Psalm 32:8
If you have been caught stealing someone's possessions, spreading lies about him, have slapped him in the face and called him some filthy, vile names, and then apologize, he might forgive you and treat you as before those sins. But should you a few days later do all this evil over again, would he trust you, forgive you, and treat you as his best friend?
Bring then to mind how many times you have sinned against God, confessed these sins, but went right back to them. Have you ever found a more patient, forgiving, and merciful person than the sovereign, almighty God Who sent His Son to earn heavenly glory for us? Not only has He forgiven every sin and given us that precious gift of the beginning of a life that cannot sin (I John 8:9 ), but listen to what David wrote in Psalm 32:8 : "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with my eye."
He will not turn from us and leave us alone, but turn unto us and be very close to us. For that He will guide us with His eye means that He will keep His eye upon us and see to it that we never fall into everlasting torment and hell fire, but will keep us on the way to His house of many mansions where we cannot sin, and where we will enjoy His covenant fellowship forever.
Add up all the sins you committed, and into which you fell back time and time again. Can you then think of a greater love? God does not forsake us or ever come to say, "That is enough! I am through with you!" No, He continues to instruct us and make us spiritually wise and warns us not to behave as dumb beasts of the field, "which have no understanding, but must be held in with bit and bridle."
Come then and let us sing these words (PRC Psalter):
I graciously will teach thee
The way that thou shalt go,
And with My eye upon thee
My counsel make thee know.
But be ye not unruly,
Or slow to understand,
Be not perverse but willing
To heed My wise command.
What corrective love and boundless grace! Take then His warnings as works of His love and grace to you.
Read: Psalm 33
Psalter versification: #84:1
Meditations on the Heidelberg Catechism
Song for Meditation: Psalter #411
Why not sing along??
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Through the Bible in One Year
Read today:
2 Chronicles 24 ; 2 Chronicles 25:1-28
Romans 12:1-21
Psalm 22:19-31
Proverbs 20:8-10
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Quote for Reflection:
We hear about identity theft and corporate fraud. Yet, two violations of the eighth commandment are continually overlooked in society. They are gambling and the institution of labor unions. Both of these are allowed and promoted by the government of America. They are ‘legalized theft!’ – The Reformed Perspective [Summer 2004]
Additional Info
- Date: 29-July
Heys, John A.
Rev. John A. Heys was born on March 16, 1910 in Grand Rapids, MI. He was ordained and installed into the ministry at Hope, Walker, MI in 1941. He later served at Hull, Iowa beginning in 1955. In 1959 he accepted the call to serve the South Holland, IL Protestant Reformed Church. He received and accepted the call to Holland, Michigan Protestant Reformed Church in 1967. He retired from the active ministry in 1980. He entered into glory on February 16, 1998.