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

Snow is melting on warm days and the waterfall is ripping, here in Veery Glade. A couple days ago, we had a foot of snow. But today’s warmer temperatures melt the snow on our driveway. March is that unpredictable month, and there could be yet another snowstorm.

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 the ridiculous notion he had that he was perfect in his own way and as he goes through life, imperfect layers are being peeled off. Foolery! If we think we’re perfect, we’re in for a rude awakening on judgment day.

There is a way which seemeth right unto a man,

but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Proverbs 14:12 

The Bible says no one is perfect in their own way. I trust you know that Christ’s authority is the authority by which all things are measured. Our Creator’s Word stands forever.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

Romans 3:23

Ever since the first disobedience in the Garden of Eden and the exile thereof, we were born with a sinful nature. God cannot look at sin. Sin is falling short of God who is always holy and just. The Bible reveals God’s nature to us.

The Bible also reveals sins. Here are a few.

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 cannot rely on our own merit because none of us measure up to God. We cannot rely on figuring it out for ourselves. The saying 'the seven deadly sins' can’t be 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

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

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

God Himself provides the remedy. Jesus Christ, His Son, died for our sins on the cross. Sins can be forever washed away and not held against us if we confess them. Synonyms for the word “confess” are: acknowledge, admit, allow, avow, concede, disclose, divulge, own and reveal. When we acknowledge our Creator and admit need, we turn to Him in prayer.

The devil doesn’t want anyone to think they need saving. He wants us all dead because he hates God and His creation. Sin equals death and none of Satan’s words will stand.

The Living God will take His vengeance in the coming wrath and anyone not covered by the blood of the Lamb will perish, as His Word states. I trust you have the ears to hear Truth. Pray for those ears, and for your loved ones.

A hike to the waterfall reminds us that righteousness is being made right with God. As water gushes over the rocky ledge, we remember that whoever believes in Jesus Christ shall not perish but have everlasting life. The Bible declares salvation is found in no other name than that of Jesus Christ. Make salvation top priority!

Please continue to pray for peace in Ukraine and that their attackers would fail. Pray for our country too, and local authorities. Pray that churches would grow in faith, wisdom and numbers. Attend church! Sure it’s filled with imperfect people, but we’re not there to worship each other. God could bless us for our effort in attending and serving others.

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

Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.

Jeremiah 31:12

May you experience God’s awesome forgiveness that purges away sin and gains entrance into Heaven’s eternal goodness.