I’m notorious for clicking the “I have read the user agreement and terms” button prior to even opening the document. Honestly, it’s just pages upon pages of legalize that I barely understand so I just scan it to ensure there aren't any hidden charges. Sometimes it’s just too much to read. Many times I just want to access the program or utilize the software. The only time I seek to reference the user agreement and terms is when I experience an issue. I reference that document quick when I encounter trouble.
Sometimes we neglect to read our salvation “user agreement and terms.” We don’t read the "fine print" and in doing so we fail to fully realize the benefits of our agreement. There is a wealth of valuable insight and wisdom within the Bible, but it’s an extensive book that can be quite intimidating. We want to access the life Jesus purchased for us and utilize the gifts that He affords us, but sometimes we only reference His word when we’re in trouble.
Imagine how different your life would be if you actually read the “user agreement and terms” and committed that knowledge to heart. Read this. No…for real. Read it. I’ll wait. =)
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
who FORGIVES all your iniquity,
who HEALS all your diseases,
who REDEEMS your life from the pit,
who CROWNS you with steadfast love and mercy,
who SATISFIES you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Psalm 103:1-5 (ESV)
Did you read it? I hope so. Really think about it. When we refuse to read our agreement we carry more hurt, more pain, more regret, and more burdens than He ever intended for us to carry. When we choose to confess our sins God is faithful and just to forgive us. We don't have to bear shame or regret. We don't have to walk around filled with condemnation. He forgives us. He is our Healer. He is our Redeemer. Sometimes we allow ourselves to be thrown into a pit and other times we dig it for ourselves, but either way He pulls us out of our mess. He encircles us with love and He's willing to start over with us every single day. He renews our strength and satisfies us with good things. That’s good stuff. And, there's more...so much more found in His Word.
So, today spend some time reading your salvation “user agreement and terms.” Take some time and meditate on the “fine print.” God saw so much value, worth, purpose, and potential in us that He traded Jesus for us. Yes...Jesus. That's amazing. He chose us, pursued us, and drew us into a relationship with Him for a purpose. Read the terms of your salvation. Spend time getting to know God and understanding His promises. Commit those promises to heart. What you don’t know CAN hurt you.
Ashley Ivery is a single mother of two brilliant children, Aiden and Devyn, with an overwhelming desire to empower women and help them to realize the importance of a relationship with God. Through her writing she hopes to encourage women to claim their strength and value in Christ. Ashley serves as the Residential Listing Partner for Team Harris Real Estate. She graduated from Fayetteville State University in 2012 with a BS in Psychology. Her motto is: "Be Authentic. Live Honestly. Dispel Light."
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