If we say we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts. – 1 John 1:8-10 (NLT)

The old saying “confession is good for the soul” has biblical support. Of course, what we are confessing and who we are confessing to, is of utmost importance. There were those in New Testament times who refused to acknowledge themselves as sinners. Unfortunately, there are still some in Christian circles today who refuse to admit that they sometimes commit sin.

While our goal is to not sin, it is good to know that when we do, God does not leave us. Rather, when we do sin, God wants nothing more than for us to run into His arms and confess our wrongdoing. God promises that He will forgive us and cleanse our hearts. Some stubbornly hold onto their sin, and have trouble admitting it to God. Maybe today you have some sin hidden in the depths of your heart and don’t know what to do? God wants to cleanse you and make you whole again, but that will only happen when you let go and let God take over. Are you ready to do that today? Isn’t it time to let it go, and allow God first place in Your life? He’s ready. Are you?

PRAYER THOUGHT: Father, I confess my sin to You openly and with a repentant heart. Cleanse me and show me how to walk on the right path from now on.

We are telling you about what we ourselves have actually seen and heard, so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. – 1 John 1:3 (NLT)

You might or might not have noticed that in the first three verses of this letter John has mentioned three times the fact that he has had direct contact with Jesus Christ, the Son of God. His purpose is to draw us into the circle of fellowship that he shares with the Father and the Son.

When we think of fellowship, we normally think of pot-luck dinners after church, or time spent with our small group Bible study. These are a form of fellowship, but there is something much deeper presented here. The fellowship of which John speaks is a fellowship of divine proportions. Through our faith commitment we are invited into the very throne room of God Almighty. The fellowship that we share is derived from the relationship that we have with the Christ and is communally experienced by all who have that same relationship. It is a fellowship with God, but also with each other. If we were to draw a triangle on a sheet of paper, and write God at the top, our name at the right bottom corner, and other believers at the left bottom corner, we would have a diagram of fellowship. God, and all Christ followers, are divinely connected to one other.

PRAYER THOUGHT: Father, the connection has been made. Thank you for inviting me to the circle of fellowship.

An excellent article by Bob Russell. Just click the link below:

PRESIDENT OBAMA VS. BIBLICAL TRUTH ON THE ISSUE OF GAY MARRIAGE

O LORD, I have so many enemies; so many are against me.  So many are saying, “God will never rescue him!” Interlude But you, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts my head high. – Psalms 3:1-3 (NLT)

When David wrote these words he was being pursued by his own son, Absalom. Absalom had been engaged in a campaign to win the hearts of the people and take over the throne of his father. As David is in exile he reflects on how the Lord is with Him even during this time of turmoil.

When we are being pursued by our enemies, whether it is the person who hates us, a spiritual attack, or a combination of forces coming against us, we can rest assured that God is there to rescue us. Even in the bleakest of times, God does not retreat into the background, even though our emotions might tell us otherwise. He is like a mighty, impenetrable shield that surrounds us, fending off all who seek to do us harm.

The primary issue most of us face during these times is not whether God is there to protect us or not, but rather, whether we are willing to let Him shield us instead of attempting to go it alone. Today let down your guard and allow God to lift you up with His mighty hand of protection. He wants nothing more than to show You that He will never let you down.

Reflection Questions:

1) Who or what is pursuing you right now?

2) Turn over your concern to God by praying to Him and letting Him know that You trust Him for protection.

3) Surrender your fear to God and let Him take over.

Many people say, “Who will show us better times?” Let the smile of your face shine on us, LORD. You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and wine. I will lie down in peace and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe. – Psalms 4:6-8 (NLT)

When I was younger I can remember trying to find satisfaction in many different areas other than from the Lord. Good times with friends, possessions, and sinful activity seemed very attractive to me, and for awhile, it did bring some level of satisfaction. But it didn’t take long to learn that the feeling of fulfillment was temporal at best. In fact, it seemed like each day was just another attempt to fill the void I thought had been filled just the day before.

Like the Psalmist, I discovered that true satisfaction does not come from an abundance of things or even friends, but from knowing that my relationship with God is secure. The joy that He brings is greater than what anyone else could ever possibly provide. Tonight I can close my day in complete peace, knowing without a doubt that the Lord loves and cares for me, and that’s all that ultimately matters.

Reflection Questions:

1) What brought you the most satisfaction when you were young? Were you ever truly satisfied with it?

2) Do you find yourself longing more for possessions or a deeper relationship with God?

3) If you could ask God for one thing that would bring joy to your life today, what would it be?