Psalms 19:11-14 ESV  Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.  (12)  Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults.  (13)  Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.  (14)  Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

Dear Fellowship of the Burning Heart:

Positive and negative reasons are given for heeding God’s Word. We are warned of the dangers that lurk in the dark shadows of temptation and sin. Warnings are crucial, if we are to avoid danger. Those who resent the warning signs in life or who spurn them are headed for sure disaster.

If we heed His directions, we will find the rewards are both immediate and long-term. Immediately, obedience yields the benefit of a clear conscience and clean life. Over time we begin to realize the value of living God’s way. The fruit of a life right with God is rewarding indeed.

One danger we must not ignore is this: we are not really good at recognizing our own faults. We need the spotlight of God’s Word bringing to light the hidden works of darkness and we need the Spirit of God winnow out our sin. Hidden faults must be brought to light if they are to be addressed.

Presumptuous sins, willful disobedience, premeditated acts of rebellion must also be confronted. There is no freedom while they hold dominion over us. Liberation from the bondage of sin is true freedom. Allowing God’s Word to scrutinize our words and our thoughts will yield the peaceable fruit of a righteous life.

Living a life pleasing to the Lord is the desire of every member of the Fellowship. We know that it is an impossible goal, if we ignore the Word of God. To please Him we must know Him. To know Him we must know what He tells us about Himself, ourselves, and how to please Him.