His Gift to Us

Both general sins, the kind committed by people as a whole, and specific sins, the kind committed by an individual, can be overwhelming.

We're often plagued by one of two problems when dealing with our overwhelming sinful nature. We might refuse to acknowledge the sin because the thought is too much for us—so we do not accept God's gift of salvation. Or we might be overcome by guilt because the sin seems so awful that it cannot be forgiven—so we do not accept God's gift of salvation.

A psalmist looked at our dilemma differently. He wrote, If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness. . . . (Ps. 130:3,4a NIV)

The psalmist was not downcast or dismayed when he reflected on his sinful state because he looked beyond himself and directed his attention to the One who can provide a solution. He affirmed the nature of God, because God, not people, holds the key. The psalmist recognized that, with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. (v. 7b)

God clearly states in His Word—including the Old Testament—that salvation for forgiveness from sin is a gift that He provides. Our sinful nature is real and fearsome—but God’s solution is big enough to take care of it.

Originally published January 14, 1983.
Picture: Como Park Conservatory, St. Paul, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

God Is Looking at Us?

The Bible tells us the Lord, looks on all the inhabitants of the earth. (Ps. 33:14b NKJV)

Are we happy that God is looking at us? Are we so sure of His love—and so sure of His ability to help us—that we rejoice in His care? Or do we resent His attention? Do we try to suppress the true motives of our heart? Do we think of Him as a taskmaster who robs us of fun?

These are important questions. When we try to hide motives, even from ourselves, we do not fool God. He understands us better than we understand ourselves. He knows all about anything and everything we might try to hide.

But He does not look at us because He is a taskmaster who insists we meet certain obligations. He does it as the one who offers forgiveness and salvation. He does it because He is our source of joy. The psalmist explains, Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. (v. 20,21)

Originally published March 27, 1992.

Emotional Wounds

Most of us do not deal well with emotional wounds. We are afraid to let others know our hurts. So we suppress them—or we cover them up with anger—or we analyze the offending person, perhaps make excuses for them because we love them.

But none of these actions removes or heals our wounds. Suppressing hurts causes inner turmoil that usually intensifies damage. Anger complicates everything. Rationalizing other people’s behavior might help us accept hurt—and keep us from becoming bitter—but it does not promote healing.

God has a remedy but it will not work if we deny our feelings—or if we are angry—or even if we make excuses for the other person. It is called forgiveness, and it means admitting both our woundedness and the other person’s sin—and choosing to forgive anyway.

Jesus said, And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your treapasses. (Mk. 11:25 NKJV)

Forgiving requires looking to Jesus because He gives us power to forgive. But the first step is acknowledging our wounds. We will not be open to healing unless we know we need it.

Originally published January 2, 1987.
Picture: Como Park Conservatory, St. Paul, MN, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

It Leaves a Mark

Few stories in the Bible are as difficult to deal with as the story of David’s adultery with Bathsheba. To make matters worse, David arranged for the death of Bathsheba’s husband Uriah, a detail many choose to ignore because the facts are just too gruesome.

We learn through this story that even if we repent—confess and forsake sin—and even if we receive God’s grace and forgiveness—the aftereffects of sin can remain. Sin can change the sinner’s life history—and the past impacts the present and future. It—sin—leaves a mark.

Although the Bible tells us about David’s pure heart—a heart that longed for fellowship with God—David could not escape the effect his sin against Bathsheba and Uriah would have on the future of his family and his nation.

The prophet Nathan confronted David’s sin indirectly by sharing a story that revealed the horror of his actions. David did not even recognize himself in the story until Nathan confronted him directly: Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes? (II Sam 12:9a) Then Nathan prophesied events that would happen because David had sinned: Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity upon you. (v. 11)

When David broke down in full repentance, Nathan continued with a statement of forgiveness. But some things cannot be changed after they have been set in motion. The prophet adds, The Lord has taken away your sin . . . But because by doing this you have made the enemies of the Lord show utter contempt, the son born to you will die.”(v. 13a.14)

David’s fellowship with God was restored, but the seeds of discord laid a foundation for spiritual and physical battles throughout his sphere of influence. Of course, that included his family. They would be impacted first. And because he was king, David's sin would affect the entire nation.

Originally published September 5, 1986.
Picture: Wild sunflowers, scenic overlook of Theodore Rosevelt National Park, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

A Forgiving Heart

A young woman confessed that although she knew she should forgive, that did not mean she was willing to forgive. My mind knows I should, but I don’t feel it in my heart. she said.

Even as she resisted forgiving, however, she often focused her thoughts on what the Bible said: [B]e kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Eph 4:32 RSV)

And so, after struggling over being willing to be willing, she finally asked God for help—particularly in her relationship with an alcoholic mother. After laying it before her Lord many, many times—love overruled anguish and forgiveness became genuine reality. She shared her victory with joy, quoting Jesus who said, And whenever you stand praying, forgive. If you have anything against any one. . . . (Mk. 11:25a)

The young woman knew she could not forgive on her own. Her human nature was like all human natures—and she desired to justify herself. But through God, she offered compassion and forgiveness—even in the face of mistreatment.

Originally published December 4, 1991.

Picture: Hanging basket, Patty's garden, 2009. Photo by Solveig

Living With the Past

Past sin can be a burden—a great weight upon a person—because everything that goes wrong seems like just retribution—like deserved punishment.

At least that was how it worked for Joseph’s brothers. They had hated Joseph when he was young, so they got rid of him by selling him into slavery. Years later, when accused of spying, they were sure their sin had caught up with them.

Years later! How many other ventures-gone-wrong throughout their lives had seemed only fair to them—because they had sinned a terrible sin.

The brothers had no idea the boy would prosper as he matured—that he was, in fact, the very official accusing them. Talking between themselves they said things like, we saw the anguish of his soul when he pleaded with us, and we would not hear; therefore this distress has come upon us. (Gen. 42:21 NKJV)

Their sin against Joseph did not relate to spying against Egypt. It couldn’t. But they made the association because they lived with a burden of guilt.

Through a miracle of God’s grace, Joseph had learned to forgive. He comforted his brothers: God sent me before you to preserve life . . . to save your lives by a great deliverance. (Gen.l 45:5,7)

Through his forgiveness, Jospeh overlooked the guilt of the past and blessed his brothers.

Originally published July 3, 1992.

Praying for Others

Sometimes we want God to bless an individual who absolutely does not deserve it. We might even wonder if it's right to pray for such an individual. But because we love—or at least enjoy—this person, we want God to bless them.

When struggling with conflicting emotions, it’s helpful to remember that God does not move in people’s hearts because they deserve it. He told Ezekiel to tell the Isrealites, “I do not do this for your sake, O house of Israel, but for my Holy Name’s sake, which you have profaned.” (Ez. 36,22,23 NKJV)

We are more likely to feel comfortable praying for people who live on the edge when we remember our own sin. When we recognize our unworthy nature we remember that not one of us deserves God’s blessings. Yet God blesses anyway.

God says, I will sprinkle clean water on you . . . I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart . . . I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statues. . . . (vs. 25-36)

God is more than willing to bless others, even those who live on the edge. He wants to draw people to Himself and He wants us to pray for them.

Originally published May 7, 1993.

Picture: Viewed from the street, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Another Opportunity

When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, they hid from the presence of God. “God called to Adam and said to him, Where are you? (Gen. 3:9 NKJV)

Adam did not understand the implications of his sin, and he did not realize the futility of trying to cover it up. So he threw away an opportunity to confess. I heard your voice in the garden,” he said, “and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself. (v. 10)

But God doesn’t stop with one opportunity. He provides another. And the next time God was more direct with Adam: Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree . . . ? (v. 11a)

This time, realizing he had exposed himself and that he could not deny the fact, he tried to blame it on his wife Eve—and missed another opportunity to confess.

Confessing sin doesn’t mean we will not suffer the consequences of our actions. After all, nothing could change the consequences of Adam and Eve’s sin and subsequent Fall. But confessing sin before God brings forgiveness--brings us back into God’s Presence. What a shame to miss those opportunities.

Originally published January 31, 1992.

The Two Criminals

Two criminals were crucified with Jesus, one on His right and one on His left. One cried out with a bitter heart, “If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.” (Lk. 23:39b KJV) This bitter man ignored his own sin and challenged Jesus. He also ignored and rejected the sinless nature of Christ—placing himself outside of God’s blessing.

The second criminal responded differently. He said to his fellow criminal, “Do you not even fear God . . . we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” (Lk. 23:40b,41b NKJV) This man understood and acknowledged his personal guilt—and he recognized the sinless nature of Jesus. Because the man understood, he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” (v. 42 NKJV)

Everyone who hears the Gospel of Jesus Christ must respond the way one of these two criminals responded. We either reject or accept Christ and His righteousness. If we accept Jesus, we accept His ability to save us when we cannot save ourselves. Jesus said to the repentant criminal, “today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (v. 43b NKJV)

Originally published March 22, 1991.
Picture: Cross on Cathedral spire, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2008. Photo by Solveig.

Hope and an Inheritance

Paul knew nothing about Lent as we experience it—about a time of the year when many Christians focus specifically on Christ’s sacrifice for sin. But he knew Jesus. He wrote in one of his Epistles, that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe. . . . (Eph. 1:18b,19a NKJV)

Jesus died to give us hope and an inheritance. Hope because He offers forgiveness to people overwhelmed by guilt and despair. An inheritance because He offers blessings on earth and in heaven. God’s power arranged these gifts for His people.

Think of it. Although Lent is a somber time, it’s also a time of great joy. God loves us so much that He sent His Son to die for us. The Son secured victory over sin when He defeated Satan.

Yes, we should think soberly about His sacrifice. It’s also appropriate to reflect on the joy of Jesus and the Father. They accomplished their purpose by giving us hope and an inheritance.

God is good. He’s very, very good.

Originally posted February 8, 1991.

Forgiving

Great heroes of the Bible were able to forgive. Because they were able to forgive, they were able to pray. Daniel lived an exemplary life when he both forgave and identified with the people. While praying for his people he was able to say, “To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him.” (Dan. 9:9 NKJV)

It isn’t easy to forgive. Sometimes we feel victimized. When that’s the case, forgiving means yielding what is rightfully ours. That even offends our sense of justice. At other times we don’t want to forgive because we don’t want to admit we were wrong. Our self-image is at stake.

Whatever our reason, failure to forgive hinders prayer because it separates us from God. The consequence of not forgiving is severe. Jesus said, if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses. (Mk. 11:26 NKJV)

So we must forgive and we can. Like Daniel, we need to remember that forgiveness belongs to and comes from our God. We look to Jesus. His standards are high but His mercy is unlimited. He invites us to receive His Life—and the forgiveness resident within Him.

Originally published November 6, 1992.
Picture: Quilt and photo of quilt by Marlene, 2008.
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"Up to Seven Times?"

Peter asked Jesus how many times he had to forgive someone who sinned against him: Up to seven times? (Mt. 18:21 NKJV)

Jesus might have smiled inside when He increased the number to seventy times seven. That’s four hundred and ninety times. Because Jewish law required all accounts be settled at the end of each day, the requirement for a faithful observer (based on an average of seven hours of sleep each night or seventeen waking hours each day) would be to forgive someone more often than every two minutes!

Then Jesus told a parable about a servant who refused to forgive others, even though his master freely forgave him: The master declared, “You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt . . . Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant. . . ?’ And his master was angry and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. (vs. 32-34)

We can never pay to cover what we owe for our transgressions or Sin. But God offers to freely forgive if only we forgive those who sin against us—again and again and again.

Originally published June 26, 1992.

I Shall Be Clean

Many people take personal inventory during the month of January. It’s a time for resolutions.

Desire to improve always requires admitting a need to improve, evaluating mistakes, perhaps acknowledging guilt. That can be painful.

How do we deal with failure or guilt? We can say we’re not really so bad—and justify guilt. We can say there is no guilt—and seek escape from those inner twinges by indulging in some kind of temporary pleasure.

But if we bring failure to God, He not only allows honesty, He encourages honesty. That why David could freely say, “Have mercy on me, O God. . . I acknowledge my transgressions—and my sin is ever before me.” (Ps. 51:1a,3 NKJV)

Then he was free to move toward a new beginning. “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean . . . Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (v. 7a,10)

Originally published January 10, 1986.
Picture: Flowers, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2008. Photo by Solveig.