file: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db940714.txt
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OUR DAILY BREAD                     Thursday, July 14, 1994
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READ:  Psalm 130

                      "THE BEST NEWS EVER!"

                 Hope in the Lord; for with the
                      Lord there is mercy.

                          - Psalm 130:7

I knew immediately that the person on the other end of the
phone was feeling defeated.  It was evident in her voice.
She had called to tell me that a verse of Scripture was
bothering her.  After quoting Jesus' words, "What will it
profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own
soul?"  (Mark 8:36), she said she felt that the verse
described her.

She was sure she had lost her soul even though she was a
Christian.  "I've done so many wrong things," she explained,
"that I know God could never forgive me."

The desperation in her voice verified that she really did
feel that all hope was lost.  So, without denying that her
pain was real, I gently attempted to share the encouraging
truth that all was not lost for her.  Jesus' death on the
cross removed the penalty for all our sin.  And when we
trust Him as Savior from our sin, we are made right with God
and need not fear eternal punishment (Rom. 5:8-9).  I could
confidently tell her that our Father is willing to forgive
her and welcome her back into close fellowship.

The best news we could ever hear or share with others is
this:  "With the Lord there is mercy" (Ps. 130:7). Just as
God kept forgiving the people of Israel despite their
backsliding (vv.4,7-8), so also He is willing to forgive us.

Author:  J. David Brannon

        Lord, help me humbly to confess
        My sin and guilt to Thee;
        Then by Thu grace Thou wilt forgive
        And fully set me free.

                            - Dennis J. De Haan

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
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Sins' stains are removed by the cleansing blood of Christ.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Isaiah 22 - 24

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Our Daily Bread, Copyright 1994, used by permission of Radio
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