Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Friday, May 3, 2019

Audio Link: http://bit.ly/ThoughtsinWorship

This is devotional thought number 22 in our devotional series titled, “The Faith I Live By”

“Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, And passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger for ever, Because he delighteth in mercy.” (Micah 7:18).

God is not a pouty, embittered friend who holds grudges when you do Him dirty. He is nothing like us. He is definitely not pleased when we sin because it is a breech in our relationship, in which He has invested heavily. But, somehow He finds it within Himself to forgive us and enfold us into His love.

Now, I do not want to give the wrong impression about God, and His view on sin. He has made Himself abundantly clear. Yes, He is gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth. Yes, He is full of mercy for thousands of people; forgiving all sorts of sins, but He will in no way turn a blind eye, and clear unrepentant people of their sin debts. He provides love and mercy so we can come to our senses, in the Holy Spirit, and repent! He will not be complicit in our sinful behavior by acting like it doesn’t matter. It does matter. Our sinful behavior has a profound impact on our relationships with God and people. It’s not a joke thing. Sin is serious. Sin required the life of God’s dearly beloved Son.

What is the least we can do when we sin? I am so glad you asked. We can confess and forsake our sins; then embrace God’s holiness reform plans for our lives. We can give thanks for the splendid gift of salvation. We can learn to love like Jesus loved. We can surrender our all to Him, to be fully enlisted in His service, with no reservations.

By God’s grace, this is the faith I live by, let this be the same for you, in Jesus’ name.—L. David Harris (http://bit.ly/BQuotable)

#theprotestisnotover #thefaithiliveby