The Blessing Of Forgiveness
H. Randall Baker

The writer of Psalm 32, is a man who has been plagued with the burden of sin. The guilt of sin weighed heavily upon his mind Yet he also experienced the joy of having his sin removed. This could represent any of us living today.

The Psalmist had tried to conceal his sin. "When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long" (Psalms 32:3). He had not confessed his sin and the burden of unconfessed sin was as a mighty weight The guilt was such that he felt as though his own lifeblood had been drained (Psalm 32:4). Most of us have at some time struggled under the guilt of unconfessed sin. We know the predicament of unresolved guilt We, like the Psalmist have become angry at ourselves because we fail to do that which is right We know the emptiness and the loneliness that unconfessed sin brings to our life.

The Psalmist did not feel relief from his burden until he acknowledged his sin. God cannot forgive me until I confess. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). When I confess my sin, the results are enormous. God's hand is no longer against me, He has become my hiding place (Psalm 32:7). God provides a refuge for the penitent confessing sinner.

The Psalmist knows the joy of having his sin blotted out "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile" (Psalm 32:1-2). Each of us knows the joy that comes with the removal of sin from our lives. May we each be "glad In the Lord, and rejoice ... and shout for joy" (Psalm 32:11).

Are you, Christian friend, struggling with unconfessed sin in your life? Confess it to God, and lift the burden from your life. Experience the joy of forgiveness!

Humility Helps

George Washington Carver, the scientist who achieved wonders with the humble peanut, used to tell this story: "When I was young I said to God, 'God tell me the mystery of the universe.' But God answered, 'That knowledge is reserved for me alone.' So I said, 'Then God, tell me the mystery of the peanut.' And God said, 'George, that is more nearly your size. "'

--- Joe Taylor Ford

Our hearts go out in deepest sympathy to the family and friends of our brother George “Buddy” Willis who passed from this life on Thursday, April 6th. Viewing will be Monday (10th) at 10 am with services following at 11 am at Kersey Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be at Lakeland Memorial Gardens following the services. We will all miss Buddy’s unique personality and his kindness. Keep Marie and the family in your prayers during this time of loss and sorrow.

Wednesday Meeting Time
Keep in mind that the new time for our Wednesday evening assembly is 7:00 pm.

Men's Breakfast
This month's Men's Breakfast will be hosted by the Eagle Lake Congregation at their building, this coming Saturday morning, April 15th, at 8:00 AM.

YCF
There is a Youth Christian Fellowship planned for Sunday afternoon, April 23rd, at the Central church of Christ in Clearwater. Those who are interested in attending should see Chad Tagtow for more information.

Friday Fellowship
Starting the second Friday in May (12th) and each second Friday of following months, there will be fellowship in the annex. This will be a time for playing games, etc. Details will follow as to times.

Look for little things for which you can express appreciation. Too often we overlook the little things which should be praised. We tend to wait for a colossal achievement before uttering one word of commendation or encouragement. Rare and refreshing is the person who goes on a "treasure hunt" for little things that slip by most people unnoticed.