Friday: MY PRAYERS AND GOD’S PROMISES

Mar 17, 2023
2 min read

MY PRAYERS AND GOD’S PROMISES

This week, I am exploring what God says about REPENTANCE.

As I enter prayer now, I reflect on God’s instruction: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

Lord, I repent of my sin and am blessed by Your forgiveness.

Thank You for Your grace and mercy in my life.

Let us consider the Word of the Lord from Psalm 51:1-4.

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge.

God is excellent at giving mercy. In these verses, King David grieves deeply over his sin; he just confessed to his acts of adultery and murder. He feels filthy and deserving of punishment, yet he seeks God and His mercy.

Instead of running away from God in fear of punishment, I should run toward God in search of discipline that will lead to my heart-change. Good leaders are not sinless, but they are repentant.

David asks God to be compassionate with him, not to withhold punishment, but to blot out his transgressions. He is not trying to hide; he knows his transgressions. His sin convicts his heart and remains always before him. He also does not blame anyone else for what he has done. He accepts his punishment and acknowledges God is right and just.

Lord, when You convict me of my sin, which way do I turn? Do I try to point the blame to someone else, or do I acknowledge my sin? Do not let me forget to honor You with my prayers and with my actions.

God disciplines me, so I will become a better disciple. Learning obedience is the key to my successful discipline and being a good disciple.

God disciplines those He loves and offers forgiveness for repentance and obedience. Parents who love their children set boundaries for them. God’s discipline is proof He loves me; His forgiveness tells me I am His child.

Lord, thank You for Your discipline! I desire to learn from my mistakes and to exhort others in my newfound lessons. The only thing I have to offer You is myself! Amen.

May you be blessed,

Chaplain Wayne Ruckman