Word for the day: "Restored"

Psalms 51:11 (NIV) Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.¹² Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.¹³ Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you.As this week begins many live in depression, discouragement, and defeat because of un-confessed sin. The consequences of wrong choices reverberate in their lives and burden them (us) like a nightmare in a dream. Even if we know God’s willingness to forgive, many of us find reasons that God could never use us for service.However, biblical characters emerge from the pages of Scripture not only with their successes but also with their failures. We are surprised to see that God uses such imperfect people. God takes people who have committed great sins and restores them. Be encouraged as you read about the repentance and restoration of one of the greatest heroes in the Bible, King David, the “man after God’s own heart.”We often think of David’s great sin of adultery with Bathsheba (II Samuel 11). However, we have seen that he not only committed adultery but also plotted to make sure that Uriah her husband would be killed. David confessed his sin, received forgiveness from God, and knew God could still use his life. After we have confessed a sin, we must also know and have the faith that “He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9 NASB)David expected not only to be restored but also to be a useful servant of the Lord in the future. Is there something you have held back from doing because of past sin or un-confessed sin in your life? Will you ask God to restore the joy of your salvation, to allow you to praise Him, and to use you to reach others for Him? Write your request out to the Lord.So today proclaim with me: I’m Restored and I’ve been Rewarded, I’m Redeemed from guilt and shame, never rejected just reconnected now I’m exalted because I know His name. Restored and I believe in my heart, Restored the struggle is over, and I don’t care what people say. I’m Restored and healed in Jesus name, I’m redeemed, rededicated, rebuilt, renewed, relieved, reconnected, never rejected, and all because I know His name! Have great day and believe with me today you (we) are “Restored”!!!Elder Baker