Life Insurance
By Chaz Oswald, Michigan Life as defined by Wikipedia “is a characteristic that distinguishes objects that have self-sustaining biological processes from those which do not—either because such functions have ceased (death), or else because they lack such functions and are classified as ‘inanimate.’ ” But as Christians we understand that life is much more than [...]
The Bridge
The measure of God’s love is great. Have you accepted His love personally? —Bill Crowder, Our Daily Bread
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Loading ...taking care of business
O my God, I am utterly ashamed; I blush to lift up my face to You. For our sins are piled higher than our heads, and our guilt has reached to the heavens (v.6).
READ: Ezra 9:3-7
Some well-meaning residents of the Philippines tried to update standard procedure in the Catholic Church by text-messaging their confessions to church officials. In response, one church leader commented, “We are encouraging Catholics to confess their sins—but the confession has to be personal. . . . They should ask pardon with a contrite heart.”
When it comes to ’fessing up, there’s no shortcut to the place where we “humble [ourselves] under the mighty power of God” (1 Peter 5:6). Our prayers of confession should involve an earnest encounter with God—anything less is just taking care of business.
It wasn’t simply business as usual for Ezra when it came to addressing Israel’s sin. Although God had warned the nation not to intermarry, the Israelites insisted on continuing their enormous episode of The Dating Game—marrying foreign women.
When Ezra heard this, he said, “I tore my cloak and my shirt, pulled hair from my head and beard, and sat down utterly shocked” (Ezra 9:3). Ezra wasn’t looking for a quick fix of forgiveness—he modeled true remorse over the sin, and reflected God’s heart in his response.
Ezra’s sorrowful reaction led to his humble confession. He prayed, “O my God, I am utterly ashamed; I blush to lift up my face to You. For our sins are piled higher than our heads, and our guilt has reached to the heavens” (v.6). Ezra didn’t offer excuses and didn’t downplay the offense. His hope was that God would “not reject a broken and repentant heart” (Psalm 51:17).
Reading Ezra’s confession made me realize that sometimes I bounce back too easily from sin. If you’re like me, your prayer life might sometimes include a quick “Oops, Lord,” by way of confession. But that’s just taking care of business, when the situation calls for much, much more. —Jennifer Benson Schuldt
When is the last time you sought forgiveness from God for a specific sin? Why is confession important in the life of a believer?
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July 1, 2009
READ: Luke 2:25-35
The glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together. —Isaiah 40:5
The room was a wreck. Mismatched furniture. Faded paint. Ugly light fixtures. Knick-knacks crammed into crowded spaces. The homeowners tried to make some improvements, but the room kept getting worse.
Thus begins a home-improvement TV program. After interviewing the owners, the designer draws a plan to maximize the room’s potential. Program producers create suspense by building up to a moment referred to as “the reveal.” Viewers watch the progress and ooh and aah with the homeowners when they see the new room.
Over time, the world has become like a neglected room. People bring in things that don’t belong. They arrange priorities in ways that hinder potential. Lives become dull, overcrowded, and ineffective. Self-improvement projects offer little help.
The Bible is God’s plan that shows the best way to live. God builds suspense throughout the Old Testament. Then, at the appointed time, comes the great reveal—Jesus! Upon seeing Him, Simeon exclaimed, “My eyes have seen Your salvation . . . , a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel” (Luke 2:30-32).
We become part of God’s great “reveal” when we follow His design and Christ’s example. — Julie Ackerman Link
All that I am I owe to Jesus Christ, revealed to me in His divine Book.
Source: Our Daily Bread
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