Tag: confession

  • Fashion Tip for the Day

    “I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels” — Isaiah 61:10.

    What better garments than a garment of salvation or a robe of righteousness? No one could be better clothed than with the adorning described above.

    Yet, I still fuss and worry about my hair and makeup, about coordinating the top with the bottom. I shouldn’t be concerned about whether the fashionistas would approve or not.

    Isaiah, the prophet, speaks of internal clothing about joy & praise, salvation & cleansing …precious jewels from within vs. any external covering. The results are astounding as when a priest is properly outfitted in service or when a bride dresses for her special day. The exciting part is that even though the results occur inside of a person’s heart and mind, external results can also be seen.

    God can “dress” you in beautiful garments when we delight and rejoice in him. Are you allowing him to clothe you every day?

    Dear God, I confess that oftentimes I’m more concerned about my outward appearance and neglect my inward beauty. If I take the time to be with you alone, my outward beauty will shine for all to see.

  • Search my heart

    “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive [wicked] way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24). 

    This type of probing is similar to exploratory surgery. Over two years ago, a neurosurgeon analyzed an MRI revealing a tumor resting alongside my brain. I could have ignored the surgeon’s recommendation for removal of the tumor, but he was the expert and I was not.

    There’s no point in pretending with God. He knows my every selfish, evil, and wayward thought before I even do. I might be able to fool my family or friends, but no thought or deed gets past the all-knowing Creator of the universe. I understand that God “created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb” (Psalm 139:13). How much more involved in my existence could anyone be?

    Prayer:  Through you and you alone, God, I can receive healing and direction. Point out the error of my ways so I can confess and experience forgiveness. With this degree of involvement, I know I can trust you with my every concern.

    Ask:   Is there some area in your life being scrutinized and watched by God? Are there thoughts that need to be dealt with by the merciful, loving Physician?

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