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Bible Readings: 1 John 1:5-10; Psalm 19:7-14

 7The law of the Lord is perfect,
     refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
     making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the Lord are right,
     giving joy to the heart.
 The commands of the Lord are radiant,
     giving light to the eyes.
 9 The fear of the Lord is pure,
     enduring forever.
 The decrees of the Lord are firm,
     and all of them are righteous.   Psalm 19:7-14

 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.  1 John 1:7

 There is an inherent risk in claiming to be Christian and yet continuing to give sin freedom and space in our lives.  At first it may feel uncomfortable or unnatural.  We may even feel a sense of guilt.  But after a while, if left unchecked, we ultimately will end up deceiving ourselves (1 John 1:8) that we are not really sinning, thus making God “out to be a liar” (1 John 1:10). And ultimately, we will end up being very unhappy people.  As Jesus said, it is better to be hot or cold – lukewarmness is a terrible thing! (Rev. 3:16)

But our Bible readings today highlight the good benefits of knowing God's law and confessing our sin:

  • The “blood of Jesus” purifies us from all sins (1 John 1:7,9)
  • We have fellowship with God (1 John 1:6)
  • We have fellowship with one another (1 John 1:7)
  • His truth/Word is in us (1 John 1:8, 10)
  • Our soul is refreshed (Psalm 19:7)
  • We are made wise, “giving light to the eyes” (Psalm 19:7,8)
  • Joy in our heart (Psalm 19:8)
  • We are warned of trouble (Psalm 19:11)
  • There is great reward (Psalm 19:11)
  • We will not be ruled by sin (Psalm 19:13)
  • Our words and our thoughts will be pleasing to God.

 

Jesus invites us to leave the burden of sin behind and embrace new life in Him.  Are you willing to confess and turn from sin and embrace God’s ways?  

Heavenly Father, “may these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight” (Psalm 19:14)