"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives."

1 John 1:9-10
I don’t like to admit defeat. If I start a book or a project, I almost always finish it, even if I don’t like it. I frame this quality as a combination of focus and persistence, but really it’s more like obsession and stubbornness. I just don’t like to fail. And if I don’t quit, I can keep telling myself that I really haven’t failed… at least, not yet.
This strategy doesn’t always work, especially with God. When I sin – choosing what I want over what God wants – no amount of stubborn determination or denial can undo it. Refusing to admit it just adds a new failing to the list. And God sees right through my self-deception anyway! He promises that if we confess our failures and sins and shortcomings to Him, He will forgive us. Be assured He will remain faithful to His promises even when we don’t keep our promises to Him (2 Timothy 2:13).
Why live under a cloud of failure? Admit your sin to the Lord so you can live in His light, receiving mercy for your defeats and inadequacies and finding grace to conquer sin.



Scripture Focus

Hebrews 10:19-25

Insight

O Lord, You've searched me You know my way Even when I fail You I know You love me. (Darlene Zschech and Reuben Morgan, 2006)

Bible In A Year

  • Leviticus 11-12
  • Psalm 51
  • Luke 15

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