In Psalm 51:10 David prayed: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” As outlined a few days ago, David had committed multiple sins. Big sins. Snowballing sins. Then he was confronted by the prophet Nathan. Psalm 51 is David’s prayer of repentance. He asked God for mercy … Continue reading Create in me a clean heart
psalm 51
Against you only have I sinned
King David sinned. Big time. He committed adultery with Bathsheba. She became pregnant. Her husband Uriah was in David’s army and away at battle. David invited him back with the hopes that he would sleep with his wife making people think the baby was from him instead. But in an act of solidarity with his … Continue reading Against you only have I sinned
It begins within (What is Shrove Tuesday?)
Lent begins tomorrow on Ash Wednesday. The day before that (today) has long been called Shrove Tuesday. The name comes from a practice in England to “shrive” on this day—meaning confessing our sins and seeking God’s forgiveness. Since many people fast during Lent, there was (and is) a custom of using up fatty foods on … Continue reading It begins within (What is Shrove Tuesday?)
A willing spirit
In Psalm 51:10 David asks God to renew him. Then in verse 12 (CSB) he says, “sustain me by giving me a willing spirit.” The idea of a "willing spirit" resonates with me because it’s something I also want… especially on those days when my spirit is stubbornly UN-willing! An UN-willing spirit neglects God, neglects … Continue reading A willing spirit
Feeling gross and dense
At some point or another, all of us struggle with guilt. We do something wrong, we act poorly toward another person, we disobey one (or many) of God’s commands, we make a bad decision that results in many negative consequences. And that weighs heavily on us. Have you ever fell into the water with all … Continue reading Feeling gross and dense
The Up Devotional 