From The Inside Out | Jason Marvin | Cover

I grew up in a religious environment where holiness was reserved for those “hindi makabasag pinggan”. “Conduct” was part of the grading system in elementary so I strived to stay off the “noisy list” they write on blackboards. External behavior was everything. …until I grew up and my heart was revealed. Numbers 32:22-23 says that your hidden sin will “find you out and track you down”. I was at my lowest when I finally understood why it was called the “gospel” or “the good news” I knew the gospel in my head but it didn’t sink down into my heart (and I have to admit there are still days I struggle with its truths) My muscle memory is still on focused on external behavior. The religious spirit still tells me to “do this, don’t do that, clean yourself by your own good deeds”. But here comes Jesus presenting a totally different perspective. He says “come to me, I will be the one to clean you.” 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. And it’s true. I observed in my life (the past 2 years) that the moment I stopped focusing on the religious “to do list” and just spend time loving and worshipping God, I actually become more fruitful. (Loving, more joy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self-controlled). Still far from perfect. But slowly and surely improving. So just spend time with Him, He is real. He talks back in your spirit. He will instruct you on the way that you should go. He is a friend. His words are alive. Our only responsibility is to repent. He’s in charge of the “changing you” part. “What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” (Special thanks to ‪@amarancreators‬ ​⁠ for our lights)