Today's Reading:
Isaiah 33:10-36:22
1 John 1:1-10
Psalm 144:1-8
Click on Text Link to Read Online
Focus Verses: 1 John 1:6-10
6 If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7 But
if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with
one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all
sin. 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
Insight:
Seeing
ourselves for who we are is an important part of seeing God for who he
truly is. God is light; in him there is no darkness. Recognizing my sin
and confessing it to God is essential to receiving and experiencing the
grace of God's forgiveness and restoration. Not only is God faithful to
forgive, he is able to purify and transform me. Confession and
repentance make it possible to be reconciled to God and to walk in
fellowship with others.
Response and Action:
I
need to recognize my sin and ask God for forgiveness and healing. I
cannot walk in fellowship with God and with others if I am blind to my
own need for forgiveness. Closing myself off from forgiveness destroys
my relationship with God and with others.
I will not be
able to hear God's word of forgiveness for me unless I am willing to
speak it with him. It is not simply a word to be heard; it is to be
learned and spoken with him. Realizing I need to hear the word of
forgiveness comes first. Truly hearing that word comes next. The
irresistible impulse to speak it along with him naturally follows.
O
God, have mercy upon me, a sinner. Forgive me of the wrongs I have
committed, and give me a heart that is ready, willing, and able to
forgive those who have wronged me. Thank you for your faithfulness to
heal and restore. Through the transforming grace and power of Christ,
help me to be an agent of your faithfulness and grace. Help me to walk
in the light, as Christ Jesus is in the light. Help me to walk in the
light with others who are looking to you for healing and forgiveness.
May our fellowship be a living testimony of your saving grace. Through
Christ, I pray. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: Psalm 51:10-13
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.
Recommended Reading:
The Only Necessary Thing: Living a Prayerful Life
Chapter 11: Forgiveness
by Henri Nouwen
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