For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Hebrews 10:26-27

On May 26 Virginian Laquanda Newby left her two sons in the car as she ran into Sam's Club to do some shopping. Eventually, police were called in and told Newby she would have to appear at the Henrico County Courthouse, where she would be charged for having put her children in a dangerous situation.

To her credit, Newby did show up for her court appointment on the designated day.

Things were going according to plan for Newby, until an undercurrent of whispers went through the courtroom and the entire courthouse. It appears that someone had pulled into the parking lot, rolled up the windows, and left a six-year-old and a one-year-old to fend for themselves in the vehicle.

It was 90-plus degrees outside that day.

According to police, it appears the children had been left in that car for over two hours. When they were released from the car and brought into the courthouse, the children were hot, sweaty, thirsty and unhurt. After they had cooled down a bit, the children said their mother had left them. When asked their mother's name, they said ... you already know ...

Laquanda Newby.

Newby didn't get to go home with her kids that day. She was arrested and booked on the charges of "contributing to the delinquency or abuse of a child." The children's father was called and he came and took them home.

So, let me ask, what do you think of someone like Newby who repeated her crime? Understand, I can't say what Newby did was a mistake or an error or an unintentional goof. She knew what she was doing. It is possible the first time Newby left her kids in the vehicle she didn't realize just how wrong that action was, but certainly she should have known enough not to repeat that abuse of her children.

I don't know how you feel but, in the text above, St. Paul gives us a pretty good idea how the Lord feels. The Triune God certainly understands when we trip and unintentionally transgress. He understands and forgives, even if that same unintentional sin happens numerous times. But He is mighty unhappy with those who try to take advantage of His grace and make a mockery of His Son's sacrifice, by deliberately sinning and expecting to get off scot-free.

This is why, as the Lord's saved people, we live our lives in thanksgiving for His grace and doing our best to avoid that which displeases Him.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I give thanks for Your great grace and mercy. Help me to avoid all manner of sin, but most of all keep me from those transgressions which are deliberate. In Your Son's Name I ask it. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 113-115    1 Thessalonians 3

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