Verse for Today

Monday, February 13, 2012

The One-Year Bible - 10 February 2012

Readings:
Exodus 30:11 - 31:18
Matthew 26: 47-68
Psalm 32: 1-11
Proverbs 8: 27-32

Psalms reading: The joy of receiving forgiveness, and the resultant cleansing of the soul from all guilt, are the focus of the Psalmist in this Psalm. One of the leading causes of anxiety, mental anguish, and physical distress is that of unresolved guilt.  Yet God is gracious and just to forgive those who confess their sins.  It's noteworthy that David experiences a sense of anguish, the oppressive hand of discipline, and even physical discomfort while his sin remains unconfessed.  Contrast this with the joy of release once he has confessed and received forgiveness from God.

Yet this is not a licence to go out and do as we like, and to blazes with the consequences.  Confessing one's sin involves being accountable for one's action.  Wherever possible, confession needs to be accompanied by restitution if one is considered to be truly repentant.

God also gives us guidance - "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.  I will advise you and watch over you.  Do not be a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control".  Therefore, we need to be guided by the Holy Spirit to follow the right path and to do the right thing.  Yet we can give thanks to God for those moments when we do slip up, that God is ready to forgive us and set us right.

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