Tuesday November 14, 2023

Today is Tuesday, November 14 and we are studying what the Bible says about confession.

As a new day dawns, I come to a quiet place and seek the God who knows me, sees me and loves me. I pause and center my heart, I breathe and focus my soul, I relax and still my mind.

Pause and Pray

Blessed and holy Lord, I have come here to receive a word of life from you. Open my ears. Speak to my heart and give me understanding. Reveal my sin and expose my transgressions so I can make a good confession. Amen.

I rejoice in God’s great mercy and praise him with the words of Psalm 130.

Out of the depths I cry to you, LORD; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, LORD, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. Psalm 130:1-4

Pause and Pray

There are many disputes in the eighth chapter of the Gospel of John. Disputes over who Jesus is, disputes over his testimony and disputes over who the opponents of Jesus are actually following. Jesus cuts through the confusion and proclaims truth to the people gathered around him. He tells them of a freedom that is unlike any other freedom humanity could ever know or experience.

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:31-36

Most people do not like rules. Rules are restrictive. People prefer to do whatever they like without limitations, regulations or restrictions. They want the freedom to eat, drink, smoke, buy, consume, sleep with and enjoy whoever and whatever they please. Before long these freedoms become a trap. Addictions imprison, diseases harm, and promiscuity leads to brokenness. We become enslaved to sin and death. The way to freedom is only found in Jesus Christ. Through confession, we are forgiven. We are pardoned from sin and given power over sin. The Son of God sets us free.

Ask: Are there any places in my life where I have become enslaved to sin? How might confession, repentance and forgiveness in the name of Jesus set me free?

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, I follow you and hold fast to your teaching. I want to know the truth that will set me free. Free from slavery to sin so I can be a forgiven disciple with a permanent place in your family. Let me belong to you forever. I confess my sins with humble remorse and sincere regret. I rely on your great love and mercy. Set me free to live in the light of your love. I read the words from John again and listen for the message you have for me.

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:31-36

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

As I ponder this passage of scripture, I consider which words resonate most with the current state of my soul. Words like teaching, truth, and disciple. Words like free, family, and forever. Or words like slavery, sin, and prison. I know Christ wants me to live a life free from sin. Perhaps God is revealing a remnant of sin that needs to be confessed, pardoned and removed. Maybe God wants to remind me that I can rely on the help of the Holy Spirit and the community of believers. Perhaps there is another believer I trust enough to talk with about my sinful thoughts or actions. Maybe there is someone who will pray for me and give me encouragement and support.

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, you call me to live a life of holiness. Shine your light of truth into my heart and reveal the places where I remain trapped and bound by sinfulness. Lead me to make a good confession to you and to other faithful believers. Let me hear the words of assurance spoken – that in your name I am forgiven and set free. Amen.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

I leave this time of prayer free and forgiven. I go to shine the light of Jesus Christ and share his love with everyone I meet.

Amen