The Triumph of Mercy

November 18, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

James 2:8-13

Our Ladies were studying the book of James. We’ve probably read it many times, but there is still much to learn! A little phrase suddenly jumped out at me “Mercy triumphs over judgment!” (:13). First of all we need to understand what judgment looks like.

In our world today people are tweeting about their personal observations, so often from the bias of criticism, it seems. Is this the test of one’s intelligence, I wonder, to be able to discern the faults of others? How often are we acting out what Jesus warned about – looking at the speck of sawdust in our brother’s or sister’s eye while ignoring the plank that limits the vision in our own (Matthew 7:4). Jesus recommended that we take time to remove the plank before we assume a helping relationship with our brother/sister (Matthew 7:5).

Sometimes we ignore the potential dangers God warned the Israelites about …the damage of giving false testimony about our neighbour (Deuteronomy 5:20), because we are so quick to pass sentence on another fellow human being. James reminds us that often anger is the basis of our condemnation, so we should pause to listen, before expressing our opinions (James 1:19). Have we forgotten the besetting sins of our own nature that make us so displeasing to God?… and yet He repeatedly forgives us. Can we, will we, pause to remember His mercy?

Another thing – Jesus told the crowd assembled on the mount, that we will be judged with the same measure of mercy we deliver towards those who offend us (Matthew 7:2). James amplifies this thought:
“judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful” (James 2:13). That follows the theme of the Lord’s prayer that so many of us know by heart, and repeat often: “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive others who trespass against us” (Matthew 6:12 KJV).

Do we really want God to forgive us in the same way as we have forgiven others? Even William Shakespeare got it right when he wrote the Merchant of Venice, reminding Shylock that mercy must be freely given – “The quality of mercy is not strained [forced]”. It must be genuine, real. God knows whether or not we are going through the motions, or if we mean what we say.

Often it is hard to forgive – it is a Divine gift in the moment. With God it is possible for mercy to triumph over judgment. Our judgment may or may not be perfectly correct. That is not the issue. The ability to lean on God to help us deliver His mercy to others is demonstrated by our desire, and His power, to forgive. This is the Divine triumphing in the lives of human beings!

Reflection:

“Dear Heavenly Father,

We say we are followers of Jesus. He was so merciful to those who were accused! May we learn from His example. His love drew people to Himself! May our lives exemplify our appreciation for all men and women because they are made in the image of God. Search my heart and see if there is any wicked way in me , before I pronounce judgment on anyone else. Help me to remember Jesus’ words “He/she who is without sin cast the first stone”. May I live by His perfect example, which demonstrated Your love for everyone. May Your mercy out-weight the judgments I might make. Keep me from slandering others. Empower me, my Father, to triumph over evil. In Jesus’ name I pray.”

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To Fall Into God’s Hands

June 4, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Isaiah 65

The Lord God has given Isaiah a vision of great joy. “My servants will sing out of the joy of their hearts”! (65:14). However, this verse raises some questions. First who are God’s servants?

Isaiah writes “I reveal Myself to those who did not ask for Me….All day long I have held out My hands to an obstinate people” (65:1-2). He goes on to describe two people groups, one who continually provoke God and another whom he calls God’s servants. What is the difference?

It becomes quite clear. The prophet sees those who “forsake the Lord” (:11), who did not answer when God called and actually did evil, choosing what displeased God (:12). The contrast continues. There will be consequences of their choices. Those who serve the Lord will experience glorious joy, that wonderful feeling which gushes forth from deep within. Sadly, others will cry out in brokenness of spirit from the anguish which is in their hearts (:14)…people without hope. Perhaps you know folks like that.

But it gets worse. “The Sovereign Lord” takes action. He will put these guilty, forgetful, unfaithful servants to death (:15). Isn’t that a bit drastic? You might ask. This is the word of the Lord to us today. It is a very serious thing to fall into the hands of God. “For we know Him who said ‘It is Mine to avenge; I will repay’, and again ‘The Lord will judge His people’. It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). Matters of faith are serious stuff!

Contrast this judgment with the wonder of being God’s servants. “My servants will eat…..My servants will drink….My servants will rejoice……to His servants He will give another name” (65:14-15). Then follows a description of the new heaven and the new earth which comes after the Millennial reign of Christ. “Former things will not be remembered” (:17). “The sound of weeping and crying will be heard in it no more” (:19b). That is Old Testament prophecy. Isn’t it amazing to think these are the scriptures which Christ revered and taught?

Reflection:
These are people who, recognizing the hands which were nailed to the cross, worshiped the Saviour, Jesus Christ the Lord. He isn’t directly mentioned here by Isaiah, but in previous chapters Isaiah gives warning: “See your Saviour comes! See His reward is with Him! They [the servants of the Lord] will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of the Lord” (62:11-12). Are you looking forward to receiving the reward given from God’s hands and lips as He welcomes us with “Well done, good and faithful servant”? Matthew 25:21

Marilyns’s Meditations by Marilyn Daniels is now available on Amazon.

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Devotional

The Quality of Mercy

April 16, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Micah 6:6-8

God has given Micah beautiful words of encouragement in this passage of scripture. Shakespeare picks up on the real meaning of mercy, and identifies its origin.

“The quality of mercy is not strain’d,

It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven

Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest;

It blesseth him that gives and him that taketh”

The question posed in our scripture is “What does the Lord require of you?” Chesed (Roman – hesed) is a Hebrew word commonly translated as “loving-kindness,” “kindness” or “love” and is a common term in the Bible for describing God’s love for mankind, and God’s special relationship with the children of Israel. It is used about 250 times in the Old Testament for loyal, steadfast or faithful love. The word also stresses the idea of belonging together in relationship.

Micah uses this word to describe mercy which here apparently means acting justly (6:8). Because God’s people waivered in their faith, even within the covenant relationship, God’s “chesed” produced communion with His people as well as deliverance, enabling, enlightenment, guidance, forgiveness, hope, praise and preservation (Ryrie P. 1330). Is this the quality of mercy Portia is asking for in “The Merchant of Venice”?

Israel realized the desperation of their situation. What should they do, must they do, to win back the favour of God? Can they really accept His free forgiveness or might they earn it? We ask the same question today. Burnt offerings? A thousand rams? My firstborn? My tithe? What sacrifice would suffice to restore me to God?

Jesus refers to mercy, identifying Himself with the desires of God His Father. The Pharisees required Jesus to justifying eating with tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 9:13). This mercy/love, desired by His Father is available to sinners and the Pharisees didn’t like it. After all the righteous [as they saw themselves] would not need it, would they? Jesus was actually calling sinners to God, according to Matthew. The quality of God’s mercy drops gently from heaven upon those who are truly suffering, sick at heart and helpless. Into this milieu comes God with His Divine mercy! This was not the gospel according to the Pharisees.

God is blessed when the sinner receives His mercy. It affords God the utmost pleasure to see hearts changed by His grace and mercy. We usually look at it from Man’s perspective, but listen to God’s plan: ”I will betroth you in righteousness [Christ’s – given to man] and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness and you will acknowledge the Lord” (Hosea 2:19)……..”for I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgement of God rather than burnt offerings” (Hosea 6:6).

Reflection:

What are qualities attractive in the principle of mercy?

If we would identify with our heavenly Father wouldn’t these qualities be seen in our attitudes and actions?

As followers of Jesus do we extend mercy to those who are sinners? Are we generous enough in our thoughts to eat with sinners?

by Marilyn Daniels

Devotional

In This Tent We Groan

April 3, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

2 Corinthians 5:1-9

The Apostle Paul was a master at word pictures. Here he describes our bodies as a tent (2 Corinthians 5:4). In his day, as a tent-maker, this was a fitting illustration. Tents were used as homes, as well as to shelter other property. So what does your body shelter?

We are comprised of body, soul and spirit. Therefore, the body may be seen as the tent which houses the soul and spirit. Man is a triune being because we were made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26). Paul prayed distinctly for all three to be preserved blameless until the return of Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Since this tent is mortal it will not last. This scripture speaks about putting on immortality. ”What is mortal may be swallowed up by life” (5:4).

Picture that! This body that we so often groan about, those aches and pains, even our spiritual weakness and fatigue, will be swallowed up….all that will disappear! Amazing! Life will take on new meaning. Isn’t this the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not be weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

So why are we groaning? Perhaps it is because we do not care for our bodies, as the temple of the Holy Spirit. Paul warned the Corinthians against sexual immorality because the Holy Spirit lives within believers. It is a travesty to connect God with sins of the flesh (1 Corinthians 6:19). We are to take Joseph’s example and to flee such temptation! (Genesis 39:6-18). Inward conflict will wear us down, until we surrender to the fullness of the Spirit, whom God has given to us.

Paul reminds us: “You are not your own, you were bought with a price. Therefore honor God with your body [tent]” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

Our family used to holiday in a tent. It was a temporary dwelling, fun for the moment, but not somewhere one would want to live in the long-term. We had to make sacrifices; roughing it was a novelty. However, once we returned home to running water, indoor plumbing and electricity, life took on new meaning! Perhaps that’s a poor comparison to the joys awaiting us in heaven, but the difference will certainly be something to celebrate when we exchange this body for our resurrection body! Then our spirits will be free from temptation and our souls will rest in eternal peace!

Reflection:

Pause with me to pray that God will forgive us for whatever sinful thoughts we have harboured, and to draw strength, in prayer, from the Holy Spirit, as we yield our lives into His control. The Lord Jesus died to set us free. The Apostle Paul knew all about the need for forgiveness, since he had once persecuted the growing church in ancient Israel. He warned the Galatian Church “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” No more groaning!..…”Stand firm then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (5:1).

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

The Bride of Christ

February 19, 2024 AdminLeave a comment

2 Corinthians 11:2

The first Bible Study I did with a group of ladies was “The Bride of Christ.” How thrilling it was to study the thread of this topic throughout the New Testament. Referencing related verses in the gospels, epistles and Revelation as well as linking them with Old Testament prophecies, can be a very rewarding exercise. It may be hard to encapsulate a whole series in a few words, but let’s try.

John the Baptist introduced Jesus as the bridegroom (John 3:29) while referring to himself as the friend of the bridegroom. Jesus frequently referred to Himself as the bridegroom (Mark 2:19 etc.). That title implies there is a bride. Who then is that bride?

Several analogies give reference to the bride. She is pictured in Revelation in all her glory, as the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2). In Ephesians Paul correlates the union of husband and wife as one, with Christ and the Church (Ephesians 5:22-31). Paul also uses this analogy in writing to the Corinthian Church when he writes “for I have espoused you [the Corinthian Church] to one husband that I may present you a chaste virgin to Christ“ (2 Corinthians 11:2).

The purpose of the mystical and ethical union of Christ with believers is to produce spiritual fruit according to Romans 7:4. The fruit is born of grace [a new concept] resulting from Christ’s death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead. The Bride obviously is implicated in the production of new believers. Another opportunity the bride has to minister that grace to others is seen in Revelation (22:17) when the Spirit and the bride issue an invitation to come, to take the water of life freely.

In the Old Testament, the theme of bridal love is represented by Hosea’s unusual marriage to a prostitute. This gives hope to those who might feel unworthy of the love of God, typified by Hosea seeking a bride from among those who are down and out. Cleansed by the blood of the Lamb, the Bride of Christ will be presented spotless before God’s throne (Jude 24, Ephesians 5:27). We all need to be reminded that since our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), we are all in need of God’s amazing grace, the blood of Christ which cleanses us from all sin! (1 John 1:7).

So, we see Christ’s bride is one chosen by God to represent Him, clothed in the purity of Christ’s righteousness. The universal church is given the power of the Holy Spirit to invite others to join, while waiting for the return of the Bridegroom. The Bride, comprised of every tribe and nation, is unified through the death and resurrection of our Lord, for the purpose of producing children of grace, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Reflection:

Does this particular Bride come to an arranged marriage? How does that look?

How is the Bride of Christ clothed?

What are the expectations placed on this marriage?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

As We Forgive

October 25, 2023 Admin1 Comment

Matthew 6:11, 14-15

There is a corollary to the first part Jesus taught His disciples about forgiveness…”Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:11). We are to forgive others. In fact the forgiveness we hope to receive from God is contingent on the way in which we regard those who have hurt us, those who don’t like us, those whose expectations of us are not fair. The subject of forgiveness is so important that Jesus, after He finished the prayer, continued, not about the holiness of God, not about our spiritual maturity, but about forgiveness!

“If you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you!” (Matthew 6:14). Just to make sure they understood His point, Jesus continued “But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive yours” (:15). Ouch!

Why is forgiveness so important? It was the only subject on Jesus’ heart as He hung on the cross. “Father forgive them” (Luke 23:34). Consider His example. In the midst of dealing with His own suffering He still remembered the inability of those who persecuted Him to understand the magnitude of what they had just done!

There are times when we unintentionally sin against God – when we don’t do His will because we are ignorant or oblivious. In the same way others may hurt or disappoint us – might we give them the benefit of the doubt? We sometimes jump to conclusions and attribute thoughts or intentions which were not really part of the picture.

To truly forgive someone is to drop all ideas of revenge or pay-back. God has told us . “It is mine to avenge; I will repay” (Deuteronomy 32:35). The Apostle Paul reminded the church in Rome of God’s injunction. “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath for it is written….” (Romans 12:19). Certainly he suffered much at the hands of unbelieving Jews and Gentiles, yet he persisted in forgiving. He found that in feeding one’s enemy, in “heaping coals of fire on his head” one can overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:20-21).

Reflection:

We may forgive others because we know it is the right thing to do, and perhaps even to please God. The secret of forgiveness is not in what it does for the person we forgive, but what it does in our own hearts – the peace and joy that exists because we are not hanging on to something that God knows will cause us to become bitter.

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Spectator or Participant?

October 3, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Joel 1-3

Often the Old Testament is overlooked in favour of the gospels of our Lord Jesus Christ. In dialogue with my grandson recently I was thrilled to learn he has become aware of the necessity of grounding ourselves in the teachings of the Old Testament. As well as disregarding the First Covenantal book, we often attempt to distinguish which are the “important” books of scripture, failing to recognize that each book has been written for the express purpose of teaching us to know and understand the heart and mind of our great and glorious God! With this in mind let us review what Joel has to teach us.

The Jews have been chosen as God’s representatives here on earth. Sadly they failed to appreciate the privilege of participating with God in His saving purpose for all humankind. God’s patience was tried from generation to generation until promised judgment finally fell upon His chosen people (Joel 1). Great suffering resulted, spiritually, emotionally and physically.

Great witnesses came and went – Elijah, Obadiah and now Joel were sent by God to purify His people. It is worth noting Joel’s description of God. In Chapter 2:11 we find Him coming as the thundering leader of a great army – numberless, mighty forces who obey His commands! His purpose? “Then you will know that I am in Israel, that I am the Lord your God!” (2:27).

This God is described as jealous (2:18), vigilant over the nation He calls His own. Protective, pitying their weaknesses, God’s great heart of compassion can be seen; He has been slow to express His anger at their folly, demonstrating His love and grace repeatedly throughout centuries of time (2:13, 18).

How blessed we are to live in the age Joel prophesied would come when God pours out His Spirit upon all people – Jew and Gentile alike, whomever responds to His love (2:28). Paul writes about this: “For we are all baptised by one Spirit into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, whether slave or free” (1 Corinthians 12:13). The Apostle Peter preached from Joel’s book on the Day of Pentecost: “Repent and be baptised…in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Peter concludes “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Acts 2:21).

Joel reminds us that our God is determined to be our refuge, a stronghold in the day of trouble (3:16). Trouble assuredly will come, but God chooses to restore the years the locusts have eaten (2:25). This is the God we know to have been so merciful to us day by day, as we take three steps forward and two steps back! One day He will judge the nations (3:2), but in the end Sovereign God will dwell in Zion (3:21)….and there will be peace on His Holy hill, in Jerusalem (3:17).

Reflection:

The question Joel raises for you and me today is whether or not we have believed and received God’s saving grace through Jesus Christ our Lord. Will we participate in this peaceful coexistence with God, or have we just been spectators at the game of life?

“Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful!

May the fire of our devotion light the way.

May the footprints that we leave lead them to believe,

And the lives, we live inspire them to obey”

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Dei Gratia!

September 9, 2023 AdminLeave a comment

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

Micah 3, 6, 7

Perhaps your high school Latin is as rusty as mine, but here we have a phrase that reminds us “by the grace of God” life may be lived in a manner pleasing to Him. It’s really quite simple. We just have to answer the question Micah asked the Israelites: “What does the Lord require of you?” (Micah 6:8).

For background to that question in the 7^th century BC, we need to look at what Israel was up to. Micah’s ministry occurred in an era when Judah was under siege from the Assyrian leader Sennacherib. The Northern kingdom, pro-Assyrian under King Ahaz, had been taken into captivity, but Judah under King Hezekiah hung on, in faith believing that God would protect them. The people had suffered for many years under political oppression. Spiritually, false prophets had failed to feed them, so God sent Micah and Amos to cry out for social justice.

Beginning with a rebuke, God calls the leaders of Israel to account. “Should you not know justice, you who hate good and love evil?” (3:1-2). The Lord had seen their schemes, how they distorted all that was right and who had built Zion with bloodshed, and Jerusalem with wickedness (:9-10). They had cried out to the Lord but He did not answer them. The result of their evil deceit and lies, was that God had indeed hidden His face from them (:4).

It was imperative for the nation to “listen” to the word from God. Several times Micah’s passion grips him! “Hear!” “Listen!….” “This is what the Lord says……” The prophets are leading My people astray, “but I am filled with power” (3:5, 8). Don’t ever forget that! Micah renewed their commitment to God with the decisive statement “We will walk in the name of the Lord our God forever and ever” (4:5). He recognized that other nations would continue to follow their own gods.

Paul, preaching in Lystra, recognized that tendency. Bringing them the good news of the gospel, Paul is “telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth….in the past He let all nations go their own way. Yet he has not left Himself without testimony” (Acts 14:15-16). God’s kindness stood as a witness to His mercy and grace.

In Micah’s prophecy, he could see Messiah coming as a shepherd to His flock (5:4). He would come out of Judah, more specifically from Bethlehem (:2). By God’s greatness and majesty Israel would be secure and at peace. They will have beaten their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks (4:3). The remnant of God’s people would become a blessing to other nations in that day (5:7-8).

So what does God require in return? Israel replies to the Lord’s indictment in chapter 6, bowing down in repentance and humility, empty of anything that would dishonour the living God. “What misery is mine!…not one upright man remains!….All men lie in wait to shed blood. But as for me….I wait for God my Saviour” (chapter 7). This is precisely what God requires of each of us….”to walk humbly with your God.” To be utterly dependant on Him in order “to act justly and to love mercy” (6:8). Today, filled with the Spirit of the living God, we too are enabled to do His will.

Reflection:

What has God’s grace accomplished in your life?

What is your greatest spiritual need at present?

How do you anticipate God’s grace to work out in your life, in the days ahead?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional

Jonah’s Judgment

August 22, 2022 AdminLeave a comment

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Jonah 4

Today there seems to be an imperious spirit among the developed nations. Everyone has an opinion and without hesitation it is expressed in public. Talk shows on TV abound with the wisdom of every person bold enough to tell the most intimate details of their lives, in order to prove some point. How much error is promoted as evidence of truth! It is my opinion against yours.

The prophet Jonah was ahead of his time. He was willing to go to war with God over whose opinion ranked first. The word of the Lord came to Jonah, but Jonah ran away (Jonah 1:1-3). Surely he had read “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” (Psalm 139:7). David knew it was impossible to escape from God’s all-seeing eyes.

What motivated his flight? Jonah was convinced God was making a mistake. He knew in his heart of hearts that God was ready to pour out His love and forgiveness on an evil nation, enemy of Israel – the Ninevites (4:2). He was called to administer God’s mercy to Nineveh. Without considering the consequences, Jonah fled.

Jonah was justified in condemning the Ninevites. They were an ungodly nation internationally known for atrocities in war, and in peace. There was absolutely nothing about this nation that was worthy of being saved, yet here was GOD, Yahweh, willing to bring them to repentance, and He wanted to use Jonah. Nothing doing!

In Jonah’s judgment this was a mistake that would ruin the Israelites. After all the Ninevites were heathens to begin with, and Gentiles – the very people God had told Israel to keep away from for fear they would be spiritually contaminated by their evil practices. Israel would disgrace the very God they served by association with these people! Perhaps Jonah feared his own interpretation of the Word of the Lord that had come to him. He wasn’t going to get involved.

Just suppose these people, hardened and ungodly, decided to turn from their wicked ways. Difficult as that was to imagine, there were questions – how they would worship together, for one? No, Jonah couldn’t trust God for that sort of a miracle.

Then there was the issue of grace…..God’s grace had been withheld from various heathen nations surrounding the promised land. Why of all of these more deserving people groups would God choose to honour the Ninevites with His grace and mercy?

Reflection:

Does this strike home a chord within our own hearts as we think judgmentally of people groups we feel are unworthy of God’s favour? In light of Jonah’s default, let us examine our own hearts to see if in the twenty-first century we might be guilty of similar attitudes, judgment. Might we be at war with God over the fact that He is not willing that any should perish?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)

Devotional · Uncategorized

My Sin is Ever Before Me

July 26, 2020 AdminLeave a comment

silhouette of cross — Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels.com

Psalm 51

In this Psalm of penitence David pleads for forgiveness and cleansing. He fears what life would be like without the presence of God. The distress causing David to pray this way is the very real understanding of how his life had failed to please God. His sin was ever in his face. Was he not forgiven?

The Bible tells us that all children of God are saints. The word “saint” comes from the Greek word hagios, which means “consecrated to God, holy, sacred, pious.” So who is a saint today? Paul talks about equipping the saints (KJV) [‘God’s people’ NIV] for works of service, for the purpose of maturing His Church (Ephesians 4:12). However the saints need prayer (Ephesians 6:18) Why?

Paul answers this question. In the passage where he addresses the equipment needed by children of God to fight the enemy of our souls (Ephesians 6:11), Paul warns the church at Ephesus to always keep on praying for the saints; in other words for one another, even for him (6:18-19a). Isn’t it comforting to know that the Holy Spirit intercedes for the saints (Romans 8:27). We also read that God guards the feet of His saints (1 Samuel 2:9).

Both Old Testament and New tell us about saints who sing God’s praises (Psalm 30:4), who love and fear the Lord. In a triumphant song of praise the Psalmist writes “The Lord takes delight in His people; He crowns the humble with salvation. Let the saints rejoice in this honour!” (Psalm 149:5). They “will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever – yes! Forever and ever” (Daniel 7:18). In the end saints will be given the privilege of judging (1 Corinthians 6:2). With all of this in mind, let’s not be deceived. Sainthood is not for a special few. Neither do we pray to saints for their support – there is nothing in scripture about that. Jesus is the one and only intercessor when we sin, with whom we share our joys and sorrows (Hebrews 7:25).

So, just as David struggled with the memory of his sin, do we also? Yes. The Apostle Paul did; he describes the struggle in Romans 6. However, there is something protective about remembering the awfulness of our sins. If we forget that taking another drink will put us over the edge, that just an innocent flirtation endangers our sexual purity, that overeating is hard on the body, that gossip ruins another’s reputation, may we not yield to temptation more easily?

Psalm 51 is a cry for mercy according to God’s unfailing love! (:1) As much as our sins impact the lives of others, it is against God alone that we have truly sinned (:4). God desires truth – and the truth is I am vulnerable to attack from within and without….but God! He is the source of wisdom and allows us to distinguish between our sinfulness and His holiness. He is the only One who can wash away all my iniquity (:2), who longs to create a new heart in each of us (:10), who saves me from guilt (:14), who knows if my repentance is genuine (:17).

Reflection:
Have you ever done anything that you hate with a passion? How did you deal with it? Are you forgiven? Do you remember it? How does that memory protect you from a repeat performance? Do you come before God with a broken spirit and a contrite heart? How does God promise to receive you in that attitude? Are you a saint or a sinner? Isn’t the answer “both”?

by Marilyn Daniels

http://www.marilyndaniels.net