"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT HOW GOD DEALS WITH OUR SINS"
Psalm 103: 10 He has not punished us for all our sins, nor does he deal with us as we deserve.
Psalm 103: 11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
Psalm 103: 12 He has removed our rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west.
Psalm 103: 13 The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
Some Explanatory thoughts/Application/Question, and a Prayer:
The Scriptures above are taken from the from the New Living Translation. And, this particular Psalm, is a magnificent hymn of praises, ( believed to be written by King David ) in which he speaks of God's personal, and national blessing, and about His forgiving love, and His eternal love.
1. God has not given us what we deserve.
Psalm 103: 10 He has not punished us for all our sins, nor does he deal with us as we deserve.
The Lord not giving us what we deserve, is also called mercy. Justice is getting what we deserve for our sins.
Mercy is not getting what we deserve for our sins. God has been, and is merciful towards us.
And, His mercies are new every morning, and they are everlasting.
2. God loves us with an unfailing love. Psalm 103: 11a For his unfailing love toward those who fear him'
How wonderful, that His love is unfailing. God is love, and, He never fails to love us. He cannot but love us, because God is love. And, nothing can separate us from His love. See Rom 8
4. God's love for those who fear Him is great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
Psalm 103: 11b as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
This helps us to somewhat understand the greatness of His loves. It's as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. Today, just take a look up during the day time, and then when it turns night. It will help you to see this verse in action. What you will see is a measurement of how great His love is for you.
5. God has removed our sins and rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west.
Psalm 103: 12 He has removed our rebellious acts as far away from us as the east is from the west.
How beautiful is the word removed. It means, to become far, distant, go far away. To send away, to be gone far away. To put far away. And, how far is the east from the west? We can't measure it. It's limitless.
That's how far our sins have been removed, they are gone.
6. God is father, treats us as His children with tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
Psalm 103: 13 The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
Our God is also our Father. He has adopted us into His family. And, though some may not have had good fathers here on earth, please be comforted in knowing that Your heavenly Father treats you with tender compassion.
He knows we are weak, and He treats us accordingly.
A question or two:
1. Would you take a moment to reflect on God's forgiveness and thank Him for it today?
2. Do you still think about the sins you have committed, but, please try and realize that God has removed them, and as far as He is concerned they are gone, gone, gone. Forever, and ever.
3. Do you need something right now in your life? Would you please ask God for it today. He is Your father, and He knows Your needs, and wants to minister to those needs.
A prayer:
Father, these scriptures bring our hearts such comfort, and the elicit great praise to You. Thank You for who You are, and for what You have done for us. Please help us to see ourselves as You see us, and to share the good news of what You will do with a persons sins who would come to Christ in faith. In Jesus name. Amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
