Tag Archive for: Sin

A Muzzle on My Mouth

I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence.”

But when I was silent and still, not even saying anything good, my anguish increased.
My heart grew hot within me, and as I meditated,the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:

“Show me, O Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life.
You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Each man’s life is but a breath. Selah

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Forgiveness Matters

Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed.  When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals–one on his right, the other on his left.  Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing…”  (Luke 23:32-34)

Dear Father God, I am humbled by Jesus first words from the cross.  He has been beaten beyond recognition, flogged numerous times, crowned with a crown of thorns, and has been receiving nonstop insults from those who were watching.  He barely had any life left in Him.  Yet, His very first words from the cross were, “Father, forgive them…”  

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A Pure Heart

Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins.

Wash me clean from my guilt.
    Purify me from my sin.
For I recognize my rebellion;
    it haunts me day and night.
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I’m a Sinner

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:8-10)

I’m a sinner saved by grace 

Redeemed by the Blood of the lamb

Loved by my Father

Guided by the Holy Spirit

Renewed by the Word

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The Scarlet Letter

If we say we have no sin [refusing to admit that we are sinners], we delude ourselves and the truth is not in us. [His word does not live in our hearts.] (1 John 1:8, AMP)

Sometimes I wonder what life would be like if we all had to carry a scarlet letter.  I wonder if we would treat each other differently.  Instead of looking at someone else and their sin, maybe we would be more conscious of our own.  What if our sins were written on our forehead?  A place we cannot hide them.  What if we all had to walk around with our sins out front for everyone to see?  My guess is there would be less judgement among Christians, less criticism, more humility, and more grace.  I’m completely serious about this.

I’ve thought about it for a while.  We get so caught up in what so and so is doing and how they are not living to the standard we think they should be living too.  But the truth is there is only one perfect standard.  Jesus Christ came and lived a sinless life.  He is the perfect standard by which our lives should follow.  I don’t mirror anyone on this earth.  I need to mirror my Savior.

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