Read: Acts 13:16-41
Think: As Paul preaches the Good News, he explains to the listeners, “We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness of your sins.” It is natural for many of us to shrink away from talking about “sin” when we share the Gospel. A cultural Jew and former New York Times columnist, when asked why morality has changed in America, answered, “When you lose awareness of sin and start thinking, deep down, human beings are pretty wonderful, you lose the struggle of character building. Building character is not like being better than someone else. . . it is conquering weakness.” Forgiveness of sin is at the core of the Gospel. Sin is what separates us from a Holy God. It keeps us from coming near to Him. How amazing is a God who would send His only Son to pay the price for our sins that we might be reconciled to Him!? We just can’t ignore sin.
Act: One of my daily practices, for over 30 years, is to confess my sins in writing each day. I have a section in My Partner Prayer Notebook called “Admit.” Daily, I pray two scripture verses that set my heart and mind in motion to ask God to forgive my sins. Today, I encourage you to do the same. Pray Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me…know me…test me…lead me…” Then silently wait for God to show you any area of your life where you are resisting His counsel, hurting another, hiding a fault, or running from conquering a weakness. Consider making it a habit to daily confess your sins and weaknesses in writing—they become more real when you record them!
Pray: Dear Jesus, forgive me. In this moment, touch my heart with the courage I need to “come clean” in my life. Show me the areas of my character that need rebuilding. Allow me to hear Your gentle conviction. Cause me to admit my faults and sins to You that I might receive the freedom from guilt and the release of joy that comes from forgiveness. Oh how I need You, Lord. Amen.
Be full of faith today!
