2 Timothy 1:9 - God Has Saved Us and Called Us to a Holy Life

Because I wasn't sure where to start, I got a little help with today's Bible verse:

God has saved us and called us to a holy life -- not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.

-2 Timothy 1:9 (NIV)

"Before the beginning of time." That's a tall order. Can you imagine? Long before we were even conceived, God was drawing blueprints for us! I used to think that it was impossible to walk with God, because you had to be like him...and we were so far off the scale that we could never be like him, so what was the use in trying? I'm no seasoned pastor. I'm not even trained in the Word of God. I, just like anyone who wants to learn to walk with their savior, am simply praying and asking for guidance. I just want to do the right thing. I think when we try to act like God, we're going to fall off the wagon now and then. We're inherently sinners and there's nothing we can do about it. I, for one, am glad that I'm not a saint. It's okay to fall off the wagon. It's okay to make mistakes. When we believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins, and when we are truly sorry for what we have done and make a valiant effort never to do it again, God forgives and forgets. I'll give ya that one mo' 'gain. He forgives and forgets. That means he doesn't remember what the heck you're talking about when you bring it up again, so what's the point in continuing to feel guilty? Let it go. Problem is, when we say we're sorry, we have to really mean it. Think about it. If your significant other cheated on you and said they were sorry, they'd never do it again, and begged your forgiveness, would you take them back? Let's say you would, for the sake of argument. And if they just kept cheating...you'd be like, "Yeah, right. I've heard this one before. Who's to say you're not just going to do it again? Why is now different from last time?" We're permitted by God to make the same mistakes now and then because he knows we're not perfect...but taking advantage of his grace is a different story. When you say you're sorry and you won't do it again, you need to mean it. Even if people won't forgive you, take comfort in the fact that God already has. Even if they say they've forgiven you but can't let go of their anger...don't let guilt eat you alive. God's mercies are new every morning, and you deserve them because he loves you. Sweet, right?