Today's Reading:
Leviticus 13:1-59
John 3:22-4:3
Psalm 32:1-11
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Focus Verses: Psalm 32:1-5
1 Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 2 Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. 3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. 5
Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I
said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD "— and you
forgave the guilt of my sin.
Insight:
Failure
to acknowledge my sin before God will result in guilt and depression.
How much better for me to admit my failures, uncover my sins, and
confess my need for God's forgiveness and grace. The blessing of
forgiveness and relief from guilt comes from being humble and honest
before God. If I confess my sins, God is faithful and just and he will
forgive me my sins and purify me from all unrighteousness.
Response and Action:
I
will be humble and honest before God and admit my sins and weaknesses.
God knows all about them anyway, so covering them up is only
self-deception. I want the peace and freedom from guilt that comes with
confession and honesty to God. I will openly acknowledge my weakness
and transgressions to God. I will look to God for the grace and
guidance I need to overcome sin. I will give God my thanks and praise
for his mercy and faithfulness to forgive and restore.
Thank
you, Almighty God, for your mercy and grace. Thank you for your
faithfulness and your forgiveness that blesses all who confess their
sins and look to you for salvation. Lead me away from temptation, and
deliver me from evil. Help me to love you with all my heart, soul,
mind, and strength. Give me a humble heart and a readiness to repent,
and as I do, restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me
with your free Spirit. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: 1 John 1:8-9
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.
Resources:
Reflection and Confession
by Janet L. Johnson
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