Day 4

27 Jan Day 4

Scripture:  Acts 13:38-39 NLT “Brothers, listen! We are here to proclaim that through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is made right in God’s sight—something the law of Moses could never do.“

Observation:  In these two verses you have Paul, who was on a missions trip, standing during a gathering and teaching everyone listening who Jesus is.  During his message he reminded them, and the same message is for us today, that Jesus died for our sins and because of that we are forgiven and are in right standing in the sight of God.

Application:   From time to time we sin and find ourselves falling short of God’s best for us.  It is so easy to feel the weight of sin and shame and to try to conceal it.  I remember struggling with some poor choices I made in my life resulting in sin. I remember feeling lost and hopeless and that God could never forgive me for turning my back on him and his Word. I pushed through it pretending like everything was okay but was so defeated inside. I knew my sin and I knew God did too. I just kept telling myself that I deserved to feel that way and this is my punishment.

But as the scripture states, through Jesus we are forgiven of our sins.  So instead of carrying that weight and shame, willingly be transparent with Jesus and confess everything.  The good news is that he will forgive you.  I remember how freeing I felt after allowing myself to be vulnerable and speak my truth to Jesus. It is our responsibility as believers to humble ourselves and be unapologetically transparent with God.  That lets God know that we are open and willing to let him come into our lives and heal, restore, and set us free.  Can you even imagine what God can do through us when we are free in our hearts and minds?  Find time during your time and place with God, your slot & spot, and have the real and hard conversation with him.  And just like we learned in yesterday’s devotional,  ^“… if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” (1 John 1:9)

Prayer: Jesus, there are some things I need to confess outwardly to you.  I know as I confess these things to you, that you will forgive and restore me.  Thank you for loving me unconditionally.  Thank you for not just forgiving me of some things, but for all my sins.  Thank you for not rejecting me for my sins.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Going Deeper: 

Confessing isn’t just about airing our sin.  Confessing is also stating that you believe in Jesus and his Word. When you’re doubting if God forgives you, confess you’re a believer in Jesus.  And as a believer he is faithful and just to forgive and cleans us.

Read and pray:

1. Psalms 32:5
2. 1 John 1:9
3. Daniel 9:9

Mark McDonald/Journey Worship Area Coordinator, Evening Program Class of 2021

Mark McDonald has been a part of The Journey for four years, serving in production, worship and now Journey City Music.  Mark is joining the J-Group, Journey Vocalists & Musicians this semester.