Psalm 51, Romans 12:1

When someone is about to tell me a story and they start with, “Don’t judge me, but,” I know they already have a conviction on their heart. For believers that conviction is coming from the Holy Spirit. It’s His way of letting us know that we’ve sinned against God. And the only way to lift the weight laid on our souls is through confession and repentance. 

David committed horrendous sins against God. Sins others might find unforgivable. The conviction was heavy on the mighty king of Israel. And the pain he felt knowing the hurt his sin caused God, brought him to his knees. And it was on his knees where David confessed his wrongdoings and begged God for forgiveness crying out, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.”

And you know what? Because of His never ending forgiveness, love, and mercy, and David’s repentance, God did just that. Not only granting David the forgiveness he sought, but reconciling him with open arms back to Himself. And God promises to do the same for us. No matter how big or small the sin, when we come before Him with a “broken spirit and a contrite heart”, confessing all our transgressions, we too will receive God’s forgiveness. But along with that forgiveness needs to come repentance. Because we can’t just say the word sorry, we need to have actions that prove we’re sorry. And that means walking away from the sin and leaving it behind.

I absolutely love what Pastor Joe Focht has to say. “There is no more confused message that you and I could give to a lost and dying world than to live in sin and at the same time to tell people about the transforming power of Jesus Christ. God will not use a compromised life to reach a compromised world. God will use a life that is given over to Him, that is a demonstration of the message that through the power of Jesus Christ and His love He can transform our lives and set us free.” 

Our God is an awesome God! When we return to Him in true confession and repentance, He is faithful to wash away the filth in our hearts and cleanse us with His loving grace. And will renew in us an unmovable and unshakable spirit dedicated to Him alone! 

Pause and Reflect -

Is there a sin that you need to confess and repent of or an area where you need God to renew your spirit? Have you asked Him to search every inch of your heart and life and show you sins that need confessing, and ways that need to be changed? 

When you do receive God’s forgiveness do you truly believe it? Does your heart sing with joy and praise, or do you hang on to the guilt and the shame that keeps us from enjoying God’s promises? 

Finally let’s pray together, 

Our dearest Father in heaven above, hallowed be Thy name. Thank You Father that in Your wisdom You do not renew and restore our old fallen sin-nature. Instead You lovingly give us a new nature and a new, born-again life received through faith in Christ. Thank You for the lessons we can learn from David, who was cleansed of his sin when he confessed his faults, repented from his evil ways, and cried out to You. Thank You for the indwelling ministry of the Holy Spirit who convicts us of our transgressions. Father we pray He will point out all the areas in our lives that grieve You or quench Your ongoing work within us. O Father, create in us a clean heart and a renewed steadfast spirit. And may Christ be seen in us as we submit to Your Spirit's leading and transforming work into Your Son’s likeness. In Jesus precious name we pray, Amen 

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I can’t wait to hear your thoughts, and I pray your day overflows with love and blessings.  Love, Lisa 💖