My friend, may I ask you a question? Is knowing what we need to do the answer to ending sin? Is being determined to do it right the way? When it comes to sin, does mere knowledge of right and wrong cut it. On our own, however, is it the case that we are helpless without Christ?
My friend, life’s a story, welcome to This Passing Day. I’m M. Clifford Brunner?
Why do we sometimes do the things that we do? After we do them, the dumb things, we often find ourselves saying: “Why did I do that?” For example, my son built a set of ramps in our garage. These are ramps that he used to crawl under his car to do repairs. So, I have to line my car up each night as I come home, then drive carefully up the ramps. Most nights that works; except the other night. Instead of taking the time to line my car up properly, I merely turned into the garage, careening nearly off the ramps. And, so it is with sin. We know better but often end up on the wrong side of that knowing.
Here’s a story: Dr. J. Wilbur Chapman told of a distinguished minister, Dr. Howard, from Australia who preached very strongly on the subject of sin. After the service, one of the church officers came to counsel with him in the study. “Dr. Howard,” he said, “we don’t want you to talk as openly as you do about man’s guilt and corruption, because if our boys and girls hear you discussing that subject they will more easily become sinners. Call it a mistake if you will, but do not speak so plainly about sin.” The minister took down a small bottle and showing it to the visitor said, “You see that label? It says strychnine -- and underneath in bold, red letters the word ‘Poison!’ Do you know, man, what you are asking me to do? You are suggesting that I change the label. Suppose I do, and paste over it the words, ‘Essence of Peppermint’; don’t you see what might happen? Someone would use it, not knowing the danger involved, and would certainly die.” (Unknown)
Evidently knowing what we need to do is not the answer. Nor is being determined to do it right. When it comes to sin, mere knowledge of right and wrong just won’t cut it. On our own, we are helpless. When we call upon the name of the Lord, asking Him to help us, we take a hold of the tremendous power of Christ, who knew sin well but was able to bear up under it perfectly. Sin is sin. There’s no other way to label it. But, when we know Christ as our Savior from sin, we need never fear it. Our knowledge is useless, but His is perfect.
We pray. Heavenly Father. We know that just knowing what we need to do is not the answer to stopping our sinful ways; nor is being determined to do it right. We confess dear Lord that when it comes to sin, mere knowledge of right and wrong just doesn’t cut it. On our own, we seem so helpless. But Father, when we call upon Your name, asking You to help us, we take a hold of the tremendous power of Christ, who knew sin well and was able to bear up under it perfectly. Forgive us when we forget this and try to do it ourselves. When we know Christ as our Savior from sin, we need never fear sin. Our knowledge may be useless, but His is perfect.. In Jesus name we pray. Amen!
Therefore my friend, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry for itself; each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matt 6:34) This Passing Day. May this passing day honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and be a blessing to you and everyone you meet. Find a stranger and say hello. Don't let another day pass without your day blessing someone else.
If you have a special prayer request, please send your request to "This Passing Day!"
<thispassingday@gmail.com> From Beech Springs, God bless you for Jesus sake.
(We also pray today for our brother, Dr. Bobbie Minor and his Karen. She is now battling cervical cancer. Pray for the Minors today and ask the Lord to make this a blessing in their life. If He deems it good, ask Him to grant them a cure and total remission. In Jesus Name, Amen!)