Read Romans 3:9-20
Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.
Reflect
· Admitting my sins and committing my life to Christ forever means that I'll be spending it with Him forever. Have I allowed this radical truth to transform my life here and now?
· How often do I make excuses for my sins, unwilling to take responsibility for them or even denying that I have engaged in sinful behavior at all?
· Am I ready to get real with God about my sins?
So often when we are accused of wrongdoing we get defensive, unwilling to take responsibility for our mistakes and eager to blame someone else. But God doesn't let us off the hook so easily. He holds us accountable--not because He requires us to "pay" for our sins, but because He knows that admitting our sins and asking for forgiveness is the first step in growing a real relationship with Him. In fact, the whole reason God gives us His law is so that our sins are more readily apparent to us, prompting us to approach Him in humility and repentance. It's true, we will err again and again, but with each return to God, our relationship with Him deepens.
Today, come completely open and vulnerable to God and pray this prayer of repentance [fill in the blank with the sin(s) you hold most tightly]. Lord, I come to You in trust and love. Please forgive me for __________________________________. Give me an undivided heart; transform me from the inside out so that I will come to know You a little bit better each day. Amen.
Pray
Lord, I am ready. I know I can't do this on my own. I need Your forgiveness. Amen.