ASCEND, Week 9. March 2, 2025. Psalm 130 NIV Out of the depths I cry to You, Lord; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If You, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with You there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve You. I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with Him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins. Psalm 131 NIV My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content. Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore. Romans 14:23 For whatever is not from faith is sin. Psalm 130:3 If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? John 1:29 Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! There is forgiveness with Jesus. Psalm 130:4 Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Hebrews 10:17 Their sins and lawless deeds I will remember no more. Your life is HIDDEN in Christ Jesus. (Colossians 3:3) There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. - Romans 8:1 Psalm 130:1 Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord. Romans 3:23 All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. We SEEK and in our SEEKING we find grace. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. Psalm 103:8 Ephesians 1:7-8 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence. Grace (NTCC Core Value) We find rest and joy in God’s unearned favor. “There is no pit so deep, that God’s love is not deeper still.” - Corrie Ten Boom Psalm 103:11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him. Psalm 130:4 There is forgiveness with You that You may be feared. Deuteronomy 6:13 You shall fear the Lord your God and serve Him. Matthew 4:10 Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ” Justified by faith in Christ. (Galatians 2:16) Made Just As If I’d Never Done It! “God shows this mercy, not that men may think lightly of sin, but that they may magnify His compassion, and pay Him the reverence due to His Name.” - Samuel Cox Psalm 103:1-5 Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Hope is a wholehearted, evidence-based conviction that God is making the future better than the past or present. Hebrews 12:28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God thru our Lord Jesus Christ. Humility. (NTCC Core Value) We carry the same attitude as Christ and embody a life of service. Humility is the soil in which contentment grows. A heart at rest is content with the PRESENCE of God. Matthew 11:28-29 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Reach out for grace. Feel the grace. See the grace. Share the grace. Rest in the grace.