We have been blessed to see another year, so let’s take full advantage of the opportunity. How do we do this? By realizing we have value in the eyes of God. Jesus came to save us because we were broken by sin. We have all fallen short of the glory of God, and needed help to change our lives. In John 8:1-11 is the the story of a woman that committed adultery and was brought to Jesus. When the scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus “the law of Moses says we are to stone her, but what do you say?” At this point can you imagine how this woman is feeling? Everybody that is there with Jesus knows what this woman has done, and she feels worthless and humiliated. The men that brought her to Jesus don’t care how she feels, because she is just a pawn in the game they are playing. They want to discredit His ministry. Jesus stands up and says “let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her”. They all left because none of them were sinless. Jesus is all about preserving life.  That’s why He came, because left on our own we would destroy one another.

Now Jesus begins a dialogue with the woman by first asking her “where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied “no one sir”, Jesus says “neither do I condemn you. Go your way, and from now on do not sin again.” Jesus was letting her know you have value, because you are getting another chance. We can’t get it twisted, Jesus was not pleased with her actions, that’s why He said “do not sin again”. Jesus wanted her to move forward in life growing in value by not letting sin devalue her. When she was able to walk away from this situation, she realized the power of God’s love.

You have to take full advantage of the opportunity of life, because you have value. I know you are not perfect, but you have a life to live for the one that gave His all to save you. Stop allowing yesterday’s mistake dictate your today. Let me explain, it doesn’t  matter what you did wrong before, live right today. Allowing God to use you in however He sees fit, because there is always a lesson to be learned. Those people around you that may know about your pass have one of their own, because all have sinned. Lift up your head and move forward, and remind yourself “I have value”. Hallelujah!