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
When some people realize the extent of God’s holiness, they want to run and hide. They are like the man in the Lord’s parable of the talents, who said, “Master, I knew you to be a hard man… so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground” (Matthew 25:24). The master rebuked him for not being wise and at least putting the talent in a bank to receive interest.
When you look at God only as an exacting and holy God, you may be tempted to hide what He has given you. This could be your talents, time, or resources. You need to remember that God is a loving, merciful, and forgiving God. He has given you many things. He wants you to step out and use them in practical ways to love Him and love others, which are His two great commandments (Matthew 22:36-40).
Consider what the Lord has given you and ask him to lead you in using it for His glory. Meditate on how much He loves you and forgives you. When you mess up, run to Him instead of hiding. He is the only one who can fix and restore what is broken in your life.
Be bold. Step out and do that thing He is asking you to do. Trust in His love and forgiveness as well as His justice and holiness. Pray for believers in the United States to submit their gifts, resources, and their will to the Lord’s will. Ask that eyes be opened to God’s grace and mercy as well as His righteousness.
Today’s Verse: 1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Joshua 1:1-9
1 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. 4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory. 5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
