All is discovered

Thought for the day

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was not only the creator of Sherlock Holmes, but apparently, he was a creative practical joker, too. The story is told of one horrendous - although clever - practical joke that he played one time. He just wrote a short, unsigned telegram - all in fun - to 12 of the best known men in England. The anonymous message was the same - only six words - six scary words, "All is discovered. Flee at once."

As the story goes, within 24 hours not one of those men could be found.

I don't know if that really happened, but I wouldn't be surprised if it did because almost everyone carries the burden of knowing they've done something in the past that they're ashamed of. One of the first things we do when we commit a sin is to try to hide (that's what Adam and Eve did!). And we will often go to great lengths to hide that part of our lives from everyone around else. The more we hide, the more the feelings of guilt grow and the greater we feel the need to hide.

Psalm 139 is a beautiful psalm where David acknowledges that God knows everything about us. He knows our words. He knows our every thought. There is no need to hide from God. There is no way to hide from God. And it is only when we realize that, and are honest about those pieces of our lives that we try to hide that we can come to know forgiveness (and the peace that comes with it).

Let us say with David, "For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always before you." (Psalm 51:3)

All is discovered -- it always has been. And there is a need to flee at once -- to the arms of God.

Verses

Numbers 23:19

God is not a man. He will not lie. God is not a human being. He does not change his mind. What he says he will do, he does. What he promises, he keeps.

Luke 8:11

"Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

Ephesians 4:29

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

Luke 6:28

"bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.

1 Timothy 6:17

Advise those who are rich in this world's goods not to think themselves superior. Let them not pin their hope on such transient wealth but rather upon God who is the provider of all riches for our enjoyment.

Prayer

Father, our hearts rejoice with resounding thanksgiving, as we consider that You chose us before the world was made so that we could be Your holy people; people without blame before You. Because of Your love, You chose to make us Your own children through Your Son, Jesus Christ. We are set free by the blood of His death as You forgive us of our sins. Your awesome power is seen not only in the vast universe but in the hearts of men and women, boys and girls whose lives are submitted to Your divine authority. What a magnificent God we serve!