He knows the sin while it is yet in the thought life : “ 0 Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me . . , thou understandest my thought afar off . . . art acquaint ed with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, 0 Lord, thou knowest it alto gether” (Psalm 139:1-4). GodSees Most Secret Sins “ The darkness hideth not from thee” (Psalm 139:12). God wit nesses what we are when no hu man eye sees: “ Can any hide him self in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord?” (Jer. 23:24). “ Be cause they have committed vil- lany in Israel . . . even I know, and am a witness, saith the Lord” ; “ For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings” (Jer. 29:23; Prov. 5:21). Anatomized Before God In chapters 5 to 7 of Proverbs, Solomon refers to the way o f the “ strange woman” and the adulter er, plotting in cunning secrecy, yet God seeth all their ways. Some seek to hide God from themselves but can never hide themselves from God. God’s Word is keenly specific and analytical as is seen in He brews 4 :13: “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened [anatomized] unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” Dare we face up to, or expose our innermost being to the analytical examination sug gested in this Scripture? Here is an allusion to the law. When a beast was killed for sacrifice, all within it was laid open and naked before the priest, who examined all as to whether it was sound or corrupt. God is "All-Eye” Are we sure that the offerings we present to the Lord stand such a test? Panophthalmos — All-Eye —is a name given to our God. As
i * # ho is willing to face up to • * a common-sense diagnosis of his own physical ills? Pain is nature’s warning that all is not well, and so your symptoms of ill-health drive you to the medical doctor. Even so, the smitings of con science direct us to the great Physician of the soul. Secret sin in the life is a sure sign o f spirit ual ill-health. It is the explanation of spiritual defeat, lack of power, and the absence of peace and joy. It is the possible reason why great disappointment has been experienced by many Christians as they see so much of their en deavor marked by utter failure. Secret Sins in God's Light “ Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance” (Psalm 90:8). • There is no greater hindrance to the spiritual life than secret sins. • There is no greater hindrance to secret prayer than secret sinning. • Secret sins hinder a soul’s coming to God because he knows God’s hatred of sin.
W O R L D V I S I O N mm CHILDREN'S CHOIK FOURTH WORLD TOUR
Hear their thrilling all-new program. Beloved songs of the church, folk music, popular melodies. Enjoy their village scenes, national costumes, instrumental numbers and dramatic surprises. Don’t miss them when they come to your area. Write for itinerary to:
WORLD VISION INTERNATIONAL Box O, Pasadena, California 91109
Warnings Against Secret Sins God’s warnings are terrifying.
SEPTEMBER, 1968
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