Confess to Be Cleansed

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. – (1 John 1:9, NIV)

But if we confess our sins, God will forgive us. We can trust God to do this. He always does what is right. He will make us clean from the wrong things we have done. – (1 John 1:9, ERV)

But if we own up to our sins, God shows that He is faithful by forgiving us of our sins and purifying us from the pollution of all the bad things we have done. – (1 John 1:9, VOICE)

We all fall short and sin, be it in word, thought or deed. Our human nature is sinful, but God with us is pure and holy. When we talk to God and let Him know where we have fallen short or have said or done things that we know do not bring Him glory and ask for His forgiveness, He forgives and wipes the slate clean. In Psalm 103 we are reminded that “as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” God forgives us and looks at us through the lens of Jesus, the One who has no sin. No more does He hold what we have thought, said, or done against us, but rather He looks upon us with love, fresh and new. Unlike humans, He separates the sinner from the sin and chooses to pour out upon us His love and forgiveness as we ask. We, as humans, have a harder time forgiving and letting go. For us, we often have to ask Him to help us forgive others on more than one occasion for the same offense. He is our example of how to forgive and let go. The more we realize how we are forgiven each time we ask, the easier time we have forgiving those around us. May we ever seek the Lord and ask Him to forgive where we have erred, and to help us forgive those around us who have done the same.

The goodness of God,

far greater than sin;

He wipes our slate clean,

again and again.

Each time we fall short,

and ask He forgive;

He cleanses our heart,

mercy and grace gives.

Much in the same way,

we’re called to the same;

forgive each other,

so His good’s proclaimed.

Christ’s our example,

for He took on all;

He bore on the cross,

our sin, great and small.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that each time we ask, You forgive us and make us new. Thank You that there is no sin that we have done that has been hidden from You, yet still You love and pursue us and call us Your own. Forgive us for every word, thought, and deed that did not glorify You. Teach us to listen and learn so that we would follow Your lead in all things and at all times. Show us how to love and forgive as You do so that those around us would gain glimpses of Your goodness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You anew each day and ask that You cleanse us from our unrighteousness and move in and through us so that Your love is made known. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

But with You forgiveness exists; that’s why true respect of You might flow. – Psalm 130:4

To See What is True

Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable – if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise – dwell on these things. – (Philippians 4:8, HCSB)

Brothers and sisters, continue to think about what is good and worthy of praise. Think about what is true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected. – (Philippians 4:8, ERV)

Keep your thoughts continually fixed on all that is authentic and real, honorable and admirable, beautiful and respectful, pure and holy, merciful and kind. And fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising Him always. – (Philippians 4:8, TPT)

If we can keep our hearts and minds focused on that which is good and worthy of praise, our words and actions follow accordingly. This is far easier said than done, especially when what stands before us clouds our view of good. It requires intentional pursuit of God and the grace that He provides to see past the difficulties and recognize the beauty and goodness that surround us. Years ago, when I was a part of YWAM (Youth With A Mission), I had the rare opportunity to spend time in India, not once, but twice. The first time I was there, all I could see was the lack, the loss, and the hardships the people had to constantly endure. However, when I returned a year later, God showed me the incredible beauty that was all around me. The joy that people had, despite their circumstances, the lush green vegetation everywhere, the bold, bright and beautiful colors found on the fabric that people wore, the kindness and generosity of those whom we worked with, and the countless glorious works that God was doing before our own eyes. May we ever seek the Lord to help us fix our eyes on the things of Him, so that we may see all that is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely and commendable.

Lord, open our eyes,

So we truly see;

The good around us,

That ever brings peace.

The honorable,

And all that is true;

The just and the pure,

His ways to pursue.

May all that’s lovely,

Remind us what’s true;

The commendable,

All that we can do.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You remind us of what is important and what should capture our attention. Thank You that no matter our situation or circumstances, there is always evidence of You that surrounds us. Forgive us for losing sight of Your good in the throes of the difficult. Teach us to fix our eyes and hearts on You and all that You have brought into being that reflect Your glory and goodness to the world. Show us how to be Your ambassadors of love, as we fix our eyes on You and reflect back the good You have given. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we seek You to give us eyes to see all of the good and wonderful that You have placed all around us. Amen. 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. – Psalm 121:1-2