Friday November 17, 2023

Today is Friday, November 17 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 steadfast love and mercy and praise him with the words of Psalm 103.

Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion. Psalm 103:1-4

Pause and Pray

The Apostle John wrote three letters toward the end of his life. Facing the threat of early Christian heresy, John wanted his readers (who he called his “children”) to know the truth. He warned them against temptation and falling into sin. But he also assured them that if they did sin they could confess their sins and God would forgive them through his Son Jesus Christ. He promised them and us the joy of forgiveness and eternal life.

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 1:8-2:3

Temptation and sin provide constant struggles for every Christian disciple. Each day I analyze my thoughts, motives, desires and intentions and measure them against the expectation God has for me to live a Godly life of moral integrity. Surely I will err and sin, yet I can be confident that the Holy Spirit is working in me, sanctifying me and leading me toward holiness of heart and life. If only I cooperate with God’s work in me. An important part of that cooperation is to examine myself regularly, identify sin, and confess it to God and trusted friends, and repent.

Ask: How often do I make a self-examination to identify sin in my life? Is there a Christian brother or sister I trust enough to share my sin and ask for prayer?

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord Jesus, I do not claim to be without sin, but admit I do neglect times of rigorous self-examination. Today I take time to identify my sins and bring them to you in humble confession. Thank you for being my advocate with God and the atoning sacrifice for my sins. Please forgive my sin and purify me from all unrighteousness through the power of the Holy Spirit. I read the words from First John again and listen for the message you have for me.

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 1:8-2:3

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

I am certain there are times I deceive myself and think I am without sin. Like many, I resist acknowledging my sins and neglect to make a good confession before God and others. But I know God is faithful and just. I can come before the throne of grace with confidence, no matter what I have done or left undone. Because of the suffering atonement of Jesus there is forgiveness. I am forgiven and set free. The blood of Christ was shed for me and his sacrifice covers my sin completely. I rejoice for the opportunity to confess my trespasses, be forgiven and purified from the stains of my transgressions.

Pause and Pray

Come, Holy Spirit, shine your spotlight on my soul and make a rigorous examination. Reveal the sin that clings so closely, point out my faults, and disclose my failures. Expose the idols I revere above God and the worldly desires that entice my spirit. I confess my sins and ask for forgiveness and redemption of my soul. Amen.

He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” Luke 24:46-47

I leave this time of prayer rejoicing in God’s good mercy. I go to demonstrate to others how much God loves them.

Amen