any additional stones and weeds in our lives. Thus we can fully receive Him by faith. I pray that all of the spiritual farmers in the church will do everything in their power now to remove weeds and provide a soil that the Seed can grow well in. The most abundant weed is fear. Trusting the Holy Spirit is scary because he is invisible and we are not in control. This is what true faith is (Heb 11:1). We need to let go and let him take control.

I thank you all, from the bottom of my heart, for the time I had to serve you all at ARC. I am grateful for your love and partnership in the Gospel.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Co 13:14)

Andy Anderson

Earlier this week my attention was captured by the events in Baltimore. As I’m sure you are aware, there has been a violent reaction to Freddie Gray’s death at the hands of the police, and the entire city has been in a state of emergency. It was inspiring to see a united clergy marching through the city streets to bring about peace. They courageously positioned themselves between the police and the rioters as a calming influence. I believe they did exactly what Jesus would have done in that situation, and I believe the Lord was truly in their midst.

The third main heading in the RCA’s “Transformed and Transforming” vision statement is “Engaging in Christ’s Kingdom Mission,” and the fourth bullet point says, “promoting justice, compassion, and reconciliation.” Part of the way we present the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world is by being instruments of peace, by standing in the gap, by righting wrongs and bringing unity where there is division. In 2nd Corinthians chapter 5 Paul talks about “the ministry of reconciliation” we have as “ambassadors for Christ.” This includes reconciling people to God and to each other.

So how come so many of us think the gospel is only for our souls?

In other words, for many people all we do is pray a prayer of repentance, look on sadly as the world gradually gets worse and worse, and wait patiently for Jesus to return and fix things. When we fall into this trap of minimizing the gospel’s influence, we fail to allow Christ to transform our world here and now. What were Jesus’ first words during his ministry?

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19)

Now be honest…did you read that and immediately think mainly in figurative terms? Did you take the words “freedom”, “recovery”, and “set free” in a spiritual or a physical sense? Here is the point we can’t miss… JESUS MEANT THEM IN BOTH WAYS! The creation and the spiritual realm are intertwined more than we know. Jesus is bringing JUSTICE here and now, not just at the final judgment. COMPASSION means loving people in both word and deed. RECONCILIATION does not have to wait until the end of time.

Let’s take this one step further. Someone reading this is saying, “Amen, I believe the gospel can not only transform individual lives, but the whole world.” But do we really believe that? David Bast, President of Words of Hope, made a comment last weekend that “the only hope for the Middle East is for the Muslims and the Jews to both be transformed through belief in Jesus Christ.” I have to confess that a part of me was skeptical that such a thing could ever happen. So I am just as guilty as anyone else of limiting the power of the gospel. We all can grow in our belief of the transformative power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Try this exercise…Take a moment and think of the most impossibly broken situation you can imagine…inner-city Baltimore, the Middle East, a crumbling marriage, an abusive relationship, a severe addiction, or maybe even your own life. Which one captures your imagination? What would it look like for justice, compassion, and reconciliation to happen in that context? Now GO and stand in the middle of that place armed only with the gospel of Jesus Christ, trusting that the gospel has the power to transform lives…and let’s see what happens next…

Cory Grimm

For many years I have had a friend that has tried to convince me to get a tattoo. She has a beautiful flower tattooed on her leg, and brainstorms what image would be best for me. I am pretty sure that she knows her appeals are hopeless and I do not want anyone carving on my body, but tattoos do intrigue me. Whether it be a Chinese symbol, a pretty butterfly, or skull and crossbones, my eyes can’t help but wander to the place of ink. I can hear my mother’s voice in my childhood ear, “don’t stare”, but I just can’t help it. Part of me feels like I am being rude and shouldn’t be caught looking, but another part feels like that’s the whole point. On one hand a tattoo seems like a very personal, private, intimate decision, but then again didn’t the person want it to be a public spectacle.

It also baffles me why a person would willingly put themselves through the pain of getting a tattoo. However, in some cases maybe the pain of the procedure is minimal in comparison to the event that the tattoo memorializes. Some people get inked on the spur of the moment (and regret their decision for a lifetime), while others agonize over the perfect design and just the right placement. Some people describe their tats as pieces of art, while others see them as disgusting and trashy. For some it is a rite of passage and for others a means to remember. The names of two children that she has buried are not only etched in the memory of my sister, but also on her shoulder. She doesn’t want others to forget either.

Whether your body is covered with ink, you have a symbol that few people will ever see, or you have vowed to never be touched by a tattoo artist’s equipment, you are the object of a tattoo; you are someone else’s inspiration. Someone loves you so much that your name is permanently placed on their skin. Isaiah 49:16 says “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” Isn’t that cool? And what is the purpose behind this mark? Verse 15 says “I will never forget you!” God does not merely have a picture of you that he keeps on a shelf, or your name written in the clouds that he can look at once in a while, no, you are affixed to his hands… always in his sight, always before him, never put aside. He is constantly mindful of you and will never forget you! And this mark is certainly not written in some cheap, liquid pigment that runs and fades over time, but with the pure and precious blood of Jesus!

There are times in my life when I have forgotten about God; times when I have turned my back on him and didn’t care too much about what he had to say; times when it felt like God had forgotten me. But He assures us that this is not so. Before we are given the visual of being tattooed on our Lord, verse 15 tells us that even if a mother could possible forget the baby at her breast, God could never forget us. No matter what comes our way God will be with us. Even if his presence is hidden behind the veil of pain and tragedy, his promises are true.

Jesus speaks in John 10:28 and says, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of my hand.” Being in God’s hand is a wonderful comfort to me. His hand is mighty to save, upholds me and strengthens me. He’s got the whole world in his hands.

Erin Jacobsma

“An Appeal to Immigrants”

If you were not born in this country, I’m so glad you are here now! Why? God has called you to come and teach me something I am missing…something about His character…something about how to live and love more like Jesus.

Migration is a huge reality in our current age. Not only is the global population exploding in numbers, but we are on the move like never before. Transportation, communication, legislation and education have all changed drastically, facilitating this modern exodus. As a follower of Jesus I deeply appreciate this phenomenon as I see God’s prophetic design at work in powerful ways. He planned this from the beginning, and He will change the world and each of us through the process. Here are some verses from Genesis that share God’s plan, as well as how it is being fulfilled through Jesus…

Gen. 1:22,28 God commanded Adam and Eve to “be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth.”

Gen. 9:1,7 God repeated the command to Noah and his family after the flood.

Gen. 11 Tower of Babel…when the people stayed in one place, God gave them different languages and spread them around the world.

Gen. 17 God chose Abraham’s descendants, but promised to bless all the nations through him.

Mark 11:17 Jesus rebuked the people for keeping God to themselves and declared that the Jewish temple was intended to be a “house of prayer for all the nations.” (quote of Isaiah 56:7)

Matt. 28:19-20 The Great Commission. Jesus commanded his disciples to go into all the world and teach all people to follow Him.

Acts 10 Peter had a vision about all people becoming clean before God through Christ…He then began the process of reuniting the Jews with the Gentiles (all other people).

Rev. 5 A beautiful picture of all nations, tribes, peoples, and languages worshipping in unity.

What is God up to in all of this?

1. God intentionally spread people around the globe in order to uniquely reveal various aspects of His character to each people group. One group of people sees God’s order in creation. Another group experiences the spirit realm through dance/worship. Another is strong in family dynamics, etc…
2. Though each people group knows something unique about God, no one can know Him fully except through Jesus Christ, His son. “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) God’s revelation of character to the people prepared them for the full truth.
3. With Jesus as our connecting point, God intends to unite people across cultural, racial, physical, and economical barriers and make Himself known to us through the shared wisdom of diverse relationships, if we are flexible and spiritually curious enough to submit to His amazing plan.

The bottom line is this. If you grew up in a different culture than me, you and I can teach each other something about God, and we should deeply hunger for that knowledge of our loving Father. So I’m appealing to all immigrants…come and find me and give me your message from God. I’m waiting.

Cory Grimm

The Bible teaches us a lot through paradigms. A paradigm is a specific way of thinking. We are supposed to use our imagination and enter into this way of thinking when it is presented in the scriptures. All throughout the Word the “bridal” paradigm is highlighted.

John the Baptist understood this paradigm found in Old Testament prophesies. Look at how he addressed himself to Jesus in John (3:29): The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. He calls the church the bride, Jesus the bridegroom, and himself a friend of the bridegroom.

John the Beloved disciple of Jesus also understood this. Look at how he addressed the church in the book of Revelation. Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb! (Rev 19:9)

I believe the bridal paradigm is one of the most important paradigms in the Bible. In the beginning of the book of Revelation it says we will receive an extra blessing for taking it to heart…blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it. (Rev 1:1,3) It is also the last paradigm mentioned in the scriptures.

The First and Great Commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. In the context of a human relationship this level of intimacy that God desires of us comes within a marriage relationship. Being male, this paradigm was a stretch for me until I got married. Now I have a better understanding of it based on experience.

When I met Kate a whole new level of love came into my heart. This love was different than the love I previously experienced from my friends and family. This love was very fulfilling, protective, and sacrificial. There was something about being with Kate that made me feel more complete. I knew I needed to spend the rest of my life with her and would be willing to give up everything to be with her.

When I finally understood this paradigm of love, I also truly understood Easter. The cross no longer just meant cleansing me of all my dirty sins and giving me a chance for eternity. The cross now means there is someone who loves me so much that He wants to spend the rest of His life with me. He is willing to look past my imperfections and give up everything for me.

As I meditate on the cross and this form of love it transforms my heart. I see a God that is head over heels wildly in love with me. I remember the “engagement days” when I was lovesick for Kate. To think that right now Jesus is lovesick for me overwhelms me.

Do you understand how much Jesus loves you? Do you know He is lovesick for you? Do you know He wants to spend the rest of His life (eternity) with you? His love is so intense that He was willing to give up everything, even His own life, just for you.

I pray you may know the depths and riches of his love.

Grace and Peace, Andy Anderson

Several years ago I had a man reach out to me to help his daughter buy a house. While looking for a house, I could tell by his actions and attention to each detail the great love he had for his daughter. In the process, he would check everything imaginable to be sure the house would be a good fit. Was it in a safe neighborhood; were the windows good; was the furnace in working order; was it built by a reputable contractor; was the bank treating her fairly; how could she finish the basement in the future; was she getting the best price for the house? All these details seem somewhat small, but together they add up to something big and he wanted to be sure his daughter was protected, secure and could make it her home. All of these actions were done out of his love for her and helping her get to the point of finally opening the door to her first home.

About a year ago this man called me again. He shared that his daughter was going through some struggles and decided she should sell her house for a fresh start. He asked me if I could help them through this challenging time. When I explained I no longer had my real estate license and I would not be able to help them this time, I could hear the disappointment in his voice. I was able to give some advice and a few names of people that I trusted to help them. A few months later, he shared with me that they were able to get the house sold and how his daughter was able to have a fresh start. He was so happy and through our conversation I could once again see the great love he had for his daughter.

This is just a small example of the love our Heavenly Father has for us. Our Father inspects each step of our life and guides us in a way that keeps us out of harm’s way. At times, we stumble and get ourselves into situations that can be hurtful, agonizing and leave us calling out in our pain.

I was reflecting on Psalm 107 this week. This psalm was written to celebrate the Jews’ return from their exile in Babylon. As I was reading the text and the struggles they had endured, one statement was repeated several times and it caught my attention. “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble” (vs. 6, 13, 19 & 28) After each of these phrases it goes on to tell us what God’s action of love was -“delivered them,” “saved them,” “rescued them,” and “brought them out of their distress.”

Jesus’ disciple, John reminds us of God’s great love for us in 1 John 3:1 “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” I love the word lavished used in this text. According to Webster’s Dictionary, lavish is defined as “expended or produced in abundance; marked by profusion or excess.” As a believer, you are God’s child and His love for you is abundant!

This week we are, yet again, reminded of the abundant love of our Father. When we cry out to Him, He is faithful to deliver, save and rescue us. No matter how far we’ve fallen, we can receive God’s free gift of forgiveness and begin a new life. God knew we could never keep His commands perfectly, so He sent His Son not only to be a perfect example, but as a sacrifice to save us all. He sent His Son to die a horrible death on the cross to ultimately give us life; life with our Father.

What an amazing gift to be called children of God.

Becky Ossefoort

Last Thursday I was telling Vicki about a situation when I felt I was treated unfairly (sorry, I can’t tell you). Just so happens Vicki had the same thing happen to her, she also had been treated unfairly. Sunday, one of our sons argued that we treated him unfairly. This past Monday night I was talking to a young man who is being treated unfairly; he is being bullied. Tuesday night our Journey group met and we were reflecting on our past, some shared experiences of things in their past that were unfair. And wouldn’t you know it, Wednesday night I learned about another man who had been treated unfairly. And as I was thinking about people who have been treated unfairly, the Spirit brought to mind some of the times when I treated people unfairly.

Much of our journey through life is filled with circumstances that were, or are, unfair. But probably none more unfair than a situation I’ve benefited greatly from. The story is told in Isaiah 53; from The Message paraphrase, it goes like this:

¹Who believes what we’ve heard and seen? Who would have thought God’s saving power would look like this?

^2-6 The servant grew up before God—a scrawny seedling, a scrubby plant in a parched field. There was nothing attractive about him, nothing to cause us to take a second look. He was looked down on and passed over, a man who suffered, who knew pain firsthand. One look at him and people turned away. We looked down on him, thought he was scum. But the fact is, it was our pains he carried—our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us. We thought he brought it on himself, that God was punishing him for his own failures. But it was our sins that did that to him, that ripped and tore and crushed him—our sins! He took the punishment, and that made us whole. Through his bruises we get healed. We’re all like sheep who’ve wandered off and gotten lost. We’ve all done our own thing, gone our own way. And God has piled all our sins, everything we’ve done wrong, on him, on him [How is that fair?].

^7-9 He was beaten, he was tortured, but he didn’t say a word. Like a lamb taken to be slaughtered and like a sheep being sheared, he took it all in silence. Justice miscarried, and he was led off—and did anyone really know what was happening? He died without a thought for his own welfare, beaten bloody for the sins of my people. They buried him with the wicked, threw him in a grave with a rich man, even though he’d never hurt a soul or said one word that wasn’t true.

¹⁰ Still, it’s what God had in mind all along, to crush him with pain. The plan was that he give himself as an offering for sin so that he’d see life come from it—life, life, and more life. And God’s plan will deeply prosper through him. ^11-12 Out of that terrible travail of soul, he’ll see that it’s worth it and be glad he did it. Through what he experienced, my righteous one, my servant, will make many “righteous ones,” as he himself carries the burden of their sins. Therefore I’ll reward him extravagantly—the best of everything, the highest honors—Because he looked death in the face and didn’t flinch, because he embraced the company of the lowest. He took on his own shoulders the sin of the many, he took up the cause of all the black sheep [How unfair!].

May God’s grace be sufficient for you when treated unfairly, and please forgive me if I have treated you unfairly. In the mean time, may we meditate in quiet wonder this week of what the Father considered fair treatment for our sins.

Forgiven and healed,

Mike Altena

How to Do Life-Changing, God-Honoring, Effective, Short-Term Mission Work

Obviously the “Not So With You” section of the Archive does not provide enough space to tackle all the questions assumed in the title of this article, but this is really an invitation to wrestle with God’s call on our life as a church to “Go into all the world.” How do we do that well, especially with regard to short-term mission trips?

There is a growing skepticism about the legitimacy of American Christians invading developing countries for the purpose of short-term missions:

The “mission trip model“ has been praised for the individuals willing to sacrifice their time and money for impoverished communities, doing as Christ would. However, without knowledge of language, local culture, societal nuances, and the economic framework of the community, this type of “voluntourism” is sometimes wasteful at best and possibly destructive to the community at worst. (“Voluntourism: More Harm than Good” by Heather Ruiz)

However, with a proper approach I believe short-term missions can be done well, and our denomination lays out the following values to help us measure our effectiveness:

1. Holistic Mission – Applying the gospel to every facet of life, not just personal faith
2. Mission Partnerships – Partnering with indigenous leaders and organizations
3. Long-term Commitments – Creating deep relationships that build trust over time
4. Mutual Mission – Giving and receiving, teaching and learning, sharing and listening
5. Respectful Witness – As Jesus lovingly came into the world as a humble servant, so we engage another culture with deep humility and respect. (To see these values in more detail go to https://www2.rca.org/missionprinciples )

Most of you are somewhat aware of the work of Haitian International Missions, which is essentially a branch of American Reformed Church. The goal of this project is to partner with dynamic Haitian Christians to change the world for Christ. In 2015 we want to invite you to engage in this mission in the following ways:

1. Continue to support the children of the deaf & disabled school. All of the children on the roll are currently sponsored. Praise God!
2. Scouting Mission Trip (June 3-10) – Cory, Lynn, and “flower” George will visit Haiti and lay the groundwork for ARC mission teams to be able to visit on a regular basis.
3. Zacharie Dieuvueille (HIM director) will visit Luverne (mid-June to mid-August) – Be prepared to welcome this inspiring man as he will share with us at church, small groups, etc…
4. Mission Trip (November 11-17, tentatively) – Approximately 10-12 people from ARC will travel to Haiti to support the work of H.I.M.

More details will be made available soon about how to support and/or participate in all of these opportunities, but for now I invite you to pray and dream about how our church could be impacted by God through a long-term, healthy and responsible collaboration with the people of Haiti. I truly believe such a partnership would not only benefit the people there, but would lead to many changed lives and greater missional impact here in Luverne.

Bondye beni nou! (God bless you)   Cory Grimm

Several years ago, I was feeling certain that my time of public singing had come to an end, but I kept coming across Bible verses that said “sing a new song.” The Psalms are filled with this phrase and it left me puzzled as to how I was supposed to sing a new song if I wasn’t supposed to sing. That was when I published my first Archive article and I discovered that writing could be my “new song”. I always enjoyed writing when I was in school, IF I could decide on a topic. If a teacher’s assignment had a specific theme or goal I was fine, but when we were instructed to “be creative” I would have a severe case of writer’s block.

As my pencil was hovering over a piece of paper trying to compose some meaningful words for this week’s Archive, that writer’s block returned. There were several ideas floating around in my head, but none of them seemed to come together. When my dear husband questioned what I was working on and I shared my frustrations about having nothing ready to print and a deadline was fast approaching, in his infinite wisdom, he said, “Just leave the page blank and sign my name at the bottom.” My initial response was to chuckle at the absurd idea and to share my concern over the future of my employment, but then it got me thinking. He shared how sometimes as Christians we do too much striving. We add more and more to our plate when in reality what we need is to just be still in the presence of the Lord. Those words were an echo of what I had been feeling convicted of by the Holy Spirit over and over again. I have heard the Spirit say, “you don’t need to go to a conference about prayer, you just need to get on your knees and pray”, “you don’t need to read a book about discerning God’s will, you just need to spend time listening for the voice of God”, “when someone is thirsty, they don’t read a book about water, they go and get a drink”.

Over the last several months, I have been meeting together with a group of women from area Reformed churches to study the life of Moses and share about our experiences in ministry. Through the book, “Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership” we have learned about the practice of paying attention, living within our limits, and the spiritual rhythms that we must engage. Our times together have been rich. My struggle is putting into practice on a daily or at least a regular basis the things that I have learned and not just move on to another good book. As James says, I should not deceive myself and merely listen to the word, I need to do what it says. I need to spend time hanging out with God if I want to be transformed.

The author, Ruth Haley Barton, concludes her book with these words, and reflects my own heart as well, “Every time I read about Moses’ relationship with God I am filled with longing, and it is not the longing to get somewhere—although there are always new places to get to. It is the longing to BE a certain kind of person. A person who knows God. A person who is faithful against all odds and does not shrink back. A person through whom God can perform whatever deeds need to be done—mighty or otherwise—but also a person who can be just as content settling down beside a well or sitting on the side of a mountain in God’s presence. Someone whose face shines because she has been talking to God. Someone whose every move is a result of an attempt to listen to God and then do what he says. Someone who, when God says, “It’s time to let go; it’s time for you to come home” easily lets go and rests in the arms of this One whom she has grown to love and trust with her very being.”

How about you? What kind of person are you longing to BE? Do you long for a better prayer life… then pray! Do you long for a more intimate relationship with Jesus… then sit at his feet! Do you hunger and thirst for righteousness… then feed yourself with the Bread of Life!

Erin Jacobsma

“There is a reason your windshield is bigger than your rearview mirror.” I heard this thought provoking comment on the radio while driving this week. As I continued my short journey down Blue Mound Avenue, I glanced in my mirror and wondered how much time I spend looking in the rearview mirror of my life. You see for many years, looking in that rearview mirror was all I was concerned about. I had many hurts, regrets, failures and mess-ups that I wanted so badly to go back and correct.

Thankfully, I don’t look in my rearview mirror as often as I used to. Several years ago I heard a couple words spoken through Pastor Dave that I so badly needed to hear. The words he used are words that I have heard since I was a child; simple words. They are words that are spoken throughout the Bible as a reminder to what Christ did for us when He laid down His life on the cross. Yet knowing and hearing this all my life, I was certain they didn’t apply to me or my sins. After all, how could He forgive me for what I had done?

I don’t recall the exact scripture from that day; though I am sure it had an impact on the wave of emotion and freedom I was experiencing. The only words I really needed to hear that day were, “You are forgiven. Get over it!”

Before hearing those simple words, I carried my sins with me like a backpack loaded down with heavy textbooks. Each morning I would wake up, put on my “confidence,” “success” and “you can’t hurt me with your judgments today” masks. I worked hard every day to prove that I was worthy of being forgiven so one day I would be as good as everyone else. Sure I had asked Jesus to forgive me, but I hadn’t come anywhere close to forgiving myself. I was standing in the way of experiencing God’s love, mercy and forgiveness.

“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8:12

“You are forgiven. Get over it!”

I’ll never forget those words or how I could feel the chains falling free from my arms. I no longer had to look in my rearview mirror and feel the heavy burdens of my past. Jesus took those burdens with Him to the grave and forgot about them. Even I was good enough for Him. Jesus loves me! And He loves you, my friend!

When I glance into that rearview mirror now, there is a sense of rejoicing. As the past fades in the distance, I can’t help but see where my Father in Heaven carried me, helped me grow and undoubtedly was always there journeying right beside me. He has used those times in my life to mold me into who He wants me to be. The windshield really is bigger, wider and clearer as I seek to serve Him as best I can each day. Sure, there will always be the occasional bug splat on that window, but my Father in Heaven is there to turn on the wipers and restore that streak free shine.

Do you carry your burdens around? Did you know that Jesus died for you so you wouldn’t have to carry them with you anymore? Yes, for you. Yes, even that sin. Jesus invites you to release yourself from it today. Toss it at the foot of the cross. Jesus died for you. You are good enough! You are forgiven!

Thank you Jesus, BeckyOssefoort