The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Psalm 51:17

When we read much of the Old Testament, we might

be tempted to think that all God wants is sacrifice, burnt offerings, and obedience. But if we read the Bible more carefully, we see that sacrifice, offerings, and obedience mean nothing without a humble, faith-filled heart.

God sees the sinful, diseased heart and offers the only

medicine which will make it whole. The broken and contrite heart is healed by God’s forgiveness through the once-and- for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We come to God in repentance and faith, and He welcomes

us gladly. Now, we bring the offering of a life lived as one of God’s created, redeemed, loved children. We seek to live as God’s people live rather than thinking our actions contribute to our salvation.

Prayer: Gracious God, draw me close to You, and heal me. Amen.

Reflect: Write down one of your sins. Ask God’s

forgiveness, rip up the paper, and toss it out.