Daily Devotional
The Cleansing, Healing Work of the Holy Spirit
Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for Thou art my praise.
Jeremiah 17:14
November 26, 2018
Ponder This
There are two kinds of wounds to the human psyche. One is sorrow; the other is guilt. Sorrow is a clean wound. Somehow your heart will heal as the Holy Spirit applies His healing balm. He will pour in “the oil of gladness.” Time and the grace of God will heal.
But guilt is dirty and will never heal until confessed and cleansed by the antiseptic of Calvary. Sin will destroy your testimony. King David learned that after he sinned by taking Uriah’s wife. He had sinned against Uriah, against Bathsheba, against his own family, against the kingdom of Israel—but primarily against God. When he realized the depth of what he had done, it broke David’s heart.
David wasn’t as concerned about what God might do to him as he was concerned that He had hurt his heavenly father. He cried out in Psalm 51, “Oh God, I sinned against You and did this evil in Your sight.”
A true Christian realizes not only has he broken God’s law, but he's also broken God's heart. One way you can know you're truly saved is this: Does it break your heart that you've broken God's heart? A slave only fears his master’s whip, but a son fears his father’s displeasure. David said, “Oh my Redeemer, my Savior, my Lord, how could I do such a thing?"
When you cover up sin, it steals your joy. It takes your song. Praise withers and dies because sin destroys your testimony.
Practice This
What do you do? Like David, come to God. Are you suffering under a load of guilt? Allow the Holy Spirit to expose your sin. Without excuses, openly confess it and experience the joy of forgiveness in Christ.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
