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Friday, February 26, 2021

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Ezekiel 18:21-28
Psalm 130:1-8
Matthew 5:20-26

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forget-me-not?

“None of the crimes he committed shall be remembered against him.” —Ezekiel 18:22

Many elderly people can’t remember what they ate for lunch, but can remember what happened in the 1950s. Yet in a figurative way, the Bible speaks of God as being just the opposite. If we change our ways, we can make God forget the past. “If the wicked man turns away from all the sins he committed...none of the crimes he committed shall be remembered against him” (Ez 18:21-22). We can sin seriously and repeatedly for years, but when we repent God forgets all those sins, even if we and others refuse to forget them (see also Ps 103:12; 130:3-4).
Yet on the other hand, we can live a righteous life for years, and the Lord can forget that also. “If the virtuous man turns from the path of virtue to do evil...none of his virtuous deeds shall be remembered” (Ez 18:24).
Let’s repent of sin and persevere in virtue so God will forget the bad and remember the good. God’s Word promises: He “will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him by your service, past and present, to His holy people” (Heb 6:10). Even if a mother should forget the child in her womb, your heavenly Father will never forget you (Is 49:15).

Prayer:  Father, I repent of sin that causes spiritual amnesia. May the Spirit remind me and restore my memory (Jn 14:26).

Promise:  “If you bring your gift to the altar and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift at the altar, go first to be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” —Mt 5:23-24

Praise:  Frequent Confession helps reduce and eliminate William’s sins. It also increases his love for Jesus, his Savior.

Reference:  (Repent and persevere by reading God’s Word. For an introduction on Overview of the Bible, order, listen to, or download our series starting with CD 10A-1 or DVD 10A on our website.)

Rescript:  "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for One Bread, One Body covering the period from February 1, 2021 through March 31, 2021. Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio March 31, 2020"

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.