The Issue of Sin

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

Hypocritical Confession

"I have sinned."

These are possibly the hardest words for us to say, if we really mean them from our hearts. But too often, it may just be a glib expression from someone trying to make light of a misdeed. The difference is in how we feel about sin and how we define it.

Some think of sin as fun, while others look upon it as a great destroyer, which it really is. The prodigal son came back to his father humbly, and said, "I have sinned against heave and in thy sight." He recognized it as rebellion against God. But Judas also said, "I have sinned," and then went out and hanged himself. Had he told Jesus, "I have sinned," he could have been forgiven. But telling the priests did no good. They didn't care about his soul, or the fact that he had sinned against God.

Before we tell people, "I have sinned," we need to tell God, "I have sinned and I'm sorry."

FPN

* * * * * * 

To live above with saints we love

Will certainly be glory.

To live below with those we know

is quite another story! ~Anonymous

* * * * * * 

Peace Like a River

Words and music by C.D. Davis 

Peace like a river 
Flows through my soul 
I've been forgiven 
Cleansed and made whole 

Chorus: 
Peace like a river so gently is flowing 
How sweet to my soul is this marvelous peace 
Sweeter and sweeter each day it is growing 
Like billows of glory it never shall cease 

Filled with the spirit 
I am so happy 
Jesus has given 
Wonderful peace 

Peace gently flowing 
Sweet and divine 
Gives the assurance 
Jesus is mine 

Tag:
Glory forever to Jesus my Savior 
For wonderful, marvelous, heavenly peace 
Peace overflowing much sweeter is growing 
What wonderful, wonderful peace

Recorded by the Nickel Family Singers on LP 365: My Sheep Know My Voice, side one.
Bass solo by oldest son, Charles.



Video created by Joyce Rempel on animoto.com 
Baptism photos accessed online. Other photos purchased from depositphotos.com, standard license

The Pain of Betrayal

Had it been but a casual acquaintaince
or an enemy over the years,
then I could have born all the trauma,
though it called for some suffering and tears.

But it was a man, quite my equal,
in whom I had placed utmost trust;
his pledges and input were binding,
and sharing his friendship, a must.

We walked in sweet counsel together;
we entered God’s house side by side.
No need to retain reservations,
we were sure that such trust would abide.

But suddenly—it’s still so unreal!
Like a dream—might I not yet awake?
And find that it never did happen
and in further exchanges partake?

The cause and the cure for that heartache 
may be hidden from view while I live;
but there’s comfort and healing in Jesus,
through Him, I can truly forgive.

Would taking revenge solve the problem?
Would apologies be understood?
It’s doubtful—the path that I travel
in essence, is forward, with God.

There’s forgiveness and healing in Jesus.
Future joy may eclipse those that were;
we’ve no cause or time then for worry;
He’s the cushion for jolts that occur.

fpn/1974



Picture: depositphotos.com #48689365, standard license

Effectual Prayer

James 5:16-18

All the springs had dried and fields were barren;
neither dew nor rain—three years and more;
then Elijah prayed for showers from heaven,
staying on his knees till he was sure.

Soon a little cloud—just a little cloud
seemed to be the size of a man’s hand
in the western sky, granting from on high,
promise of refreshing to the land.

“Of like passions to us,” was the prophet;
this should give us courage to achieve.
God is still the same and we can trust Him
when we humbly call and then believe.

Ponder well the drought and ask the question,
was not sin the cause of failure there?
If your soul is parched and joy has vanished,
search your heart and go to God in prayer.

God is merciful and quick to pardon
when we own our sins and humbly bow;
He has made provision to forgive us
by the death of Christ on Calvary’s brow.

And my native land, for thee I’m praying;
how we need revival from above.
Strife and turmoil then will be averted;
souls will come to know the God of love.

fpn/undated
Published as Poem #52 in Contemporary Psalms


Picture: accessed online, August 28, 2017

Full Release

“Go and sin no more!”
A privilege and a charge—
release from sordid past
horizons bright and large.

Were ever words so sweet—
“No, I condemn thee not”?
“But Lord, I’m crushed with guilt!”
“Child, I’ve assumed thy lot.”

“But I don’t understand;
they caught me in the act
and pious men of cloth
have launched all-out attack.”

“Pious, did you say?
Now, where did they go?
Condemned by their own sins;
their pride extremely low!”

“Lord, I’m so tired of sin.”
“I know, and that must change;
I died sin’s debt to pay;
I live to give free range.

“I look for honest souls
who know and rue defeat;
I came to save the lost
and make your life complete!”

fpn / November 1981

Picture: "The Woman Taken in Adultery" (c. 1528) painting by Lorenzo Lotto (c. 1480-1557). Wikimedia Commons, accessed online July 2, 2017.

Know Thyself (On Being Honest)

It’s hard to understand 
how God puts up with me;
just like a juvenile,
I get so ornery!
But He goes right ahead
and keeps on blessing still;
He gives me help when I
am struggling up some hill.

Now don’t you start to gloat
and think you please Him fine.
I doubt that your own score
is that much better’n mine.
Just like the Pharisee
whose prayer had a pious sound
“He prayed thus with himself”—
it never left the ground!

God’s patience is so long;
He waits and waits and waits
for us to see our sin;
it’s pretense that He hates.
Let’s never try to hide
nor coddle secret sin;
it’s honesty that counts,
the smile of God to win.

He’s promised to forgive
by transfer of the guilt
to Jesus, Lamb of God,
whose precious blood was spilled.
Imagine, if you can,
a mortal fooling God!
Anyone who tries
is nothing but a clod.

fpn / 1978

Picture: depositphotos.com #65267229, standard license

I Walked Today

I walked today where Jesus walked;
He told me where to go.
It meant that I would soil my hands;
that suffering I would know.
I traveled down a rocky road
where there was sin and hate.
I tried to mend a broken heart;
my own work had to wait.

I walked today where Jesus walked;

abuse had edged my way.

He told me humbly to forgive

and for that one to pray.

I met a lassie and a lad

and told them of God's love.

Their precious smiles were my reward;

I thanked the Lord above.

I walked today where Jesus walked;

some may not understand.

I sensed again His love for me;

I felt his nail-pierced hand.

I shared His burden for the lost;

I read His precious word.

My hope was raised, my strength restored;

I prayed and knew He heard.

I walked today where Jesus walked;

I didn't cross the sea

but He was just as real to me

as those in Galilee.

These eyes of mine, so limited

shall one day clearly see

The smiling face of Him I love

Throughout eternity.

fpn/85

Photo Credit: Deposit Photos #31691679, Standard License

The Sublime Artistry

Of all the skills and aptitudes

that grace the modern scene,
there's one that's being overlooked;
we dare not call it mean.
Quite frankly, it's most difficult,
but few e'er qualify;
so many fail to see its worth
until the day they die.

The artist's brush, the lyric's voice,
the vibrant symphony,
may seem at times to be divine
and touch infinity.
Let earthly grandeur, strength and skill
be e'er so great, and yet
one artistry excels them all:
forgive, and then forget.

There's much injustice in this world
and possibly you've known
the weight of accusations which
some other one should own.
But through some twist or quirk of fate
they fell upon your head;
your shame so great, you almost felt
'twere better to be dead.

Maturity in God's dear child
comes only with the years.
Life's trials can lead to solid joy
even in the midst of tears.
We walk by faith and not by sight;
our God can never fail.
It's never easy, for our foe
will tempt, oppose, assail.

He works through people, even friends
who sometimes prove untrue.
That's when it hurts—when we're despised
by those whom once we knew.
Now God in time will vindicate,
and some, with deep regret,
will seek our pardon; can we then
forgive, and yes, forget?

But some will never come around,
although they know they're wrong.
Now here's the test of Christian grace:
shall these disrupt our song?
"Forgive them, Father," so Christ prayed;
He cancelled all our debt.
Let's do the same, in Jesus' name:
forgive, and then forget.

fpn/undated

Published as poem #24 in Contemporary Psalms
Picture: depositphotos.com #24975073, standard license

As We Forgive

"As we forgive," and would you know
the peace of mind which God will then bestow;
can you, my friend, afford to lose
this peace of mind, if you refuse?

"As we forgive" - there is some wrong
we cannot right by force so strong.
When opening doors, 'tis best by far
to use the keys, not wrecking bar.

"As we forgive," you see his sin;
are you concerned his soul to win?
Your sins as well must be forgiven
for entrance to that place called heaven.

"As we forgive, as we forgive!"
'Tis then that we begin to live.
"As we forgive," there flows so free
God's pardoning grace from Calvary!

fpn/undated



Picture: depositphotos.com #11977974, standard license