I confess – I confess that sometimes confession is hard, it is hard because it is painful.  It is hard because it is revealing and leaves the confessor vulnerable, at the mercy of the one to whom he bears his soul.

“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)

Lord, help me not to fear Your conviction which leads to life but please protect me from Satan’s condemnation, self-condemnation and the condemnation of the world which lead to death.

“Blessed is the man You discipline, O Lord, the man You teach from Your law;”  (Psalm 94:12)

” ‘My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes everyone He accepts as a son.’  Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons.   . . .   Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness.  No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.  Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”   (Hebrews 12:5-11)

Lord, let Your conviction teach me and train me in Your ways which give life, but please protect me from condemnation which leads to death.

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.”   (Romans 8:1-2)

“Jesus said, ‘If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’ ”   (John 8:31-320

truth, the difference between conviction and condemnation – the difference between life and death –

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”   (John 10:10)

thank you Lord for being the Creator of life, the Giver of life, the Sustainer of life, the Redeemer of my life . . .

sincerely,       Grace Day