What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas...

 


A while back, the city of Las Vegas came out with an ad campaign that said, “What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas”.

In one commercial, a couple is standing at the front of a church.  She is obviously a bride, he is obviously a groom.  The minsters says, “If anyone present has reason to believe these two should not be wed, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.”  At which point the groom gets a look of panic, one of the bridesmaids looks furtively around the room, groomsmen eye each other questioningly, two parents cast a knowing sideways glace toward one another, the photographer lowers his camera and raises his eyebrows while the bride gives a cursory shake of her head, before looking directly at another bridesmaid who is smiling. All the while the minister gazes from person to person before finally saying, “Well, okay, moving on…”

The truth is A LOT of us have done things in our past that we’re not proud of – skeletons in our closet that might serve to shame us if those around us knew… But the fact is GOD DOES KNOW, and HE LOVES YOU ANYWAY.

If you are feeling guilt or shame over things you have done in your life, I urge you to consider these verses:

"Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” – Romans 10:11

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins, and purify us from all unrighteousness." – 1 John 1:9

“In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” - Ephesians 1:7

“All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”- Acts 10:43

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” - Romans 5:8

God says that just like the old, “What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas” commercial, what HAPPENED IN YOUR PAST STAYS IN YOUR PAST.  The blood of Jesus has washed you clean.  Therefore, whatever you’ve done, whatever you failed to do, the days when you were at your worst, and the ones that shame you – know now that He FORGIVES YOU and He wants you to know that HE LOVES YOU ANYWAY.

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