Resolve to Read: February 10 Readings http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/2012-02-10/ Exodus 30:11-31:18 http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/2012-02-10/#old-testament Matthew 26:47-68 http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/2012-02-10/#new-testament Psalm 32:1-11` http://www.esvbible.

org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/2012-02-10/#psalm Proverbs 8:27-32 http://www.esvbible.org/devotions/every-day-in-the-word/2012-02-10/#proverb For a print-ready version with links to the readings in PDF format, go to: http://www.our-oxford.info/dbs-calendar/02-10.pdf Meditation Key Verses: Psalm 32:6 (ESV) I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, I will confess my transgressions to the LORD, and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.

Recognizing our Own Sin: By Dorothy A. DeBisschop The psalmist confessed his sins to God and was forgiven. The Bible teaches that forgiveness is offered to those who believe in Jesus and repent of their sin. It sounds so simple, but it is hard for many of us. The website, www.preaching.com, has the following story: Some people have a tough time recognizing themselves as sinners. Joel Hunter tells of a friend who once found himself in a conversation with a prison inmate who was serving time for robbery. My friend mentioned he recently read in the paper about a man who had robbed a house and killed the family. You know, the inmate replied, its people like that who give robbery a bad name. When my friend remarked that he didnt know it had a good name, the prisoner explained that his kind of robbery wasnt so bad because he only stole from rich people and never harmed them. This is a guy who should be reminded of his own sinfulness every time he hears the metallic slam of the cell door, yet he can tell you with a straight face why hes not so bad. Although he could recognize sin in theory, he could not (or would not) see it in himself. (From The Journey to Spiritual Maturity: The Challenging Road) Its a common form of self-delusion. I have heard people speak of their own adultery and say, I know that technically its wrong, but I think God would understand. It seems we humans are all too willing to bend the rules and pretend our flaws and sins dont matter.

We live in an age of lies and deceptions that deny the Bibles teachings. Some people say, All roads lead to God. Others say, That may be true for you, but its not for me. Another common excuse is Its only wrong if you think its wrong. We live in a world that avoids calling wrong behavior sin. People who have sex with strangers on camera are called porn stars, instead of fornicators. Abortion is not called killing an unborn child. Instead it is called disposing of fetal tissue the mother doesnt want. Yet Gods Holy Word teaches differently. Unless we know and recognize Gods standards in the Bible it is easy to fall prey to the delusions of the world around us. When we fall for any of those delusions, we risk eternal consequences. The psalmist was wise enough to recognize his need to repent and confess. He also recognized that when he did so, he was forgiven and restored. If we fail to confess and repent, we effectively reject the pardon Christs death on the cross gives to those who believe. ACTIVITY FOR THE DAY: In our world today, people ask, as did Pontius Pilate, What is truth? We know that the answer, absolute truth, stood right in front of Pontius Pilate. We, too, can delude ourselves about the truth. If you are having a hard time recognizing your sins and flaws, start by asking God to show you your sins. Read the Bible, starting with the 10 Commandments. If a stranger engaged in conduct like yours, would that conduct violate the standards God sets there? When, not if, because none of us lead perfect lives, you find a sin you are committing, ask Gods forgiveness. Then rejoice because Gods love is flowing to help you overcome that sin and restoring your fellowship with God. Keep repeating this activity. PRAYER: Dearest Lord Jesus, show us our faults, the sins we dont recognize or confess. Please help us to see how they hurt you and others we love. Help us also to see the power your love gives us to overcome these sins and flaws. Help us to become the people you desire, no longer hurting ourselves and those around us because of our unrecognized sins and flaws. Help our faith grow so that we are confident that you will forgive when we repent and confess our sin. Amen. JOURNALING NOTES:

(Resolve to Read meditations follow the One Year Bible popularized by Tyndale House Publishers. The meditations are copyrighted, but readers are free to share them, as long as no charge is made for them and this notice is included.)