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, its 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 smoothes 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

Here in Veery Glade, snow is melting on warm days and the waterfall is ripping. A couple days ago, we saw the driveway bare. But a snowfall yesterday covered it back up to match our still snow-covered yard. March is that unpredictable month. There could be another snowstorm. Or two.

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

A man once told me he was perfect in his own way and as he goes through life, imperfect layers are being peeled off. Nonsense! If we go through life thinking we are perfect in our own way, we are in for a rude awakening. When we rely on ourselves, we arrive at death. When we acknowledge Christ’s authority, we arrive at eternal life. That is because God wrote the book! (the Bible, that is.)

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

No one is perfect in their own way, even if it seems right. I trust you know that God’s authority is the authority by which all things are measured because He is the Creator. His Word stands forever. If one cannot agree with the first sentence in the Bible, then one, most likely, cannot agree with much else that follows.

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

Sin. So, what is it? It is something God cannot look at. It’s falling short of God and His commands. It’s our human nature. We are born with it because of the fall of mankind in the Garden of Eden.

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 your 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)

We don’t measure up. We cannot rely on our own merit and doings. We cannot rely on figuring it out for ourselves and not turning to God in prayer. The saying 'The seven deadly sins' is not true because all sin is deadly, not just seven. If we do not call upon the name of God, our goose is cooked!

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

God Himself provides the remedy in Jesus Christ, His Son.
Jesus died for our sins on the cross. Believe in prayer today.
Pray in Jesus’ name. Be persistent.

 

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

Sins can be forever washed away, ripped up, forgotten and not held against us if we confess our sins. Synonyms for the word “confess” are: acknowledge, admit, allow, avow, concede, disclose, divulge, own and reveal. Admit need. Acknowledge our Creator. Own up to shortcomings. Disclose sin. PRAY. Rely.

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

At the waterfall, I am reminded that righteousness is being made right with God. Whoever believes in Jesus Christ shall not perish but have everlasting life. The Bible declares: Salvation is found for the repentant heart. But all who do not repent will die.

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

As the waterfall gushes over the rocky ledge, I am reminded that curses  no longer stand over those who believe. Jesus died for our sins and has redeemed us from the curse. He is our Redeemer and washes away sin. But sin remains on the unbeliever.

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

Be encouraged! Remember that because of the faith in our heart, God, the Great Heart Reader, can not only wash away our sin but present us as holy before Him!

I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.
Psalm 119:75-76

May you experience God’s awesome forgiveness that purges away sin to make room for Heaven’s kindness.