IN HIS LOVE HE MUST JUDGE SIN
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
The wicked conceive evil; they are pregnant with trouble and give birth to lies. They dig a deep pit to trap others, then fall into it themselves. The trouble they make for others backfires on them. The violence they plan falls on their own heads. I will thank the Lord because he is just; I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.
Psalms 7:14-17 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Recently I was having a conversation with a pastor about another person who was making some very selfish choices that were disappointing and harmful. We both realized there was very little we could do about the bad choices this person was making. Choices that would hurt others as well as themselves. It seemed so unfair for someone to do what they were doing. In the midst of that conversation the Holy Spirit reminded me of a great truth—God is a great bookkeeper! My dad used to remind me that God keeps good records and there is always a pay day coming. It may not be at the end of the week, or the end of the month, or even the end of the year—but God keeps records and always has a pay day. That pay day may be good or bad depending on the actions of the particular person. I am glad God has grace and forgiveness for those of us who blow it and make bad choices. When we admit our mistakes, ask forgiveness, and turn away from those actions God forgives and removes those sins from the ledger. But if we refuse to admit our selfishness and sin, and we refuse to turn from our behavior and choices, God will bring judgement. God is love—and in His love He must judge sin. David had many enemies. There were people who wanted to kill David. Instead of losing hours of sleep plotting how to revenge the evil they had done to him David chose to remind himself that God is the just judge. God keeps good records. God can make the plans of the wicked fall back on them. When people mistreat us, say unjust things about us, and work against us we need to remind ourselves of the words of David. We need to give them over to the Lord. Trying to figure out how to get even or correct their wrongs will destroy us on the inside. We must learn to trust that God is just, even when life isn’t.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit I need Your help to be able to trust God to be the just judge. Help me to not become bitter or vindictive. Help me to trust God to balance the scales fairly.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”
Someone who I was so kind to me did me so bad and I kept wondering why things were going so well for this person. I couldn’t understand why God would bless such a heartless person . I carried so much hate in my heart for a while. This year I’m learning to release that hate and give everything to God . Throughly the book of 1John he explains how important Love is. Sometimes it’s very hard but if God can love me through my sin . I can equally do the same.
Father God, help me to keep my ledger clean of anything that would be harmful, sinful, or selfish. Help me to live in union with Your will. Help me also to show grace and mercy to others.
This goes along with last night’s lesson at Wonen’s Bible Study.
Thank You, God, for confirming what I heard last night. You don’t waste words, so if I heard it twice I can be sure it’s You speaking to me. Come Holy Spirit; guide me in responding to others, knowing that God is always just. 🙏🙏
Selfishness is a character trait of Satan. Father, help me to always show Your love, grace, and kindness to others I encounter