Three key words to make part of your journal experience this lesson: · Acknowledge that sin has had devastating effects in your own life, family, and world. · Confess any known sins in your present life—and forsake them at once. · Praise God for past and present forgiveness for sin and for cleansing your heart.

As I look at this list of things in regard to sin, I am most intrigued by the last one. It seems easy to acknowledge the problems we have in our lives, the sin that so easily entangles. It seems easy to confess that to God. I think we run into issues with forsaking our sin and praising God for his forgiveness. I think often the Devil creeps into our lives, with his lies and deception that makes us think that we are not truly forgiven. We have to continue to hold to the precious blood of Jesus Christ, the blood that makes us whole. We can never let go of the great thing that Jesus has done on our behalf in extending his great mercy towards us.