Try To Come Clean
II Timothy 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Salutations friends! Let’s say hello to another day God has given each of us. Take a moment to talk with God in silence, just you and Him; allow Him to place peace, protection on you, and your family as this day progresses. As you begin your day, let’s look at how many times we forget to open up, to break the barriers, to come clean about anything that may hinder our relationship with God, with family, with friends or even co-workers. During these times, we forget how being honest is the way we can purify our inward character so that our outward character will become new. We all know that the scriptures teach us to be honest, forthcoming, so that we are confessing any wrong doing, wrong thoughts, wrong assumptions of others; anything we are hiding from others; all of which hinders our spiritual growth. By letting God help us to cleanse our hearts, not just correcting our actions, we are forsaking the sin, and asking for those sins to be forgiven and removed. Jesus was constantly trying to show and teach the religious leaders in His time, that they were wrong in condemning someone due to their outward appearances, that the true problem was inside, deep within that person’s heart and they should focus on helping those people to repent, confess, and reform their lives to God’s way. I John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”, thus giving us the real way to overcome and get back to being what God has intended for us to be. Maybe we should all take a moment to check ourselves for anything that is hindering us from focusing on doing God’s will. Are we holding a grudge, even a simple one, against someone that maybe just a simple conversation could change that outcome? Are we judging someone who doesn’t have what we have or the means by which to participate in something? Are we looking down on the poor and needy that Jesus specified we were to help? Maybe, just maybe we thought it was just a little white lie, that it wasn’t bad enough to worry about? In reality, the smallest of deceptions are prone to be the worse because they GROW! Today, as you ponder on things, or reflect on things, on thoughts, actions that may be unworthy and sinful; ask God to help you to search your heart and then work on coming clean! You will be at peace and the other person will too!
Scriptures:
Read: Luke 12:2, I John 1:9, Psalm 51:7-12, Isaiah 1:16-19, Proverbs 28:13,18, James 4:7-8, Ezekiel 36:24-27, Acts 3:19, Ephesians 4:22-25, John 8:31-32, II Corinthians 8:21, Proverbs 19:1, Colossians 3:8-10, Proverbs 10:9, II Timothy 2:15-16, James 5:12
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come now thanking you for the offering of forgiveness when we have failed to face up to anything that was untruth, that was grudgeful, that was hidden because of our denial to bring it to you. Father, please continue to prick our hearts so that we can openly change our hearts and confess not only to you but to the ones we hurt, that may hinder their walk with you as well as ours. Father, give us the strength to face consequences of our actions and to ask for your forgiveness and to then listen to your guidance on how to overcome and receive peace. Amen.