I have sinned… So have you… The Bible says, “For all have sinned!” (Romans 3:23) In fact, Apostle John declared, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us… and If we say we have not sinned, we make Him [God] a liar, and His word is not in us.” (1 John 1:9-10) And there are consequences to sin… sad consequences! When we sin, our Heavenly Father disciplines us because He loves us and want our good. Discipline is not pleasant, but it is necessary – if we were not disciplined, we would continue in our sinful ways and the consequences of our sin would destroy us! (Check out Hebrews 12:5-11.)
So what should we do when we have sinned (and perhaps are experiencing the Lord’s discipline)? I read about it this morning during “coffee with the Lord” in Psalm 38… It’s what King David did when He had sinned and was experiencing its consequences and the Lord’s discipline… Here is what He said:
“Oh Lord, rebuke me not in Your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath! … My iniquities have gone over my head! Like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me! … I confess [acknowledge] my iniquity; I am sorry for my sin! … Do not forsake me, O Lord! O my God, be not far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my Salvation!” (From Psalm 38 – the whole psalm is worthy reading, believe me!)
And what David prayed is exactly what Apostle John urged us to do as well! He encouraged us and said, “If we confess [acknowledge] our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and the cleanse us from ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS!” (That’s right… ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS!)
So when I sin, I’ve determined I’m going to do what King David did… I’m going to do what a host of “saved-sinners” have done down through the centuries… I’m going to do what Apostle John urged people to do… I’m going to acknowledge my sin and ask God to forgive me of my sin! … AND HE WILL!!!
Coffee With The Lord 