Repent and Forgive

March 9, 2014

Opening Hymns:
496 Sweet Hour of Prayer http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh496.sht

Scripture Reading:
Psalm 32
32:1 Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

32:2 Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

32:3 While I kept silence, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long.

32:4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah

32:5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not hide my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah

32:6 Therefore let all who are faithful offer prayer to you; at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters shall not reach them.

32:7 You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with glad cries of deliverance. Selah

32:8 I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

32:9 Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding, whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle, else it will not stay near you.

32:10 Many are the torments of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the LORD.

32:11 Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

Message:
Have you ever done something that made you feel guilty. Maybe it was cheating on a test, or telling a lie. We all sin, and we know how it feels when we’ve done something wrong, and haven’t apologized for it. It can be such a release to say “I’m sorry” and to hear the words, “I forgive you” or “it’s alright”. The tension we feel before that can sometimes be unbearable. Afterwards you can almost feel the weight get lifted right off your shoulders.

In today’s scripture the writer talks about the joy he feels when he confesses his sins to God. Our God is a forgiving God, and through Jesus Christ all of our sins are forgiven. We no longer have to feel afraid to let God know that we did something wrong, and that we are sorry. He is always there to forgive and accept us. The hardest thing I’ve found is in accepting his forgiveness. Sometimes we can feel so bad that we don’t forgive ourselves, but turn to the scriptures, and let them reassure you “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for forgiving us. Please be with us during all of our trials. Remind us to forgive others, and to forgive ourselves as You forgive those who call to you. Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Closing Hymn
438 Forth in Thy Name, O Lord http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh438.sht

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.

Go in peace, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God