James 5:20 - Remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way
will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins. (NIV)
The day came when we decided to replace a window in our home. We had someone
come in and give us a price on an aluminium-clad window and framing. (No more
painting!) The deal was struck, and we were told it would take about three weeks
before the window would be ready.
Two weeks later, the installer came, unannounced, and I hadn't removed the
window dressings. In haste, I removed the valance, the drapes, and the sheers.
While the window was being removed and the new one installed, I prepared to
launder everything. But when the installer finished, the window was so much
better and everything seemed so much brighter, I didn't want to cover it up with
drapes. Instead, I used some mini-blinds we had on hand.
I did put back the 14-inch valance, however, because it hid the drapery tracks
that I had hesitated to remove, as I knew it would leave holes in the wall that
would have to be filled and painted, and I wasn't sure we had the matching
paint. With the valance in place, when I stood back and looked, I couldn't see
the mess behind.
This is when I thought that, just as I used the valance to cover up a mess, so
we often try to cover up our sins, by pretending they don't exist, or by
justifying or rationalizing our behaviour. However, we can't really cover our
sins, for there is no hiding sin from God. On the other hand, God promises us
that His forgiveness covers over a multitude of sins when we confess them to
Him!
Psalm 139:23-24 - Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my
anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the
way everlasting. (NIV)
Prayer: Dear God, forgive any of us who might attempt to hide our sins from You.
Remind us to give thanks that our sin is forgiven and covered by Your grace
through Your Son Jesus. Amen.
Anne Russell anbrussell@rogers.com
Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Thanks to http://daily.presbycan.ca
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