Today’s Readings:
2 Samuel 12:1-7,10-17
Psalm 51:12-17
Mark 4:35-41
Be careful what you wish others—you might just fall into the same trap. Nathan told David a story about an unreasonable rich man who killed the only female lamb of a poor man to entertain his guest when he could have easily done so with any lamb from his flock. David was livid and said: “The man who did this deserves to die! He must make fourfold restitution for the lamb, for doing such a thing and showing no compassion” (2 Samuel 12:5). Nathan confronted David with the fact that he is in fact that guilty man. It is easy to condemn the sins of others and how their ways are evil. But how well do we condemn our sinfulness and wrongdoing? Death is for sale and we make a purchase every time we sin.
Romans 6:23— "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
By God’s grace, David repented, confessed his sins, fasted, wore sack clothes and slept on the bare floor. In his way, he expressed the part of the Lord’s prayer which says, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us” (Matthew 6:14-15). Sin exacts a great fee which we are often unable to pay. May God help us to see how expensive sin is so that you may repent and never offend God again in Jesus’ name.
Do not be quick to condemn others. Rather, look into your own life and ask God to forgive you for the many ways in which you offend him knowingly or unknowingly each day and He will grant you pardon and the ability to flee the occasions of sin in Jesus’ name.
May God give you a pure heart, one that desires Him above every other relationship, a heart that cringes at the thought of sin and is quick to forgive the wrong actions of others—so that our sins may easily be forgiven.
May God deliver you from fear, especially the unnecessary fear of believing that you cannot overcome your attachment to sin. May the presence of Christ in your soul quiet the storms of fear and anxiety and grant you the serenity of spirit through the same Christ our Lord.
Many good relationships run the risk of being derailed by wrong choices, a lack of spiritual depth, unforgiveness and selfishness. May the grace of God make us intentional in how we love, pray for and support each other and give us a sense of care for the spiritual life of the ones we claim to love in Jesus’ name.
If God is in the lifeboat of your heart, no evil will overcome you. Speak to Jesus about the things you struggle with and tell Him how you want to be a better version of yourself. May the transforming power of the Holy Spirit give you the strength to defeat your sinful tendencies and forgive yourself to make progress in your spiritual life in Jesus’ name.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud:
Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I believe and surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank You, Lord! If you said the above short prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Lord, forgive my sins and show mercy for my many transgressions. Do not hold the guilt of my sins against me. Help me by your grace to treasure my relationships with you more than everything else in my life. Amen.
Comments