Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

July 16
Monday


TAKING OUT
THE TRASH

READ:
Psalm 103
___________________________

As far as the east is
from the west, so far
has He removed our
transgressions from us.
__Psalm 103;12
____________________________

My wife usually has to remind me to take out the garbage on trash pick-up days. It's not one of my favorite jobs, but I muster up the determination to get it done and then just do it. Afterward it's a nice feeling to have it out of the house, and I forget about it till the following week.

Just as we need trucks to pick up the garbage that accumulates in our hearts. When we forget to take out the trash, it's not a pretty picture. Jesus wants us to dump it regularly at the foot of the cross. In fact, He has promised to remove it and forget it.

But wait a minute! Could we be rummaging through the cans, trying to find that thing we weren't quite ready to part with? a sinful habit we don't want to give up, a fantasy we want to cling to, a revenge that we still want to ignite? Why are we wanting to hang on to the garbage?

Taking out the trash begins with confession, and then counting on Jesus to get rid of it. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1John 1:9).

Today is garbage day. Take it out and then leave it there! __Joe Stowell
____________________________________________________________

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Lord, help me not to cover sin,~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~Those secret wrongs that Lurk within;~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I now confess them all to Thee;~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~Transparent I would always be. __D. De Haan ~~~~~~~
____________________________________________________________

Confession is the key that opens the door
to forgiveness.

*****************Today's Bible Reading __ Psalm 103*************

1 Bless the LORD, O my
soul; and all that is within
me, bless His holy name!

2 Bless the LORD, O my
soul, and forget not all His
benefits: 3 Who forgives all
your iniquities, who heals all
your diseases 4 who redeems
your life from destruction,
who crowns you with
lovingkindness and tender
mercies, 5 who satisfies your
mouth with good things, so
that your youth is renewed
like the eagles's.

6 The LORD executes
righteousness and justice for
all who are oppressed.

7 He made known His ways
to Moses, His acts to the
chiildren of Israel. 8 The LORD
is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger, and abounding
in mercy. 9 He will not
always strive with us, nor
will He keep His anger
forever. 10 He has not dealt
with us accoridng to our sins,
nor punished us according
to our iniquities. 13 For as
the heavens are high above
the earth, so great is His
mercy toward those who fear
Him; 12 as far as the east is
from the west, so far has He
removed our transgressions
from us...

19 The LORD has established
His throne in heaven, and
His kingdom rules over all.

20 Bless the LORD, all you HIs
hosts, you ministers of His,
who do His pleasure. 22 Bless
the LORD, all His works, in
all places of His dominion.
Bless the LORD, O my soul!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). This verse
has been called "God's bar of soap." Conviction of sin should move
us to confess it to God and forsake it. __HDF