"In the Mirror" November 19 Readings: Ezekiel 43-44, Hebrews 11:1–14, Psalm 126, Proverbs 28:12–14

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Reading the Bible in 2023

Each day this year we will read a selection from the Old Testament, the New Testament, a portion of the Psalms, and part of Proverbs. By the end of the year, you will have read the entire Bible. We read this way to give you a bit of variety. In reading four portions of God's word in a day, one of them is bound to speak to your life!

NOTE: If you get behind, do not give up. Read today's readings and try to catch up when you have a chance. The goal is not to "accomplish a task" but to meet God in his word. Read the word. Also, if you are short on time, READ GOD'S WORD and skip my devotional!

Bible Readings: Ezekiel 43-44, Hebrews 11:1–14, Psalm 126, Proverbs 28:12–14

    Scriptures linked to Bible Gateway in ESV version 

Daily Devotional:  In the Mirror

"Christians need to be more positive, to spend less time focusing on sin and judgment and more time focusing on God's love, acceptance and grace."
It sounds great, doesn't it? I don't like to think about my own failures and the guilt of my sins. Just as I don't like to look at myself in the mirror first thing in the morning, I don't much like it when God's word holds a mirror to my soul and I see the filth and wickedness within. Of course, I'd rather think about the good things. I'd love to ignore my sin and only ponder the positives.

But there is a problem with that attitude which is so prevalent today. According to Proverbs 28:13, if we ignore sin we can never receive the blessings of God.
The one who conceals his sins will not prosper,
but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
We can never prosper or grow spiritually by ignoring our sins or hiding them. It is only as we honestly look at them, confessing and renouncing them before God, that we find mercy and grace. Hidden sin is never healed. There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, but there is no blessing for those who fail to face and admit their sin, either. 

The first step on the path of blessing is confession, and repentance - taking a long, hard look at myself in the mirror of the word and admitting the reality of my depravity. The pretense, denial, self-justification, and rationalization must go as pride melts away. It is by wandering through the darkness of confession and repentance that we find the light of forgiveness. 

Today, as you pray, let the Spirit examine you and show you your heart - no artifice, no denial, just an honest look at the depths of your sin. Through that painful pursuit lies the path to joy, hope, forgiveness, and to God's merciful bounty. This is not morbid. It is beautiful! It reminds you that it's not you, it's HIM! It's not works, it's grace! It's not earned, it's a gift. You will be filled with gratitude and moved to worship and to walk in holiness. 

Father, show me my heart, that by repentance I might know your mercy more fully every day. 

Consider God's Word:

Did one of these passages speak strongly to you today? Which one? 
Is there sin in your life that needs to be confessed and dealt with that was revealed in one of these passages? 
Is there a struggle in your life that one of these passages spoke to? 

Open yourself to the Spirit's searchlight today.
Confession is both general (I am sinful) and specific (I commit this sin).
Confess your sin to God that you might prosper spiritually.




 

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