A Spiritual Guide

Relief Through Forgiveness 07.13.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Sunday July 13, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Psalms. Please read Chapters 101-105 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20101-105&version=9

Today we will read about a personal commitment to the Lord’s ways; a cry in distress; gratitude to God for His mercy; His mighty power; and God’s providence over Israel. Today’s message focuses on realizing that God forgives us and cleanses us of all our sins, but we must forgive ourselves and others if we are ever to see relief.

David was inspired by the Holy Spirit to prophesy of Jesus’ coming kingdom reign when He will administer equal justice for all the world. “I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing. I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person. ” (Psalm 101:1-4). David declared that he would walk with a perfect heart. To maintain this attitude, David chose his friends wisely.

A few of the many reasons for praising the Lord are given in Psalm 103, but it is our loving Lord Himself who is our highest reason for praise. First, we praise Him for who He is, the all-powerful, all-wise, righteous Creator, and then for His mercy and forgiving love in cleansing us from all our sins. “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.” (103:8-11). To fear God does not mean that we are to be afraid of Him, it means to respect and be in awe of Him.

His forgiving love toward those who fear Him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. Therefore, it is an act of unbelief, a deception of Satan, and contrary to the nature of our loving Lord, to bring up former sins whether they be ours or those of others. Forgiven means no longer remembered, not only by God but by us as well. We are cleansed of our sins through the blood of Christ and once we repent and ask for forgiveness that sin is forgotten. It is us who keep brining it back up and causing so much unnecessary pain for ourselves. “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).

As you begin praying, always remember to forgive anyone you feel has wronged you. When you do that, your Father will forgive your evil deeds; but, if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive you or answer your prayers. We are reminded that unlimited forgiveness should characterize every true disciple of Christ, “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” (Mark 11:24-26).

As the One who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases (Psalm 103:3). Forgiveness of sin and the healing power of God describe the ministry of our Lord Jesus, who was sent not to be ministered to, but to minister and be ransom for many. “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28).

Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord,
We are reminded today that nothing happens to Your children apart from Your sovereign will. Since You use both good and evil to accomplish Your purpose in our lives we need not fear what others may say or do to us because Your Spirit abides with us and helps us to trust You no matter the present or future. Our lives are shielded and protected in Your loving hands. In Jesus’ name……Amen.

Have a great day!
God Bless,

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