We all sin in many ways. Even when we desire to do right, our motives can be mixed and self-serving. David understood the deceitfulness of his own heart and prayed, “Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me.”
What are presumptuous sins, and why was David so concerned about them? Could we be guilty when we knowingly choose to sin while reasoning, “I know it’s wrong, but God will forgive me”?
And there are other ways we can take God’s grace for granted. In Isaiah, God had mercifully delivered His people from disaster. But instead of recognizing His hand, humbling themselves, and repenting, they simply went on with their lives. God warned them that the next time might be very different.
What about us? When things unexpectedly work out, do we merely count ourselves lucky? Do we congratulate ourselves for handling things well? Or do we recognize God’s mercy and ask what He may be teaching us?
Today we’ll look at presumptuous sin, the danger of taking God’s grace for granted, the difference between worldly sorrow and genuine repentance, and why sometimes loving someone means being willing to confront—or be confronted about—sin.
Churches today are filled with people doing religious things.
They attend services, pray, sing worship songs, volunteer, give money, and try to live respectable lives. From the outside, they look like faithful Christians.
But God has never been impressed by outward appearances.
He has always looked at the heart.
Some people have never truly understood the gospel and, despite years in church, have never experienced genuine heart transformation. Others know the truth but are trying to appear spiritual while quietly living in disobedience.
How can we know the difference between genuine faith and empty religion?
Today’s readings give us a sobering warning—and a wonderful invitation to examine our hearts before God. Because while religious activity may fool people, it never fools Him.
When it comes to parenting, few of us are prepared for the hard work and confusion that accompanies the job. We get caught up in the excitement of the first sonogram, getting the nursery ready, and buying all those cute little bibs and blankets. It’s not until we’re sleep-deprived and walking the floor with a crying baby that we start to wonder, am I doing something wrong? But gradually, day by day, we muddle through, making the best parenting decisions we can.
And the challenges don’t go away after those first few months and years. So, it’s important to ask ourselves, what overall views and ideas inform and influence the way we parent? Could a different backstory make our parenting easier and more meaningful?
What is the difference between religion and biblical Christianity? One is about works. It’s about constantly working to acquire or maintain a right relationship with God. The other is a gift of grace. Which one describes your relationship with God?
Also, our reading in Proverbs says, “The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.” It goes on, “What the wicked fears will come upon him, but the desire of the righteous will be granted.” What kind of riches can a believer in Christ expect, and how does the fear of the wicked come back upon him?
