THE WATERFALL

Down in the gorge of mist and cold
pours out a gushing, strong and bold,
that makes the hemlocks surge up tall—
the power of the waterfall.

The water dances as it sings
and off the trees, it’s echo rings
to fill the woodland concert hall—
the music of the waterfall.

The flow that washes like a sea
removes the mud and creek debris
and smooths the jagged, rocky wall—
the cleansing of the waterfall.

The Lord of Heaven gives the might,
with mercies pouring day and night,
to send my wrongs cascading all—
the beauty of God’s waterfall!


If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9


THE WATERFALL

To have sin remain or to not have sin remain, that is the question.

The ugly word in the room (or in the woods) is sin. A man once told me he was perfect in his own way and as he went through life, imperfect layers were being peeled off. He believed everyone would be blessed in the end.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and
the truth is not in us.
1 John 1:8

People who stroll through the woods thinking they're perfect in their own way are in for a rude awakening. When we rely on our own philosophy, it leads to death. When we acknowledge Christ’s authority, it leads to eternal life.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.
Romans 3:23

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,
but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Proverbs 14:12

There isn’t anybody perfect in his or her own way according to God, our Creator. Why would God send His Son to die on the cross, to redeem? The devil, who is not for God's work, wants us to think we don't need redemption.
   
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9

Using our free will, confessed sin can be forever washed away, ripped up, forgotten and not held against us! Synonyms for the word “confess” are: acknowledge, admit, allow, avow, concede, disclose, divulge, own and reveal. Forgiveness is the work of Jesus Christ. Churches welcome sinners. When churches parade that we are not sinners, we had better get back to reading God's Word. Immediately.

What is sin? Sin is something God can't look at. We wouldn't want it to remain. When God allowed the world’s sins to be poured on His Son Jesus, He turned His back. When Jesus willingly went to the cross for us, He provided purification for sins. The Bible explains that sin equals death and that faith equals life. Here is a short list of some sins:

looking lustfully at someone (Matthew 5:28)
taking God's name in vain (Exodus 20:7)
not honoring the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8)
murder, adultery, stealing (Exodus 20:13-15)
homosexuality (Romans 1:20-32)
sexually immoral (1 Corinthians 6:9)
not honoring our mother or father (Exodus 20:12)
malice, deceit, envy, slander (1 Peter 2) 
vengeful (Romans 12:19)
foul talk (Ephesians 4:29)
love of money (1 Timothy 6:10)
drunkenness (Galatians 5:21)
not believing (Hebrews 3:19)
worrying (Matthew 6:25-34)
idolatry, witchcraft, jealousy, discord, 
fits of rage, selfish ambition, factions (Galatians 5:20)
hatred (Proverbs 10:12)
unfaithful, pride, cheating (Proverbs 11)
being rude (1 Corinthians 13:5)
lying (Proverbs 26:28)

For the wages of sin is death;
but the gift of God is eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:23

There's a saying that there are seven deadly sins. But, that's not true! All sin is deadly, not just seven. If we were born perfect, we would not need redeeming. Prayer is available today for understanding. 

For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
Corinthians 3:9

Righteousness is being made right with God. It's way better than the condemnation. Whoever believes in Jesus Christ shall not perish but have everlasting life. Salvation is found for the repentant heart which, by the way, God can read. He can read the heart because He made the heart. Jesus came to save, not condemn. (We are already condemned.)

And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
Luke 2: 38

The prophetess Anna from Asher had served God with fastings and prayers night and day in the temple. It's interesting that prayer can be a service to God. Anna from Asher would tell us that! To them that looked for redemption, she spoke of Jesus and got to see Him as a baby. Apparently, not everyone seeks redemption. The one who thinks she is sin-free wouldn’t seek redemption.


Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
Genesis 3:16

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.

Galatians 3:13

One can't look at Genesis 3 without looking at Galatians 3. He is our Redeemer! Curses are lifted in Jesus. Outside of Jesus, they remain.

And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister.
Colossians 1:21-23

God can not only cancel out our sin but even present us as holy before Him.

Here’s a prayer challenge: Visit a waterfall this spring and spend time in prayer there. Pray for faith and wisdom. Let the waterfall of mercy wash away sin's debris that God cannot look at. This is the answer: Don't let sin remain.

Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
Revelation 3:9-11  


With those who look for redemption and beside a waterfall, may you seek the crowning day with patience.