The OT reading is the account of David's affair with Bathsheba and his successful plot to kill her husband to cover his transgression... But we cannot hide our sin from the One that matters and today's OT reading ended with these words: "But the Lord was displeased with what David had done"
That's really awful. I don't think I have spent much time in the past contemplating that sentence, but its tragic really. And worse I think it is common to pile sin upon sin in the attempt to cover our sin so that we look all fine and good to the world. So much better to take our lumps as we turn to Christ for forgiveness and the fresh start that He promises. Clearly David does repent (that's coming up) but what a blessing for me if I can try to remember that sentence and allow the Holy Spirit to stop me from repeating David's mistake. It is God's opinion of me that matters, not what the world sees or thinks. I am a screw up and fail to do what pleases God daily. But it is not my intent and it helps me to ponder the beautiful gift of His grace and mercy. I am sure it can often be said "But the Lord was displeased with what Terri had (done, said, not done, not said etc.) But thanks be to God that He is very pleased with what His Son did and with that in mind and with the help of His Holy Spirit (and as pointed out last entry in thankfulness) I will do my best to live my life and to make choices that "please" Him and therefore Honor and Glorify Him.
NT Reading was from John 15 the Vine and the branches. Its interesting that each time "remaining in" is spoken it begins with our part "remain in me, and I will remain in you." I am not a theologian (in fact I cannot even spell it correctly but am thankful that the spell check will fix it before I post this...) but this makes me think of our free will. You do your part people and I will do mine. (well I suppose more accurately Jesus already did His part but we lose the benefit of that if we don't do our part of "remaining in") I think of my son and how concerned I am about the fact that he does not appear to be remaining in... John 15:4 Says Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me." It is no wonder that I do not see "fruit" in his life right now. But before I let that cause despair, I am reminded of Romans 11:23 which says "And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again."
And to seal the deal of comfort the Psalm reading for today began "Remember your promise to me, it is my only hope. Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles." Not just the promise of grafting in again, but also the promise of leaving the 99 and going after the one, and "He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion" and in the parable of the prodigal son where it says "while he was still a long way off" the party preparations were started.
We are called to remain in Christ, and we should take that very seriously. However, I am so thankful that God is able and willing to work in the lives of those that are not "remaining in" Him. It is my fervent prayer that my son as well as all people that are not taking their faith life seriously would turn back toward Christ and be grafted in again. I continue to pray that God will soften Derek's heart and bring the good work that was started at his baptism to completion.
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