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By Scarlett
Stough
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The theme for November,
2004, Women in Christ is the Lord’s discipline. The Apostle Peter tells
us that “He [God] is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but
everyone to come to repentance.”
(II Peter 3:9 NIV) Punishment
or discipline is always about bringing us back to God and teaching us how
to make right choices in life. The consequences of our rebellion against
God are far worse than any discipline or punishment God chooses to use.
Repentance is translated
from a word that means to turn back. It isn’t just a state of being sorry
for some action, word, or attitude. Repentance means coming back to our
Father in heaven for his guidance and provision.
David, King of Israel, soldier,
poet, musician, and prophet, out of the abundance of his heart, expressed
how the results of God’s discipline affected him.
The following
is Psalm 32 as translated in the Holman Christian Standard Bible : Scripture
quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible Copyright
1999, 2000,2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.
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Psalm 32
The Joy of Forgiveness
Davidic. A Maskil.
How happy is the
one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered!
How happy is the
man the LORD does not charge with sin, and in whose spirit is no deceit!
When I kept silent,
my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long.
For day and night
Your hand was heavy on me; my strength was drained as in the summer’s heat.
Selah
Then I acknowledged
my sin to You and did not conceal my iniquity.
I said, “I will
confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and You took away the guilt of
my sin. Selah
Therefore let everyone
who is faithful pray to You at a time that You may be found.
When great floodwaters
come, they will not reach him.
You are my hiding
place;
You protect me
from trouble.
You surround me
with joyful shouts of deliverance. Selah
I will instruct
you and show you the way to go; with My eye on you, I will give counsel.
Do not be like
a horse or mule, without understanding, that must be controlled with bit
and bridle, or else it will not come near you.
Many pains come
to the wicked, but the one who trusts in the LORD will have faithful love
surrounding him.
Be glad in the
LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones; shout for joy, all you upright in
heart.
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