forgiveness

I got this email today from www.dare2share.org and it goes along with what i said on friday at Youth Group. God had really put on my heart that many of us live life full of guilt and shame and we often try to fix ourselves. The email talked about forgiveness from God. It begins discussing the new Lincoln Park CD, this cd contains a song which uses the phrase I've forgiven what I've done. This seem to be the popular catch phrase forgive yourself. Well this little email goes on to explain that true fogiveness comes from God ALONE through Jesus Christ.
a quote from the email... "The Bible promises something that no amount of wishful thinking, therapy, or self-slate cleaning can provide- *True* forgiveness. Why? Because in one single solitary act, Jesus Christ - the God-Man who never sinned, spilled His precious blood on the hill called the Skull as a sacrifice for every sin of every person in the past, present, and future. When Christ breathed His last breath on the cross, legitimate forgiveness instantly became available for all of humanity. How do I know? Because before His life expired, Jesus shouted the truest words of mercy in the universe: It. Is. Finished!!! "

The feeling that comes with true forgiveness is like no other in the universe. It's a feeling of freedom, release, and hope for the future all rolled into one. Check out these lyrics from a song called Forgiven by True Vibe-
Once I didn't know about You when I wondered where I'd go If I left this world behind, eohh When I trembled when I saw the destination of my soul And on bended knees I cried Then my inners eyes were opened then I saw my only hope is to Believe
You were sent to set me free And I am forgiven yes I know,
You are risen and opened up the door Into heaven,
I'm forgiven, ohh What a Lord You are,
A Savior full of mercy full of life Everlasting King of Kings,
eohh And what a price You paid To save the souls of those that took Your life
The very ones that You forgave With Your blood You washed me white as snow
And I don't worry where I'll go No power can separate me from Your love And I (am forgiven) I'm forgiven Yes I know oh yeah (You are risen) You are risen (and open up the door) Open up the door (into heaven) ohh yeah I'm forgiven Look down, look down, please look down on me Jesus I want to thank You and praise Your holy name (praise Your holy name) I look up, look up, up into the heaven, (oohhhh) And I know that's where I'm goin one day Cause I am forgiven, yes I know You are risen (and open up the door) Into heaven (heaven), I'm forgiven, eohh ohh.. ohh.. ohh... ooo Yes I know (I am forgiven) ohh (yes I know) I know (I am forgiven) (I know) I know I can face tomorrow (I am forgiven) because you live (yes I know) I know I can face my sorrows (I am forgiven) Because of that love you've give yeah (I know) Sweet Jesus (I am forgiven) gave His love to me, Sweet Jesus (I am forgven) died and set me free (I know) woah ohh (I am forgiven, yes I know) ohh... noh... (I am forgiven)
Check out this whole story on http://www.dare2share.org/students/linkin-park-and-our-need-for-forgiveness

I love that I'm forgiven because He was forsaken.
I'm going to Mississippi on Sunday, there are 6 from my church and 22 from another church going. We will be helping with construction and cleanup in Waveland, MS which was destryed by Katrina 2 years ago and are just now beginnning to rebuild. I'm very excited to see how God can and will use us to reach people with the love of Jesus Christ. Ill tell you how it goes when i return. much love..