Bible Pathway - June 30, 2012
Read Psalms 31
Highlights:
David's trust in God; blessedness of forgiveness; praise to the Lord for His creation; David's prayer for safety.
I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and Thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin (Ps. 32:5).
The Lord forgave David the iniquity of his sin. Iniquity for a believer means more than rejecting God's Word — more than mere failure or weakness. It means turning aside from what we know is right by disobeying the Truth to satisfy one's desires. The inevitable result of iniquity is always misery and unhappiness. It's not difficult at the moment of turning our backs on God to say this is easy because in that instance the fulfilling of our desires feels good to us. However, remember that sooner or later that "feeling" will wear off. Then what you are left with is misery. David said: Day and night Thy hand was heavy upon me. Then with humble heart David repented: I acknowledged my sin unto Thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid (32:4-5). Then he prayed: Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and uphold me with Thy free spirit (51:12). We should consider every choice in life to ensure it is not directing us away from God. Count the cost of the decision like Moses did when deciding his path. Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season (Heb. 11:25).
When Nathan the prophet confronted David with his iniquity, David confessed his sin and his need for mercy and forgiveness. Even though David had sinned, he did the right thing by not trying to hide his sin. He was brokenhearted and confessed his sin. He set a great example for us. However, if you have sinned, confess your sin before someone else reveals it. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9).
So let it be with you, whoever you are. Confess your sins now; believe and receive Christ as your Savior and enjoy a life of fellowship with Him: As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name (John 1:12).
Sin is deceptive and hardens the heart. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap (Gal. 6:7).
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation (II Cor. 6:2).
Thought for Today:
You can choose a life of misery and emptiness. God never forces anyone to accept His priceless, precious gift of eternal life.
Christ Revealed:
In the prophecy that not one of His bones would be broken as recorded concerning His crucifixion (Ps. 34:20). These things were done, that the Scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of Him shall not be broken (John 19:36).
Word Studies:
31:4 privily, secretly; 31:6 lying vanities, all other gods; 31:8 shut me up, given me over; 32:2 guile, deceit; 32:3 roaring, complaining; 35:12 spoiling, determined to take my life; 35:15 abjects, slanderers.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Bible Pathway Media Producer: Rick Hash • Country: Kyrgyzstan (4.7 million) eastern central Asia • Major languages: Kirghiz and Russian • Religious freedom • 75% Muslim; 20% Russian Orthodox; 5% Other (Jewish, Buddhist, Catholic, Protestant) • Prayer Suggestion: Sing praises to the Lord; tell others what He has done (Ps. 9:11).
Optional Reading: Colossians 3
Memory Verse for the Week: Lamentations 3:22-66
