WAIT AND SEE
Today's reading: 2 Corinthians 1-3

"...We were crushed and completely overwhelmed, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we learned not to rely on ourselves, but on God who can raise the dead. And he did deliver us..." 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 NLT

Crushed and completely overwhelmed. Been there?

Has the bottom had dropped out of your life? Have the props been knocked out from under you? Are you swimming in the deep end--without floaties or swimming lessons? Are you under a persistent storm cloud and your umbrella is broken?

Wait and see what God can do when you depend upon Him. Hang on to His ever promise. Trust in what He has told you to be true, not how you feel. Believe, with all that's in you, He loves you, gave Himself for you and wants nothing more than a grand future for you!

WAIT AND SEE
Today's reading: 2 Corinthians 1-3

"...We were crushed and completely overwhelmed, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we learned not to rely on ourselves, but on God who can raise the dead. And he did deliver us..." 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 NLT

Crushed and completely overwhelmed. Been there?

Has the bottom had dropped out of your life? Have the props been knocked out from under you? Are you swimming in the deep end--without floaties or swimming lessons? Are you under a persistent storm cloud and your umbrella is broken?

Wait and see what God can do when you depend upon Him. Hang on to His ever promise. Trust in what He has told you to be true, not how you feel. Believe, with all that's in you, He loves you, gave Himself for you and wants nothing more than a grand future for you!

LOTS OF THINGS
Today's reading: Jeremiah 22-26

There are lots of things said about me.

Bossy. Friendly. Persuasive. Laid back. Organized. Imperfect.

What's said depends upon who you ask. The closer they are to me, the more accurate their assessment of 'who' I am.

What I don't want said?

"But you would not listen to me, says the Lord." Jeremiah 25:7 NLT

CLING FOR LIFE
Today's reading: Job 33-34

If you were required to tote around an oxygen tank in order to live, would you do it?

If your very next breath were dependent upon how close you were to a respirator, would you stick pretty close to it?

If you were preparing to stick your head under water for quite a length of time, would you suck in as much air as your lungs could possibly hold?

Why? Because your very breath gives you life?

You're right.

"For the Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life." Job 33:4 NLT

So why is it you take off on your own, set off for parts unknown (and not recommended) and wander to the edges of His protection and think you can still live gloriously?

Cling to Who gives you life!

GOD WILL
Today's reading: Psalm 48-50

"But as for me, God will redeem my life..." Psalm 49:15 NLT

He will buy me back from the captivity my heart and mind have placed me in.

He will get me back, regardless of the distance He has to travel or the depths He has to reach down.

He will free me from what distresses or harms me. And that, dear friends, usually begins in my mind--fearful thoughts, distressing accusations, lies provided by the enemy.

He will begin to change me for the better. Overnight? Probably not, but He could. Bit by bit, small step by small step.

He will extricate me from or help me to overcome. That includes, praise to God, the sticky situations I place myself in, the pits I condemn myself to and the punishments I deem myself deserving!

He will release me from all debt or blame. All of it. Leaving nothing unpaid, no condemnation. Will I have to live with the scars and the ever-present wounds? Yes, but He will be sufficient for that too.

He will free me from the consequences of my sins.

Me. Unworthy, unlovable, unclean, undone me.

And, He will do it for you, too!

ENDING THE BATTLE
Today's reading: 2 Samuel 1-4

The war stretched over miles and miles. The battles raged on. The skurmishes continued. The soldiers falling. The swords clanking, sparks flying. The victory remained out of reach--until...

Until someone decided to speak up and end it. And when he did? It ended. The troops fell silent. The trumpet was sounded and the armies headed home.

"Then Joab said, God only knows what would have happened if you hadn't spoken..." 2 Samuel 2:27 NLT

And in your life?

Is there something God's asking you to speak up about? Is there an apology He's urging you to make? Is there a truth He's leading you to stand on, proclaim or testify to?

And what will happen when you do just what He's asking?

Push embarrassment aside. Slide pride over and give its seat to honor, character or obedience. Believe that what God's asking you to do will benefit His name--and you as His child.

Speak what He's asking you to speak. Nothing more, nothing less!

ANNIVERSARY
Today's reading: Exodus 13-16

Have I ever told you that I was saved on an Easter Sunday?

Yep, a little country church. A wooden altar. A sermon preached by an interim pastor. A moment in history that grabbed my heart and placed me at the feet of Jesus.

So Easter means a lot more to me than to some. It's a special day in my year. It's a milestone in my life. It's an occasion to celebrate. It's a day in my life when my head, heart, hands and feet were placed in the direction of heaven...and I was set off on a journey.

"This day in early spring will be the anniversary of your exodus." Exodus 13:3 NLT

The 'anniversary of my exodus', what better way to put it? I'm going to remember that, use it often and refer to it frequently.

You see, I've not 'made it' yet. I'm still traveling towards God's reward for having given my heart to Him. I have the promise of a mansion, but today I'm still cleaning this little house on Garrett's Prairie Road. I am destined for a place where there are no tears, no pain, no death, but today I'm walking beside fellow believers who are clinging to the hope while wiping our eyes, enduring the aches and visiting funeral homes.

I've just celebrated another anniversary of my exodus. God is SO good!

I AM, HE ANSWERED
Today's reading: Mark 13-14

"...Then the high priest asked him, Are you the Messiah, the Son of the blessed God? Jesus said, I am, and you will see me, the Son of Man, sitting at God's right hand in the place of power and coming back on the clouds of heaven." Mark 14:61-62 NLT

Jesus stood before the demoniac and spoke His authority.

Jesus stood before the wind and waves and but spoke power into being.

Jesus stood before the high priest and proclaimed who He was.

Jesus stood before Pilate and answered.

Jesus stands before you, this Easter morning, telling you who He is, too.

What will you do with the knowledge?

ONE DAY IN HISTORY
Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 15-16


"How we thank God, who gives us victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ our Lord!" 1 Corinthians 15:57 NLT


Can't you just see satan pacing the floors of hell wondering if Christ would rise like He said He would? The earthquake. The veil torn in two. The darkness in the middle of the day. What did it all mean in the big plan?

Can you imagine him wringing his hands in anxious dread? Did what he set in motion fulfill just what he'd desired? Did dead mean dead when it came to this man named Jesus?

Can you believe with me that he has placed on hold any celebrations until after the third day? His minions are chomping at the bit to celebrate Jesus' death on the cross, but the party is on hold until after Sunday morning.

Did he hesitate proclaiming victory? Did he allow any ray of hope to glimmer in the pits of hell?

Would Easter Sunday be Indepedence Day for satan--or for us?

OUR BLESSING
Today's reading: Jeremiah 17-21

"But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence." Jeremiah 17:7 NLT

Our blessing rests in the events of Good Friday and Easter Sunday!

We have hope because Christ died on the cross for us.

We have a promised future because God, for a moment, turned his face away from His only Son.

We have assurance because ten thousand legions of angels were not called out to wipe out Jesus' enemies.

We have freedom because of the blood shed, the tears wept and the prophecy fulfilled.

Today marks the anniversary of our blessedness--hold its memory close to your heart.

EVERYTHING
Today's reading: Job 31-32

"He sees everything I do and every step I take." Job 31:4 NLT

To think, God sees everything I do--amazing!

To think, He knows, at all times, just where I am--encouraging!

To think, my Redeemer, is wrapped up in all that's going on, has forgiven all that's gone on and is planning all that will occur--priceless!

Nothing catches Him off guard. No one throws a curve ball to our Lord. No surprises. No emergencies. No causes for Him to catch His breath in fear, worry or angst.

Everything, well, that pretty much covers everything!

OIL OF JOY
Today's reading: Psalm 45-47

"...Therefore God, your God, has anointed you; pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else." Psalm 45:7 NLT

Are people around you aware of the fact that you are a Christian? Would they be surprised to know you attend church? Do you stand out among your peers and co-workers as someone filled with integrity, character--and joy?

Do you bring light to a room? Do you bring smiles to the faces of those you meet? Do you speak with encouragement, peace and love?

You, friend, have been touched by the Creator of the universe, saved by the Redeemer of souls, set apart by the High Priest and anointed by Yahweh to perform duties specifically set aside for you, to fulfill purposes designed for you and your lifetime.

You have been anointed with the 'oil of joy'--does it show?

SELFISHNESS
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 26-31

"...Don't be selfish with what the Lord has given us..." 1 Samuel 30:23 NLT

You may think I'm going to 'preach' about tithing.

Maybe you're guessing that my writings will be focused around talents and the simple fact that if you don't use them, you could lose them.

Quite possibly, you'll wondering when I'll launch into a tyrade about cleaning out your closets and giving your excess to the needy.

It very well may be that the Lord is speaking to you about any or all of those things today. But for me? For me, He's placed one thought in my mind and one thought only--my time.


You see, of the 24 hours given to each day, the Creator of the Universe has placed each and every one of those hours in my hands to use as I see fit or deem necessary.

Am I using my alotted minutes wisely? Am I spending them thoughtfully? Am I getting the most 'bang for my buck' with each and every sweep of the clock's hands?

Do I waste what He's given me worrying? Doubting? Fuming? Do I get to the final countdown of the day and realize I've done little else than question who He is?

God has given me the gift of today, will I be selfish with that gift...or will I make an effort to share it with the world?

RETURNS
Today's reading: Exodus 9-12

Reading through the chapters of Exodus, I find a certain line repeated again and again...ten times, to be precise.

Go back to Pharoah, is said to Moses each and every time a plague was sent by God in an attempt to soften Pharoah's heart.

Ten times? Can you imagine?

Having to see the hard-hearted ruler again and again? Going through palace protocol, the incessant bowing and offering of humility?

And then I thought...I've had some 'returns' of my own.

I've had to go back to tell satan again and again that my life and my emotions are no longer fields for him to play in!

I've had to go back to the pit of grieving and pain to be reminded of God's grace and power!

I've had to go back to friends 'who knew me when' and witness!

I've had to go back to family members who 'know the real me' and ask forgiveness--again and again!

I've had to go back to the altar with the issues that plague me!

I've had to go back to the unlovely folks in my path and exude godliness, even when ungodliness would come more natural!

Yes, Moses and I are alot alike. When I get to heaven and have a chance to sit and chat with the old guy, we'll have a lot of 'return' stories to swap. Care to join us?

Today's reading: Mark 11-12

"When they arrived in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the merchants and their customers. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the stalls of those selling doves." Mark 11:15 NLT

It's reassuring to see the 'human' side of Jesus recorded in the Scriptures. Especially reassuring to someone like myself who has the occasion to fly of the handle in anger.

One might okay your reactions to the unlovely people in your life...if it weren't for the verses preceding Jesus' controlled rant:

"So Jesus came to Jerusalem and went into the Temple. He looked around carefully at everything, and then left..." Mark 11:11 NLT

A perfect example for me to 'look before leaping'! A solid system that I could put into place in my life as how not to 'jump out of the frying pan and into the fire'.

Was the anger justified? Absolutely! Was Jesus right in setting the scene to order?

Yes, without a doubt!

But He looked around first. I'm sure He went off and prayed about what it was He was supposed to do. He made an effort to understand all that was going on, decide ahead of time what to do and He chose to react based upon His Father's leading--not an emotional roller coaster He might have had a ticket to ride.

A very important lesson for me to learn. A very important lesson, indeed.

WHAT GOOD AM I?
Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 13-14

"If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I knew all the mysteries of the future and knew everything about everything, but didn't love others, what good would I be?" 1 Corinthians 13:2 NLT

I can say I'd let my enemy know a tornado was coming their way. I'd probably buy Girl Scout cookies from my unlovely neighbor's child. I attend to the needs, and rants, of every customer that comes to the customer service counter I am employed to man.

But love? I don't really know that I would ever admit, or be able to admit, that I love them. Sure, I'm concerned about their soul being destined for hell--but love is what will push me to witness, pray for and go above and beyond to keep them from that end. Love is what will urge me to put their needs ahead of my own.

So, what good am I?

SUSTAIN
Today's reading: Jeremiah 12-16

"Your words are what sustain me..." Jeremiah 15:16 NLT

My apologies, Lord, I've been translating that verse in a little different manner than what You're speaking to me this morning.

Your words have been great encouragement as I jotted off a card to the gal in my Sunday School class.

Your words have gotten my name and desire to write out to the world.

Your words have inspired many a song that have ministered to my heart.

Your words have sparked a flame in many a pastor's pulpit I've sat within earshot of.

Your words have inspired me.

Your word have awed me.

Your words have spoken conviction to my heart.

But sustain me? I've never thought of it that way, but yes, that's just what they do! The verses I read each morning 'get' me through the day. The chapters I soak up before heading out the door are what innoculates me against the darkness of the world. The pages of my Bible are littered with notes, underlined passages and asterisks that take my mind back to a time or place where I was ministered to..a place in my life where Your word sustained me.

I am sustained, kept alive, nourished and buoyed by the Bible, God's Word!

BEEN THERE
Today's reading: Job 29-30

"With a strong hand, God grabs my garment. He grips me by the collar of my tunic." Job 30:18 NLT

Ever had the stuffing shaken out of you by the Lord?

Ever had Him get your attention--your full attention?

Ever had God place His hands on your shoulders, turn your face to Him, ask you to look Him square in the eye?

And once He had your attention, what He showed you was life changing.

And when you finally chose to Him fully in the face, you were rewarded with the peace that comes from being in His presence.

And when the discipline is over, the embarrassment, shame and conviction leave, the complete knowledge of Christ's love for you remains.

And when the stuffing was lying all around you, leaving just you and the Lord, nothing in between the two of you...you find He is all you need!

ALL DAY LONG
Today's reading: Psalm 42-44

"I do not trust my bow; I do not count on my sword to save me. It is you who gives us victory over our enemies; it is you who gives us victory over our enemies; it is you who humbles those who hate us. O God, we give glory to you all day long and constantly praise your name." Psalm 44:6-8 NLT

All day long? Seriously? Not just before I munch my fries? Not as I'm scrambling around looking for my keys? As I frantically await a call from the doctor's office? As I endure a bad day? As I struggle, scrap and fight to keep my head above water? As I sit defeated beneath satan's thumb?

Shouldn't praise for my Lord and Savior be on my lips at all times? Throughout the day? Doesn't He warrant me staying up a little later during the evening to sing His praises? Pushing aside worries as I focus on thanks?

Twenty-four hours in any given day...how will you spend it?

EXTRA WEIGHT
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 21-25

It's a daily struggle to battle the bulge. It's one choice after another to make the healthiest decisions I can. It's a love/hate relationship between myself and the gym's treadmill. Today's Bible time has given me a very important 'dieting' tip...

"The Lord will decide between us. Perhaps the Lord will punish you for what you are trying to do to me, but I will never harm you." 1 Samuel 24:12 NLT

Taking the higher road is a weight loss technique.

Refusing to carry a grudge looks good on any body shape.

Allowing God to settle the score between myself and any of my offenders, frees me up to experience more and more of His blessings.

Are their issues I could continue to stew about in my mind? Are there instances of hurt feelings that can be quickly recalled to my memory at the slightest thought? Have I been hurt, used, ignored, spoken badly to or enraged?

You bet I have...but from one weight watcher to another, they're not worth carrying around! Receiving a 'well done' from God surpasses the most fleeting tastes of revenge!

STICK WITH THE SCRIPT
Today's reading: Exodus 4-8

"After the presentation to Israel's leaders, Moses and Aaron went to see Pharoah. They told him, This is what the Lord, God of Israel, says..." Exodus 5:1 NLT

Moses said JUST what God had told him to say.

Boy, oh boy, would doing just that every save me some apologies, back-paddling and fence-mending. You see, I tend to either not say ALL of what He's asked or add my own opinion to the message He's asked me to present.

God has asked me to tell the Good News of His Gospel. Nothing needs to be added. No ad libbing on my part will make it any more desirable, believable or wonderful.

'This is what the Lord says...', something I need to be studying up on!

SERVING THE SHORT ONES
Today's reading: Mark 9-10

"One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could teach them and bless them, but the disciples told them not to bother him. But when Jesus saw what was happening, he was very displeased with his disciples..." Mark 10:13-14 NLT

I guess the little kid in me still believes there's nothing worse than the look of disapproval. To see someone frown about what I've attempted, to hear complaints and criticisms about what I've thrown my heart in to, over a mistake I've made.

But to think of Jesus being disappointed? Displeased? Shaking His head?

I don't want to do that...especially in regards to the shorter ones He's given me to serve.

The little guys whose minds are blank tablets ready to be filled with accounts of Jesus and His love. The small handfuls that require just a little more patience, forethought and creative involvement. The minute members of our church who wrinkle my skirt as they hug my legs. The chatty little birds who cannot contain their joy while the lesson is being given. The fidgety fellows who are bursting at the seams with the answer to your question--or a comment that's as far off as the moon from your lesson. The tiny adults that will one day be making decisions for my church.

As I step into the children's ministry room today, as I greet the parents who are bringing their littles ones to learn about Jesus and to be blessed by that knowledge, I will stand up taller, wear a brighter smile, put forth more effort and genuinely, ever so genuinely, gather them around me to tell them about my Jesus.

I believe that's what my Father wants me to do! And doing it excellently gains His approval.

THE LORD'S SUPPER
Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 11-12

In explaining the depth, scope and importance of our church's observance of communion to my 10 year-old, I've come to realize...I don't put enough thought and heart attention to participating in the Lord's Supper myself.

"So if anyone eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily, that person is guilty of sinning against the body and the blood of the Lord." 1 Corinthians 11:27 NLT

I errantly and flippantly consider it just another tool of worship. I participate half-heartedly. I sit through the service without preparation or personalization.

I fail to prepare my heart and mind for the communion service that is held quarterly at our church. Oh, I know when it is, but I do nothing to prepare my heart and mind for it.

I'm sinning, according to today's Scripture, in my lazy ways. It's also probable I could lead my son in the same way...it's time for things to change!

BACKING UP
Today's reading: Jeremiah 7-11

I would shout from the rooftop that I'm a child of God. I would stand before thousands and tell them I'm a Christian. I would yell at the top of my lungs that I consider myself to be one of God's chosen people. I'm proud. I'm elated. I'm honored, but...

But some of the toughest times God has gone through has been with His own kids--haven't they?

"But my people would not listen to me. They kept on doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backwards instead of forward." Jeremiah 7:24 NLT

Ignoring God's voice? No, not just the talking donkeys and burning bushes, but also the gentle nudgings He gives our hearts.

Stubborness? I wish He were just referring to you, but He's not.

Backwards instead of forward? Slipping and sliding instead of climbing? Dying instead of growing, spreading roots, producing fruit? It's a matter of two steps forward and one step back on some days, now isn't it?

That being said in reference to today's verse: Yes, I'm a child of God...one of His problem kids!

SHEER WONDER
Today's reading: Job 27-28

"He made the winds blow and determined how much rain should fall. He made the laws of the rain and prepared a path for the lightning." Job 28:25-26 NLT

When I get a little 'too big for my britches', God places in my path something that makes my eyes wide with delight in His power and might.

When I lean towards the idea that I, with my planner in hand, have complete control over the day, the week, the month, He mystifies me with a portion of His creation.

When I begin to coddle the thought that I am 'something', He reminds me of His grace...and how very much I need it.

When I believe I can do it all on my own, He brings along a 'storm' that showcases His abilities.

And I stand in amazement. My jaw hits the floor. I pause in wonderment. I am enchanted by His creativity. I am stopped in my tracks by astonishment. I live out Merriam-Webster's definition of awe--rapt attention and deep emotion caused by the sight of something extraordinary.

MALINDA'S PSALM
Today's reading: Psalm 39-41

" I said to myself, I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will curb my tongue when the ungodly are around me. But as I stood there in silence--not even speaking of good things--the turmoil within me grew to the bursting point." Psalm 39:1-2 NLT

I realize David wrote this psalm thousands of years ago. I am full aware that the songs he wrote have ministered to many, myself included. I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that the words he penned were directed straight from God. Verse upon verse of encouragement, instruction and wisdom.

And. And?

And these verses written about...me.

I live these verses on a daily basis. You see, I have no control, none what so ever, over the area of of my body that includes my mouth! I cannot rein in my tongue. I have a lifelong battle with my lips.

I know what David spoke of when he gave himself a pep talk about what he might or might say in the course of a day. I feel his pain as he stood surrounded by the less than lovely in the world and needed to keep his mouth shut. I have walked in his shoes, sandals, whatever, on many occasion as what I could/wanted to say boiled in my body!

Thankfully, the Lord didn't put my name in bold print at the start of this psalm. My picture was not cross-referenced in the margin. You do not see my address or phone number in the concordance in regards to this section of Scripture!

But I knew who He was referring to--boy, oh boy, did I know!

FIVE TRIES?
Today's reading: 1 Samuel 16-20

"He picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them in his shepherd's bag..." 1 Samuel 17:40 NLT

I love this! Maybe you've thought of it...maybe you haven't. It's a revelation of sorts to me. An epiphany, one might say. It's new. It's exciting. It's encouraging.

God did not need the five stones. Let's be deeply theological: God didn't even need the one stone.

But he allowed David to select the stones from the creekbank. He let the shepherd boy place them in his little knapsack. He might have even allowed the little sharp-shooter to think he might need them.

But God didn't.

The five stones weren't for five tries...four of them were souveniers for David to keep the rest of his life in memory of what he witnessed his God doing.

Got some stones of your own?

LABELS
Today's reading: Exodus 1-4

I'm taking an Old Testament Survey class through the Institute for Christian Education. It's fascinating! I never expected it to be so, but it's so intriguing and it's so helpful in understanding the 'newer' passages of Scripture.

Like the list of excuses Moses presented God as to why he was NOT the guy for the job of leading the Israelites out of Egypt. Did you know the reasons he gave to God in chapters 3 and 4 are in direct correlation to labels someone applied to him in chapter 2?

"The next day as Moses was out visiting his people again, he saw two Hebrew men fighting. What are you doing, hitting your neighbor like that? Moses said to the one in the wrong. Who do you think you are? the man replied..." Exodus 2:13-14 NLT

Moses repeated what he'd been told.

Do you do the same? Are you introducing yourself using the titles, names and low-down descriptions spoken to you by satan?

UNDER WRAPS
Today's reading: Mark 7-8

"Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre. He tried to keep it secret that he was there, but he couldn't..." Mark 7:24 NLT

I'll try to put this as gently as I can: If Christ were present in your church service today, would He be noticed?

Would He fit into the crowd--or stick out like a sore thumb?

Would He be welcomed and be shown to a great seat--or be left to fend for himself, and only by the grace of God not choose Sister So-and-So's pew?

Would He be acknowledged--or ignored?

Would He be invited back--or leave unnoticed?

You see, it's not a given that God visits every service and every church every Sunday...but when He is there, it shouldn't be anything that's kept under wraps!

STATEMENT OF FAITH
Today's reading: 1 Corinthians 9-10

"...We would rather put up with anything than put an obstacle in the way of the Good News about Christ." 1 Corinthians 9:12 NLT

Gulp.

I don't know about you, but the word 'anything' conjurs up a whole heap of a lot of things I might have to put up with as I strive to spread God's love to the world I live in.

Things that might make me uncomfortable.

Things that might make me look less than stellar.

Things that might get my hands dirty.

Things that are completely out of the norm for me.

Things that might cause my Christian brothers and sisters to look down their noses at me.

Things that are outside tradition.

Things that are God-inspired and not planned in my head.

Does my statement of faith involve Paul's challenge? Am I willing to tolerate, put up with, push aside my discomfort? Does getting the Gospel to the unknowing stir my soul enough to do what ever it takes--and put up with anything in order to do it?

That's a lot to swallow this morning!

CONFESSION
Today's reading: Jeremiah 1-6

What comes to mind when you hear the word 'confession'?

Do you see the dimly lit closet holding an errant parishioner on one side and a priest on the other?

Do you see the child with his hand in the cookie jar?

Do you see the handwritten statement given by someone charged with a crime?

Do you see yourself? Do you see yourself broken? Embarrassed? Ashamed? Do you see yourself actually guilt-ridden for having committed what it is you must confess?

Let me guess, you've never gone quite that far with your thoughts? In all honesty, neither had I --until I read a portion of today's Scripture reading.

"Only acknowledge your guilt. Admit that you rebelled against the Lord your God and committed adultery against him by worshiping idols under every green tree. Confess that you refused to follow me. I, the Lord, have spoken!" Jeremiah 3:13 NLT

Guilt. Charges of sinfulness. Acknowledging that I chose, I chose, not to follow the Lord's leading. I chose to refuse.

Confession is coming alongside God on His assessment of my heart. Confession, the kind that will change your life and show regret for former actions, is not pretty...but it's necessary!