THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
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Poor Calvin just couldn't sing. He tried, and was always in the choir, but he just couldn't hold the right tune. Finally, the music director asked the pastor to go and speak to Calvin.
The pastor went and explained the situation. He told Calvin that he needed to give up being in the choir because his singing was just throwing everyone else off.
Calvin asked, "How many complaints have you had, pastor?"
The pastor said, "About 7."
Calvin said, "Well, pastor, there's been lots more than that say you can't preach, but you keep trying!"
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Ps 130:1-4
1 A Song of degrees.
Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD.
2 Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.
3 If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?
4 But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.
KJV
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When we pray, let us realize we call to God "out of the depths." We call out of the depths of sin, distress, and despair because of our sin. We must never forget that all ARE sinners ALL the time (Romans 3:23).
Let us also remember "there is forgiveness with" God! It is in His heart's desire to forgive our sins! Were it not so, He would not have come to us in the Person of Jesus Christ and suffered for our sins on Calvary.
Therefore, God is to be "feared." He is to be held in the greatest of honor and respect; for God alone holds the salvation and forgiveness we need. It is right that we approach God realizing we are sinners and in need of our Savior.
When we pray, we should also remember that God will "hear," and "be attentive" to our prayers. He heard David's cry when he was in despair during the years of running from Saul. He heard Daniel's cry from the lion's den. He hear Jonah's cry from the belly of the whale. And He is attentive and will hear your call each and every time.
Be assured also that God does not "mark iniquities." He keeps no running count! He will not "hedge" you in by your sins. Instead, God will lovingly forgive. That's why it is important to "confess our sins," because He is "faithful and just to forgive" them (1John 1:9).
How can we "stand" before God in our sins? We CANNOT!
He who would have right standing before God, must be kneeling right before God.
Love ya,
Bruce