Read Psalms 31
Highlights:
David's life is filled with daily conversations with the Lord, just as ours should be. His psalms describe his dependence on the Lord for protection and deliverance from enemies (Ps. chap. 31,35); his admission of sin and of his desperate desire for forgiveness and restoration (chap. 32); his rejoicing in the mercy and love of the Lord (chap. 33 — 34).
When Nathan the prophet confronted David with his iniquity, David confessed his sin and his need for mercy and forgiveness (Ps. 51). And the Lord forgave David — not only for his sins, but also for the iniquity of his sin. I acknowledged my sin (offence) unto Thee, and mine iniquity (moral evil) have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions (rebellions) unto the Lord; and Thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin (Ps. 32:5).
Iniquity means more than rejecting the Word of God. It means perverting His Word to say something more or less than has been written in the only God-inspired Book. The inevitable result of iniquity is always misery and unhappiness. There can be no lasting peace and joy until sin is sincerely confessed and forsaken.
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is comvered (32:1). So let it be with you, oh, poor sinner — whoever you are, confess your sin and repent now, believe and receive your Savior who said: 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). Come out of that life of unbelief and enter a life in fellowship with Him. This is also a call to lukewarm, halfhearted Christians to no longer be content in your present state.
We know that His blood cleanses us from sin and frees us from the power of sin. Yes, believe that the blood brings you into His very presence — into a living and abiding fellowship with the eternal Heavenly Father. Only the blood of Jesus will cleanse us from all sins.
Both the Old and New Testament emphatically declare that without shedding of blood is no remission of sin (Heb. 9:22; Lev. 17:11; see John 1:29). Because of the forgiving love of God, the Holy Spirit will lead you to repentance and then obedience to His Word.
Every forgiven sinner is a witness to the transforming power of Christ. What some only know as a doctrine, we proclaim as fact.
God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him (Rom. 5:8-9).
Thought for Today:
To continue in sin is to choose a life of misery and emptiness.
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 International Broadcasts sponsored by Dr. John A. Hash • Staff: Rick Hash • Country: Mexico (99.7 million) in North America • Major language: Spanish • Religious freedom • 89% Catholic; 6% Protestant; 3.5% None; 1.5% Other (Orthodox, Muslim, Jewish, Baha'i) • Prayer Suggestion: Humble yourself, pray, and seek the will of God as you read His Word (II Chron. 7:14).
Optional Reading:
Memory Verse for the Week:
Acts 4:12
