DAILY DEVOTION

SEEK DAILY (NBC)
Friday, May 23
1 Kings 8:31-36

SIN AGAINST A NEIGHBOUR AND GOD
...Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy people Israel .... 1 Kings 8:34, KJV

King Solomon addressed two issues in His prayer. The first was establishing who is guilty and who is innocent when two persons (or neighbours) are in disagreement, by coming to swear an oath before the altar in the temple. The other has to do with God forgiving any sinner who truly asks for His forgiveness.

It is important for us as children of God to be quick at acknowledging our faults and sin whether against our neighbours or God, rather than looking for ways to cover them and thus attract God's wrath. Proverbs 28: 13 says, "He who covers his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them, finds mercy."

It is of no use attempting to shy away from your sins, rather, confess immediately and forsake them so that the "time of refreshing may come from the presence of our God". Also, ask those whom you have offended to forgive you. Do not wait until it is too late.

Remember your offering will not be acceptable to God until you have settled your score with your neighbour(s).

• Birthday Blessing: "...but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him" - Psalm 32: 10

Read Bible Through Passage: 1 Kings 14, 15; John 6: 1-21

A good test of character - when we do wrong, who do we blame? – Haddon Robinson