Today I sinned. This is nothing I’m proud of, but this is something I recognize and want to fix. I fell to temptation today, and unfortunately, I have a feeling this won’t be the last time I’m tempted. Though I strive to become a better Christian daily and spread the word, I too slip up. Thankfully, I know the Lord is in my corner, and there is still another opportunity for me (and you) to do better and become better today.
Temptation is something only the flesh embodies, not the Spirit. If we learn to walk by the spirit and not by the flesh, we will prevail through all trials, tests, and temptations. When tempted to sin, we must use our greatest weapon: prayer. Ask the Lord to help you turn away instead of towards your sinful, worldly nature. Most importantly, remember that sin can take form in our minds, but never in our spirit. We have a friend in Jesus when our minds drift off to sin (Hebrews 2:18).
Rather than denying our sinful nature, ask God today to come into your life and show you where you can improve, so you can grow your relationship with Him and become more like Him and His Son, Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:8-9 reads “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Ask for forgiveness today and repent.
God asks us to repent for many reasons, but what exactly is repentance? Yes, it includes asking for forgiveness, but repentance is an action word. It is the act of changing, not reverting to your past mistakes and habits. God has promised to take us for exactly who we are, no matter how disgusting, sinful, or crooked we may be. God is offering a cure. He is a doctor. He has vowed to write every single prescription and give us the perfect dose of medicine to take daily. All he asks of us is to repent, obey, and in return, we will be made new in Him. In Ezekiel 18:30-32, God encourages us to repent and live on. He tells us to “turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit”
Lastly, doubt and shame are distracting emotions that the devil places in our minds to convince us we aren’t worthy of God’s great works of forgiveness, but that is one of the many reasons why our God is just that great. The Bible tells us that the Lord does not hold our past transgressions against us (Psalm 103:12). The Apostle Paul says in Romans 8:1-2, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” God and His Son Jesus are genuinely the kindest, most forgiving, gracious, understanding, and merciful beings ever. Keep trying and draw closer to the Lord; the more you do, the more He will reveal His character to you.
If you have sinned today, remember that you are not lost. You just need to pick up exactly where you left off, repent, and live on. There is still hope today and plenty more tomorrow. Thank the Lord that he is so gracious and patient with us. So in all things you do, try your very best to stay on track with the Lord.
Lord, help me remember that you’re #1 in my life, above all things and people.
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Concluding Thoughts
Continue praying and asking God for his forgiveness and mercy each day. We are human, and we are not perfect beings. God knows that, and His goal is to work with us and shape us into greater things than we could ever imagine. Far greater than any sin or temptation attempts to stand in our way.
Prayer
Dear Lord,
Thank You for this beautiful gift of life. We know that no matter how tough times get or how trying our days seem, You are always there. Lord, when we feel the emptiness our sins leave us, we ask that You fill it with Your everlasting love. We ask You today to withdraw us from our worldly ways and to draw us closer to You daily. Thank You for Your mercy. Help us continue to learn that not only by forgiving us, You have displayed Your mercy, but by revealing our sin, You have shown Your mercy as well. Help us kill off our sinful flesh and be restored in You, Lord. We know if anyone can do it, You can. In Jesus Name, Amen!
Devotional Summary
- Personal Confessional: I sinned today
- Combating temptation with the spirit and fighting the flesh
- Asking the Lord for forgiveness and repenting: what exactly is repenting?
- Fleeing from doubt and shame
- Remembering that we are restored by the Lord’s grace and mercy, get back on track today!
Love you guys!
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