Greetings,
Believers who do not understand the merciful nature of our God are troubled by this scripture:
Psalm 66:18-20 (NKJV) – “If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear. [19] But certainly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer. [20] Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer, Nor His mercy from me!”
What does it mean to ‘regard iniquity’ in my heart? Does it mean that if I ever do something wrong, God will no longer answer my prayers? No! Everyone makes mistakes. But when we choose to live sin instead of living righteously, or desire the world more than God, our prayers are hindered and not nearly as effective as when we desire to please Him.
Father, I thank You for Christ’s sacrifice at Calvary and for Jesus dying in my place. Because of Jesus’ blood, I can overcome sin and be in right standing with You! You alone have the power to help me daily conquer the allure of my fallen nature. Sin always results in emptiness and disappointment. In Christ alone I find what I was created to enjoy and experience. It can’t be found anywhere else.
Today, I’m worshiping with Richard Smallwood and “Calvary.”
We love you and are praying for you. Be INSPIRED!
Pastor