For a full description of the (Y4) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Lev. 5
We don’t even have to be aware of our sin to be guilty of it. When we become aware of it, though, we need to confess and seek atonement for it, or we pile guilt on top of guilt. Thankfully, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 Jn. 1:9).
Ps. 3-4
We have a choice in life. We can listen to the masses or we can put our trust in God. The masses tell us there is no hope; no deliverance. They say, “Who will show us any good?” (Ps. 4:6a). Don’t believe their lies. God is our help, our hope, our deliverance and our peace. To listen to and follow the masses is to surrender ourselves to death. But, “Salvation belongs to the LORD.” (Ps. 3:8a).
Prov. 20
Who can say, ‘I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin’”? (Pr. 10:9). I’ll tell you who – nobody. There is nothing any of us can do to change and cleanse our hearts, which are more deceitful than all else and desperately sick (see Jer. 17:9). But take heart, because, “Stirpes that wound scour away evil, and strokes reach the innermost parts.” (Pr. 10:30). It is not our stripes and strokes that change us but, rather those Jesus bore on our behalf. As Isaiah the prophet so beautifully stated, “But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed.” (Is. 53: 5).