Our Sin, His Mercy

Philippians 4:6–7 says:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Paul writes this not as a suggestion, but as a command: Be anxious for nothing. If it is a command, then persistent worry, when it reflects a lack of trust in God, is a sin. The Lord does not leave us without help. He gives us the way forward: “But in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”

When fear or anxiety threatens to overtake us, we are called to draw near to our sovereign and loving Father. We are to pray. We are to give thanks, not because our circumstances are easy, but because we know He is in control, and we trust that He is working all things for our good.

Even our hardest trials are Father-filtered. They come to us not by chance, but by His loving and wise providence.

What is the opposite of worry? Trust. Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” To worry is to lean on our own understanding; to trust is to rest in His. We are invited, even commanded to cast our cares upon Him, as 1 Peter 5:7 says: “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

Let us now confess our sin of anxiety and unbelief, and turn again to the peace of God in Christ.

Hear the words of Jesus: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27, NKJV)

In Christ, our anxious hearts are calmed, our sins are forgiven, and His peace guards our souls.

Lord, we confess that we have not obeyed Your command to be anxious for nothing. Instead of trusting You, we have allowed fear and worry to control our hearts. We have leaned on our own understanding rather than acknowledging You in all our ways. We have forgotten Your care, doubted Your wisdom, and failed to come to You in prayer.

Forgive us, O Lord. Restore our trust in Your goodness and sovereignty. Help us to give thanks in all circumstances, and to remember that nothing touches our lives without first passing through Your loving hands. Teach us to cast our cares upon You, because You care for us. May Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.”(Psalm 42:5, NKJV)

Brothers and sisters, God knows that His children often walk through seasons of deep sorrow. Scripture calls it being “cast down,” weighed with grief, despair, or heaviness of spirit. Depression itself is not always sin, but in our downcast state, we often fall into sinful patterns.

We doubt God’s goodness.

We forget His promises.

We withdraw from His people and neglect prayer.

We turn inward rather than lifting our eyes to Christ.

We seek false comforts instead of resting in the presence of our Redeemer.

Like the psalmist, we find ourselves asking, “Why are you cast down, O my soul?” Yet instead of preaching hope to our hearts, we give way to despair. Let us confess together the ways we have failed to trust the Lord in our weakness and sorrow, forgetting His providence that orders every step and sustains us even in the valley.

Hear the Word of the Lord from Lamentations 3:22–23 (NKJV):

“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.”

In Christ, no sorrow is beyond His mercy, no despair beyond His compassion. He is our help and our salvation.

Merciful Father,

We confess that in our seasons of heaviness, we have doubted Your love and forgotten Your promises. We have turned inward instead of looking upward, sought false comforts instead of resting in Christ. Forgive us for giving in to despair rather than clinging to hope in You.

Thank You that Your mercies are new every morning and that Your compassions never fail. Lift our eyes to Jesus, the Man of Sorrows who bore our griefs and carried our sorrows. Renew our hope, restore our joy, and teach us to wait on You in faith, trusting Your providence in all things.

To the God of hope, who lifts the downcast and renews our joy in Christ, be glory forevermore. Amen.

Proverbs 6:16–19— These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.

Solomon uses a well-known Hebrew literary device here—“six… yes, seven”—to underscore just how deeply offensive these sins are to God. They are not mere weaknesses. They are abominations in His sight.

And at the top of that list is pride. Today, we live in a culture that not only commits this sin but celebrates it. God hates pride! There was a time when people tried to hide their shame, but now it is paraded proudly in the streets. God hates a lying tongue, and we see it everywhere. Media outlets twist facts to serve an agenda. Rather than inform with truth, many now manipulate with narrative. But truth matters to God.

God hates hands that shed innocent blood. This includes the silent slaughter of the unborn. It’s estimated that one in five pregnancies ends in abortion. The womb should be the safest place for a child, but in many cases, it has become the most dangerous. This is an abomination before the Lord.

God hates a heart that devises wicked plans; is this not what we see in the confusion of gender, where even the most basic truths of creation are denied? Who would have thought society would stray so far from what is plainly seen in nature and revealed in Scripture?

God hates feet that are swift to do evil, a false witness, and those who sow division, sins that tear down families, churches, and communities.

But here is the hard question: Are we guilty of these same sins? Have we been prideful? It so easily creeps into our hearts. Have we lied? Have we harbored anger or resentment, what Jesus calls murder in the heart? Have we entertained wicked thoughts or schemes in secret? Have we, even in subtle ways, stirred up discord among the brethren?

These are not small sins. God calls them abominations. And yet there is hope for those who turn to Him in humility and truth.

1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Let us now go to our gracious God in confession and repentance.

Holy and Righteous God, we come before You with heavy hearts. Your Word declares that You hate pride, lies, violence, wickedness, and division. And yet we confess that we have not been innocent of these things. We have looked down on others. We have bent the truth to suit ourselves. We have entertained evil thoughts and harbored anger in our hearts. We have sown division through careless words and selfish ambition.

Yet in Your providence, You have not left us in our sin. You have ordained every moment to lead us to repentance and restoration in Christ. Forgive us, Lord. Cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Create in us clean hearts, and renew steadfast spirits within us. May we walk in humility, truth, peace, and purity, for Your glory and by Your grace.

To the God who hates sin yet delights to show mercy, to Christ who bore our abominations on the cross, and to the Spirit who renews and sanctifies us, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

In the opening chapters of Jeremiah, God calls His prophet to proclaim judgment on Judah. The northern kingdom of Israel had already been judged and taken captive by Assyria, and now the southern kingdom, Judah, faces judgment at the hands of Babylon.

Why? Because they forsook the LORD and worshiped idols. In Jeremiah 2, God reminds Judah of His kindness and provision from the very beginning. He cared for them and protected them, yet they quickly turned away.

In verse 31, God asks: “O generation, see the word of the LORD! Have I been a wilderness to Israel, Or a land of darkness?” No, is the answer! God has never been a wilderness or darkness to His people. Yet they arrogantly rejected Him.

Verse 32 continues: “Can a virgin forget her ornaments, Or a bride her attire? Yet My people have forgotten Me Days without number.”

A bride preparing for her wedding day adorns herself with jewels, proudly displaying her beauty to her bridegroom. God expected His people to do the same; to display themselves to the nations as His chosen bride, adorned not with jewelry, but with a personal and bold knowledge of Him.

God wanted Judah to be a light to the nations, showing that they followed the one true God. But they forgot Him, turning away instead of proudly declaring His name. So today, we must ask ourselves:

Do we display to the lost that we are followers of the one true God? Do we proclaim Christ boldly, like a bride adorned for her wedding day? Or do we hide our faith, fearful to witness to others? As believers, we are ambassadors for the Creator of the universe, Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20).

We are called to represent Him faithfully and to proclaim the Gospel to a lost and dying world (Matthew 28:19–20). In doing so, we show both the world and the Lord that we are grateful for the great salvation He has given us through Christ. Let us now confess the times we have failed to boldly witness for Him, and pray for courage and faithfulness.

“Remember these, O Jacob, And Israel, for you are My servant; I have formed you, you are My servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me! I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions, And like a cloud, your sins. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.” (Isaiah 44:21–22, NKJV)

Even when we forget God, He does not forget us. In Christ, our sins are blotted out, and we are restored.

Almighty God, we confess that we have often been ashamed or fearful to declare Your name. We have hidden our faith instead of shining Your light. We have forgotten the honor and privilege of being Your ambassadors, and have failed to boldly proclaim Your Gospel to the lost.

Yet in Your providence, You have not cast us off. You have placed us in this world, at this time, with divine purpose, to be lights in the darkness and messengers of Your truth.

Forgive us, Lord. Renew our hearts with a passion for Your name. Clothe us with boldness and love, that we may represent You well. Help us to adorn ourselves with Christ in all we do, proudly declaring that we belong to You. Use us as Your witnesses in a dark world, for Your glory and the salvation of many.

To You be glory forever, the God who never forgets His people. Amen.

Written by Pastor Jamie Terry

“Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity.” (Ephesians 4:26–27, NASB 1995)

Brothers and sisters, Scripture reveals that there is both a righteous and an unrighteous anger. The command “Be angry” implies that there is a holy anger we ought to have, while “do not sin” warns against the kind we must avoid.

There is a righteous anger that reflects the holiness of God. The Lord is “a righteous judge, and a God who has indignation every day” (Psalm 7:11). Christ Himself displayed holy anger when He cleansed the temple. His heart burned with devotion for His Father’s glory and the purity of His worship.

Righteous anger is anger toward sin, anger that burns when God’s name is dishonored, when His law is violated, or when His people are persecuted. It is anger stirred by love for righteousness and for the glory of God. And so we get angry when we hear that billions of babies have been murdered in the wombs of their mothers. We get angry when we see so-called pastors support the LGBTQ movement. We get angry when the wicked assassinate a man who speaks the truth. Because we love God and we hate evil (Ps. 97:10). And so we are commanded, “be angry”.

Yet Scripture warns us: “Be angry and yet do not sin.” There is also an unholy, selfish anger. It arises when our own desires are denied, our pride is wounded, or our comfort is disturbed. This anger defends not God’s honor but our own. It lashes out when we do not get our way. It is the short temper, the harsh word, the bitterness that festers in the heart.

Even when our anger begins for the right reasons, it can become sinful if expressed in the wrong way. Anger that leads to rash speech, vengeful thoughts, or violent acts is no longer righteous. Holy anger must never give way to unholy actions or attitudes.

Paul warns, “Do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity.” When anger is allowed to linger, Satan finds opportunity to tempt us. What begins as grief over evil can grow into resentment or bitterness. Instead of fueling righteousness, it begins to destroy peace, humility, and love.

Therefore, do not let your anger simmer. Instead, direct your heart toward what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and of good repute (Philippians 4:8). Remember that God is sovereign over all things—that even in the darkest moments, His providence is sure. The Judge of all the earth will do right.

Let holy anger lead you to prayer and faith, not to wrath or revenge. Love your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you. Leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord (Romans 12:19). Be angry, and yet do not sin.

All of us have sinned in this way. We have allowed anger to rule our hearts and words. Yet there is hope for angry sinners, for Christ shed His blood to cleanse us from every sin. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, NASB 1995)

Lord, we confess that our anger has too often been sinful and self-centered. We have been quick to speak and slow to forgive. Forgive us for using anger to defend our pride instead of Your glory. Teach us to be slow to anger, to love what You love, and to hate what You hate. Cleanse us by the blood of Christ, and fill us with the peace that comes from Your Spirit. For the glory of Your name, Amen.

Brothers and sisters, scripture often describes our sins as debts. Every thought, word, and deed that violates God’s holy law adds to the record against us. Like debtors who cannot pay, we stand guilty before the Judge of all the earth. Sin is not just a mistake to be brushed aside; it is a legal offense against the God of justice.

Left to ourselves, the handwriting of requirements that condemns us would remain, a long list of charges testifying against us. And the wages of that debt is death. But in His providence, God did not leave us in this hopeless condition. He sent His Son to settle the debt we could never pay. On the cross, Jesus bore the full penalty of our sin. The record of guilt was nailed there with Him, blotted out forever by His blood.

This was no distant transaction, no abstract bookkeeping in heaven. Our debt was personal, and so was Christ’s payment. He endured the wrath of God in our place. He bore the weight of our rebellion. He took the judgment that was ours. And yet, when we sin, we often treat lightly the very debt that cost Him so dearly.

Think of how it feels to wound someone who has sacrificed everything for you. The grief, the sorrow, the shame. That is a faint reflection of the seriousness of our sin against Christ, who gave Himself for us. To minimize sin is to minimize the cross. But to confess it honestly is to magnify His mercy and rest in His finished work.

Let us therefore confess the ways we have treated sin as casual, the times we have forgotten the weight of our debt, and the ways we have failed to walk in gratitude to the One who paid it in full.

“And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:13–14, NKJV)

In Christ, our record of debt has been erased. The charges against us are gone, nailed to the cross forever. We are forgiven and made alive with Him.

Gracious God,

We confess that we have sinned against You. We have broken Your law and incurred a debt we could never pay. We have treated sin casually and forgotten the weight of our guilt.

But You, in Your great providence, have not left us under condemnation. You sent Your Son to bear our debt, to take our sin upon Himself, and to nail it to the cross.

Forgive us, Lord. Give us hearts that are tender toward Your mercy and humble before Your justice. Let us walk in gratitude, knowing that our debt has been paid not with silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, to whom belongs all glory, honor, and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Romans 3 lays out both the seriousness of our sin and the greatness of God’s mercy.

Beginning in verse 10, Paul writes: “There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.” (vv.10–12)

This is God’s verdict on the human race: we are all guilty before Him. Our words, our thoughts, and our actions have been corrupted by sin. Paul says, “Their throat is an open tomb…​ the poison of asps is under their lips…​ their feet are swift to shed blood…​ there is no fear of God before their eyes.” (vv.13–18)

And in verse 19: “That every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.” We have broken God’s law. We stand condemned, and no amount of good works can erase the debt we owe. By the law comes the knowledge of sin. But the law cannot save us.

Yet the passage turns: “But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed… even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe.” (vv.21–22)

Though we are sinners, we are “justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Jesus is our propitiation, a sacrifice that satisfies God’s righteous anger toward sin. In pagan cultures, people would try to appease their gods through sacrifice. But in the gospel, it is God Himself who provides the sacrifice.

In His providence, God ordained that Christ would bear our sin, absorb His wrath, and reconcile us to Himself, accomplishing what we never could. As verse 26 says, God is now both “just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”

Christian, this is your reminder: Though you still battle sin in the flesh, you are no longer condemned. You are seen as righteous because Jesus bore your punishment. His blood paid your debt. His cross secured your peace. Confess your sinfulness to God, not to earn forgiveness, but to walk in it, and to come boldly, rejoicing in the grace that has already been given.

Romans 3:23–24, NKJV “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” In Christ, though we have all sinned and fall short, we are justified freely by grace. The debt is paid, and peace is secured at the cross.

Heavenly Father, what a joy it is to gather with the saints. May our sinfulness be ever present before us, that Your mercy may shine all the brighter. Let us grieve our sin deeply, but rejoice even more in the depths of Your forgiveness. Sanctify us, cleanse us, and cause us to walk in Your ways.

Thank You for the gift of Your Son, our substitute, our righteousness, our peace. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father—to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Psalm 69 gives us a prophetic glimpse into the sufferings of Christ. David, speaking by the Spirit, says, “I have become a stranger to my brothers, and an alien to my mother’s children” (v. 8). He endured alienation not only from the world, but even from His own half-brothers and sisters. His own family doubted Him and treated Him as a stranger. Again, he laments, “Those who sit in the gate speak against me, and I am the song of the drunkards” (v. 12). The very Son of God was slandered by leaders and mocked by drunkards, who sang cruel songs about Him, likely questioning the legitimacy of His birth.

This was no accident. In the providence of God, such humiliation was appointed for Christ as part of His active obedience. He endured mocking, shame, and scorn without sinning, that His righteousness might cover our unrighteousness. He was despised and rejected by men, yet He bore it silently, entrusting Himself to His Father.

David’s lament also points us to Christ. In the opening verses of this psalm, he cries, “Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing. I am weary with my crying; my throat is dry; my eyes fail while I wait for my God” (vv. 1–3). These are words of anguish, despair, and weariness, the very states that crush us and that we might today describe as depression. Here, too, we hear the voice of Christ. He endured despair, weariness, and anguish in His earthly life, yet He did not sin. He was tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15).

And this is where our confession must come in. Christ remained faithful under the weight of despair; we do not. He trusted His Father’s providence when His soul was overwhelmed, while we often stumble in weariness, complain in hardship, and doubt in sorrow. Where Christ’s anguish produced holiness, ours often produces sin. Let us confess, then, both the weakness of our endurance and the greatness of His obedience.

“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15–16, NKJV)

Because Christ endured reproach and anguish without sin, we are forgiven in Him and welcomed into His mercy.

Father in heaven,

We confess that we have not borne reproach as Christ bore it. We are quick to take offense, quick to retaliate, and slow to trust in Your care. Forgive us for our pride, our impatience, and our lack of love.

We thank You that Jesus endured the mocking of men, the scorn of His family, the ridicule of the wicked, and the anguish of His soul, all for our salvation. His obedience is our hope. Cleanse us again in His blood, and by Your Spirit conform us to His likeness, that we may endure trials with humility and faith.

To Him who endured the cross, despising the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God, be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Written by David Hlavaty

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” — Matthew 22:37, NKJV

Today’s confession of sin will be on the first part of the great commandment, which is to love God with all of our heart and soul and mind. I think I can speak for everyone here and say that we do not always succeed with this commandment. We do not always love God with our entire being as we are commanded to.

The question also is, what does it mean to love God with our whole heart?

Hebrews 11:6 tells us that “without faith it is impossible to please God.”

We cannot love God without pleasing Him and giving Him glory. Christ tells us that only when we remain in Him and He in us can we do good. We see that goodness and pleasing God is not solely in the actions we take, but something deeper — something spiritual.

We may see the atheist give to the poor or the unrighteous man be kind to others. However, to love God is to obey Him out of faith and delight, not for recognition or moral display. The love of God is not divided between compartments of life — it consumes all of who we are.

So often, our love is half-hearted. We speak of devotion, yet our affections wander. We profess loyalty, yet our priorities reveal divided hearts. We give God portions of time, thought, and affection, while reserving much for ourselves.

Let us confess before the Lord that we have failed to love Him wholly. We have loved comfort, pleasure, and self more than Him who first loved us.

“We love Him because He first loved us.” — 1 John 4:19, NKJV

The love of God for His people is not measured by our devotion but by His steadfast mercy. In Christ, our cold and wandering hearts are made new. He loved us to the end — and by His Spirit, teaches us to love in return.

Father in heaven,

You alone are worthy of all love, all worship, and all obedience. Forgive us for divided affections and distracted hearts. Kindle in us a deeper faith and a purer love.

Help us to love You with sincerity, not in word only but in truth. Draw us to Yourself until we find our greatest joy in pleasing You. May our hearts, minds, and souls be wholly devoted to Your glory.

We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, whose perfect love casts out fear and fills our hearts with praise. Amen.

Before we confess, let us briefly walk through the Ten Commandments. Listen and feel the weight of the Law.

You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself any idol. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Honor your father and your mother. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness. You shall not covet.

These commandments are not suggestions. They are the thunderings from Mount Sinai, the holy law of God. And they are demanding. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus took those laws and applied them to us internally. He told us those impure fantasies that play out in our minds are, in fact, adultery of the heart.

Romans 2:15 tells us that even unbelievers have the Law written on their hearts. Unbelievers know right from wrong because God has made it plain. But rather than respond in worship, the natural man suppresses the truth and rebels against it. But if we are in Christ, our relationship to the law has radically changed. Because of the New Covenant, we no longer resist God’s commandments. We learn to love them.

Listen to what God says in Jeremiah 31:33: “I will put My law in their minds and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”

This is the miracle of regeneration, the gracious work of God’s providence in drawing sinners to Himself. God takes hearts of stone and gives hearts of flesh.He doesn’t just command obedience, He empowers it by giving us a new heart and a new Spirit.

Ezekiel 36 says: “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit I will put within you. I will take away the stony heart… and I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes.”

Apart from this change, God’s law will always seem harsh. But when we are made new, His law becomes our delight. As the psalmist says: “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.” (Psalm 119:97)

So now, we don’t just hear the commandments as a set of demands, we treasure them as promises.

Because of what Christ has done…

You shall have no other gods, because you now know the one true God.

You shall not make idols, because God has opened your eyes to see His glory.

You shall not steal, or lie, or covet, because you’ve been given a new heart. You shall walk in His statutes, because His Spirit now lives within you.

This is not moralism, this is grace that transforms. The law that once condemned us now leads us in paths of righteousness. But only because Christ fulfilled the law on our behalf and bore its curse for our disobedience. So now, as we confess our sins, we do so not with fear of condemnation, but with confidence in Christ, who saves us not only from the penalty of sin, but from its power.

Heavenly Father, we confess that we have broken Your holy law. We have chased after other gods, we have failed to worship You rightly, and we have loved ourselves more than You or our neighbor. But You, in Your mercy, have written Your law on our hearts. You have given us a new Spirit and a new heart.

Thank You for the New Covenant secured by the blood of Jesus, who obeyed where we failed, and died in our place. Renew us, and cause us to walk in Your ways with joy and gratitude. To Christ, who is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes, be all glory, majesty, dominion, and praise, both now and forevermore. Amen.

Listen now to Psalm 130, a song of repentance, sung by the people of Israel as they journeyed to Jerusalem to worship. As they ascended the hill of the Lord, they prepared their hearts, just as we must.

Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord;

Lord, hear my voice!

Let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.

If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?

But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared.

The psalmist does not come to God from a place of strength, but from “the depths,” a place of guilt, need, and sorrow over sin. He confesses what we must all acknowledge: that if God were to keep a strict record of our sins, not one of us could stand before Him.

But God is not only just, He is also merciful. With Him, there is forgiveness. With Him, there is abundant redemption.

So let us, like the psalmist, wait upon the Lord in hope. By His providence, even our darkest valleys drive us back to Him. Let us cast ourselves upon His grace and confess our sins before Him, trusting not in our righteousness, but in His.

“O Israel, hope in the LORD; For with the LORD there is mercy, And with Him is abundant redemption. And He shall redeem Israel From all his iniquities.” (Psalm 130:7–8, NKJV)

In Christ, this promise is fulfilled. Our sins are forgiven, and with Him there is mercy and abundant redemption.

Merciful Lord,

Out of the depths we cry to You.

We confess that our hearts are sinful, our hands unclean, and our thoughts often far from You.

If You were to count our iniquities, O Lord, we couldn’t stand.

But we come in faith, trusting in Your mercy and the blood of Christ, which cleanses us from all unrighteousness.

Forgive us, renew us, and teach us to fear You rightly.

Let our souls wait for You with hope, for with You there is steadfast love and full redemption.

And now we give praise to Christ, our Redeemer, who has ransomed us with His blood and delivered us from all our iniquities. To Him be glory, honor, and dominion, both now and forevermore. Amen.

“This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 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.”

(1 John 1:5-9)

God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. He is perfectly pure, holy, and true. There is nothing hidden in Him, no shadow of sin, no stain of deceit. To have fellowship with God, we must walk in the light. We must come into the open, confessing our sins, forsaking falsehood, and living in truth.

But we often resist the light. We want to appear righteous without being cleansed. We minimize sin, excuse it, or hide it. We deceive others, and even ourselves, about our spiritual condition. We claim to have fellowship with God while walking in the darkness of pride, envy, lust, anger, or unbelief.

But God, in His mercy and providence, invites us to come into the light. He arranges even the circumstances that expose our sin, not to shame us, but to draw us to Christ. He has provided a way for us to be cleansed, not by our works, but by the blood of Jesus Christ. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive.

Let us now walk in the light by bringing our sins before God, trusting in His mercy through Christ.

1 John 1:9 (NKJV)

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Holy and gracious God,

You are light, and in You is no darkness at all. But we confess that we have walked in darkness. We have hidden our sins, clung to falsehood, and resisted Your truth. We have claimed to follow You while indulging the very sins Christ died to free us from.

Forgive us, Lord. Cleanse us with the blood of Jesus. Help us to walk in the light, to live in truth, and to have genuine fellowship with You and with one another. Restore us, we pray, through the righteousness of Christ.

To Him who is the true Light of the world, who cleanses us from all sin and leads us into everlasting fellowship with You, be glory and dominion forever. Amen.

“Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” (Colossians 3:5, NKJV)

We are told to put to death what is earthly in us, not to tolerate it, not to manage it, not to excuse it, but to kill it. The apostle Paul names our sins plainly: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, unnatural passions, inward wickedness, and selfish cravings for what we do not have.

God calls this idolatry.

These are not just moral failures; they are acts of worship directed toward false gods. Instead of carving an idol from wood or stone and placing it on a mantle, we use our imagination to set them on the mantles of our hearts. We have bowed before desire, indulged the flesh, and given our hearts to things that can never satisfy.

We confess, Lord, that these sins are not far from us.

We have thought them. We have desired them. We have practiced them.

And worse still, we have made room for these idols.

We have welcomed them. We have nursed them.

We have set our affections on what is temporary, impure, and selfish, rather than setting our minds on things above, where Christ is.

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is… For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:1, 3, NKJV)

Though we have sinned, we are not cast away. In Christ, we are forgiven. In Christ, we are safe. In Christ, we are made new.

Merciful God,

You are holy, and You have called us to holiness. Yet we confess that we have not put sin to death as You command. Instead of crucifying the flesh, we have entertained it. Instead of fleeing temptation, we have toyed with it. We have justified our desires, excused our passions, and even hidden our sins, as though You do not see.

Forgive us, Lord. Cleanse us by the blood of Christ. Strip away the idols that cling to our hearts and the desires that lead us into darkness. Put to death what is earthly in us, and clothe us with the new man who is renewed in knowledge after the image of our Creator.

Teach us to set our minds on things above, where Christ is, seated at Your right hand. Renew in us a heart that treasures Him more than anything this world offers, so that our lives may testify not to the power of sin but to the triumph of our risen Savior.

To Christ, who died and rose again, who has disarmed sin and crushed the power of death, who is our life now and our glory to come. To Him be all praise, dominion, and honor, now and forevermore. Amen.

“But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.” (Colossians 3:8, NKJV)

These are not small slips or personality quirks; they are sins that destroy relationships and grieve the Holy Spirit. And yet we often speak in anger, harbor bitterness, and use words that tear down rather than build up.

Scripture names these sins plainly:

Anger and wrath: Anger, the low boil revealed in cutting remarks; wrath, the flash of heat that’s explosive seen in harsh words or impatient responses.

Malice: the settled desire to see another diminished, the cold shoulder that withholds kindness.

Blasphemy and filthy language: speech that dishonors God and degrades our neighbor slander, coarse joking, cutting sarcasm, and careless words that stain.

We confess that these things still cling to us. Yet even here, in His providence, God is at work exposing what remains of the old self so that we might learn, by His grace, to put on Christ. Too often we have vented rather than prayed, wounded rather than healed, justified ourselves rather than repented. We have forgotten that “death and life are in the power of the tongue,” and that our words are meant to impart grace to the hearers.

But scripture not only calls us to put off the old ways; Colossians 3:10 calls us to “put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him” (Col. 3:10).

Compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering bearing with one another and forgiving one another and “above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection” (Col. 3:12–14). Let us confess the old and seek the new.

“For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3:3–4, NKJV)

This is our hope: though we stumble, we belong to Christ. Our life is hidden in Him. Our sins are nailed to His cross. By His Spirit, we are being made new.

Heavenly Father,

We confess that the old self still clings to us and shows itself in our lives. We have used our words to wound, not heal; to justify ourselves, not to bless others. We have fed resentment instead of practicing forgiveness; we have sounded more like the world than like Your children.

Forgive us, O Lord. By Your providence and Your Spirit, strip away the habits of the old nature. Bridle our tongues and purify our hearts. Let the peace of God rule in our hearts and the word of Christ dwell in us richly. Teach us to put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience; to bear with one another and to forgive, even as God in Christ forgave us. And above all, clothe us with love, the bond of perfection.

Remind us daily that we are in Christ and not defined by our failures, but by His righteousness. Help us to walk in the newness of life He has given, so that whatever we do, in word or deed, we may do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to You through Him. To Christ, who is our life and who will one day appear in glory, be honor, dominion, and praise, now and forevermore. Amen.

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way.” (Isaiah 53:6a, NKJV)

God created man in His image, designed for worship, made to glorify and enjoy Him forever. Yet we have not honored Him as we ought. We have turned aside, each to our own way. We have broken God’s holy law in thought, word, and deed.

Think about this…

We have not loved Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. We have not loved our neighbor as ourselves.

Our sin is not limited to what we have done; it is who we are apart from grace. We were born in sin. We are, by nature, inclined toward evil and slow to do good. We are helpless to save ourselves. We are guilty before a holy God.

Yet God is merciful. In His providence, He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. Instead, He sent His Son, the righteous, for the unrighteous. The Lord Jesus Christ bore our guilt and suffered in our place. His perfect obedience is our only hope. His blood cleanses us from all sin. In Him we are forgiven, justified, and reconciled to God.

So let us confess our sins, without excuse and delay. Let us cast ourselves upon His mercy, trusting not in our merit but in Christ alone. Let us repent from the heart and ask God to cleanse us afresh, renew us by His Spirit, and lead us in the way everlasting.

“The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities.” —Psalm 103:8, 10 (NKJV)

Holy and righteous God,

We come before You as a people who have sinned. You have made us in Your image, to glorify You and to enjoy You forever, yet we have not honored You as we ought. We have broken Your holy law in thought, word, and deed. We have not loved You with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. We have not loved our neighbor as ourselves.

We confess that our sin is not merely in our actions, but in our very nature. We were born in sin, and apart from Your grace, we are inclined to evil and slow to do good. We are helpless to save ourselves, and we stand guilty before You.

But we praise You that You are a God of mercy. In Your providence, You sent Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to bear our guilt and to suffer in our place. You have not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. You sent Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to bear our guilt and to suffer in our place.

His perfect righteousness is our only hope. His blood cleanses us from every sin. In Him, we are forgiven, justified, and reconciled.

Cleanse us anew by Your Spirit. Grant us repentance from the heart, and lead us in the way everlasting. Renew in us the joy of Your salvation, and cause us to walk in Your ways, to the glory of Your name.

To the God who has not dealt with us according to our sins but has shown mercy in Christ, to Him who laid our iniquity on His Son and raised Him for our justification, be glory, honor, and praise, now and forever. Amen.

We serve the infinitely, eternally, and unchangeably holy, just, and powerful God. We are constantly reminded of this as we read His Word and meditate on His law. The law of the Lord is perfect. It reveals His character. It convicts the soul. It shows us our need for grace.

And yet, we are unholy and unrighteous in and of ourselves.

Therefore, it ought to sober us more than anything when we consider our condition in light of who God is. Our triune God is the One against whom there is no wisdom, counsel, or understanding; against whom no one can stand.

Brothers and sisters, we once raged against the Lord. We plotted against Him in vain. And even now, though we have been redeemed by the blood of Christ, we still battle with the sin that is in our flesh.

It is sin that would justly kindle the anger of the Lord and of His Christ, whose dominion extends over every nation and every inch of creation. Yet in His providence, God uses His holy law not only to expose our hidden sins but to drive us to the mercy of Christ.

So hear now this call to confession from Psalm 19:

“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults.” (Psalm 19:7–12, NKJV)

With this in mind, let us throw ourselves upon the mercy of God in Christ, confessing our sins, repenting of them, and seeking forgiveness from the Lord.

“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12, NKJV)

In Christ, even our secret faults are forgiven. By His righteousness, we are cleansed and made new.

Righteous and holy Lord,

Your Word is perfect. Your judgments are true. Your law is good. And in its light, we see ourselves clearly, not as we wish to be, but as we truly are: sinful, weak, and in constant need of mercy.

We confess that we have failed to keep Your commandments. We have broken them knowingly, and we have wandered in ignorance.

We ask, with the psalmist: “Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults.” Search us, O God. Know our hearts. Try us and see if there is any wicked way in us, and lead us in the way everlasting.

We thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who kept the law perfectly in our place and bore the penalty for all our sins. Because of His righteousness, we can stand before You forgiven, clothed in grace, and reconciled.

Help us, by Your Spirit, to love Your Word, to walk in Your ways, and to desire holiness more than gold.

To Him, be the glory forever and ever, Amen.

There are many reasons why we try to make sin less than sinful.

Shame causes us to hide it.

Fear causes us to manage it.

Selfishness causes us to redefine it.

Pleasure causes us to desire it.

Pride causes us to celebrate in it.

However, what we often overlook is that when we minimize sin, we also undervalue grace and forfeit the true joy of life: the joy of experiencing God’s forgiveness.

As the Puritan preacher Thomas Watson once said, “Till sin be bitter, Christ will not be sweet.”

Such is the testimony of Psalm 32.

We cannot know the joy of God’s forgiveness unless we first acknowledge the bitterness of our sin against Him. When we make light of sin, we make light of the cross, diminishing the glorious kindness and grace shown to us in the sending of God’s only Son.

Until it penetrates your soul that the cost of our reconciliation to God was the bloody, torturous death of the only innocent man who ever lived, Jesus Christ. Until you grasp that the just died for the unjust, the innocent was sacrificed for the guilty, you will never fully understand the sweetness of Colossians 2:13–14:

“And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.”

In Christ, the handwriting of requirements that was against us has been wiped away. Our debt is nailed to the cross, and we are made alive together with Him.

In Him, sin is bitter, but grace is sweet; guilt is heavy, but forgiveness is full.

Gracious Father,

You have shown us the depth of Your love at the cross of Christ.

Forgive us for the ways we make light of our sin and take Your grace for granted.

Teach us to feel the weight of our guilt, not to be crushed by it, but so that we might treasure Christ all the more.

Let the bitterness of sin make the sweetness of our Savior shine.

Thank You for nailing our debt to the cross. Thank You for raising us to new life in Him. In Your providence, You have turned our mourning into joy and our condemnation into peace through Christ.

And so we lift our praise to Jesus Christ, in whom sin’s bitterness is swallowed up by grace, in whom death is conquered by life, and in whom sorrow is transformed into eternal joy. To Him be all glory, sweetness, and song, now and forevermore. Amen.

Written by Joshua E. Smith

Our God has called us into His presence to worship.

But let us not forget, this means we have entered into a most sacred and holy place. Our God is infinitely, eternally, and unchangeably holy and just. His law reveals this clearly. And we, by contrast, are sinful. We do not measure up to His standard. In ourselves, we are not worthy to stand before Him.

As the apostle John writes in 1 John 3:4–9:

“Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.

And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him. Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.”

This is a sobering reminder of God’s holy standard. Our entire lives are lived before His all-seeing eye. And yet, on account of our sins, we are unrighteous and deserving of divine wrath.

We must not imagine that the wickedness of our sin is something God can simply overlook. He is holy, and sin is always rebellion in His sight.

But the gospel tells us that God, who is rich in mercy, has made a way. Jesus Christ came to destroy the works of the devil. He took on our guilt and bore the wrath that we deserved. And so, let us humbly throw ourselves on His mercy, confessing our sins, repenting of them, and seeking forgiveness from the Lord.

Romans 8:1–2 (NKJV)

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.”

Though God searches our hearts and reveals our sin, we are not left in despair. In Christ, condemnation is gone, guilt is lifted, and we are set free to walk in newness of life by His Spirit.

Our prayer today comes from Psalm 32:1–5:

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones grew old through my groaning all the day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” And You forgave the iniquity of my sin.

“Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (v.4). James 4:4–10 (NKJV)

These are strong words. James is speaking to professing believers who have drifted into compromise, trying to love God and the world at the same time. But God will not share His people’s hearts with another. He calls this kind of divided affection spiritual adultery, a betrayal of covenant love.

What does friendship with the world look like? It can look like blending in when we are meant to stand out. It can be silence when we should speak truth, or comfort when we are called to holiness. It may show up in our entertainment choices, our language, or the way we treat people. Spiritual adultery is subtle, but it is serious. It grieves the heart of our jealous God, who loves us with an undivided love.

Church, we must confess where we have flirted with the world, where we have loved comfort, compromise, and approval more than Christ. Let us humble ourselves now before the Lord, admitting our unfaithfulness and bowing before His throne of grace.

“But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble’” (James 4:6, NKJV).

The Lord does not abandon His people in their unfaithfulness. To the humble who turn back, He gives more grace. In Christ, even spiritual adultery is forgiven, and through Him we are restored to covenant love. His mercy is greater than our sin, and His grace is sufficient to cleanse and renew all who draw near to Him.

Gracious Father, we confess that we have not loved You with our whole hearts. We have allowed the world to shape our thoughts, desires, and priorities. Forgive us for our spiritual unfaithfulness. Cleanse our hands. Purify our hearts. Teach us to mourn our sin and love holiness. We come to You now, trusting in Your mercy, resting in the cross of Christ, and asking for the grace to walk in faithfulness, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is always faithful. Amen.

Written by Mike Stockwell

“Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him. (Luke 8:39, NKJV)

Brothers and sisters, we confess that we often take for granted the good gifts that come from the hand of God. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights (James 1:17, NKJV), yet how quickly we forget to give Him thanks. Above all, we neglect the greatest gift: eternal life through the death and resurrection of His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ.

How often are we given opportunities to tell a lost and dying world what God has done for us, yet we remain silent. Fear of man and fear of losing reputation keep us from declaring the good news of Christ. We confess that we live without urgency, as though eternity were far off, when in truth life is but a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away (James 4:14, NKJV). Christ alone is the answer, yet we fail to speak His name.

John Gill wisely reminds us: “The works of God are to be declared, not only because of the glory that is due unto Him on their account, but because of the benefit which others may receive thereby, who, hearing what He has done for our souls, may be encouraged to seek after the same blessings of grace.” By our silence, we rob God of the praise that is His due and our neighbor of the hope that only the gospel brings.

Hear the promise of God: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, NKJV)

The God who calls us to declare His works has also shown us His mercy in Christ. Though we have been ungrateful and timid, He remains faithful, forgiving us through the cross of Jesus Christ, and entrusting us again with the privilege of proclaiming His name.

Heavenly Father, we thank You that Your steadfast love never ceases and that Your mercies are new every morning. If You marked our iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But in Christ, there is forgiveness. Great is Your faithfulness, O Lord! Grant that we may live in the light of Your greatness and speak boldly to a perishing world of the glorious gospel of Your Beloved Son. Let us declare, not only with our lips but with our lives, what You have done for us. We bless Your holy name, for You hear our prayers. Amen.

Hear the Word of the Lord from Luke 18:9–14:

“Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other…” (Luke 18:9–14, NKJV)

This is a warning to anyone who would trust in their own righteousness. It is easy to do good things and slowly come to believe we are good people.

It is easy to compare ourselves to others and feel justified. But the one who was justified in this parable was not the religious man, but the broken one, the one who could not lift his eyes but beat his chest and cried out for mercy.

Brothers and sisters, how often do we play the part of the Pharisee? We look at the sins of others and forget our own. We feel righteous because of what we avoid, rather than grieved over what still lives in our hearts. We may fast, we may tithe, we may serve, and yet still miss the humility that cries, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”

Let us not approach God with confidence in ourselves, as if our works could secure His approval. Let us not stand before Him congratulating our own efforts, forgetting our need for grace.

In His providence, God kindly humbles us, opens our eyes to our dependence, and leads us to the fountain of mercy in Christ. Therefore, let us draw near with humility and honesty, resting not in our worthiness, but in the steadfast mercy of our God.

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1, NKJV)

Merciful Lord,

We come before You, not with boasting but with brokenness. Forgive us for the pride that lingers in our hearts. Forgive us for comparing ourselves to others instead of standing in awe of Your holiness.

We confess that we have trusted in our works, our knowledge, our reputation. But we see again that none of these things can make us righteous. Only Christ can justify. Only Your mercy can cleanse.

So like the tax collector, we pray: God, be merciful to me, a sinner. And we thank You that through Jesus, You are faithful to forgive and mighty to save.

To the God who justifies the ungodly and exalts the humble, to the Father of mercies who has given us peace through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, honor, and praise forever. Amen.

Brothers and sisters,

We have been invited by God Himself to draw near to Him. He who sits enthroned in heaven has opened the way for us to come to Him through Christ. Yet we have neglected this sacred privilege. Though He is our Father and we are His children, we have chosen distraction over communion, busyness over dependence, and self-sufficiency over supplication.

We have rushed into our days with anxious hearts and closed them in silence, offering no praise, no thanksgiving, no intercession.

We have not cried out to God for our nation, our church, our community, our children, or our own souls. In doing so, we have not only disobeyed His command to pray without ceasing, but we have hardened our hearts and dulled our spiritual senses.

We have forgotten the providence of God, who supplies all things, upholds all things, and rules over all things. By our silence, we have acted as though we could live apart from Him.

R.C. Sproul said, “Prayer is to the Christian what breath is to life, yet no duty of the Christian is so neglected.”

Let us now pause in silence, confessing where we have failed in prayer and seeking the help of the Spirit to stir our hearts again toward God.

Hear the promise of Scripture: “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16, NKJV).

Though we have neglected prayer, in Christ we are welcomed again into the Father’s presence, forgiven, and invited to draw near.

Merciful Father,

Forgive us for our neglect of prayer. We have not sought You as we should. Though You are near to all who call upon You in truth, we have remained distant. Though Christ intercedes for us, we have been slow to intercede for others. Though Your providence governs every detail of our lives, we have lived as if everything depended on us.

We have depended on our own strength, trusted in earthly solutions, and crowded You out with lesser things. Renew our hearts, O Lord. Teach us again the joy of drawing near the throne of Grace.

Amen.

Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:25–32, NKJV)

In this passage, we are presented with two lists. Today, we focus on the first: lying, anger, stealing, and corrupt speech.

Lying:

As followers of Christ, we are commanded to speak the truth to one another. This is not a suggestion; it is a present imperative. We are members of one another, and falsehood breaks the unity of the body and dishonors the God of truth.

Anger:

There is a righteous kind of anger, a God-centered anger toward what is evil. But too often, our anger is not righteous. It is selfish, defensive, proud, or vengeful. James 1:19–20 reminds us: “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”

Stealing:

The command “Do not steal” is clear. Whether it is time, resources, reputation, or trust, we are not to take what is not ours. Instead, we are called to work, not only to provide for ourselves, but to bless those in need.

Corrupt Speech:

We are told, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth.”

The word translated “corrupt” literally means rotten or putrefied. It was a term used for spoiled fish. Profanity, gossip, and slander, these words may seem casual to us, but they are spiritually toxic. They do not just harm reputations; they can poison thoughts, destroy relationships, and spread decay in the body of Christ. It is the equivalent of murdering someone with your mouth.

We conclude today with verse 32, a gracious reminder of God’s forgiveness:

“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

Let us now take a moment of silence and consider our hearts and conduct before the Lord. Are these sins present in your life? Is there someone you’ve lied to? Spoken harshly about?

Gracious Father,

You are the God of truth and purity. Yet we confess that we have lied, we have spoken carelessly, we have been quick to anger and slow to forgive. We have taken what is not ours and failed to build others up with our words. Forgive us, Lord. Cleanse our mouths, our hearts, and our habits. Help us to speak truth in love, to be patient in anger, and to use our words to give grace to those who hear.

Remind us always of Your kindness and the forgiveness we have in Christ. In Your providence, remind us daily of the forgiveness we have in Christ and the power of Your Spirit, who works in us to put away the old and to walk in newness of life.

Amen.

“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:31–32, NKJV)

This second list deals with the inner attitudes and outward expressions that corrode unity and grieve the Holy Spirit.

Bitterness:

Bitterness is not just pain; it is pain unhealed, pain nourished, pain turned sour. When we hold onto past wrongs, when we allow them to shape our view of others or of God, we resist the healing grace of Christ.

Wrath and Anger:

These are not righteous indignation. These are explosive reactions and simmering resentments. They are reactions rooted in pride, wounded ego, or unmet expectations. They lead not to reconciliation, but to division.

Clamor:

Clamor is noisy, disruptive speech, shouting, contention, and drama. It escalates conflict instead of resolving it. It shows a heart not at peace with God or with others.

Evil Speaking:

This includes slander, insults, or accusations that are meant to harm or humiliate. It’s a form of verbal violence. Evil speaking often disguises itself as concern or honesty, but its fruit is destruction.

All of these sins grow in the soil of malice, a desire to see others diminished rather than built up. But Paul does not leave us with condemnation. He gives us the alternative, the life of grace:

“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

This is the gospel logic: we forgive because we have been forgiven. We extend grace because we have received grace. We uproot bitterness because Christ bore our sins and made peace by the blood of His cross.

So let us now come before God in humility. Let us examine our hearts and ask: Am I holding onto bitterness? Have I spoken in anger? Have I torn someone down rather than built them up?

Merciful Father,

You have called us to love, but we confess that we have harbored bitterness. You have called us to forgive, but we have nursed grudges and spoken in anger. We have raised our voices in clamor and cut others down with our words.

Forgive us, Lord. Soften our hearts. Root out the bitterness within us. Replace wrath with gentleness, and malice with mercy. Make us kind and tenderhearted, as You have been toward us. In Your providence, expose the hidden roots of bitterness and remind us that Christ bore them on the cross. Let the forgiveness we have received in Christ flow through us to others. For the glory and praise of Christ,

Amen.

Written by Andrew Rappaport

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).

Jesus reminded us that God’s Word is as necessary for life as food. Yet how often we neglect Scripture and prayer. God has given us His Word as a lamp to our feet and the privilege of communion with Him in prayer, but we starve our souls while feeding on distractions. Our neglect of the Word and prayer reveals misplaced priorities and a dangerous self-reliance.

Neglecting Scripture shows itself in many ways. We may go days without opening our Bibles, thinking we can get by on our own strength. We may rush through a few verses without meditation, treating the Word as a task rather than a treasure. We may ignore it when it confronts our sin, preferring comfort to conviction. In prayer, we may approach God only in crisis, but not in daily dependence.

This is not a trivial matter. When we set aside the Word and prayer, we drift from God. We become weak in temptation, cold in worship, and dull in conscience. We grieve the Spirit and grow dull to His gracious prompting through the Word. Spiritual dryness often stems from neglecting the very means God has provided for our nourishment. The Puritans called the Word and prayer “the lifeblood of the soul.” To neglect them is to cut off our life supply.

We must also acknowledge the corporate dimension. Families, churches, and even entire nations falter when God’s Word is neglected. When the Bible is closed and prayer ceases, truth is lost, sin multiplies, and spiritual decay follows. Our generation is not immune. Entertainment and busyness consume us, while Scripture and prayer are sidelined. As God’s people, we must confess not only our personal neglect but also the ways we have failed to encourage one another to be people of the Book and people of prayer.

Hear now the promise of God’s mercy:

“The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18). In Christ, God bends His ear to His children and feeds them with living bread. Our failures are real, but His mercy is greater. Let us confess our neglect, receive His pardon, and return to the Word and prayer with renewed devotion, knowing that He is faithful to draw near to those who draw near to Him.

Lord of Life, we confess our neglect of Scripture and prayer. Forgive us for treating lightly the grace You have given. Forgive us for filling our days with noise and leaving little room for Your voice. Restore in us a hunger for Your Word and a delight in communion with You. Teach us to open our Bibles with expectation and to bow our knees with confidence, knowing You hear Your children. Through Christ our Mediator, we pray, Amen.

Written by Chad Tackett

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14–16 (NKJV)

As we prepare our hearts for confession, we are reminded of our deep need for mercy. When we come before a holy God—guilty and without excuse—our only hope is grace. But we are not without hope.

We have a great High Priest: Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He was tempted in every way, yet remained without sin. In all the ways we have failed (and they are many), He did not. He lived a perfect life, died a substitutionary death, rose in triumph, and ascended into heaven. Now, He sits at the right hand of the Father and intercedes for us.

This is the ground of our confidence. We do not draw near based on our performance, but on His perfection. And in God’s providence, He has provided exactly what we need: a faithful and merciful High Priest who knows our weaknesses and invites us to His throne.

So let us come boldly, not in arrogance, but in humble trust. Let us confess our sins not to earn grace, but because grace has already been given. And let us remember that His throne is not one of condemnation, but of mercy and help in times of need.

Merciful Father,

We confess that we have sinned in thought, word, and deed. We have failed to live as those who trust in Your promises. Instead of drawing near to You, we have often drifted. Instead of holding fast to our confession, we have wavered.

Yet in Your providence, You have not left us without hope. You have given us a great High Priest, Your Son, our Savior, who sympathizes with our weaknesses and intercedes on our behalf.

Forgive us, Lord. Cleanse our hearts and renew our minds. May we run to You, not hide from You. May we trust in Your grace, not our own strength. And may we live as those who have truly received mercy.

We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our perfect High Priest.

Amen.

1 John 3:4 says, “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.” So what is sin? The word “sin” is originally an archery term; it means “to miss the mark.” Whether you miss the target by a little or by a lot, you’ve still missed. If your plane takes off one minute before you arrive, it doesn’t matter; you still missed your flight. Sin is falling short of God’s standard.

Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Everyone has missed the mark. But what is the mark? It’s the glory of God.

The law of God and the glory of God are tied together. Vine’s Dictionary defines the glory of God as “what He essentially is and does.” Easton’s Bible Dictionary describes it as “His moral attributes and infinite perfections.”

According to Romans 3:20, “By the law is the knowledge of sin.”

The law of God reveals our sin. But it also reveals something else: it reveals God Himself. When God says, “Do not lie,” it’s because He is truth. When He says, “Do not commit adultery,” it’s because He is faithful. The law reveals not just what God demands, it reveals who He is. The law is a reflection of God’s character. Therefore, the law is the glory of God made known.

Colossians 1:15 tells us that Christ “is the image of the invisible God.” John 1:14 says, “We beheld His glory… full of grace and truth.”

Jesus perfectly displayed God’s moral perfection in the flesh. He is the radiance of God’s glory. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, He made a way for the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. This is what Colossians 1:27 calls “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

So to summarize: The law of God is the revelation of His character. That character is His glory. We have all sinned and fallen short of that glory. Jesus revealed the glory of God in perfect obedience. Through Him alone, we can be forgiven, redeemed, and conformed to His image. Jesus Christ is our only hope of glory. Our only hope of salvation. Our only hope for becoming what we were made to be.

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 3:18, NKJV)

Though we fall short, in Christ we are forgiven, and by His Spirit we are being transformed into His glory.

Holy and righteous God, You are perfect in all Your ways, truthful, faithful, and just. Your law reveals Your glory, and Your commandments show us who You are.

But we confess that we have sinned and fallen short of that glory. We have missed the mark in our words, thoughts, actions, and affections. We thank You that Jesus Christ revealed Your glory in human flesh, full of grace and truth. We thank You that He died for our sins and rose again, so that we might be forgiven and conformed to His image.

Forgive us, Lord, for taking lightly the weight of our sin. Forgive us for measuring ourselves against others instead of Your perfect standard. Christ in us is our only hope of glory. By Your Spirit, renew us and make us more like Him.

To Him who is the radiance of Your glory, the image of the invisible God, be honor and dominion forever. Amen.

In 2 Samuel 11, we read the tragic account of David’s sin with Bathsheba—his adultery, deceit, and orchestration of Uriah’s death. In chapter 12, God sends the prophet Nathan to confront David. Nathan tells a parable:

“There were two men in one city, one rich and the other poor. The rich man had exceedingly many flocks and herds. But the poor man had nothing, except one little ewe lamb…It ate of his own food and drank from his own cup and lay in his bosom, and it was like a daughter to him… And a traveler came to the rich man, and he refused to take from his own flock to prepare for the wayfaring man. Instead, he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it.” (2 Samuel 12:1–4, NKJV)

David is outraged. He says, “As the Lord lives, the man who has done this shall surely die!” (v.5) Then Nathan delivers the crushing indictment: “You are the man.” (v.7) David had sinned grievously and against many. He sinned against Bathsheba, Uriah, Joab (by making him a co-conspirator), and even against his trusted advisor Ahithophel, Bathsheba’s grandfather, who would later betray him, likely never having forgiven him.

And yet, when David finally confesses, he says: “I have sinned against the Lord.” (2 Samuel 12:13) And in Psalm 51:4, he prays, “Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight.”

David recognizes the ultimate truth about sin: All sin is first and foremost against God. God is holy, and sin is a violation of His law, His character, and His glory.

How seriously does God view sin? So seriously that He gave His own Son to bear the penalty for it.

As Paul writes in Colossians 2:13–14, “And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.”

Christ bore our guilt. He endured the judgment due to us, and in Him, we are forgiven.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, NKJV)

Let us, like David, come sincerely before the Lord. Not excusing our sin, not deflecting blame, but confessing, “Against You and You alone have I sinned.”

Holy God,

You are pure and just and righteous altogether. Like David, we confess that our sins, though they may harm others, are ultimately an offense against You. You have seen every selfish thought, every lustful glance, every deceitful word.

We acknowledge that our sins deserve judgment. But we thank You for the cross of Christ, where our guilt was nailed and paid in full. Thank You for the blood of Jesus, which cleanses us from all unrighteousness. In Your providence, You expose our sin, as You did with David, not to destroy us but to restore us, leading us to the mercy found in Christ.

Forgive us, O Lord, and renew a right spirit within us. Restore to us the joy of Your salvation, and uphold us by Your generous Spirit.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

“Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell” (James 3:4–6, NKJV).

James warns that though small, the tongue holds destructive power. Like a rudder, it can steer the course of a life. Like a spark, it can set an entire forest ablaze. In California, wildfires have destroyed hundreds of acres from something as small as a discarded cigarette butt. A tiny spark can cause unimaginable devastation. So too, our words may seem small, but they can spread ruin through families, friendships, and even churches.

Gossip and slander are cousins: gossip fans the flames, slander lights the match. And we are not immune. Too often, we disguise gossip as concern or slander as honesty. When wronged, we are tempted to defend ourselves, but in doing so we only spark another fire. Scripture calls us instead to entrust ourselves to the God who judges justly: “There is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known” (Matthew 10:26, NKJV).

At times, the most Christlike response is to suffer in silence, refusing to retaliate or add fuel to the fire. Yet silence does not mean avoidance. Our Lord commands us in Matthew 18:15–20 that if a brother sins against us, we are to go to him privately and seek restoration. Suffering wrong without retaliation and pursuing reconciliation in love are not opposites but companions. In silence we refuse to slander; in obedience we go to our brother, aiming for peace.

Our attitude must reflect Christ: quick to forgive, eager to reconcile, and willing to leave justice in the hands of God.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, NKJV). Even our careless and destructive words are not beyond the reach of God’s mercy. In Christ, our guilt is removed, our tongues are cleansed, and by His Spirit we are renewed.

Gracious God, Your Word tells us that the tongue, though small, holds great power — power to bless and power to destroy. We confess that we have often used our words carelessly. We have whispered behind backs, spoken in anger, or twisted truth to harm rather than heal. Forgive us for the damage we have caused, whether intentional or careless. Cleanse our hearts and tame our tongues. Make us a people who speak truth in love, who guard our words, and who build others up.

When we are wronged, teach us to rest in Your justice rather than seek our own. Give us grace to suffer wrong with patience, and courage to seek reconciliation according to Your Word. In Your providence, remind us that every word we speak has weight before You. By Your Spirit, help us to use our tongues to glorify Christ and edify His people.

Now to Him who is able to keep us from stumbling, and to present us faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones grew old Through my groaning all the day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah

I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah (Psalm 32:1-5)

There are many reasons why we try to make sin less than sinful. Shame causes us to hide it. Fear causes us to manage it. Selfishness causes us to redefine it. Pleasure causes us to desire it. Pride causes us to celebrate it.

However, what we often overlook is that when we minimize sin, we also undervalue grace and forfeit the true joy in life —the joy of experiencing God’s forgiveness.

As the Puritan preacher and author Thomas Watson once said, “Till sin be bitter, Christ will not be sweet.” Such is the testimony of Psalm 32. David paints a vivid before-and-after picture. Before confession, he describes his bones wasting away, groaning day and night, his strength drained as if under the relentless heat of summer. His silence only deepened the misery, as God’s heavy hand pressed upon him. But after confession, everything changed. The burden lifted, forgiveness rushed in, and joy replaced despair. This psalm reminds us that hiding our sins brings agony, but confessing them brings freedom.

We cannot know this joy of God’s forgiveness unless we first taste and acknowledge the bitterness of the sin we’ve committed against God. When we minimize sin, we minimize the cross, and the glorious scope of God’s kindness and grace shown to us in sending His only Son to take our place and receive the punishment for sin that we deserved.

Until we understand that the cost of reconciling us to God was the bloody, torturous death of the only innocent person ever to live, Jesus Christ, until it penetrates your soul that the just died for the unjust, the innocent was sacrificed in the place of the guilty, we will never fully understand the sweetness of the Gospel.

And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Colossians 2:13–14 (NKJV)

In Christ, our sin is nailed to the cross, and we are made alive with Him. So, then brothers and sisters, meditate on the bitterness of your sin, and revel in the sweetness of Christ.

Merciful Father, we confess that we have often made light of our sin. We have hidden it in shame, redefined it in pride, or excused it in fear. We forget that our sin is not a minor flaw, but a deep offense against You, our holy and just God. Forgive us, Lord, for dulling our consciences and minimizing the cost of our rebellion. Help us to feel the weight of our guilt, not to be crushed by it, but to be driven to the cross where our Savior bore it in full. Thank You for the blood of Christ that cleanses us, for the grace that restores us, and for the Spirit who renews us. In Your providence, teach us to taste the bitterness of sin, so that the sweetness of Christ may shine all the more.

To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, who has turned our mourning into joy and our bitterness into sweetness, be glory, dominion, and praise forever and ever. Amen.

Psalm 73 is a psalm of Asaph, a songwriter for David, who here confesses a sin that we all, at some point, can relate to, the sin of envy. Asaph looks upon the prosperity of the wicked and is troubled. In verses 2–3 he admits:

But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

He confesses that his heart grew jealous when he saw how the ungodly enjoyed ease and abundance, in verses 4-7. “There are no pangs in their death,” (they even seem to die peacefully). “They are not in trouble as other men,” (they are untouched by the struggles that weigh others down). “Pride serves as their necklace,” (they are not ashamed, but wear their arrogance like jewelry). “Their eyes bulge with abundance; they have more than heart could wish.” And yet, they blaspheme God. In verses 9 and 11 we read: “They set their mouth against the heavens, And their tongue walks through the earth. And they say, ‘How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?’”

Their comfort and arrogance tempt Asaph to say, “Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain.” But then comes the turning point: “When I thought how to understand this, It was too painful for me, until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end” (vv. 16–17).

With that eternal perspective, envy is replaced with horror at their fate. Their prosperity is not a blessing, but a judgment. Asaph realizes he has misunderstood. In verse 21, he repents: “Thus my heart was grieved, And I was vexed in my mind. I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You.”

Yet in mercy, God had not let him go. Asaph rejoices: “Nevertheless, I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory.”

And he concludes with one of the most beautiful declarations in all of Scripture:

“Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (vv. 25–26)

Envy robs us of joy, poisons our thoughts, and forgets the goodness and sufficiency of God. It doubts God’s wisdom in ordering our lives and questions His goodness in providing what is best for us.

So let us humble ourselves before the Lord. Let us confess where we’ve harbored envy or resentment. And let us renew our trust in the One who is our true portion and everlasting reward.

“Nevertheless, I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory.” (Psalm 73:23–24, NKJV)

Father, we confess that, like Asaph, we too have stumbled in our hearts. We have envied the prosperity of the wicked and questioned Your justice. We have forgotten eternity and focused on the comforts of this fleeting world.

Forgive us, Lord, for the foolishness of our short-sightedness. Forgive us for thinking that You are unaware or uncaring. Forgive us for wanting the gifts of the world more than Your presence. In Your providence, You wisely order our lives and give us what is best. Help us to rest in that care. Thank You for holding us by our right hand even when our hearts are foolish. Thank You for guiding us with Your counsel and promising to receive us in glory. You are our portion. You are our strength.

Whom have we in heaven but You? You are our portion and strength. You are all we need. Amen.

Written by James Dahl

Lying is often taken lightly in our culture, justified as harmless or necessary, as “little white lies.” Yet Scripture shows us how seriously God takes lying.

Proverbs 12:22 says, “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord.” That word, abomination, means something deeply offensive to God’s holy character.

In Proverbs 6:16–19, we’re told there are seven things the Lord hates, two of them involve lying: a lying tongue and a false witness who speaks lies. Among the things God detests, lying is listed twice.

We are told to love what God loves, but we should also hate what He hates. God hates lying. And we should, too.

Revelation 21:8 puts “all liars” in the same category as the sexually immoral, idolaters, and murderers, whose end is the lake of fire. This should give us pause before we ever justify deception again.

John 8:44 says the devil “does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him…​ he is a liar and the father of lies.” Habitual lying is not the character of Christ; it’s the character of the enemy. And if that describes us, it should drive us to our knees in repentance.

In Acts 5, Ananias and Sapphira lied, not to men, but to the Holy Spirit, and God struck them dead. Though we are not always judged that swiftly, it shows us what we deserve.

John MacArthur once said, “Lying is one of the clearest evidences of human depravity, identification with Satan, hatred for God, and self-preservation. But when someone is regenerated, they become truthful.”

We serve the God of truth. And as His people, truth should mark our lives.

Even still, we do stumble. But we are not without hope. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

And because He is the God of truth, we can trust that promise.

Let us take a moment in silence to examine our hearts and confess any falsehood, spoken or lived, and draw near to the One who is full of grace and truth.

Merciful Father, You are the God of truth, and there is no deceit in You. We come before You confessing that we have not always spoken the truth, nor walked in integrity. Forgive us for the lies we have told, whether bold or subtle, spoken aloud or hidden in our hearts. Forgive us for justifying deception, for fearing man more than You, and for failing to reflect Your holiness.

Thank You for the promise that if we confess our sins, You are faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Renew in us a spirit of honesty and uprightness. Let our words reflect the truth of Your gospel, and let our lives bear witness that we are children of light. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Advocate and Savior, we pray. Amen.

“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!’”Romans 10:14–15 (NKJV)

Brothers and sisters, we know from Scripture that God has appointed means for people to be saved: they must hear the gospel, and they cannot hear it unless someone tells them. This is not just the work of missionaries and pastors; it is the work of every Christian. And yet we fall short.

Why do we remain silent?

Fear — We fear rejection, awkwardness, or that we might not have all the answers. We fear losing friendships, or being seen as strange. But Jesus said, “Whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed” (Mark 8:38). Our fear of man has too often outweighed our fear of God.

Busyness — We fill our days with tasks, appointments, entertainment, and noise. And when opportunities to speak of Christ arise, we tell ourselves we’re too tired or too busy, forgetting that eternity hangs in the balance. We prioritize the urgent over the eternal.

Pride — Sometimes we do not share because we are self-conscious. We do not want to look foolish. We think the gospel will make us seem small, or that someone else would say it better. But this pride is rooted in a self-centeredness that forgets the worth of Christ and the value of a soul.

Indifference — And sometimes, we simply don’t care. This is perhaps the most grievous. We hear of souls perishing without Christ, and we feel… nothing. We might even witness someone spiraling in sin, or suffering deeply without hope, and we offer them our sympathy, but not the Savior.

There are stories after every tragedy, school shootings, suicides, sudden deaths, of someone who says, “I was with them that day. I spoke with them. I saw something was wrong…​ and I did nothing.”

These four sins, fear, busyness, pride, and indifference, stand in the way of our calling. We must not make peace with them. How many of us will look back and realize that someone in our life never heard the gospel from us because we didn’t care enough to speak?

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, NKJV)

Even our silence, our fear, and our indifference are covered by the blood of Christ. In Him we are forgiven, and by His Spirit we are empowered to speak.

Let us now bow our hearts before the Lord. Let us take a moment of silence to consider these things. Consider where you have remained silent when you should have spoken. Where fear silenced you, where busyness distracted you, where pride restrained you, or where indifference hardened you. Take it to the Lord in confession and seek His mercy and strength.

Gracious Father,

You have given us the words of life, the hope of the gospel, and the command to go and proclaim. But we have been silent. We have feared man, been consumed with our schedules, proud in our self-image, and indifferent toward the lost. Forgive us. Stir within us compassion for those without Christ. Make us bold. Help us to count the cost and still speak. Help us to see the worth of a soul and the glory of the Savior who died to redeem it. In Your providence, You have not only appointed salvation but also the means of salvation—our faithful witness to Christ. Make us willing heralds of Your mercy.

Thank You for the blood of Jesus, who covers even our failure to speak. In His name we pray, Amen.

Written by Derrill Wakefield

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” — Ephesians 4:30, NKJV

This verse shows how close and personal our relationship with God truly is. To grieve the Holy Spirit means more than breaking one of God’s rules; it means that we have wounded the heart of the One who lives within us.

The Holy Spirit is not an idea or an impersonal force. He is a real Person — God Himself — who dwells in every believer to guide, comfort, and change us into the likeness of Christ. We grieve the Spirit when we act against His work in us — when pride replaces humility, when anger outlasts forgiveness, when worldly things capture the affection that belongs to God alone.

Sometimes we grieve Him not by open rebellion but by quiet neglect — when our love for God grows cold or when we ignore the truth He has spoken through His Word.

The London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689, Chapter 15, paragraph 3) reminds us that “This saving repentance is an evangelical grace, by which those who are made aware by the Holy Spirit of the many evils of their sin, by faith in Christ humble themselves for it with godly sorrow, hatred of it, and self-loathing. They pray for pardon and strength of grace and determine and endeavor by provisions from the Spirit to live before God in a well-pleasing way in everything.”

This means that repentance is not something we produce on our own; it is a gift from God. The same Spirit we have grieved is also the One who opens our eyes to sin and leads us back to Christ. His conviction is not meant to condemn us but to draw us home. His grief is the sorrow of divine love — the love of One who desires fellowship with His people.

When we confess our sins, we come not to an angry judge but to a merciful Father who delights to forgive. Confession restores our fellowship with God, and repentance renews our joy in Him.

The Spirit’s grief reminds us of His nearness. Because He lives in us, our thoughts, words, and actions all matter to Him. When we forget Him, we fall into sin; when we remember Him, we grow in holiness.

Hear David’s prayer: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” — Psalm 51:10, NKJV

Repentance, then, is not merely sorrow for wrongs committed — it is turning back to the One who loves us and allowing Him to renew our hearts. And the good news is this: the same Spirit we grieve is the Spirit who restores.

He convicts, yet He also comforts.

He corrects, yet He also strengthens.

He never abandons His people, but draws us again to Christ, our Savior and Friend.

Gracious and Holy God, we confess that our hearts are often dull to Your presence and slow to heed Your Word. We have sinned against the gracious work of Your Spirit and turned aside from the paths of righteousness. Forgive us for the pride, anger, and neglect that grieve the One who seals us for the day of redemption.

Renew in us a steadfast spirit, O Lord. Restore the joy of Your salvation and cause us to walk in humble obedience. Let the same Spirit who convicts us also comfort us, strengthen us, and lift our eyes again to Christ, in whom we are fully forgiven and eternally secure.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You, O Father, and the Holy Spirit—one God, now and forever. Amen.

Written by Michael Mount

Often, when we come to our confession of sin, we focus on what the Christian should or should not do. Understanding God’s law, His righteous standard, is essential. But often, we know the truth and still stumble. It’s easy to say “just stop sinning,” but when we try to “just stop” ourselves, we realize it’s not that simple.

Galatians 3:2–3 (NKJV) tells us: This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?

We were saved by faith, and yet we often try to reach perfection through the flesh. We do this in two ways: legalism and pietism. The Legalist says, “Just obey the law and all will be well.” The Pietist says, “Just be holy and rise above this world.” Now, the law and holiness are not our enemies; we ought to love them! But when we pursue them in the strength of our flesh, we will inevitably fail.

So how do we overcome sin? The same way we were saved, by looking to Christ.

Galatians 3:13–14 (NKJV) tells us: Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

We should not be surprised when our flesh fails, because it will. But, brothers and sisters, faith will be victorious! Christ has already broken the power of sin. So when we stumble, may we not rely on our strength, but find our hope and help in Him.

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1–2, NKJV).

Though our flesh fails, in Christ we are forgiven. By His Spirit, we are set free from sin’s curse and empowered to walk in newness of life.

Father, we come to You through Christ our Savior and Lord. We confess that we often fall short of Your holy and righteous law. Help us to remember that our salvation is in Christ alone, not in our performance. Teach us that our flesh will fail. Our own righteousness is as filthy rags, so clothe us, we pray, in the righteousness of Christ! Amen.

Written by Pastor Tim Pasma

“For I am being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come” (2 Timothy 4.6, ESV).

We all face the reality of death. Some of us are staring at it in the face because we have received a terminal diagnosis. Whether near or far, we must ask the question, “How will we honor God in our death?”

Here you find the Apostle Paul facing certain death. The Emperor has condemned him and there is no appeal, no escape. Death is around the corner, yet he has time to think of his exit.

Surprisingly, Paul still has an understanding that he is a disciple of Jesus, and as a disciple he must obey the commands of Jesus; that he must translate truth into life. Consider these amazing instructions to Timothy: “When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books and above all the parchments (2 Timothy 4.13). Even at death’s door he still has the desire to read, study, and learn! He still has time to grow and change. The call to discipleship does not end with a terminal diagnosis or the nearness of death.

And so, as a disciple of his Lord, he contemplates his death. He likens the splashing of his blood at his execution as the splashing of the wine poured out in the Levitical “drink offering.” He sees his death as his final act of worship!

As believers, united to Jesus and followers of the Lord, we must understand that we have the opportunity to show a watching world our devotion to the Father – even in death.

“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die” (John 11:25–26, ESV).

Because Jesus lives, we shall live also. Death does not have the last word. In Christ, our end becomes the doorway to eternal life.

Heavenly Father,

We confess that, despite your promises in Jesus, we too often fear the time of our death. We avoid the topic; we distract ourselves to escape any thoughts of death; we lose hope when those thoughts intrude. Forgetting that Jesus died that we may live, we forget the call to honor him in both life and death.

Forgive us for such forgetfulness, for our disobedience to Jesus’ call to discipleship. Give us, by your Spirit, eyes to see your grace in Jesus that conquers even our enemy, death. Give us hearts that seek to worship you in life so that we can worship you in our death.

We thank you that Jesus died to “destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery” (Hebrews 2.14-15). We thank you, that because of our Savior’s death, we can die serving and glorifying you.

Amen.

Written by James Deweese

Today, we come to confess the sin of not trusting in the promises of God.

Scripture says in Proverbs 3:5-6—“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

Do you fully trust in God? Do you believe His promises?

Any failure to trust God is a sin. And like all sin, it brings harmful consequences. One of those is anxiety and a lack of peace. Many of us are familiar with recurring sins—sins we return to again and again—and we begin to doubt whether we’re truly forgiven. The accuser whispers: “Do you really think Christ has any use for you?”

But God promises: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

We sometimes confess our sins—but then refuse to believe that we are truly forgiven. This is another sin: the sin of disbelieving God’s promise. We must not only confess the wrong we have done, but confess our unbelief in God’s mercy.

So I ask you, brothers and sisters: Do you trust your fears and feelings more than God’s Word? When guilt floods your conscience, can you answer, “Yes, it’s all true, but I belong to Jesus. His shed blood has covered those very sins. My peace is in Him—not in my performance”?

Another consequence of distrusting God’s promises is that it undermines our witness. Our faith—especially during trials—is one of our most powerful testimonies. When we suffer, do we trust that God is working in us something eternal and glorious?

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” (2 Corinthians 4:17)

Do others see us complain and despair, or do they see us quietly trusting the goodness of God? The peace of a believer in suffering has drawn many to Christ.

Let us abide in Christ and cling to the promises of God.

Hear now the promise of God to those who trust in Him: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22–23) “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord.” (Jeremiah 17:7)

Through faith in Jesus Christ, every promise of God is fulfilled. All who confess their sins and trust in Him are forgiven, renewed, and kept by His unfailing grace.

Father, please hear us now as each of us silently confesses our sin of failing to trust Your promises.

Great is Thy faithfulness! Your promises are the solid rock to which our faith must cling. Strengthen our faith. Open our minds and hearts to trust You more. We believe, Lord—help our unbelief. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Written by Robert Gray

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2, ESV)

Brothers and sisters, Scripture warns us that pride leads to downfall and disgrace. We see it in Adam and Eve, who thought they knew better than God and were cast out of the garden. We see it in Nebuchadnezzar, who gloried in his power and was brought low to eat grass. We see it in Uzziah, who overstepped his place in the temple and was struck with leprosy; in Haman, who plotted evil and perished on the gallows he had built; in Belshazzar, who mocked God and was slain that very night. Pride filled the Pharisees, who hated Christ, and King Herod, who received worship and was eaten by worms. Even Peter, full of self-confidence, denied the Lord and wept. And Satan himself, who exalted his heart above God, was cast down from heaven.

The sin of pride brings disgrace, division, hatred, shame, and strife. And this same sin dwells in us. Our hearts are filled with pride—thinking ourselves superior, seeking attention, insisting we are always right, criticizing others, and excusing our own sins as though we were better than everyone else. We love ourselves more than we love Christ.

Hear the promise of Scripture: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6, ESV) When we humble ourselves before the Lord, He lifts us up. In Jesus Christ, the most humble man who ever lived, our sins of pride are forgiven.

Most gracious Father, we confess our pride before You. Expose our self-worship, break our arrogance, and teach us humility. Conform us to the image of Your Son, who emptied Himself and became obedient to the point of death on the cross. Transform our minds by Your Word, so that our boast may not be in ourselves but in the glory of Christ alone. Amen.

Written by James Deweese

The fear of man is a spiritual trap, and it stands in direct contrast to the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom.

The Word of God commands us to fear Him, not man. Jesus said in Matthew 10:28: “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

And Hebrews 13:6 declares: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

The fear of man reveals a heart where our view of God is too small and our view of people is too large. Many professing believers hesitate to act or speak when obedience might come at a personal cost—whether embarrassment, conflict, or rejection. This hesitation often reveals the sinful desire to please man rather than God.

Bishop J.C. Ryle once wrote: “It is terrible to observe the power which the fear of man has over most minds, and especially the minds of the young. Like dead fish, they go with the stream and tide: what others think is right, they think is right; what others call wrong, they call wrong too.”

Fear of ridicule prevents many good things from being said or done. We avoid praying in public, sharing the gospel, or resisting the tide of political correctness because of what others might think or say.

In our day, powerful worldly forces seek to silence Christians who oppose the new sexual and gender ideologies. Those who speak for biblical truth are labeled intolerant, hateful, or bigoted. Some face threats against their families, homes, or livelihoods. We’ve seen Christian bakers, florists, and photographers fined and shut down. Chaplains, fire chiefs, judges, and media employees have lost their positions for standing on God’s Word.

Proverbs 29:25 warns: “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe.” Does being “safe” mean there will be no worldly cost? No. Many who have trusted in the Lord have suffered greatly. Some, even today, give their lives as martyrs. Yet they are truly safe—in the hands of God, not man.

Proverbs 16:7 says: “When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Can man save your soul? No. Will man be your judge on the last day? Certainly not. The Lord alone holds your eternal fate.

So how unreasonable is the fear of man, especially when the path of obedience is clear? We must not shrink back because of opinion or pressure. Let us now confess our sins in this matter.

Hear the promise of God’s Word: “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)

Those who trust in the Lord are secure in His steadfast love and need not fear man, for Christ Himself is their refuge and defender.

Father, we thank You that if we confess our sins, You are faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We confess that we often fear man too much and fear You too little. Help us remember that our eternal souls are in Your hands, and no man can touch them. Give us wisdom in our convictions—and courage to stand for Christ, even when it costs us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Written by James Deweese

A healthy fear of God overshadows and disarms the fear of man. It corrects our natural tendency to think too highly of ourselves and too little of God. It exposes the lie that man’s opinion carries greater weight than the voice of the Almighty. Cultivating this godly fear is essential for wisdom, courage, and holy living.

The Scriptures command us to fear God and offer abundant reasons why:

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” — Proverbs 1:7

“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.” — Proverbs 3:7–8

“Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him.” — Psalm 34:9

“In the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence… The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life.” — Proverbs 14:26–27

“As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear Him.” — Psalm 103:13

“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” — Philippians 2:12

The fear of God is not a servile dread that produces resentment or suspicion of Him. It does not treat God as a cruel tyrant to be obeyed only out of compulsion. That is the kind of fear demons have; they acknowledge Christ’s authority while hating Him still. Rather, the fear of God described in Scripture is a reverent awe in response to His holy majesty. It is the trembling joy of a soul who sees God as He truly is—pure, powerful, just, merciful, and glorious. It is the kind of fear that makes us long to please Him in all things and dread the thought of grieving Him.

As we meditate on who God is—His sovereign power in creation, His longsuffering toward sin, His holy justice, and His redeeming grace—we are moved to humble awe. The fear of man cannot endure in the presence of such majesty.

This is the fear displayed by the disciples when Jesus calmed the raging sea. Mark 4:41 says, “They feared exceedingly, and said to one another, ‘Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?’”

The same awe is expressed in Psalm 33: “The earth is full of the goodness of the LORD. By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap; He lays up the deep in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast. The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance. The LORD looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men. From the place of His dwelling He looks on all the inhabitants of the earth; He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works. Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy, to deliver their soul from death.”

He is the God of all truth, order, and beauty.

Hear the good news: “As high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him.” — Psalm 103:11

Almighty God, Fill us with godly fear. Help us to understand that when the fear of man makes us hesitate, it is because we do not fear You enough. Fill us with awe at who You are, what You have done, what You are doing, and what You will do. Help us remember that our time in this world is short, but our time in Your presence is eternal. In the precious and powerful name of Jesus, amen.

We may never have taken a life, but Jesus reveals that the commandment “You shall not murder” goes far deeper than the outward deed. The root of murder is found in the anger, contempt, and hatred that fester in our hearts. Words spoken in rage, insults uttered in scorn, grudges held in silence, and envy harbored in secret all reveal a murderous spirit within us.

We often justify our bitterness, defend our wounded pride, or rehearse old offenses in our minds. We think ourselves righteous because our hands are clean of blood, yet our hearts are stained with malice. God sees what is hidden. He hears the sharp words muttered under our breath, knows the grudges we refuse to release, and weighs the thoughts we would never dare to speak aloud. He calls these things sin, for they are violations of His command to love our neighbor as ourselves.

This sin not only dishonors God but also destroys fellowship among His people. Like Cain, who rose against Abel, we too have allowed jealousy, anger, or resentment to divide relationships that should reflect the love of Christ. We have diminished God’s holy standard and excused our sin as small or harmless, when Jesus warns that even calling another “fool” makes us guilty before the Judge of all the earth.

J.C. Ryle wisely observes:

“Let us beware of cherishing the least thought of malice, or ill-will, or revenge. It is the little sparks that kindle the greatest flames, and the little roots of bitterness that spoil the church of God.”

By harboring anger and indulging contempt, we stand guilty before the God who judges not only our actions but also our attitudes and intentions.

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation” (Ephesians 2:13–14, NKJV).

Through the blood of Christ, even the sins of anger, hatred, and contempt are forgiven. He Himself is our peace, reconciling us to God and to one another.

Merciful God, You see not only our actions but the thoughts and intentions of our hearts. We confess the anger, bitterness, and contempt we have harbored toward others. Forgive us, Lord, for treating lightly what You call sin. Cleanse our hearts and fill us with the love of Christ. Make us quick to forgive, slow to anger, and eager to pursue peace.

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Coveting is a sin of the heart, a restless craving for what God has not given us. It is discontent with our portion and an envious longing for what belongs to another. It breeds resentment, stirs pride, and blinds us to the grace already lavished upon us.

God’s command not to covet reaches far beyond ancient examples. Today, we may not covet a neighbor’s ox or servant, but what about his employee, her income, his car, her kitchen, his boat, her vacation, or their seemingly perfect life? We look at others and wish what they had was ours. We feel cheated when others prosper. We compare. We resent. And we forget that life does not consist in the abundance of things.

Jesus warned: “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15). Yet we have often ignored His words. We have let the world’s values shape our desires. We have distrusted God’s provision and sought joy in what we do not have. We have sinned by coveting the things of this world instead of treasuring the riches of Christ.

Phil Johnson observes:

“Discontent is no minor transgression. A lack of true contentment is the seed-bed in which sins like covetousness, lust, anger, hatred … are bred and cultivated.”

Covetousness is never a small sin. Left unchecked, it becomes the breeding ground for greater evils that wound both the heart and the body of Christ.

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9, NKJV).

Christ laid aside heavenly riches and embraced poverty, so that in Him we might possess eternal treasure. In Him our covetous hearts are forgiven, and in Him we learn the secret of true contentment.

Gracious Father, You are the giver of every good and perfect gift. We confess our discontented hearts and our envy of others. Forgive us for treasuring earthly things above Christ. Teach us to be content in all circumstances, knowing that in Him we have all we need. Guard us from covetous desires, and renew in us a spirit of thankfulness, generosity, and joy in Your daily provision. Through Christ we pray, Amen.

Hear now the words of Christ to the church in Ephesus: “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil…​ Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.” Revelation 2:2, 4–5 (NKJV)

Brothers and sisters, this is a sobering warning. The church in Ephesus was full of zeal. They worked hard, they stood for truth, they resisted evil, but they had let their love for Christ grow cold. It is possible to do all the right things and yet forget the One for whom we are doing them.

We too may be doctrinally sound, morally disciplined, even busy in Christian service, yet inwardly, our affections for Christ may have faded.

We may serve out of habit instead of joy. We may read the Word but feel little hunger for it. We may sing songs of praise while our hearts are distracted and unmoved.

Jesus is not indifferent to this. He is not only Lord and Judge, He is the Bridegroom who desires the love of His people. And in His providence, He does not leave us in our coldness but lovingly rebukes and calls us back to Himself. He calls us to remember what it was like when we first knew His mercy. To return to that love. To repent.

So now, let us come in humility before our Savior, confessing our coldness of heart, our pride, our forgetfulness, and asking Him to renew in us the joy of our salvation.

Hear these words of comfort from the Lord: “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:19–20 (NKJV)

Beloved, though we have strayed, Christ’s love has not diminished. He calls us not to despair but to return; to open the door once again to fellowship with Him. In His mercy, He restores the repentant and rekindles the flame of love that once burned bright. In Him, we are forgiven, renewed, and welcomed back to communion with our Lord.

Lord Jesus, You are worthy of all our love. You have loved us with an everlasting love. You bore our guilt. You bled for us. You washed us clean. Yet we confess that we have often lost sight of You. Our hearts grow cold. Our worship becomes routine. We labor without love and we serve without joy. Forgive us, Lord, for leaving our first love. Renew in us a holy affection for You and help us to remember the wonder of our salvation.

Restore in us a deep and lasting love for the One who first loved us who is the radiance of the Father and the joy of the redeemed; to Him be glory, dominion, and power forever and ever. Amen.

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:1–4 (NKJV)

The gospel of God’s free sovereign grace is glorious: that sinners may be freely forgiven, justified by faith, and declared righteous in Jesus Christ. But that grace is never a license to sin. Paul confronts the twisted logic that says, “If God’s grace is magnified through forgiveness, then let us sin all the more.” His answer is clear and emphatic: Certainly not!

We who belong to Christ have died to sin. We were buried with Him and raised with Him. In baptism, we publicly declared that the old man is dead and that we now walk in newness of life. Yet we confess that we, at times, live as though nothing has changed.

We return to sin, sometimes knowingly, and act as if Christ never died. We make peace with sinful habits, speak lightly of holy things, and trample on the grace that cost the blood of Christ. We justify our behavior by pointing to the forgiveness we presume upon, forgetting that Christ died to set us free, not to leave us in bondage.

Romans 6:22–23 (NKJV) “But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Let us come now in humility and repentance, confessing our sin to the One who died and rose again for our sanctification.

Holy God,

You have united us with Christ in His death and resurrection. You have called us to die to sin and walk in newness of life. But we confess that we have not lived as those who are dead to sin. We have tolerated thoughts, habits, and desires that Christ came to put to death. We have presumed upon Your grace and excused what we should have hated.

Forgive us, Lord. Cleanse us from the sins we have cherished. Let the reality of Christ’s death shape our repentance, and the power of His resurrection renew our obedience. May we no longer be slaves to sin, but servants of righteousness, for Your glory and by Your Spirit.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who died to sin once for all and lives to God in glory everlasting. Amen.

“Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin.” Romans 6:6–7 (NKJV)

When we were joined to Christ by faith, something decisive happened: the “old man,” our former self in Adam, was crucified with Him. The power of sin was broken. We were set free from its dominion. We no longer walk as slaves, but as those made alive to God in Christ Jesus. This is the miracle of the new birth and the promise of the gospel.

Yet we confess that we do not always live in the freedom Christ has won for us. Though sin no longer rules over us, we often act as if it still holds the throne. We obey its desires. We feed old patterns. We listen to old lies. Sometimes, we even treasure the very sins from which we have been delivered. Though we have been crucified with Christ, we return to the tomb and try to live among the dead.

This is not who we are in Christ. The gospel calls us to live as those made new, to walk in holiness, not as slaves to sin but as servants of righteousness. Let us now confess how we have dishonored the cross of Christ by clinging to what He died to destroy.

Romans 6:8–11 (NKJV)

“Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him… Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Lord God,

We thank You for the gift of union with Christ in His death and resurrection. We thank You that our old self was crucified with Him and that sin no longer has dominion over us. But we confess that we do not live as free men. We return to the shackles You broke. We offer our members to impurity. We obey the voice of sin when we should resist it in the power of the Spirit.

Forgive us, Father. Renew our minds. Let us not live as though Christ’s death was powerless. Let us not make peace with the sins that nailed Him to the cross. Teach us to walk in the freedom of the gospel, and to hate the sins that once held us captive.

Through our risen Lord and savior Jesus Christ we praise. Amen.

“Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.” Romans 6:12–14 (NKJV)

God, in His grace, has broken the dominion of sin. In Christ, we are no longer slaves to unrighteousness, but have been raised to walk in newness of life. The command is clear: do not let sin reign.

Do not yield your body to serve it.

You belong to God now alive from the dead, set apart for righteousness.

And yet we confess that we often live as if we are still under sin’s rule. We present our eyes, our hands, our tongues, our thoughts, our very selves as instruments for impurity and selfish desire. We allow sin to speak with authority it no longer possesses. We indulge its cravings as though we have no power to resist. Though grace has freed us, we at times use that freedom to serve the flesh.

This is not the way of those who live by grace. Let us confess our sins and return to the Lord, who has called us to live as those made alive in Christ.

Romans 6:17–18 (NKJV)

“But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.”

Father in Heaven,

You have raised us with Christ and called us to live in the freedom of grace. You have set us free from sin’s dominion. But we confess that we have not always lived in that freedom. We have allowed sin to reign where Christ should rule. We have yielded our members to impurity. We have obeyed sinful desires when we should have presented ourselves to You.

Forgive us, O Lord. Cleanse us and renew us by Your Spirit. Teach us to live as those who are alive from the dead. Make our lives instruments of righteousness, our hands quick to serve, our tongues slow to speak evil, our thoughts fixed on things above. May we not be conformed to this world, but transformed by Your grace, living lives that reflect the freedom we have in Christ.

To the God who raised us from death to life, and made us slaves of righteousness by His grace, be glory forevermore. Amen.

“What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?” Romans 6:15–16 (NKJV)

The grace of God does not free us to sin; it frees us from sin. Paul warns that everyone serves a master. Either we serve sin, which leads to death, or we serve obedience, which leads to righteousness. We cannot have two masters. The one we obey reveals the one we serve.

And yet we confess that we often live as if we belong to ourselves. We think we are free when we disobey, not realizing we are walking in the chains of sin. We serve selfishness. We give ourselves to impurity. We ignore righteousness and make light of the very sins Christ died to redeem us from. We forget that sin always pays its wages and the wages of sin is death.

But the gospel tells us that we have been set free from sin and made servants of God. In Christ, we now bear fruit to holiness, and the end is everlasting life.

Let us confess the ways we have returned to sin’s yoke, and ask God to renew in us the joy of serving Him in righteousness.

Romans 6:22–23 (NKJV)

“But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Gracious Father,

You have bought us with the blood of Your Son and set us free from the bondage of sin. You have made us slaves of righteousness and given us fruit that leads to holiness. Yet we confess that we have often served the wrong master. We have obeyed sin instead of You. We have used our freedom as an excuse for disobedience. We have loved the things of death rather than the gift of life.

Forgive us, Lord. Break the lingering chains of sin in our lives. Teach us to present ourselves daily to You, not out of fear, but from love and gratitude. May we never forget that true freedom is found in serving You. Shape us into servants who delight in righteousness, and who bear the fruit of holiness by Your Spirit.

Through Christ our Redeemer, who gives the gift of eternal life and makes His servants holy, be praise now and forevermore. Amen.

There is no command in Scripture that says, “Thou shalt not be late.” Everyone has been late at some point, and sometimes it truly is unavoidable. But when lateness becomes a pattern, especially in the life of a Christian, it reveals something deeper. It exposes a heart that fails to value others as God commands, and it disregards the faithfulness of the God we claim to serve.

Philippians 2:3 says: “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” When we are habitually late, we are inconsiderate of others. We show that our time, our schedule, or our comfort matters more than theirs.

1 Corinthians 13:4–5 reminds us: “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil.” Being late is, quite simply, rude. It prioritizes self and disregards others.

Ecclesiastes 7:1 says: “A good name is better than precious ointment.” A reputation for being late, (even in small matters) tarnishes your name. It speaks of a lack of reliability and a disregard for the trust of others.

Colossians 3:23 urges: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” Habitual lateness can reflect a half-hearted attitude. It may not seem like much, but it reveals something about the zeal, (or lack of it) with which we serve Christ and love His people.

1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us: “The LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” Chronic lateness does not express a heart of diligence or faithfulness. Our God is never late. He is perfectly faithful, unchanging, and true to His Word. To be His people is to reflect His character; prompt, reliable, and trustworthy.

And what about being late for church? Does that express how important the worship of God is to you? Does it teach your children to take seriously what God has commanded?

Let us not treat lightly what Christ gave His life for.

“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”

Lamentations 3:22–23

God is never late. His mercies never miss their appointed time. Even when we fail to reflect His character, His faithfulness never falters. He is always on time to forgive, always faithful to restore those who turn to Him in repentance and faith.

Heavenly Father, You are always faithful, never late, never distracted, never indifferent. We confess that we have not reflected Your character in how we steward our time. We have excused rudeness, ignored the impact of our lateness on others, and failed to honor You with diligence and readiness.

Forgive us for these patterns, Lord. Cleanse our hearts of the pride and carelessness that lie beneath them. Teach us to love others more than ourselves and to count Your worship as worthy of our best. Make us mindful of the time You give us, and help us to use it in ways that show our devotion to You and our love for Your people.

To Him who orders all things by His providence and whose timing is always perfect—be glory, honor, and praise forever. Amen.

“Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.” (Ephesians 5:4, NKJV)

God has given us speech as a gift to bless, to build up, and to give thanks. But we have not used our words as we ought. Instead of speaking what is fitting for saints, we have indulged in speech that is unbecoming: crude remarks, foolish jokes, sarcastic put-downs, and conversations that make light of sin.

We have said things to impress others, to provoke laughter, or to entertain in a way that dishonors our Lord. We have used humor as a weapon or as a veil for bitterness, and we have not considered how our words reflect our hearts. What we find amusing, the Lord may find offensive.

Your Word calls us to avoid corrupt talk and to let no unwholesome word proceed from our mouths. Yet we have often excused our words, forgotten our witness, and laughed when we should have grieved. Forgive us, O Lord, for making light of what You call unclean.

Let us not be conformed to the world’s standards of entertainment or humor. Let our mouths be filled with thanksgiving rather than foolishness. Cleanse our speech and renew our hearts, that we may honor You with every word.

“Let us learn to bridle our tongues, and not to speak except what is good and edifying, so that our speech may always be seasoned with the fear of God.”

—John Calvin, Sermon on Ephesians 5:3–7

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

1 John 1:9 (NKJV)

Father in heaven,

We acknowledge that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. And our mouths have revealed hearts in need of Your cleansing grace. We have not honored You with our words. We have laughed at things that grieve Your Spirit and spoken carelessly, forgetting that we will give account for every idle word.

But we praise You for the mercy shown to us in Christ. Through His blood, even our speech can be made clean. Teach us to speak what is edifying and true. Let our words reflect the holiness of our calling and the joy of our salvation. Fill our mouths with praise, our hearts with reverence, and our conversations with grace.

May every word of our mouths and meditation of our hearts be pleasing in Your hearing, O Lord, our strength and our Redeemer. Amen.

“These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: … A false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.” (Proverbs 6:16, 19, NKJV)

Brothers and sisters, Scripture tells us that God hates the one who sows discord among brethren. Yet how lightly we often treat this sin.

We are called to walk in unity, to maintain the bond of peace, and to strive together with one mind for the faith of the gospel. But instead of healing wounds, we have deepened them. Instead of promoting peace, we have stirred up division. Instead of covering offenses in love, we have uncovered them in pride.

We have spoken in ways that divide rather than build up. We have whispered behind backs, assumed the worst of others, and repeated things that should have been kept in confidence. We have allowed small offenses to fester. We have valued being right more than being reconciled.

Calvin says:

“There is nothing more opposed to the Spirit of Christ than dissension and division. Unity is the bond by which the body of Christ is held together.”

—John Calvin, Commentary on Ephesians 4:3

Let us not forget that Christ came to reconcile sinners to God and one another. Let us repent of the ways we have contributed to division, in the church, in our homes, and our relationships. And let us look to the One who made peace through the blood of His cross.

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

—Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV)

Merciful Father,

We acknowledge that discord is not just a problem around us—it is a problem within us. We are quick to speak and slow to listen. We are slow to forgive and quick to take offense. Cleanse us from this sin of sowing division and strife. Plant in us a spirit of peace and reconciliation.

By the power of Your Spirit, help us to pursue unity in truth and love. May we be eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Where we have brought harm, give us grace to seek restoration. Let Your church be marked not by division, but by the love of Christ and the unity of the gospel.

Now may the God of patience and comfort grant us to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that we may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Envy is more than mere discontent. It is sorrow at another’s good. When we envy, we are not just unhappy with what we lack, we are bitter at what others possess. It is a subtle, corrosive sin, often hidden under the surface of our smiles, but it poisons our love for our neighbor and robs us of gratitude toward God.

We may envy the wealth of others, the ease of their life, the gifts they’ve been given, or the recognition they receive. We may secretly resent those who are praised when we are overlooked. We may grow cold toward those we are called to love. In doing so, we question God’s providence and accuse Him of withholding good from us.

Scripture warns us in Proverbs 14:30 that “envy is rottenness to the bones”. James 3:16 tells us that it produces “confusion and every evil thing” and that it nearly caused Asaph to stumble when he envied the wicked who seemed to prosper in Psalm 73.

Envy cannot abide the grace of God shown to another. But Christ came full of grace and truth. He bore the sins of the envious and died to free us from such bitter bondage. The Spirit of Christ leads us instead into love, contentment, and joy in the good of others.

Calvin said: “For of all the passions, envy is the most persistent and venomous. It is a consuming and insatiable evil.”

John Calvin, Commentary on the Harmony of the Evangelists

Let us then confess this hidden sin, forsake it, and rejoice in the grace of God toward others and toward ourselves.

Titus 3:4–5 (NKJV):

“But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.”

Gracious and sovereign God,

We confess that we have harbored envy in our hearts.

We have resented the blessings You have given to others and doubted Your goodness toward us.

We have questioned Your wisdom and twisted Your grace with a jealous spirit.

Forgive us, O Lord. Cleanse us from bitter thoughts and selfish comparisons.

Give us hearts that rejoice in Your mercy toward others and rest content in Your providence toward us.

May we be satisfied in Christ alone, whose riches are unsearchable and whose love is unchanging.

In His name we pray, Amen.

We live in a world that tells us to measure our worth by what we possess: our homes, our savings, our investments, our toys. Yet Scripture warns us: “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15, NKJV).

Greed is more than a desire for wealth; it is a posture of the heart that trusts in riches instead of in the living God. Materialism blinds us to the eternal and binds us to the temporary. It distorts our priorities, corrodes our contentment, and robs God of the glory due His name.

John Calvin warned: “Where riches hold the dominion of the heart, God has lost His authority.”

Scripture also says: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:10, NKJV). The pursuit of wealth has led countless hearts away from Christ. It tempts us to store up treasures on earth while neglecting the riches of eternity.

Our hearts reveal the truth of our trust. If we believe security lies in what we can earn, save, or store away, then we have replaced dependence on God with dependence on ourselves. This is not only sin; it is folly, for all that we have comes from the good providence of God and can be taken away in a moment.

Let us confess our greed, our misplaced trust, and our discontentment, asking God to restore in us the joy of treasuring Him above all.

Hear the words of our Lord Jesus: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19–21, NKJV).

In Christ, our true treasure is secure, and in Him our sins are forgiven.

Gracious Father,

We confess that we have often loved the gifts more than the Giver. We have sought comfort in possessions, security in wealth, and identity in what we own. Forgive us for trusting in that which cannot save. Turn our hearts toward You, the fountain of every good and perfect gift. Teach us to rest in Your providence, to give generously, and to live as those whose treasure is in heaven.

To the God who supplies all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus, be honor and praise forever. Amen.

Written by Michael A. Coughlin

Children are indeed a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb is His reward.For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption to sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” (Psalm 127:3;Romans 8:15 BSB)

Beloved, we are God’s children now in Christ Jesus our Lord. The Holy God of all creation has done in Christ what the law could not do: He has transferred us from the domain of darkness to the kingdom of His Beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins!

Our status as adopted sons and daughters of God ought to make us love children and see them as gifts. We have let the gift of children be an annoyance when they violate our sensibilities. We have taken the natural weaknesses of children and we’ve despised those things rather than pity them as God does. We have seen the sins of children and forgotten our own need for forgiveness, and we have failed to lovingly and diligently discipline them as God does so kindly and graciously for us.

We have also failed to love the lives of our unbelieving neighbors as we ought. We have kept the very Words of Life, the gospel, to ourselves instead of preaching it everywhere. As children of God and redeemed sinners, we ought to be concerned for lost souls being led to judgment, as well as open our mouths for the voiceless children in the womb.

Our reticence to speak has accompanied many to Hell, and our fear of confrontation has allowed many to murder our little neighbors without a warning. We have turned a blind eye from protecting the most innocent and vulnerable among us: the preborn.

Our selfishness has caused us to keep our mouths shut when we should be speaking. Our fear of man lays a snare for us, yet we do not turn to You for encouragement as we ought. The blood of our little neighbors’ cries out to be avenged because our fellow men, even some within Your Church, have discarded the lives of so many unborn babies.

And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:11 BSB)

Holy Father, forgive us today for having committed the sin of hatred toward our fellow man made in Your Image and strengthen us to do battle for those who cannot defend themselves. Give us grace to enter this fight with the weapons of Your Warfare and not fleshly, carnal weapons as we so often take up.

O Father, Fulfil your promises and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Strengthen us, your weak children, for the battle you’ve consigned us to fight. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Brothers and sisters, life made in the image of God has been destroyed for the sake of convenience, fear, or selfish gain. Even within the church, we have often remained silent when we should have spoken, or indifferent when we should have defended the most vulnerable. We have not wept as we ought, nor prayed as we ought, nor acted with courage as we ought. In our cowardice, we have feared man more than God.

We confess that abortion is not only a national tragedy but a personal one, for sin is never “out there” only, it is within our own hearts. Our selfishness, our hardness, our silence, and our misplaced priorities all testify against us. We stand guilty before the God who gives life.

Hear the good news of the gospel: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, NKJV)

In Christ, there is full forgiveness, even for this great sin. The blood of Jesus is sufficient to cover every iniquity, to cleanse every stain, and to restore every broken sinner who comes in repentance and faith.

Merciful Father, forgive us for the sin of devaluing life. Forgive our silence when we should have spoken, our fear when we should have acted, and our indifference when we should have wept. Wash us in the blood of Christ and renew in us a steadfast spirit. Give us courage to defend the unborn, compassion for those who have been wounded by abortion, and zeal to proclaim the gospel of life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

At Christmas, we rightly celebrate the birth of our Savior, God the Son, born of a virgin, wrapped in swaddling cloths, and laid in a manger. But we must also remember why He came. The incarnation was not just a display of humility; it was the beginning of a mission: He was born to pay the penalty for sin.

The angel told Joseph in Matthew 1:21, “You shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Jesus did not merely come to teach or heal; He came to die. His perfect life and sacrificial death were necessary because our sins have separated us from God. And unless our sins are dealt with, we cannot be reconciled to Him.

In theological terms, this is appeasement to God for our sin. Scripture says, “Without shedding of blood there is no remission” (Hebrews 9:22, NKJV). In ancient pagan cultures, sacrifices were offered to appease their gods; however, in the Bible, it is God Himself who makes the ultimate sacrifice.

Man has broken God’s law, which is sin. God is angry at sin, and Jesus, who is God in the flesh, bore the wrath for sin by shedding His blood on the cross. Jesus’ propitiation between God and man has paid the penalty for sin, which is death, by appeasing God and then reconciling man to God through unmerited favor, grace.

True appeasement would not be possible without God, in His providence, sending His beloved Son into the world to take on human flesh to tabernacle among us. As we reflect on the birth of Christ, let us not forget the cross. Let us not forget the seriousness of our sin, nor the cost of our forgiveness.

Hear the good news: “In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:9–10, NKJV).

In Christ, God’s wrath is satisfied and His mercy is revealed. Those who trust in Jesus are fully forgiven, reconciled to the Father, and granted peace through His blood.

So rejoice, for this is the glory of Christmas: Christ has come to save His people from their sins.

Gracious Father,

We come before You humbled by the gift of Your Son. We confess that we have sinned in thought, word, and deed. We have not loved You as we ought, nor have we loved our neighbor as ourselves. But You, O God, have made a way.

Through the blood of Jesus Christ, You have removed our guilt and reconciled us to Yourself. Thank You for the mercy that came to us in the flesh, born in a manger, slain on a cross, and risen in glory. Cleanse us anew, and help us to walk in the light of the gospel.

To You be glory in the highest, with the angels we sing; honor and praise be to Christ our newborn King; and thanksgiving to the Spirit, who makes His salvation known, forever and ever. Amen.

“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21, NKJV)

Brothers and sisters, Christmas reminds us that God sent His Son into the world to save us from our sins. Yet how often do we look elsewhere for our salvation? We place our trust in wealth, hoping it will secure our future. We lean on health and strength, imagining they will sustain us. We chase after relationships, thinking they will satisfy the longings of our hearts. We even rest in our own works of righteousness, pretending they can make us right before God.

But Scripture is clear: only Jesus saves. To seek hope or safety anywhere else is to bow to a different master. We confess that we have not trusted fully in Christ. We have not rested wholly in His finished work. We have looked to earthly things to bear the weight of our souls, and they have always crumbled.

As J.C. Ryle reminds us: “Christ came into the world to save sinners, to provide a righteousness for them, to make atonement for them, to open a fountain for their sins and uncleanness, to redeem them from the curse of the law, and to raise them from death to life.”

Hear the good news: “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10, NKJV)

In Christ, our wandering hearts are gathered in. In Him, our sins are forgiven, and our salvation is secure.

Lord Jesus, You came into the world to save sinners, and we rejoice that You came for us. Forgive us for seeking hope in the things of this world instead of resting in You alone. Strip away our false confidences, and fill our hearts with faith in Your name. Teach us to treasure You above every gift, and to find in You the joy of salvation and the peace of forgiveness. As we celebrate Your birth, let us remember why You came: to save us from our sins.

To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood, and made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:5–8, NKJV)

Brothers and sisters, on this Christmas morning we remember that the Lord Jesus Christ came into the world in humility. By the providence of God, though He is truly God, the eternal Son of God, He did not cling to His glory, but took on flesh, was born in lowliness, and endured the shame of the cross for our salvation. Yet, while our King came humbly, we are at times full of pride.

We have exalted ourselves rather than serving others. We have loved to be noticed and honored, rather than taking the lowly place. We have been quick to speak of our own accomplishments, but slow to give glory to God. Our pride makes us defensive when corrected, bitter when overlooked, and cold toward those we consider beneath us.

We confess that pride has made us blind to our dependence on Christ. We have resisted the path of humility that He walked, even though it is the path He commands us to follow. We have not had the mind of Christ, but the mind of the world.

Hear the good news: “Though the Lord is on high, yet He regards the lowly; but the proud He knows from afar.” (Psalm 138:6, NKJV)

In Christ, the humble King, God draws near to us. By His obedience, even to the point of death on a cross, our pride is forgiven, and we are clothed in His righteousness.

Gracious Father, forgive us for our pride. We look at the humility of Christ and see how far we fall short. Break our arrogance and self-love, and teach us to walk in the lowly way of our Savior. Make us eager to serve rather than to be served, to give rather than to grasp, and to honor others rather than ourselves. Conform us to the image of Your Son, who humbled Himself for us. In His name we pray. Amen.

Written by Andrew Rappaport

Christmas is often called the most wonderful time of the year, filled with lights, songs, and celebrations. Yet John’s Gospel reminds us that the first Christmas was marked by rejection: “The true Light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, yet the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him” (John 1:9–11).

The paradox of Christmas is this: God came near, yet humanity pushed Him away. Confession at Christmas is vital because the same danger still lurks in our hearts. We can celebrate with traditions and gifts, yet fail to receive Christ with faith and worship.

The eternal Word who was with God and was God entered His creation. He is the true Light who reveals sin and brings salvation. Yet humanity prefers darkness, for light exposes what we want to hide. The incarnation is therefore not merely about shepherds and angels. It is about divine condescension met by human rebellion. The manger reveals both God’s humility and our hostility.

Christ came because no human effort could reconcile us to God. We are sinners by nature and by choice. Left alone, we would never seek Him. The incarnation is God’s answer to our helplessness. But when we treat Christmas as sentiment rather than salvation, we repeat Israel’s failure. To minimize sin is to minimize the wonder of the incarnation.

Today we often fail to receive Him by treasuring gifts more than the Giver, by filling our schedules with busyness that crowds out worship, by enjoying sentimentality without substance, and by singing carols with cold hearts. In each case we act as though there is “no room” for Christ. Richard Baxter warned, “It is not the holiness of the day, but the holiness of the heart, that honors Christ.” A decorated home without a consecrated heart is still darkness. At a national level, our culture commercializes Christmas. The church must confess not only personal sin but also its silence while Christ’s glory is overshadowed by greed.

Confession clears space to adore Christ. Just as shepherds left their flocks and Magi left their lands, we must lay aside our sins to worship. As Thomas Watson wrote, “Till sin be bitter, Christ will not be sweet.” Unless we taste the bitterness of sin, we will not savor the sweetness of Christ’s coming.

Hear the good news: “But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

Though we have failed, Christ has not. To all who repent and believe, He gives the right to be called children of God. In Him our sins are forgiven, our guilt removed, and our adoption secured. Let us rejoice this Christmas, not merely in gifts under a tree, but in the Gift of God’s Son on the tree of Calvary.

Merciful Father,

On this holy day when we remember the birth of Your Son, we confess that our hearts are often far from You. You sent the Light into the world, but we have loved the darkness. We have treasured gifts more than the Giver and traditions more than truth. Forgive us, Lord, for cold worship, hurried prayers, and selfish desires. Cleanse us from ingratitude and unbelief.

Like Bethlehem’s inn, our hearts are often closed to Christ. Lord, break down our pride and make us ready to receive Him. We confess also the sins of our land, where Christ is commercialized and His glory overshadowed by greed. Have mercy on our nation. Turn hearts back to the Savior. We come, not trusting in our worthiness, but in Christ alone, who was born to die and rise again. Through Him we have forgiveness and life.

Amen.

Written by Andrew Rappaport

Resurrection Sunday proclaims Christ’s victory over sin, death, and the grave. The angel said to the women at the tomb: “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!” (Luke 24:5–6, NKJV). Yet how quickly we return to the tombs of unbelief, fear, and sin. We live as though Jesus were still dead, as though sin still reigned. We doubt His power to change us. We cling to bitterness, worldly desires, and old patterns rather than walking in newness of life.

The resurrection is the turning point of history. God raised His Son, declaring Him victorious over every enemy. “God raised Him up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it” (Acts 2:24, NKJV). If death could not hold Christ, neither can sin hold His people. But when we live enslaved to sin, we deny by our lives what we confess with our lips.

Even as Christians, we sometimes live with a practical unbelief. We carry guilt as if Christ did not remove it. We nurse fears as if He were not Lord. We let sin rule our lives as if the tomb were still sealed. Resurrection Sunday calls us to remember that Christ is alive, and because He lives, we also live.

Hear the assurance of pardon: “And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! But now Christ is risen from the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:17, 20, NKJV). Because He is risen, your sins are forgiven. Because He lives, you will live also. Resurrection Sunday is the announcement of liberty to captives. Let us then live as those who are free, confessing our sins but rejoicing that our Savior has conquered them all.

Father, we confess that we often live as though Christ were still in the grave. We cling to sins You have nailed to the cross. We walk in fear instead of faith, despair instead of joy, bondage instead of freedom. Forgive our unbelief and our half-hearted obedience. Forgive us for the ways we have chosen sin over holiness, and self over the Savior.

Raise our hearts to walk in the power of the resurrection. Help us to proclaim with joy that Jesus is alive, and because He lives, we too shall live. In His mighty name we pray. Amen.

“I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.” - Revelation 1:18, NKJV

Brothers and sisters,

On this Resurrection morning, we celebrate that Jesus Christ has triumphed over death, yet we confess that our hearts often remain captive to fear. Though He has conquered the grave, we live as if the outcome were still uncertain. We tremble at the thought of death, forgetting that the risen Christ has gone before us, and that in Him, even the grave has become a doorway to life.

We have doubted His power to redeem what is broken, to raise what seems beyond hope, and to bring life out of loss. We confess that our faith is often small, our vision clouded, and our courage weak. When fear speaks louder than faith, we forget that our Savior reigns! That He is risen, ruling, and interceding for His people.

The empty tomb declares the end of our bondage, yet we cling to the chains of anxiety and unbelief. We have allowed fear to shape our decisions, to silence our witness, and to rob us of joy in Christ. We have trusted the stability of this world more than the certainty of His promises.

Let us confess our unbelief before the risen Lord, who said, “Do not be afraid.” He is the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in Him shall never die. Our sin is real, but His victory is greater.

“For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” - 1 Corinthians 15:21–22, NKJV

Because Christ has risen, death has lost its sting. The grave is no longer the end but the doorway to everlasting life. Fear no longer rules the believer’s heart, for Christ, the risen Lord, reigns forever.

Almighty God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

we praise You for the triumph of the resurrection, that death is defeated, sin is atoned for, and the grave stands empty. Forgive us for fearing what You have already conquered. Strengthen our faith when doubts arise, and remind us that our Redeemer lives.

Fill our hearts with resurrection joy, that we may walk in confidence, serve with courage, and hope without wavering. Let the power that raised Christ from the dead renew our minds and embolden our witness, until the day we see Him face to face.

Through our risen Lord Jesus Christ, who with You, Father, and the Holy Spirit reigns in eternal glory — one God, now and forever. Amen.

“And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” 1 Corinthians 15:17–20 (NKJV):

Brothers and sisters, On this Resurrection Day, we proclaim with joy that Jesus Christ is risen from the grave. Death has lost its sting. The curse has been broken. The grave has been emptied. Yet we must confess with sobriety: we have not walked as those who are alive from the dead.

Though Christ has finished His work and risen in victory, we have lived as if nothing has changed. We have harbored sins He died to destroy. We have wandered back to tombs from which He called us forth. We have allowed despair to silence our hope, fear to cripple our witness, and apathy to quench our worship. We have lived in the shadows when the light has dawned.

Reformed theologian Herman Bavinck writes, “The resurrection of Christ is the Amen of the Father to the ‘It is finished’ of the Son.”

But how often have we ignored that divine “Amen,” living as though the cross were uncertain and the resurrection incomplete?

Let us therefore humble ourselves before the risen Christ, who now intercedes for His people with nail-scarred hands and sovereign authority.

“Knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:9–11 (NKJV)

Beloved, this is not a hope to be wished for, but a truth to be lived. Christ’s victory over sin and death is ours by grace. We no longer belong to the grave, nor are we bound by guilt. Let us live as those who share in His risen life, rejoicing that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead now works in us.

Risen and reigning Lord Jesus, You have triumphed over the grave. You have declared, “It is finished,” and Your Father has answered with the empty tomb. Yet we confess that we often live as if Your work were incomplete—burdened by guilt, entangled in sin, and unmoved by grace. We forget that we are risen with You. We forget that death no longer reigns. We look for hope in empty places when You have given us eternal life.

Forgive us, O Lord. Raise us up again by the power of Your resurrection. Help us to walk in newness of life—joyful, obedient, and bold. Make us instruments of Your gospel, proclaiming with word and life that Christ is risen indeed. In Your mighty and risen name we pray, Amen.

“But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:20, NASB 1995)

Every Sunday is Easter for the Christian. Every Sunday is Resurrection Sunday for the church. Every Lord’s Day Christians are to gather to commentate the resurrection of our Savior. But because of the significance of that event, the church sets aside one Lord’s Day every year to specifically focus on the resurrection, and that is what we call Easter Sunday.

Our faith literally stands or falls on the resurrection. For “if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins” (1 Cor. 15:17). “If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied” (1 Cor. 15:19). “But now Christ has been raised” (1 Cor. 15:20), and His resurrection proves at least three things.

First, it proves He is exactly who He claimed to be, namely the Son of God (Rom. 1:4). Secondly, it proves that His atonement was sufficient and accepted by the Father (Rom. 4:25; cf. Jn. 19:30). And thirdly, it proves that we too will one day be raised with Him. That is to say, His resurrection guarantees our resurrection (1 Cor. 15:20; 2 Cor. 4:14). And not only will we be raised with Him physically in the future, but we have already been raised with Him spiritually in the present (Rom. 6:1-4; Eph. 2:4-6).

And yet, we must confess that we often fail to live in light of the resurrection. We often fail to walk in newness of life. We frequently allow the temporal affairs of this world to take our minds off of the future hope of glory. We often live as if this life is all there is to live for. We become so consumed with this life that we often forget the life to come. In reality, we often live as if we don’t even believe in the resurrection.

The good news is, God “has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Pet. 1:3). And “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”.

May we confess our faults to the Lord, knowing that our sins are forgiven because He was delivered over for our transgressions and He was raised for our justification (Rom. 4:25). And may we resolve to live in light of eternity – in light of the resurrection.

We have been raised to new life; now may we walk in newness of life. Death has been defeated; now may we live and die as if death has been defeated. Christ has been raised; now may we live as if Christ has been raised. May we look at death not as the end, but as the beginning of eternal life in its fullness. May we face death, not with fear, but with confidence that one day we will be raised to life eternal. And may we live, not for this life, but for that resurrection life that is to come.

Lord, we confess that we do not always live in light of the gospel. Instead of walking in newness of life we often give in to the old way of life. Instead of prioritizing the world to come, we often consume ourselves with the things of this present age. Instead of facing death with boldness, we often fear that death is the end.

Help us, oh Lord, to live in light of the resurrection. Help us to remember that it is not death to die, and that all death can do is deliver us into the arms of our Savior. We thank You that Christ has been raised and that we too will be raised with Him to endless bliss. Help us to live in light of that glorious truth. We pray these things for Your glory. Amen.

Written by Andrew Rappaport

Thanksgiving calls us to gratitude, yet we are often marked by grumbling. Scripture says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Yet our hearts are slow to thank and quick to complain. We take God’s mercies for granted, envy what others have, and forget the Giver while clutching His gifts.

Our discontentment reveals unbelief. We act as if God has not been good, as if He owes us more. We envy our neighbor’s portion and despise our own. Like Israel in the wilderness, we grumble against His providence. Gratitude is not optional; it is the posture of a redeemed heart. When we fail to give thanks, we fail to acknowledge God as the source of every good gift.

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits—who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases.” (Psalm 103:2–3). True thanksgiving begins with the cross. If God has given us Christ, how will He not also graciously give us all things? Our lack of gratitude exposes a lack of faith in His promises.

Hear the assurance of God’s Word: “Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15).

In Christ every need is met, every sin forgiven, every promise fulfilled. Let us then live as grateful children, giving thanks in all things because we have received the greatest gift—Christ Himself.

Gracious Father,

We confess our ingratitude. Though You daily load us with benefits, we have murmured against Your providence and coveted what You have not given. Forgive us for hearts slow to thank and quick to complain. Forgive us for valuing possessions more than Your presence. Renew in us the joy of salvation, and cause us to overflow with thanksgiving in Christ, the indescribable gift.

In His name we pray, Amen.

Written by Jamie Terry

“in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NASB 1995)

As Christians we are commanded to give thanks in all things, at all times, in all circumstances. Every day is Thanksgiving for the Christian. We have much to be thankful for. We have been blessed “with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 1:3). And therefore, we must “forget none of His benefits” (Ps. 103:2).

He has blessed us with the blessings of both common grace and saving grace. He has given us life, health, food, clothing, and shelter. He has forgiven our sin, declared us righteous and clothed us in the perfection of His Son. He has given us the gift of the Holy Spirit, the grace of adoption, the promise of eternal life, and the hope of eternal glory. In a word, He has lavished His grace upon us.

And yet, how do we often respond to God’s blessings? We often respond with indifference or ingratitude. We often forget His benefits. We are short-sighted when it comes to His blessings. We complain about what we don’t have instead of being thankful for what we do have. Thomas Watson said, “Our murmuring is the devil’s music”. Instead of giving thanks to God, we often find ourselves playing the devil’s music.

In speaking of the ungodly, Paul told the Romans, “For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks” (Rom. 1:21). That is to say, ingratitude is one mark of the ungodly. When we refuse to give thanks for who God is and what He has done, we act the part of the unbeliever. We act as practical atheists. If we woke up tomorrow with only the things we have given thanks for, surely, we would have many fewer blessings.

The good news is, “there is forgiveness with [Him] That [He] may be feared” (Ps. 130:4). “He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion” (Prv. 28:13). Let us confess and forsake our sin of ingratitude that we might find mercy and forgiveness in the blood of Christ.

And then with an attitude of gratitude we can echo the words of the apostle Paul, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ”. Let us give thanks to Him who has bestowed such grace upon us. May we bless Him who has blessed us. May every day be Thanksgiving for the Christian, “for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”.

Oh, Blessed Lord, forgive us for our ingratitude. We confess that we often forget Your blessings. Heal us of our spiritual amnesia. Forgive us for such a grievous sin. Wash us in the blood of Your Son. Apply to us anew the forgiveness that we have in Him. And help us to remember all the blessings of Your grace that are ours in Christ. Grant us an attitude of gratitude. Grant us thankful hearts. Do this for Your glory, we pray.

Amen.

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” -Psalm 107:1, NKJV

Brothers and sisters,

The first Thanksgiving was not born from comfort, but from suffering. The Pilgrims had crossed a storm-tossed sea, buried half their number, and endured hunger, sickness, and loss. Yet in their hardship, they saw the hand of Providence. They gave thanks, not for abundance, but for survival; not because life was easy, but because God was faithful.

We, too, live under that same Providence, yet we often take His goodness for granted. We enjoy the fruit of fields we did not plant, the peace bought with sacrifice, and the blessings of a land once dedicated to God, yet we rarely pause to remember the Giver. We have confused prosperity with divine favor and forgotten that gratitude is not owed to circumstances but to the Lord Himself.

Our forefathers thanked God amid scarcity; we grumble amid plenty. They built altars of praise; we build idols of comfort. They saw the hand of God in every mercy; we credit our own effort and call it success.

Let us confess that we have lost the humility that once bowed before Providence. We have turned thanksgiving into a holiday rather than a holy day, filling our tables but neglecting our hearts. We have forgotten the God of our thanksgiving.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” - James 1:17, NKJV

In Christ, we are restored to true thanksgiving. The Father who gives every good gift has given His greatest gift, His Son. In Him, our pride is humbled, our hearts renewed, and our lips made ready to praise.

Sovereign Lord of Providence,

You have been good to every generation. Forgive us for forgetting You amid abundance, for replacing gratitude with entitlement, and for calling Your mercies common. Turn our hearts again to wonder at Your faithfulness.

As You sustained our fathers through trial, sustain us through comfort. Teach us to give thanks in all things, not for wealth or ease, but for the steadfast love that never fails. May our gratitude rise higher than our circumstances, and our praise endure longer than the feast.

We thank You for Christ, the bread of life, who satisfies our deepest hunger and unites our hearts in joy.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You, O Father, and the Holy Spirit — one God, now and forever. Amen.

“These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.” -Isaiah 29:13, NKJV

Brothers and sisters,

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks to God, yet our words of gratitude are often hollow. We speak of blessings while our hearts remain distant from the Giver. We can sing songs of praise without true worship and offer prayers of thanks without genuine affection. Our lips may honor God, but our lives often deny Him.

We confess that we have come to worship seeking comfort more than communion, blessing more than obedience. We enjoy the gifts of God but give little thought to His glory. We have made thanksgiving about what we have received rather than about who He is.

True gratitude begins not in abundance, but in awe; not in what fills our tables, but in who sits upon the throne. Yet we have approached the Lord lightly, distracted by worldly cares and proud of earthly success. We have treated worship as routine and thanksgiving as formality.

Let us confess that our hearts are often unmoved by the mercies that should bring us to our knees. For worship without thankfulness is hypocrisy, and thankfulness without worship is incomplete.

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.” - Hebrews 12:28, NKJV

Through Christ, our imperfect worship is made acceptable. The One who offered Himself in perfect obedience has opened the way for us to draw near with sincere hearts. In Him, we find both forgiveness for our coldness and grace to worship with true thanksgiving.

Most gracious and holy God,

You are worthy of all praise and honor, yet our hearts have often grown dull in worship. Forgive us for praising You with our mouths while our hearts have wandered. Renew in us the joy of true thanksgiving.

Teach us to delight in You more than in Your gifts. Let gratitude spring from reverence, and worship from love. Fill our gatherings with sincerity, our prayers with wonder, and our hearts with the warmth of Your Spirit.

We thank You for Your unshakable kingdom, for mercy that endures, and for Christ our Mediator, whose perfect worship covers our sin.

May every word of praise and every act of thanksgiving exalt the name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, our King, and our everlasting joy. Amen.