Good morning, and a most blessed Thursday to you.

I am so excited for our devotion time this morning because we're here in the sanctuary. It's 7:00 a.m., and it is simply beautiful. The morning light is streaming through the stained-glass windows, the cross stands behind us, and this sanctuary is filled with such peace. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to have our devotion together in this beautiful place.

The other day, I was listening to the Gospel of Matthew, and I came to the sixth chapter where Jesus teaches the Lord's Prayer.

Something really struck me as I listened. In this translation, Jesus says,

"Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors."

Now, in my mind, I automatically pray,

"Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us."

But hearing the word "debts" made me stop and think.

What is it that we owe?

We are indebted because of our sin.

A debt is something we owe—something that stands against us.

There are so many people in our country, and throughout Western culture, who carry financial debt—credit cards, mortgages, student loans. For many, it feels like it will take a lifetime to pay those debts off.

Then consider the debt of our sin.

That is a debt we could never repay—not in a lifetime, not in eternity. It is a debt far beyond our ability to pay.

Then, as God so beautifully does, He brought me to Psalm 72:12–13:

"For he delivers the needy when they call, the poor and those who have no helper. He has pity on the weak and the needy and saves the lives of the needy."

Because of our sin, we are the poor and the needy. We are the ones who cannot pay our debt. So we cry out to the Lord for mercy. We ask Him to save us.

And what does He do?

He forgives us.

Our debt has been paid.

Our debt has been wiped away.

We no longer stand before God as debtors because Christ has paid the full price.

And He did not pay that price with silver or gold. He paid it with His own holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death.

Even more amazing, He doesn't ask us to repay Him.

Instead, He removes the debt from our account and clothes us in His righteousness, restoring us to a right relationship with God and with one another.

So this weekend, I encourage you to take a few moments to reflect on your own need before the Lord. Remember that apart from Him, we are poor and needy. But because of Christ, our debt has been paid, and we are rich beyond measure in His grace.

Then take another moment to pray that God would open your eyes to those around you who are carrying the heavy burden of sin and guilt—people who desperately need to hear the Good News that their debt has been wiped away through Christ alone.

And when God gives you that opportunity, share that wonderful news with them.

Let's pray.

Heavenly Lord, we thank You for this beautiful morning. We thank You for the sunlight streaming through these windows, reminding us of the light of Your grace that shines into our lives.

Most of all, we thank You that our debt has been paid. It no longer hangs over us because of what Christ has done for us. In Him we are forgiven, set free, and made rich in Your love, Your mercy, and Your grace.

Open our eyes to see those who need to hear this Good News. Give us the courage to speak Your Word of truth and love, so that others may know the joy of forgiveness that is found in Christ alone.

Bless us and keep us today and always.

In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Have an amazing rest of your week. Enjoy the beautiful sunshine, and I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday as we gather together in this beautiful sanctuary to worship our Lord.

God bless.