World famous cyclist Lance Armstrong won the Tour de France seven straight years. Over the years he was accused of doping – which he vigorously denied – even as his accusers and evidence against him mounted. But last year he was stripped of those titles, and banned for life from competitive cycling. Although he never admitted to the use of performance-enhancing drugs until recently, he had a change of heart and admitted that he cheated, deceived and denied but now has admitted his wrong-doing. In a way, all of us act in a similar manner, albeit not as famously. Equipped with a conscience, we know our own weaknesses, failures, and yes, let’s say it, sins. But often try to deny it, even to ourselves. Then we realize that our lives are an open book to our Maker. Denial is fruitless. Isaiah has a word for all: “Seek the Lord while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near….He will have mercy…He will abundantly pardon.”

Pastor Alex Rockwell