“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” (Prov. 28:13 ESV)

Everybody stumbles  

“For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. (James 3:2 ESV)

Deal with it! Don’t deny or cover it up

When you have made a mistake, you can handle it by denying it and covering it up, or by recognizing it for what it is and taking proper steps to correct the situation as best you can. It may involve the need to repent from sin, make restitution, and seek forgiveness from others you have harmed and from God. There is an example in the Bible of King David who committed adultery and then, to cover it up, had the woman’s husband murdered. In Psalm 51, David prayed, “Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin” (Psalm 51:1-2 NLT). 

Humble yourself

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV)

Therefore

“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” (Prov. 28:13 ESV)

“Though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.” (Psalm 37:24 ESV)

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9 ESV)

“For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” (Rom. 1:20 ESV)

The Grand Canyon

While passing through beautiful Arizona, Susan and I visited the magnificent Grand Canyon. And it was a breathtaking and awe-inspiring site to see! I experienced vertigo as we walked along the steep edges with mind-blowing drop-offs; most trails were without barricades! Later, as we drove away from it, I reflected on the greatness of God, the creator of all things, including the Grand Canyon!

He made all things

“All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1:3 ESV)

All things were created through Him and for Him 

“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” (Col. 1:16 ESV) 

And God preserves all of them

“You are the Lord, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them; and you preserve all of them; and the host of heaven worships you.” (Neh. 9:6 ESV)

Therefore…

“Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.” (1 Cor. 8:6 ESV)

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Rev. 4:11 ESV)

“Is not My word like fire?" declares the LORD, "and like a hammer which shatters a rock?” (Jer. 23:29 NASB)

The Word of God is God-breathed

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, 

correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:16-17 NIV)

The Word of God is alive, active and sharp 

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12 NIV)

The Word of God put into practice is wise

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matt. 7:24 NIV) 

The Word of God is a light for your feet

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:109 NIV) 

“The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130 NIV) 

The Word of God is the path to purity

“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.” (Psalm 119:9 NIV)

The Word of God endures forever

“The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” (Isa. 40:8 NIV)

“Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge.” (Psalm 16:1 NIV) 

God’s angels will protect you

“For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.” (Psalm 81:11 NLT)

God is an ever-present help in the time of trouble

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1 NIV)

God goes with you, so don’t be afraid

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deut. 31:6 NIV)

Weapons formed against you will fail

“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,”declares the Lord.” (Isa. 54:17 NIV)

Therefore

“So we say with confidence,  “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Heb. 13:6 NIV)

“Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.” (Rom. 8:5 NLT)

Someone has said

“You aren’t what you think you are, but what you think, you are.” In other words, if your thinking is dominated by sinful things, you are carnal and not pleasing God. If, on the other hand, your thoughts are controlled by the Holy Spirit and you think about spiritual things, you then please the Spirit. It is important to know that you do control what you think about. Thoughts are like birds; they may fly over your head, but you don’t have to let them build a nest in your hair! When you get a negative thought, recognize it for what it is and then bring it under control. Additionally, keep in mind that the content you expose your mind to shapes your thoughts. If you listen to music with sinful messages and watch R-rated movies, your thoughts will be filled with those things. If you listen to praise music and fill your mind with God’s Word by reading and studying the Bible, you will develop a spiritual mind.

Take every thought captive to obey Christ

“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.” (2 Cor. 10:3-6 ESV)

Renew your mind

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rom. 12:2 ESV)

Think about good things

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Phil. 4:8 ESV)

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Eph. 4:32 ESV)

Kindness benefits you

“A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.” (Prov. 11:17 ESV)

Put on compassionate hearts

“Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” (Col. 3:12 ESV)

Therefore…

“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.” (Luke 6:35 ESV)

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” (1 Pet. 3:8 ESV)

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 NIV)

His lovingkindness is everlasting

“O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting.” (1 Chron. 16:34 NASB)

His kindness is meant to lead us to repentance

“Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” (Rom. 2:4 ESV)

We are examples of His incredible kindness 

“God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.” (Eph. 2:7 NLT)

“The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.” (Psalm 103:8 NIV)

Steadfast: unfailing, faithful, loyal, constant, staunch, resolute, never changing or becoming weaker even in difficult times: always providing enough of what is needed.

You can trust in God’s steadfast love

“But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.” (Psalm 13:5 ESV)

“Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” (Psalm 143:8 ESV)

Because God is Love!

“So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” (1 John 4:16 ESV)

“If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.” (Mark 5:28-29 NIV)

The substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen

Here is a remarkable story about a woman who reached out in desperation and touched Jesus’s clothes, fully expecting to be healed by doing so, and by that courageous act of faith, she instantly received her healing. Jesus acknowledged this by saying, “Daughter, your faith has healed you.” Elsewhere in scripture we read the definition of faith: “Now, faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1). The woman in this passage demonstrated the application of faith. This is why she got results. Read the story below.

A woman in the crowd with a long-time physical problem

“A large crowd followed and pressed around him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. (Mark 5:24-26 NIV)

“She thought, “if I Just touch his clothes, I will be healed.”

“When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.” (Mark 5:27-29 NIV) 

“Who touched my clothes?”

“At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ”But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it.” (Mark 5:30-32 NIV)

 “Daughter, your faith has healed you.”

“Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” (Mark 5:33-34 NIV)