1 John 1:9 - Forgiveness

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

Did you know you are a sinner? I am a sinner too. We are all sinners. Even if there are aspects of our lives we think are ok, they may be sinful. In the Old Testament, men often had multiple wives. There is no indication they considered this sin, but today we generally see this as wrong and sinful. Sin is always sin, but to the one engaged in it, it may not always be clear. Sometimes it is just the norm of the day. Thankfully, if we admit we are sinful and allow Christ to forgive us, we are forgiven of all of our sins, even the ones we do not know we are committing.

Lord, Thank you for sending your son to die on the cross so that we may be forgiven. Please help us to admit to our sin and grow to sin less each day. Amen.

Psalm 32:5 - Acknowledging sin

Then I acknowledged my sin to you

     and did not cover up my iniquity.

 I said, “I will confess

     my transgressions to the Lord.”

 And you forgave

     the guilt of my sin.
Acknowledging our sin is the first step toward forgiveness. We don't always see our sin. Sometimes it is just a habit or a way we have always conducted ourselves. It doesn't occur to us that it is wrong. I think we can be forgiven even if we don't know or acknowledge each sin, but if we pray to God to show us our sin, he will. Then we can know the areas we need to correct.

Lord, thank you for loving us and forgiving us. Please help us to see our sin and acknowledge it to you. Amen.

Revelation 4:8b - Prayer, going into the presence of God

Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.

In Isaiah 6 and Revelation 4, the authors were given a glimpse of heaven, but for most, entering the “presence” of God is basically prayer. One way to construct our prayers is with the following four, key elements. First praise God. One might quote, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” You may also sing praise songs, repeat phrases of praise you have heard or compose words of praise. Next ask for forgiveness from sins citing any recent offenses or areas of temptation. 1 John 1:9 states “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Third is a time of thanksgiving. Thank God for all he has given, for specific things, and especially for sending his Son deliver us. Last is an opportunity to come to God with requests. When we make requests of God, we must do so in the name of Jesus Christ. John 16:23b-24 states, “Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” Going into the presence of God is a humbling experience, but time could not be spent in any better way.

Lord, thank you for allowing us to come into your presence. Please help us to speak to you in a worthy manner. Amen.