Daily Devotions

Tuesday, January 12.

Do you know the difference between confession of sin and repentance? We should be careful not to confuse the two, because it’s possible to confess without moving into genuine repentance. To confess sin is to agree with God’s assessment of our transgression, but repentance goes further. It involves taking responsibility for our sin by deliberately turning from it and committing to walk in obedience to God by the power of His Spirit. 

It’s not enough to merely feel sorry and confess sin but change nothing. Jesus’ gracious forgiveness isn’t like a “get out of jail free” card from a certain board game. We must do more than casually say, “Lord, I’ve messed up again. I’m sorry.” To triumph over habitual sin, we must rely on God’s power, both to resist temptation and to obey Him. We might fail again, but it’s important that we keep coming to the Lord in sincere confession and repentance until He gives us victory­­ in this life or in the one to come. 

If you are struggling with particular sin, ask the Lord to show you how grievous it is to Him. Then look at it from His perspective. I pray this results in a true spirit of repentance, and that your admission leads you to a more intimate relationship with the Father.

Memory verse: John 3:16

“I prefer dangerous freedom over peaceful slavery.” Thomas Jefferson

Tuesday, January 12.

Do you know the difference between confession of sin and repentance? We should be careful not to confuse the two, because it’s possible to confess without moving into genuine repentance. To confess sin is to agree with God’s assessment of our transgression, but repentance goes further. It involves taking responsibility for our sin by deliberately turning from it and committing to walk in obedience to God by the power of His Spirit. 

It’s not enough to merely feel sorry and confess sin but change nothing. Jesus’ gracious forgiveness isn’t like a “get out of jail free” card from a certain board game. We must do more than casually say, “Lord, I’ve messed up again. I’m sorry.” To triumph over habitual sin, we must rely on God’s power, both to resist temptation and to obey Him. We might fail again, but it’s important that we keep coming to the Lord in sincere confession and repentance until He gives us victory­­ in this life or in the one to come. 

If you are struggling with particular sin, ask the Lord to show you how grievous it is to Him. Then look at it from His perspective. I pray this results in a true spirit of repentance, and that your admission leads you to a more intimate relationship with the Father.

Memory verse: John 3:16

“I prefer dangerous freedom over peaceful slavery.” Thomas Jefferson

Monday, January 11.

Today, we are bombarded by strong messages about freedom and how to obtain it. Whether we’re watching TV, listening to the radio, scrolling through social media, or reading the news, the message is consistent: The heart of freedom in the world is about making our own way, living life on our terms and without constraints.

Yet in order to be free as the world understands it, we must be in control. We have to be the supreme being directing our life. There’s one enormous problem with this: We’re human. And in our humanity, which is complicated by a tendency to sin, we can’t see objectively. Our vision is clouded by biases and desires and an abundance of pride. 

The Lord tells us that to be truly liberated, we must submit to Him. He says that if we willingly give up our life, we’ll find the freedom and fullness we’ve always longed to experience. A freedom that will last forever.

How has the world’s definition of freedom impacted your life? Can you see its influence in your choices? Which aspects of life do you try hardest to control? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal anything you’re afraid to release to God.

Memory verse: Romans 6:23.

“Freedom is the oxygen of the soul.”Moshe Dayan

Friday, January 8.

Repentance is a concept that isn’t talked about enough in some churches today. Yet it was a key point in what Jesus preached and something He specifically instructed the church to proclaim everywhere (Luke 24:47).  

Repentance is prompted by the Holy Spirit: He brings conviction concerning sin so that we’re encouraged to depend on Jesus’ righteousness. When we commit to repent, that is, to turn from sin and toward God, the Spirit supplies the power for us to do so. He transforms the inner person and gives new desires for holiness and obedience. 

While salvation involves an understanding of sin and a choice to repent, some people mistakenly think they themselves must clean up their life before coming to Christ. But that is actually impossible. No one can make himself righteous apart from the work of the Holy Spirit—only God can give a clean heart, holy desires, and a transformed mind. 

For unbelievers, that false assumption can seem an insurmountable obstacle to salvation. That’s why God’s children must know the truth about repentance and share it, clearing the way for lost souls to trust Christ as Savior. 

Memory verse: Matthew 4:17.

“Its bad when you fail morally. Its worse when you don’t repent.” Luis Palau