Isaiah 55:6-9: Learning to Stay Within God's Will

 

 

Isaiah 55:7-9: Learning to Stay Within God's Will

I originally wrote this in 2018, but the lesson of consequences of going outside God's will always stay with me!

One of the biggest lessons God has been teaching me may be the hardest for me to swallow because it includes a huge slice of humble pie.  In order for me to share this lesson with you, I have to admit that I have been a stubborn, willful, untrusting child of God. 

In order for me to make this story a complete picture, I must go back to May 2017.  I had applied to a job at fast food place and had been called for an interview.  Because I had previously worked at the local school and was food safety certified, the boss was very interested in hiring me but wanted a face-to-face interview to be certain.  The night before the interview, I prayed that if the job was not within God’s will that either I or someone else would be sick and the interview would be cancelled.  I was sick all night with extreme nausea and stomach pain.  But was this just psychological because of what I had prayed?  Maybe, but what was not a coincidence was that the boss called me half an hour before the interview to say his wife was ill and he would have to cancel and reschedule the interview.  I saw this is a definite sign and chose not to reschedule.  I was not certain why God had chosen to block me from the seemingly harmless job, but I could not pray a prayer asking for a specific sign and then ignore it when God answered.

Now, fast forward to January 2018.  Feeling weary of being broke and struggling to pay bills, and not able to find any office jobs that had openings in what I was skillfully trained to do, I began believing God was not interested in our lives.  Yes, I love God and He loves me, but does He really care about every detail?  One day, when driving back from an errand, I noticed a sign on the door of the same fast-food place I had applied to the previous year.   I asked Mel to pull into the parking lot to see if it was another “Help Wanted” sign.  Yes, it was.  In spite of God blocking me from the same job eight months prior, I filled out another application.  I remembered how enthusiastic the boss had seemed at my prior kitchen experience and knew I would be called for another interview.  Sure enough, he quickly called me again and even remembered that he had called me in 2017.  This time, I did not pray for God’s will to be done.  I decided that if God really cared about me, He would understand the need for more money.  I was hired on the spot.

I trained on days for my first four shifts but was moved to nights my second week (I only worked three days a week).  Night shift is responsible for the majority of the cleaning, which includes all the dishes.  Well, my first time being exposed to the sanitizer, I began coughing and I could feel my chest tighten.  Next thing I knew, my asthma attacks began increasing.  Up until then, the asthma had been controlled with a daily inhaler, and I only needed my rescue inhaler 7-10 times a month.  I had to start using my rescue inhaler 3-6 times a day!  The last time my asthma had been that bad the doctor said it could cause me to go into respiratory failure and/or end my life, which is why I now take the daily inhaler.

Less than two weeks into the increased asthma attacks, I had developed bronchitis, a bloody nose, double ear infections, and a throat infection.  It is obvious I was allergic to the sanitizer as I had also been itching and had a mild rash.  I tried my best to stay at the job, hoping the antibiotics would make me better, but they did not.  I spent every day for at least a month with increased asthma attacks as well as feeling generally very sick (I won’t go into it all).  In spite of the need for money, I finally decided I had enough of feeling so horrible every day.  Also, remembering the doctor’s previous warning about increased risk of lung failure, my sweet hubby was very worried about my health, so I resigned.

So, why am I telling you all this?  To remind not only myself, but my readers as well, that when we go outside of God’s will, we cannot expect to be protected.  Remember that God had answered my prayer in 2017 and showed me the job was outside of His will.  In His foreknowledge, He knew my weak lungs would not be able to handle the chemicals used, and that it would literally place my life at risk.  Yet in my stubborn pride and refusal to believe that God cared about my needs, I rebelliously took the job God clearly had blocked me from in the past. 

We cannot jump off a cliff and then demand that God must save us.  When we do something we know is against His will or against the laws of Jesus Christ, we cannot expect divine protection.  It is not God’s fault I was sick and suffering, it was my own because I disobeyed His will. And having asthma in general is simply the result of living in a fallen world.  I spent time in serious repentance for arrogantly believing God really did not care about my life and that He really did not care if I took that job or not.  He cares very much about every one of us and our actions!

I have learned my lesson.  I will always pray over every application or résumé I drop off (as I have done since 2018).  If God shows me any job is the wrong fit, I will immediately back off and move on.  In fact, I am going to do my best to better adopt this attitude for everyday life experiences much better than I have ever done before.  Whether it is looking for a new job, writing a blog or book, looking for a new place to live, or even what book to read, I am going to do a better job of listening to God’s Voice and following His signs.

From now on, whenever I am so arrogant to believe my will is better than the Almighty’s will, I going to focus more on Isaiah 55:6-9, especially the last two verses:  Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. 

I will no longer fight God’s plans for my life, nor disbelieve His love for me.  I am also going to strive to better believe in Romans 8:24-28: For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.  

There is so much beauty in those verses how can I not see how much God cares about my life?  The Holy Spirit intercedes for us to try to keep us within the will of God.  When we love God and are called for His purpose (not our own), God will work things out for our good.  I have heard verse 28 my entire life, so how could I still be so thick-headed that I still have the nerve to purposefully stray outside God’s will?

Another favorite Truth to remember is found in Jeremiah 29:11-14: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord.

God only wants His best for His children.  When we seek Him, we will find Him.  If I had prayed again before my second interview, I am certain God would have again blocked the job because He does not want “evil” for my life.  Excessive asthma attacks are not part of God’s will! 

Although bad things typically happen to us when we refuse to stay within God’s will, I want to make it clear that not all bad things are our fault as we live in a fallen world where man’s rebellion causes the innocent to suffer.  So do NOT believe that every time you are sick (or something else bad occurs) that God is punishing you.  It was clear the added asthma attacks had been because I had rebelled but having asthma in general is not a punishment.  However, with that said, I am still going to do better to let this lesson permeate my life and control my actions from now on!  (Update: Again, this was written in 2018. God healed me of asthma around April 2019, and the only time I have needed to use an inhaler since then was for about 3 months after I had COVID in 2020. To God be all the glory!).  

Isaiah 5:20: Choose Light Over Dark, Part 2

 

Isaiah 5:20 & 8:19-20: Choose Light Over Dark, Part 2

I have been praying about what God wanted me to write about next.  He gave me two phrases: "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil." And "They traded the truth for a lie." God also told me very clearly not to be afraid of anyone who might reject me for my writings because it is important to share the Truth.

(Isaiah 5:20) Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Keep those words in mind as they go along with the theme of this blog.

The second phrase God gave me, I knew I had heard before, but could not remember where it was in the Bible nor what the context of that scripture was.  I had to look it up.  It is in Romans 1.  

I realize that a portion of Romans 1 has to do with the sin of homosexuality, but I do not believe that is what God is specifically calling me to write about at this time.  The theme God wants me to focus on is the backsliding of saints. Those that have been taught the Truth and have rejected it.

If you have taken the time to read part one of this blog, then you know that I was once just as guilty of watching things God considers evil even though I knew better. 

So, if we are taught at an early (or not-so-early) age to avoid witchcraft, drugs, alcohol, sexual immorality, etc., then why do we choose to sin?  It is because we have been hurt to the very core and we blame God.  We think He should have intervened and saved us from a miscarriage, a divorce, abuse, illness, a death of a loved one, the loss of a home, etc.  We may think we have gotten over the anger towards God, but in all reality, we choose to rebel against the scriptures we have heard for many years, and probably even memorized.  We choose this as a child rebels against a parent they think is being unfair.  In all honesty, I was a good kid, but, when my parents set a curfew I did not agree with, I simply chose to come home whenever I wanted and didn't care if I suffered the consequences later.  Sound familiar?  Our attitude may sound something like this, "God, I think it was pretty heartless of you to allow my wife to cheat on me, so therefore, I am going to smoke this joint."  or "God, I don't understand why I have lost a child, and since you don't seem to care, neither do I."

Satan absolutely loves it when we allow our minds to wander down such paths of what we consider logical rebellion.

But don't be fooled...  God does care! He does not will bad things to happen to us.  Bad things often happen due to poor choices we make, and God will not save us when we jump off a cliff without a parachute just because we say we have faith.  He expects us to be proactive.  You cannot expect God to heal you of high blood pressure if you continue to eat unhealthy foods.  You cannot expect God to save your marriage if you refuse to put down the sin of pornography.  Or bless your business if you treat your employees unfairly.  We have to take care of our marriages, our bodies, and other people if we want God's blessings.  We cannot hold someone responsible that did not pull the trigger.  Unfortunately, our mistakes can cause others hurt.  If you refuse to have your vehicle serviced on a regular basis and it breaks down on your wife and she gets stranded in the middle of nowhere, that is not God's fault.

I am well aware that bad things happen to people who live life as clean as they can.  They are devout in their faith and love God with all their hearts.  Do they have a reason to be mad?  Sure.  In fact, even those that are victims of their own fault have reason to be mad.  The Bible says it is okay to be angry as long as we do not sin in anger (Ephesians 4:26).  But don't stay mad; pray that God helps you heal by the power of His Holy Spirit as it is impossible to heal on our own.  We live in a fallen world where man chooses to alienate God.  Therefore, God does not always intervene.  I once had very serious asthma to the point where doctors said I could die if it did not improve.  Was that my fault or God's?  No.  Did God choose to heal me?  Yes, Praise God! After 4 years of dangerous asthma attacks, I was healed.  I have not used my inhaler since 2019 (except when I had Covid in 2020 and I needed it for a few months).  If I was still obsessing over "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (or other satanic/violent/sexual program) and knowingly watching a show that was displeasing to God, I would have had no right to ask God to heal me.  Any more than you could expect a boss to give you a raise if you are always late to work or have a bad attitude. 

My point was that we choose to dishonor God with our rebellions because we blame Him for our unfortunate circumstances.  We justify glorifying witchcraft or drinking alcohol or even following the ways false religion because it is fun or makes us feel better.  I have heard people often say, "Oh, I know there's swearing, violence, and sex in that movie, but overall, I really loved it."  And they watch it again and again.

(Romans 1: 20-21) For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

This sounds to me like they were well aware of God's power, rebelled, and God was absolutely going to hold them accountable because they knew better.  In fact, I believe God holds us more accountable when we know the Truth and trade it for a lie than when our sins are a little bit more ignorant. 

(Hebrews 6:4-6) For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.  

Romans 1:22 states, "Professing to be wise, they became fools."  To me, this sounds like they knew better and justified their actions with false logic, and therefore, became foolish.   

But there is good news for those that have rebelled and chosen to backslide.  I see a lot of people who choose to do wrong still going to church, calling themselves Christians, and reading their bibles.  The hope lies in prayers. We can pray this all sinks in once and for all.  That God will ultimately open their eyes, or re-open as the case may be.  Or if it is us that has fallen away, we need to repent and start over.

(Revelation 2:4-5) I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.  

Please prayerfully consider all I have said.  Remember my goal is never to condemn anyone, but if the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart and convicts you, please listen and obey.

If you are interested, here is another writing that offers Light to ones who have once walked in darkness: "Hope for the Backslider" https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/07/hosea-141-9-hope-for-backslider.html & "When the Righteous Turn Away From Righteousness https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/07/ezekiel-1823-33-when-righteous-turn.html

Isaiah 5:20: Choose Light Over Dark, Part 1

 

Isaiah 5:20 & 8:19-20: Choose Light Over Dark, Part 1

We need to let the light of Jesus permeate the darkness of our hearts and souls, to completely remove the dark places and replace them with His Light. We need to quit stubbornly refusing to give up the dark things we know God hates. We need to quit walking with the world and let go of what we know God hates. Love the light, hate the dark!

(Isaiah 5:20) Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

(Isaiah 8:19-20) And when they shall say unto you, "Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter:" should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

We know that Jesus calls himself the "Light of the World."

(John 8:12) Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

We also know that, just from observing with our own eyes, that even the smallest flicker of light eliminates the darkness. In other words, light and dark cannot coexist. They cannot coexist in the other's space because one will destroy the other's exclusivity.

(John 11:9-10) Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”

If Christians claim to walk with Christ, that means that are attempting to live a life in the Light. There are many areas that could be considered "dark," but today, I am going to focus on just one. Christians should not compromise in the area of witchcraft.

Yes, we all know that people who practice witchcraft will not inherit the kingdom of heaven...

(Revelation 21:6-8) He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”

But I am not just referring to the art of practicing witchcraft. I am also referring to the compromise of watching movies and reading books filled with magic. Before anyone thinks I am being self-righteous, I want to make it very clear that I once compromised in this area in a big way. That is why I am so compelled to warn against it now. I will admit that I was a huge "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" & "Angel" fan as well as "The Lord of the Rings" being my favorite movie/book trilogy. I loved fantasy fiction. I owned the above-mentioned TV shows/movies and watched them all the time. Whenever I would watch episode after episode, I found myself in a bad mood all the time. I knew it was because I was allowing demonic influences into my home, but I did not care because those shows were an addiction to me.

The Bible makes it very clear that we are not to call the dark things of this world light:

(Isaiah 5:20 ) Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

When we watch movies like Harry Potter, Star Wars, Wicked, The Lion the Witch & the Wardrobe, and even so-called innocent children's movies such as Snow White, Moana, Cinderella, Frozen, etc. we open up our hearts and minds for all sorts of evil to walk through our door.

Don't take my word for it:

(Ephesians 6:12) For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

This verse lets us know that angels and demons are very real, and the dark forces of this world will try to influence us. We must keep up our guard by not allowing the dark into our homes. These "cute" Disney movies may seem innocent, but anything involving a witch, wizard, incantations, magic wands, potions, telekinesis, telepathy, fortune telling, levitating, demon possession, communing with the dead, false gods, and even certain hand motions should not be allowed in a Christian home.

It was difficult, at first, to throw away all my movies and books that contained any form of witchcraft because I like to be entertained as much as you do, but I knew it was a necessity if I wanted to have peace in my home. I did not want nightmares or any other negative influences harassing me and especially not my husband. But I loved God more and wanted to choose His Light! I indeed noticed the peace as soon as they were all gone, and I was able to hear God's voice much more clearly.

Reading tarot cards, playing with Ouija boards, having your palm read, & séances are all things are also extremely dangerous and should be avoided.

(Deuteronomy 18:9-14) “When you come into the land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord, and because of these abominations the Lord your God drives them out from before you. You shall be blameless before the Lord your God. For these nations which you will dispossess listened to soothsayers and diviners; but as for you, the Lord your God has not appointed such for you.

There is only ONE Light we should follow.

(Joshua 24:15) And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, the gods... in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

You cannot serve both light and dark, one cannot love both light and dark. Choose today whom you will serve.

Here are a few more scriptures on this subject:

(Acts 13:8-12) But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him. And said, "O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season." And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.


(Philippians 4:8-9) Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

(Philippians 4:8-9) Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.



(John 1:13) There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

(Galatians 4:16-25) I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law [of Moses]. Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

(Ezekiel 13:18-23) ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to the women who sew magic charms on all their wrists and make veils of various lengths for their heads in order to ensnare people. Will you ensnare the lives of my people but preserve your own? You have profaned me among my people for a few handfuls of barley and scraps of bread. By lying to my people, who listen to lies, you have killed those who should not have died and have spared those who should not live. “‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against your magic charms with which you ensnare people like birds and I will tear them from your arms; I will set free the people that you ensnare like birds. I will tear off your veils and save my people from your hands, and they will no longer fall prey to your power. Then you will know that I am the Lord. Because you disheartened the righteous with your lies, when I had brought them no grief, and because you encouraged the wicked not to turn from their evil ways and so save their lives, therefore you will no longer see false visions or practice divination. I will save my people from your hands. And then you will know that I am the Lord.’”

Proverbs 6:16-19: Seven Abominations

 

Proverbs 6:16-19: Seven Abominations

I wrote this post for my other Blog/Facebook Page, "The ABCs of a Joyful Marriage," https://abcsofajoyfulmarriage.blogspot.com/2025/01/week-53-number-7-seven-abominations.html Although this was written for a marriage blog, these issues can be applied to anyone married or single.

(Proverbs 6:16-19 & 27-28) These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

I am not sure why Solomon (who wrote Proverbs) writes, "six," then "seven," but there are 7 items listed.  All of these issues can absolutely apply to marriage (or even to non-married relationships). Let me briefly break them down.  

To be technical, the word "abomination" is listed in Proverbs 20 times.  Some of the same issues listed below are repeated as well as saying God hates things such as a false balance (Proverbs 11:1), the sacrifice and ways of the wicked (Proverbs 15:8-9), he that justifies the wicked (Proverbs 20:10), etc.  There are more items in the Bible than listed in Proverbs that God hates as well (see also Galatians 5:19-21 & Revelation 21:7-8), but for the sake of this writing, I will narrow it down to just Proverbs 6:16-19.

A proud look: How often have you acted superior to your mate in a prideful manner?  You may even have made fun of the other when you think he/she is wrong and laughed and ridiculed the other when you were proved right.  Next time you are tempted to act this way, remember how much God hates pride. Psalm 51:17 says that the Lord will never despise a broken and contrite heart. It is essential to your walk with the Lord to be humble before Him, but also vital to your marriage to be gentle with one another. Do not ever think yourself better than others (see Philippians 2:3), and that includes your spouse. As I always say, yes, the husband is the head of the home, but you are equal partners in every way. Remember to act in love the next time you have a disagreement and know that God hates pride.

A lying tongue & a false witness who speaks lies: I'm including these together because they are both reminding us to always be honest. The second part of that statement probably also has to do with making up stories about another person as well as lying about something. So do not lie to your mate, and do not lie about him or her either. Even exaggerating good qualities is the same as lying. God does not want us to lie even if we are falsely trying to build up someone else's reputation (especially your own).  Honesty is absolutely always the best policy.  

Hands that shed innocent blood: Murder is not the only way to shed blood. Physical abuse can also bring such harm. You do not have to put up with an abusive spouse (even in blood isn't technically shed, but any form of violence still occurs)! It is not wrong to send him/her to jail. If they adamantly refuse to get help, I do not believe divorce is wrong in such a case. Also, do not keep silent when someone else is the victim, related or not. God expects us to speak up for the innocent, and I will even add that this includes violence towards animals as they are also God's creation. 

A heart that devises wicked plans: Notice that one does not even have to carry out wicked plans but just dreaming them up is an abomination to God.  The Lord knows all your thoughts and if you are considering harming someone or breaking the law, you will be held accountable for your thoughts. Matthew 5:28 says we commit adultery just by thinking about having sex with someone not our spouse.  Proverbs 23:7 says that we are what we think.  The Bible also says that whatever we sow in our hearts we will reap in our actions.  Remember that song, "Be careful little mind what you think? For the Father up above is looking down in love."  Well, sing that to yourself every time you are devising wicked thoughts. Repent, and change your thought process! (You can read more about this from my blog "Is the abundance of your heart dark and crooked?" here: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/11/is-abundance-of-your-heart-dark-and.html )

Feet that are swift in running to evil: Do not be quick to jump on the band wagon with everyone else doing wrong. That wagon is headed straight to hell!  Be swift to run away from evil. If your first instinct is to run toward the sinful things of this world, you need to repent of your ways and get back to living for Christ! Running to evil includes cheating on your mate and pornography. You do not have to participate if your spouse wants you to do something you know is sinful. It is okay to say no and encourage him/her to repent and walk away from sin.  Pray together that you will be strong enough to flee temptations in your marriage individually and as a couple.

And one who sows discord among brethren: There are so many, many ways we can sow discord. Gossip is the biggest thing that comes to my mind. Remember the above verse speaking against lying? Gossip is rarely truthful or at the most half-truths.  I cannot stand to be around a gossip as many people have harmed me and/or my precious husband with false gossip (I am including from before we knew each other as well). Again, do not talk about your spouse behind his/her back. Also, sowing discord in your home could mean simply being antagonistic and argumentative. Be kind to each other and sow peace and joy. Those are things God loves!

Proverbs 2:10-12: Discretion Shall Preserve Thee & Listen to God's Voice

 

Proverbs 2:10-12: Discretion Shall Preserve Thee

When we walk in the wisdom of the Lord and allow His Holy Spirit to give us discretion and understanding, it can literally save our lives.  More than once in my life (and also in my husband's experiences), we have felt that tug on our hearts saying, "Danger, get out of here!"  We have always been quick to obey such a strong warning in our spirits. 

Be careful to listen and obey, and you very well may save your life!

(Proverbs 2:10-12) When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, 

I originally wrote the post below on Sept. 22, 2014, when my husband and I were searching for a new home. I was thinking of it yesterday and realized how I could apply it to what is going on in today's increasing violent society.  Every day we read in the news of mass shootings, road rage turned deadly, and all ages are being brutally tortured and murdered. Men, women, and even children are becoming more violent as Satan rages.  We are close to the end of this planet's life and Satan knows it, so he and his demons are increasing their oppressive and possessive ways.

(Ephesians 6:12-13) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 

In Matthew 10:16 Jesus says, "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." While the verse in its entirety is important, I want to focus on being "wise as serpents."  I am not trying to instill fear in anyone, but we need to pray for discernment and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's warnings every time we leave our home.  As you will see in the blog I wrote ten years ago, God does indeed give you a check in your spirit when a situation is not safe.  Therefore, we need to use wisdom and heed the Holy Spirit's warnings and walk away when He tells us to.  God will give His angels to protect those who FAITHFULLY serve Him (Psalm 91:11), but we are not to be foolish. You cannot intentionally delve into a dangerous situation and arrogantly say God will save you. Yes, God has miraculously protected missionaries and pastors in life threatening situations, but they were working for the Lord at the time.  God wants us to use wisdom not just spiritually (which is what Matthew 10:6 is about), but also in everyday situations.  He does not want us or our loved ones to suffer because we stubbornly refuse to listen to the instincts He graciously instills in us.  

In Matthew 24:12, Jesus tells us that in the last days that, "because iniquity [sin] shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."  Because people are growing colder toward the Lord, the ice in their hearts is making them dangerous to all around them.  They are more susceptible to Satan's influences.  Therefore, we must be better armored for God.

Anyway, here is the original post from 2014, originally titled "Listen to God's Voice" (with a few edits):

Listen to God's Voice

Mel and I have been looking at places to live the last few weeks.  One of the things we do before we leave the house is pray that God will give us discernment about the people and the property.  On our trip to Twin Falls, ID, we both had a very strong sense that the people showing us the first place they had for rent were full of deceit.  We still chose to see the second property since we drove approximately three hours down there.  While at the second location, I had an overwhelming sense this was not a safe place. I had the strongest urge I have ever had that we were in danger; we needed to get out of that apartment!  I even stood with my hand on the doorknob while Mel looked at the rest of the place because I felt such a strong need to bolt.  Some of you may call this intuition, but Christians can call it God's Voice.  The Holy Spirit will speak to you, guide you, and give you warnings if you are willing to listen. 

The funny thing is that when I took the picture that I used for this post's meme, I was not even aware that I was taking a picture of the sign.  I was trying to take a picture of a large bird that was flying overhead.  When we got home that evening and I was downloading the pictures, I had to laugh when I saw the "Wrong Way" sign.  If I was not certain that apartment in Twin Falls was the wrong place before then, I sure got the message when I saw that picture! (Updated note: Shortly after we moved to a different city - I don't remember the exact time frame - there was major gun violence in that same neighborhood where we had been looking to rent.  In fact, I just found an article stating that "Twin Falls, Idaho is More Dangerous Than Most U.S. Cities.") 

It may seem as if I do not have any grand advice or point today, but I am simply reminding you to pray before making any kind of decision.  Pray for wisdom, discernment, and even signs. Be willing to believe that God communicates with us in many different forms if we are sensitive to His Holy Spirit.  Heed all warnings and take them seriously.  You never know when turning around when God says, "Wrong Way" will save your life!  Discuss all feelings with your spouse, no matter how insignificant because you very well may be confirming each other’s feelings.  It will be much easier to make a decision knowing what your mate is feeling.  God will often give couples the same discernment so your experiences can be confirmed. 

We are going to be looking at another potential apartment later this week, and believe me, we are already praying before we head out the door.  And we will be closely paying attention to anything God has to say about the landlord, the room, and the location!

(John 10:27) My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.  

(Another updated note: As I mentioned, "Listen to God's Voice" was written in 2014.  Well, a few months after looking in Twin Falls, when we were literally 4 days away from being homeless because nothing seemed to be working out for us to get into a rental property, God miraculously led us to a house in Cascade, ID that we did not even know was available to rent as we had gone there looking for a very simple apartment to rent instead.  Praise God that we could afford the nice house, my Dad gave us the money for the large deposit, and we lived there for 4 1/2 years until God called us to buy our own house here in Washington state.  God truly is amazing!)

The Book of Proverbs: Learning the Fear of the Lord & "Standing at the Judgment Seat of Christ" (Short Video From Leonard Ravenhill)

The Book of Proverbs: Learning the Fear of the Lord & "Standing at the Judgment Seat of Christ" (Short Video From Leonard Ravenhill)

You can choose not to read my writing, but please watch the short video I posted by Leonard Ravenhill titled, "All Shall Stand Before The Judgment Seat of Christ," as he says all I am trying to say so much better. It is only 26 minutes long. I feel the late Pastor Ravenhill's words are so profound, everyone needs to watch it.

Beginning with Proverbs 1:7, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." we are taught that the fear of the Lord is wisdom.  This message is repeated so often throughout the book I cannot list them all!  

Learning and acknowledging that the Lord is all-powerful and all-knowing should leave us trembling at His mighty Name.  We know that God is love, but He is also our judge and jury, so let's not forget to show Him respect.

However, fearing the Lord is not simply loving God. It is acknowledging that He holds our eternal fates in His hands.  Hebrews 10:30-31 should be the basis for all decisions we make. 

(Hebrews 10:30-31) The Lord shall judge His people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 

Fearing the Lord means respecting His rules and realizing His love for us is why He put those rules in place to keep us safe, not because He is a cruel bully.  We are not to fear Him as an abusive family member, but because He is the only one who will make the decision on whether or not we will go to Heaven or Hell.  He wishes that none would ever go to Hell (2 Peter 3:9 -[God] is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.) which is why He requires us to do as He (not man) commands.

When we think of all our choices as being observed by a Holy God, we should be in awe and fear.  It should make us think twice before we pick up a piece of literature or watch a program full of witchcraft, violence, sexual perversions, and outright mock God and all the Bible stands for. Or dance to worldly (or even so-called "Christian") music, get drunk or high, or participate in any immoral behavior you know God would disapprove of.   

One of my favorite late preachers, Leonard Ravenhill used to put it this way (I am paraphrasing.), "When we stand before God on judgement day, we won't simply say, 'Hey, buddy, thanks for the cross,' we will bow on our faces in fear and trembling."  No matter how defiantly you choose to live your life, or arrogantly claim you don't need God, if you truly picture what Heaven will be like the moment you arrive (I am not speaking of all eternity full of bliss and joy, but your initial encounter with God) you will realize it will be very frightening as you relive all the sins you refused to repent of and all the rules you intentionally broke.  Because God is unfathomably gracious and merciful, He will not remember those sins you asked His forgiveness for (notice how David uses the same theme of fearing the Lord):

(Psalm 103:11-13) For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him. 

At some point you have probably heard or read from the book of Proverbs that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." Proverbs makes it clear that those who refuse to fear God and hate "wisdom and instruction" are "fools" (Proverbs 1:7).  It goes on to say in Proverbs 8:13, "The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward [not willing to yield or comply with what is required of God] mouth, do I hate. " That one verse alone sums up all I am trying to say.    

Proverbs also goes on to describe the fear of the Lord as finding "the knowledge of God" (2:5), "the knowledge of... holy understanding" (9:10), "a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death" (14:27), "tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil"(19:23).  It also reminds us that we should not "envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long" (23:17). 

God is very loving, gracious, merciful, and forgiving. "We love Him, because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19). We can have a close walk and friendship with God, but we must never treat God as casual as a human friend but respect Him as our Creator and Judge.

Yes, Jesus is absolutely our Father and friend, but we must never fail to remember who He truly is - the Creator of all things past, present, and future.  Let's show Him the respect He deserves on our knees in humble reverence.  Next time you think of God as a casual buddy, please consider these verses:

(Revelation 20:12-13) And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 

(2 Timothy 4:4) I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom. 

(1 Peter 1:14-17) As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, "Be ye holy; for I am holy." And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear.

(Revelation 21:7-8) He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. 

Psalm 139: Search Me, O God

 

 

Psalm 139: Search Me, O God

I had a dream where I was observing a young woman who was dressed immodestly.  She was sitting alone on a small balcony reading a large book that was just the Book of Psalms.  She had only intended on reading a little bit before bedtime, more out of obligation than a hunger for the Word of God.  However, the longer she read, the more the Holy Spirit began to soften her heart and the harder it was for her to put the book down.  The sun set around her and the night disappeared into day as she slowly read and solidly absorbed all 150 chapters.  

After she had finished, her eyes were full of tears and she said aloud, "I just realized I don't know God at all."  She then looked down at her skintight jeans and midriff-bearing top.  "I say I love Him, and I call myself a Christian, but I see now I haven't been living in a Godly manner that would please the Lord." A deep desire had been stirred in her to get to know God and understand His ways of holiness and joy.  

A burden was lifted off her shoulders as she wept in repentance but also in the freedom she felt in choosing to truly live for the Lord as a Biblical Christian, not as one the world defined as "spiritual." Psalm 139 really struck a chord with her: Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (verses 23-24), and she became determined from that point forward to truly live for Jesus!  (See the beautifully sung song by George Younce & Glenn Payne of The Cathedrals at the end of this post.)

Do you ever feel yourself realizing you do not know God?  On this side of heaven, we can never fully comprehend the mind of God (Isaiah 55:8-9 - For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.). What I am referring to is what this woman in my dream suddenly realized.  Do you know what God desires of you? Do you really understand what is good and what is evil? (Isaiah 5:20 - Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!) Have you been confused by the world's lies instead of reading and obeying what the word of God says?

(Romans 12:1) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Time 0n this planet is very short, I encourage you even more strongly than before to seek to know what the Bible says concerning holiness. 2 Timothy 2:15 encourages us to "Study to shew thyself approved unto God," so that we can, be "a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." In other words, the more you read the Word of God, the more you will understand God's Truths versus Satan's lies.

(1 Peter 1:13-17) Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear. 

The more you delve into the Word of God, the more you will understand what pleases and displeases the Lord. You will learn how corrupt most "Christian" pastors' sermons are (Jude, v. 4 - For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. &  Matthew 7:15 - Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.). You will learn for yourself what God considers good and bad fruit (read Galatians 5:16-26). God will begin to set you on fire for His holy ways, and the Holy Spirit will enable you to live apart from the world.

(Isaiah 55:6-7) Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 

Seek God's face now and ask Him to search you and cleanse you before it's too late, or instead of you saying, "I just realized I don't know God at all," He will say He never knew you.

(Matthew 7:22-23) "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." 

Psalm 91:1-16: He Shall Give His Angels Charge Over Thee

 

Psalm 91:1-16: He Shall Give His Angels Charge Over Thee

This is an excerpt from part 6 of my "Exploring the Angels of the Bible" series.  If you want to read the entire blog you can do so at this link: https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2025/10/exploring-angels-of-bible-part-6.html

Psalm 91:11 is also another wonderful reminder that God allows His angels to look out for us. I must begin with verse 1 in that chapter as it is another verse that shows us God is more likely to keep us safe when we walk with Him or actively choose to "dwell" in His presence.

(Psalm 91:1) He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 

The entire chapter of Psalm 91 is a very beautiful Psalm as it is a comforting story of God's love and protection for His children.  When you read the full chapter, you will see how very relevant it is to us today.  

(Psalm 91:2-6) I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.  

Notice in verse 9, the first 16 words, especially the word "because." 

(Psalm 91:9-12) Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 

Now in verses 14-16 the perspective of the poem changes from the voice of David to the voice 0f God speaking to us. Again, see the word "because," which means "on account of the fact that."

(Pslam 91:14-16) Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Yes, again, we see God is more likely to help those that "set" their "love upon" Him, not just those that call upon Him when it is convenient. We are not to choose to serve God just for angelic protection but because He is kind, loving, and very gracious to forgive us when we repent of our sins and make Him Lord of our lives.  God is worthy of all our love and praise, all of the time. Even when you feel as if God has not protected you, and life is depressing and scary, try to remember we live in a fallen world, and other people's sins can block you from God's help. Also, all things happen for a reason to those wh0 serve God (see Romans 8:28, and when life is difficult, try to remember it will all make sense when we see Jesus face to face (see 1 Corinthians 13:12).

Psalm 51: Whiter Than Snow

 

Psalm 51: Whiter Than Snow

A quick note: When I went through the Bible last year, I originally posted a writing on Psalm 23, but because I just shared the "Jesus Said He Is" series my husband & I wrote last month, and part 2 is an extended version of the Psalm 23 writing, I will just give a link to that in case you want to read it again: "Jesus Said He Is..., Part 2: The Door of the Sheep & The Good Shepherd": https://thankful-julie.blogspot.com/2026/05/jesus-said-he-is-part-2-door-of-sheep.html

(I originally wrote "Whiter Than Snow" in 2018 when we were still living in Idaho. I took the above photo north of McCall in 2015.)

The words of Psalm 51 reflect my own heart. I feel like to add my own words are not necessary if one reads this Psalm (listed at the end), but I doubt God put this theme in my head this morning just to copy and paste David's psalm!

When you read the first few verses, you will note that we must first acknowledge our sin. True repentance does not come if we insist we have done nothing wrong or are just going through the motions of asking God to cleanse us. Admitting you need to be clean is an obvious first step. As I have stated many times, grace may be a free gift, but we must still confess our sins and ask for forgiveness and actively choose to accept it. Nor do we abuse God's grace by refusing to change our sinful habits (Romans 6:1-2 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?).

(1 John 1:8-9) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. IF WE CONFESS OUR SINS, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Jesus is “just to forgive,” but we must first "confess our sins" and He expects us to do our very best to stay clean! In John 8:1-11, a woman caught committing adultery is brought before the Lord. I am sure you are familiar with this story. Jesus sends her accusers away (some believe it was the accusers' sins He was writing in the sand). But my focus is not on her confronters, but on the woman. What does Jesus say to her? Does He say, “I forgave you once, so go your merry way and do as you please from this day forward?” Of course not! Jesus tells her what He tells all of us after we have been forgiven, “Go and sin no more.” (John 8:11) Although I prefer to use the KJV Bible, the NIV translation of this verse is a good one, for it is worded as, "Go now and leave your life of sin."

In the below verses, the people are told to get rid of their evil ways so they can be cleansed as snow. What I have always liked is the Lord saying, "Come now, and let us reason together.” I picture a loving, heavenly Father, no, not allowing us to justify our sins and attempt to explain why we sinned but rather listening as we plea for forgiveness. He then embraces us, wipes our tears of contrite repentance, encourages us to continue striving to enter in at the narrow gate, and reassures us that we are loved (Luke 13:24 - Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.). His love, combined with our actions, makes us feel clean, white, and new.

(Isaiah 1:16-18) "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together," Says the Lord, "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.”

What happens to snow on a day-to-day basis? It gets dirty. It looked so pristine that morning, but as the cars drive by, people tramp in it, or the dog (excuse me for saying so) uses it, it turns gray, brown, and yellow. Yet, behold, at the next snowfall, the beauty has been restored, all sparkly and white. Pretty obvious symbolism here, isn’t it? When we pray as David did, to be purged and to have a new, clean heart, let us make that a daily prayer.

(Luke 9:23) Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross DAILY, and follow Me.

(1 Corinthians 15:31) In Christ Jesus our Lord, I die DAILY.

Again, 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." But note the first 5 words. We need to be proactive on our part and ask for forgiveness. Lamentations 3:22-23 says, "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." Therefore, you know He is gracious enough to forgive us every single time we ask.

Living a clean life does not have to be overly complicated. Admit to your sin, confess your sins, ask for forgiveness, cast away the old nature, and make a daily decision not to repeat old sins or commit new ones (no one is perfect, but this is a good goal to do our best to live righteously). You cannot conquer sin on your own, but when you ask the Holy Spirit to help you, He will always answer (1 Corinthians 10:13 - There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.).

We should evaluate our lives daily and strive to be the best person we can be every day. If you want a new routine to help you be a better Christian, I suggest reading Psalm 51 and making this your theme.

(Psalm 51:1-4; 6-13; 16-17) Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me.

Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight-- That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge. Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, And in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom.

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me hear joy and gladness, That the bones You have broken may rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners shall be converted to You. For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart-- These, O God, You will not despise.