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Listen while you read: "All Hail The Power Of Jesus Name"1 (Lyrics) |
It did not take long to seek for help for my toothache. I was able to put up with the increasing pain for only a day. A phone call was quickly made and an appointment set for dental evaluation. I was yelping in pain when I was told that the tooth had to come out.
It was done, but afterwards, I felt as if I had been hit with a hockey stick and a puck to match. It took several days for the oral surgery to heal, and after going to a follow-up appointment, the dentist asked me if I was still speaking to him. I answered that I might!
I see something similar about a stubborn sin — acquired or inherited — any form of sin causing pain in our spiritual health, particularly deep-rooted sin brought to daylight in the matters of God.
Extraction is needed in a fast way to settle the matter. Sin needs to be openly and traumatically made clear. A deep cry for help for the innermost truth about sin in the soul becomes a cry for mercy from God Almighty.
The excruciating pain of the sin subsides by the forgiving grace of God, and peace falls into the tormented soul. The value of that soul is restored by the love of God through Christ Jesus.
We all have defining moments when we face sin as it is. "The recognition of sin is the beginning of salvation," said Martin Luther.
Psalm 16:11 – You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. (NLT)
Prayer: Dear God, guard our hearts by schooling us through hardships. Bring back the sheep that stupidly wanders away. Jesus, our good Shepherd, gave His life for us sin-bound slaves, to set us free from bondage into the light of His glory and grace. Thank You, that in Jesus' death, our dark sins are dead. Thank You that by Your grace, our souls are set free. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
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Saturday, May 18, 2024 – In North Africa — Living in North Africa we get so used to hearing the call to prayer it becomes like background noise and sometimes I don't hear it anymore. I am challenged by the fact that some Muslims are so committed to pray that they go to the mosque 5 times a day. Would you consider, with me, setting your alarm to go off at 3:00 every day and pray for these three things: 5 families to come to know Christ, 3 people for us to read scripture with,1 new church plant.
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Good words Kirsti.
Wonderful reminder. And in a timely manner.
Thank you!!
(Texas, USA)
Kirsti, thank you for sharing with us today. I enjoyed this very much and I understand and am aware of what your saying and believe me I know about this for myself. Again thank you.
(Indiana)
Hello Kirsti
So glad your pain is over…love your message. I am sure many will be able to relate.
Blessings to you – and keep on writing. Your devotionals are deeply sensitive and thought-provoking.
Thank you, for sharing.
(ON)
Thanks for your devotional Kirsti.
I hope that by now you have recovered from your ordeal. And yes the similarity between sin and tooth ache is very real. I too have had to lose teeth but after each extraction I increased me dental care. I also know the pain of wandering away from my commitment to my faith but I have ever since been most fastidious about my personal and private devotions each day to ensure that I never again will feel that indescribable pain.
Blessings.
Ouch! Toothache pain is nothing compared to the pain sin can cause in our lives. PTL for Jesus! Blessings.
Dear Kirsti Sipila,
Thanks for your devotional. I particularly liked:
The excruciating pain of the sin subsides by the forgiving grace of God, and peace falls into the tormented soul. The value of that soul is restored by the love of God through Christ Jesus.
We all have defining moments when we face sin as it is. “The recognition of sin is the beginning of salvation,” said Martin Luther.
Thank you for your scripture choice and your prayer.
Keep writing.