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“Why You Suffer For My Sin And Not Just Me?”

Ramesh C. Reddy
Publisher

Editors Note: This devotional was originally sent through email on  Sat, 01 May 1999 11:56:00 -0500 (EST) to InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF) students and others who wanted to receive daily devotionals at the University of Pittsburgh while I was serving at IVCF! It is being published for the first time on Pittsburgh Standard today with any revisions ITALICIZED.

SCRIPTURE:

"O loving and kind God, have mercy. Have pity upon me and take away the awful stain of my transgressions.  Oh, wash me, cleanse me from this guilt. Let me be pure again. For I admit my shameful deed—it haunts me day and night. It is against you and you alone I sinned and did this terrible thing. You saw it all, and your sentence against me is just. But I was born a sinner, yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. You deserve honesty from the heart; yes, utter sincerity and truthfulness. Oh, give me this wisdom. Sprinkle me with the cleansing blood and I shall be clean again. Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.  And after you have punished me, give me back my joy again. Don’t keep looking at my sins—erase them from your sight.  Create in me a new, clean heart, O God, filled with clean thoughts and right desires.  Don’t toss me aside, banished forever from your presence. Don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me again the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Then I will teach your ways to other sinners, and they—guilty like me—will repent and return to you. Don’t sentence me to death. O my God, you alone can rescue me. Then I will sing of your forgiveness, for my lips will be unsealed—oh, how I will praise you. You don’t want penance; if you did, how gladly I would do it! You aren’t interested in offerings burned before you on the altar.  It is a broken spirit you want—remorse and penitence. A broken and a contrite heart, O God, you will not ignore. And Lord, don’t punish Israel for my sins—help your people and protect Jerusalem. And when my heart is right, then you will rejoice in the good that I do* and in the bullocks I bring to sacrifice upon your altar.  (Psalm 51)                                            

Many of us may sin to the point that we feel so ashamed of ourselves. We may feel what we did is so bad and terrible. King David felt really bad after his sin was exposed. It is in exposure to our wrong doing do we realize the extent of our wrong. Now once David's sin was exposed by Nataniel, he is able to pour out his heart to God in remorse, and repentance. From this we get Psalm 51.

Psalm 51 is a famous confession Psalm. To understand it better, we need to know the context in which it was written. It was written after David's sin of committing adultery with Bethsheba and having her husband Uriah killed was exposed.

In confession and repentance, King David tells God how merciful and loving God is. He asks God to forgive him for the wrong he had done. He realizes that he sinned against God when he committed the sin. It is important for us to realize when we sin, it is against God we are sinning. David realizes that. He asks God to create in him an new clean heart filled with right thoughts and right desires. He also asks God not to take away His presence from him and not to punish Israel for his sins. He does not ask God to keep the punishment from him but to restore the fellowship with God even after he is punished. This is important because we see David's genuine love for God and he is willing to take the punishment for his actions. At the same time, he wants fellowship restored with God. He wants to do right with God so He wants his life spared though. Finally, he realizes that his sin could affect the nation of Israel and asks God to spare Israel.

Application:

It is so important for us to confess and repent of our sins. It is also pertinent to realize that our sin can have ripple effects on people around us. David knew that and asked God to spare punishing Israel for his sins. This concept comes out throughout the Bible. One man's or woman's sin can affect multitudes.

I do not know where the Lord has put you in. Please remember that your actions can affect those around you. Especially, if you are in ministry you need to really be aware of your actions. Ministries fall apart because of just one individuals actions at times. Let us depend on the Lord and remember what we do in our private lives can affect our public ministry. Whether the ministry is affected positively or negatively does depend on each of our actions.

The way to wisdom is to reverence and trust the Lord. He will guide us! (Proverbs 1)

Jesus said, "Let not your heart be troubled, you are trusting God now trust in me." (John 14:1)

Prayer: 
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for teaching me so much from your Word. Your Word has power to change lives. Oh Lord, you have reminded me that what we do in our lives can also affect those around us. We ask you to forgive us of our sin as we repent of them. We ask you to show us mercy Lord and to help us live for you. Thank you for being a merciful and kind God.  Lord, if we have to go through punishment for things we have done, give us the strength to bear through it and please restore our fellowship with you through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Thank you Father God. We trust in  you and depend on you. Thank you for sparing us so many times. Thank you for bringing our sins to surface. Help us in our private lives and always to remember how it affects our public ministry and those around us. Thank you so much Jesus. Thank you for hearing us and answering us! In Your Name We Pray Jesus!  Amen!

 If you want to give your life to the Lord and make Him Lord of your life, please don't wait. You can ask Him into your life right now. A Christians' road in life is not easy nor peachy but it is worth it. Belonging to the One who created you and loves you with unconditional love is the one you need to belong too. No matter what you have done or where you have been, the Lord reaches out to you with His loving arms of love. If you have been a Christian and feel like you have gone away from the Lord, you can come back to Him and rededicate your life to Him. He will take you in and love you with unconditional love. Do not let guilt stop you from coming to the Lord. He loves you so much and cares for you! Come, Come to the Lord!

Prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, I do not know everything I need to know about you. But, I heard that you love me so much and you are the Light. You said if I come to you, I will not stay in darkness. I come to you Lord as I am with all my baggage. I ask you to take it all from me and give me a new beginning.  I know all the sins in my life have affected me and I need you now. I am willing to give my life to you and ask you for forgiveness. Please forgive me of my sins and come into my heart. Please make my heart your home. Live in me Jesus and I choose to live for you and serve you the rest of the days of my life. There are certain habitual sins in my life that you alone can help me overcome and I rely upon you. Thank you Jesus. I thank you that you want to be my Lord and Personal Savior. Please be in control of my life. I thank you when you forgive me, you give me a new clean slate and I can have a new beginning.  I confess you as my Lord and Personal Savior and believe in my heart that you died for me and rose again to give me eternal life that I can one day spend eternity with you forever. Thank you Jesus! Thank you, you have heard my prayer and answered me. I belong to you and you will take care of me. Thank you Jesus! In Your Name I Pray Jesus! Amen!

You may have felt something, you may have not, but the important thing to know is that Jesus Christ is in your life! Don't just go by feelings.

If you have prayed this prayer and meant it genuinely in your heart, you made one of the most important decisions in your life. Please let me know as I would like to send you a free booklet or give it to you in person, to help you in your daily walk with the Lord. I have read this booklet more than 20 times.

Feel free to email me at reddy4hisglory2004@yahoo.com if you want to meet to study the Bible, pray with, talk about Spiritual issues or whatever is on your mind! My number is 412-641-9426

"This is my work and I can do it only because Christ's mighty energy is at work within me." (Colossians 1:29, TLB)

Express Your View

2014 DEVOTIONALS:

John 10:11: "Why Do You Allow The Wolf To Pounce On You?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, May 10, 14, 08:18 a.m.)

Psalm 46:1: "What Has Your Search Brought You?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, May 08, 14, 08:50 a.m.)

Psalm 34:4: "Why Do You Team Up With Fear?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Tues, May 06, 14, 08:53 a.m.)

Psalm 33:4, 1 Corinthians 6:13,18-20: "Who Says God Is Not For SEX?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, May 05, 14, 11:52 a.m.)

Luke 6:27: "Do You Really Love Or You Think You Love?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, May 03, 14, 09:18 a.m.)

Psalm 3:1-3: "Why Your Foes Will Take A Fall?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Tues, April 29, 14, 12:17 p.m.)

Proverbs 10:12: “Why Love Brings You And Your Family Up?”  By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, April 28, 14, 04:28 a.m.)

Proverbs 3:5-6: "What's With Not Trusting Yourself?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, April 26, 14, 08:10 a.m.)

Colossians 1:13-14,18: ”What can the B.L.O.O.D of Christ shed on the cross of Calvary do for you?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, April 19, 14, 11:38 a.m.)

Psalm 147:3-5: "Who Cares For Your Brokenness?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, April 05, 2014, 9:51 a.m.)

Psalm 138:3,8: “Why Even Bother Praying?” By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, March 29, 14, 06:35 a.m.)

Proverbs 15:4: “What's Up With Your Tongue?” By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, March 20, 14, 09:29 a.m.)

Psalm 119:132-133: “Breathe In Bible, Live Eternally! (B.I.B.L.E)” By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, March 19, 14, 11:38 a.m.)

Proverbs 17:9: “Faithfully Acknowledge Messiah's Infinite Love Yourself! (F.A.M.I.L.Y)” By Ramesh C. Reddy (Tues, March 17, 14, 12:01 p.m.)

John 15:4-5: "Valiantly Immanuel Nurtures Enthusiastically!" (V.I.N.E) By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, March 15, 14, 10:40 a.m.)

Proverbs 15:4: “Everyday Now Christ Often Uplifts, Reaching All Generations Everywhere Mightily, Encouraging Nurturing Truth. (E.N.C.O.U.R.A.G.E.M.E.N.T)” By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, March 08, 14, 07:38 a.m.)

John 10:14-16: "Who will you make your S.H.E.P.H.E.R.D in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, March 01, 14, 12:21 p.m.)

“Please Rest On Messiah's Infinite, Saving, Eternal Scriptures. (P.R.O.M.I.S.E.S)” By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, Feb 26, 14, 08:36 a.m.)

Psalm 86:4: "When do you place a C.A.L.L to the Lord?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, Feb 24, 14, 10:32 a.m.)

Psalm 50:14-15: "When do you T.R.U.S.T in the Lord?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, Feb 18, 14, 11:34 a.m.)

1 Corinthians 13:4-8: "How will you be someone's Valentine using 16?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Feb 14, 14, 9:24 a.m.)

"How can F.O.O.T.B.A.L.L be used to explain God's Word working in different hearts? By Ramesh C. Reddy (Feb 01, 2014, 9:44 a.m.)

Audio: "What will your P.R.E.S.E.N.T look like in 2014?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Jan 04, 14, 9:33 a.m.)

"What will your P.R.E.S.E.N.T look like in 2014?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Jan 02, 14, 6:26 a.m.)

2013 DEVOTIONALS:

Audio: "How do you relate to the S.H.E.P.H.E.R.D.S this Christmas season?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Dec 26, 13, 11:55 a.m)

"How has your L.O.V.E influenced others in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Dec 20, 13, 06:15 p.m)

"What does your P.R.A.I.S.E report consist of?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Dec 18, 13, 07:23 a.m)

"What does God do with your D.O.U.B.T.S  in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Dec 17, 13, 10:47 a.m)

"What K.I.N.G.D.O.M will you be part of in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Dec 16, 13, 10:55 a.m)

"What does it mean to experience the F.A.V.O.R of the Lord ?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Dec 14, 13, 7:17 a.m)

"What can G.R.E.E.T.I.N.G.S do for you and others in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Dec 07, 13, 6:19 a.m)

2013 DEVOTIONALS:

"What are A-Z things you have witnessed that you can give T.H.A.N.K.S.G.I.V.I.N.G to the Lord for?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, Nov 28, 13, 11:51 a.m.)

Mark 8:34: "Why D.E.N.Y youself in the one life you have to live?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, Nov 16, 13, 08:13 a.m.)

Philippians 4:9: "How do you know your P.E.A.C.E is real?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, Oct 19, 13, 08:17 a.m.)

Philippians 4:9: "What kind of S.O.L.D.I.E.R will you be?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, Oct 12, 13, 11:29 a.m.)

Psalm 139:13-18: "Who cares for your B.I.R.T.H.D.A.Y in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, Oct 05, 13, 1:00 p.m.)

Philippians 4:8: "What is your T.H.I.N.K.I.N.G based on?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, Sept 25, 13, 10:29 a.m.)

Philippians 4:6-7: "How do you handle A.N.X.I.E.T.Y in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, Sept 21, 13, 08:18 a.m.)

Philippians 4:4: "When do you R.E.J.O.I.C.E in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, Sept 14, 13, 12:36 p.m.)

Philippians 4:5: "What measure of G.E.N.T.L.E.N.E.S.S do you have?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, Sept 09, 13, 12:03 p.m.)

Philippians 4:3: "How have you C.A.M.P.A.I.G.N.E.D for Jesus Christ in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, Sept 06, 13, 07:17 a.m.)

Philippians 4:2: "How do you respond to a P.L.E.A.D in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, Sept 04, 13, 12:00 p.m.)

Philippians 4:1: "Where do you S.T.A.N.D on love in your life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Tues, Sept 03, 13, 12:00 p.m.)

1 Thessalonians 1:3: "What does your L.A.B.O.R show in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, Sept 02, 13, 10:04 a.m.)

Philippians 3:18-19: "Why shed your T.E.A.R.S for others in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, Aug 21, 13, 08:26 a.m.)

Philippians 3:15-17: "Who are what are you willing to P.A.T.T.E.R.N your life after?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, Aug 19, 13, 10:08 a.m.)

Philippians 3:12-14:"How can you deal with the P.A.S.T in your life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, Aug 15, 13, 04:21 a.m.)

Philippians 3:1-11: "Why for R.E.F.O.R.M.A.T.I.O.N you need the transaction of the cross?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, Aug 14, 13, 05:55 p.m.)

Philippians 2:25-30:"When will your H.O.M.E.C.O.M.I.N.G begin?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Tues, Aug 13, 13, 10:39 a.m.)

Philiippians 2:20-24:  "How can you Q.U.A.L.I.F.Y well in other people's lives?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Fri, Aug 09, 13, 08:38 a.m.)

Philippians 2:17-19:  "When do you live out your F.A.I.T.H  in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, Aug 08, 13, 03:19 a.m.)

Philippians 2:14-16:  "What does your B.E.H.A.V.I.O.R do for others in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, Aug 07, 13, 12:03 p.m.)

Philippians 2:13:  "How do you W.O.R.K out your Salvation?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, Aug 05, 13, 01:33 p.m.)

Philippians 2:13:  "What path have you taken for S.A.L.V.A.T.I.O.N in your life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, Aug 05, 13, 01:33 p.m.)

Philippians 2:12-13:  "What is the point of O.B.E.D.I.E.N.C.E in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, Aug 03, 13, 01:28 p.m.)

Philippians 2:9-11: "How do you handle the N.A.M.E of Jesus in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Fri, Aug 02, 13, 07:58 a.m.) 

Philippians 2:8: "What can the C.R.O.S.S do for you in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, Aug 01, 13, 08:03 a.m.)

Philippians 2:5-7:"How do you match Jesus' A.T.T.I.T.U.D.E in life?"By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, July 31, 13, 10:50 a.m.)

Mark 10:6-9: "What does Jesus want for your M.A.R.R.I.A.G.E in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Tues, July 30, 13, 11:24 a.m.)

Philippians 2:3-4:  "How do you respond to God's C.O.M.M.A.N.D.S in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, July 29, 13, 09:53 a.m.)

Philiippians 2:1-2: "What C.O.N.D.I.T.I.O.N are you in?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, July 27, 13, 11:42 a.m.)

Philippians 1:29-30: "How do you handle S.U.F.F.E.R.I.N.G in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Fri, July 26, 13, 10:02 a.m.)

Philippians 1:27-28: "How do you C.O.N.D.U.C.T yourself in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, July 25, 13, 11:17 a.m.)

Philippians 1:22-26: "What are your C.H.O.I.C.E.S based on?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, July 24, 13, 09:50 a.m.)

Philippians 1:21: "Why D.I.E for Christ?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, July 22, 13, 3:33 p.m.)

Philippians 1:21: "Why L.I.V.E your life to be appreciated by others?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Fri, July 19, 13, 10:20 a.m.)

Philippians 1:20: "Where do you need to have C.O.U.R.A.G.E in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, July 18, 13, 05:17 a.m.)

Philippians 1:19: "Who should you C.A.L.L often in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, July 17, 13, 09:41 a.m.)

Philippians 1:19: "What reason do you have to R.E.J.O.I.C.E in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Tues, July 16, 10:23 a.m.)

Philippians 1:15-18: "How are your M.O.T.I.V.E.S in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, July 15, 04:57 a.m.)

Philippians 1:12-14:"What have your C.H.A.I.N.S done to others in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, July 11, 10:40 a.m.)

Philippians 1:12: How can you A.D.V.A.N.C.E the Gospel?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, July 10, 11:46 a.m.)

Philippians 1:9-11: "What is your L.O.V.I.N.G response based on?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, July 07, 03:24 a.m.)

Philippians 1:7-8: "How can your A.F.F.E.C.T.I.O.N grow towards others in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Thurs, June 27, 10:21 a.m.)

Philippians 1:7-8: "Why can you only be saved by G.R.A.C.E alone?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Wed, June 26, 10:42 a.m.)

Philippians 1:3-6: "Where are you C.O.N.F.I.D.E.N.T in?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Tues, June 25, 12:42 p.m.)

Philippians 1:3-6: "How can you attain a P.A.R.T.N.E.R.S.H.I.P in the Gospel?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Mon, June 24, 11:22 a.m.)

Philippians 1:1-3: "How will others R.E.A.C.T towards God when they remember you?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (Sat, June 22, 11:34 a.m.)

Philippians 1:1-2: "Why bother to let others T.R.A.I.N you when you are already a leader?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 21, 10:58 a.m.)

Philippians 1:1-2: "When do you B.L.E.S.S others in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 20, 08:33 a.m.)

Philippians 1:1-2: "Who will you be a S.L.A.V.E to in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 19, 1:26 p.m.)

Philippians 1:1: "Why should you believe you are H.O.L.Y instead of a sinner?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 17, 11:38 p.m.)

Psalm 46:1: "Where do you need R.E.F.U.G.E from?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 14, 08:30 a.m.)

Proverbs 14:12: "Why seek God's R.I.G.H.T over our right?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 14, 08:30 a.m.)

Psalm 42:5: "Why H.O.P.E and praise the Lord in your distress?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 13, 01:36 p.m.)

Psalm 40:1-5: "Where do you need to be L.I.F.T.E.D up in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 13, 01:34 p.m.)

Mark 9:28-29: "What can P.R.A.Y.E.R to Jesus do in your friends lives?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 11, 07:53 a.m.)

Mark 2:2-5: "What kind of F.R.I.E.N.D will you be thought of as?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 10, 07:03 a.m.)

Mark 3:14-15: "Why S.P.E.N.D time with Jesus daily?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 08, 11:07 a.m.)

Psalm 34:4: "What can you do with your F.E.A.R.S in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 07, 2013, 8:43 a.m.)

Psalm 33:4: "What will you do with F.A.I.T.H in your classes?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 05, 2013, 9:31 a.m.)

Mark 1:43-44: "What does your disobedience C.A.U.S.E for others in life?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (June 03, 2013, 2:57 a.m.)

Mark 1:41-42: "What past do you need to be C.L.E.A.N from?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 31, 2013, 10:54 a.m)

Proverbs 29:25: "Where will you take a S.T.A.N.D without wavering?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 30, 2013, 07:43 a.m)

Matthew 18:21-22:"Why F.O.R.G.I.V.E when it will happen again?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 29 2013, 09:35 a.m)

Psalm 27:14:"How do you C.O.P.E with your hurt?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 27, 2013, 11:13 a.m)

John 12:24:"Who do you remember physically and spiritually on this M.E.M.O.R.I.A.L day?" By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 27, 2013, 11:13 a.m)

"What has the law P.E.R.M.I.T.T.E.D you to do but it goes against the Lord?"  By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 09, 2013, 6:57 a.m)

"Who do you become an A.T.T.R.A.C.T.I.O.N to and why?"  By Ramesh C. Reddy (May 08, 2013, 6:58 a.m)

"What has A.N.G.E.R done to your relationships?"  By Ramesh C. Reddy (April 29, 13, 1:28 p.m.)

"How can the L.I.G.H.T impact your life?"  By Ramesh C. Reddy (April 06, 13, 11:48 a.m.)