How did yesterday go? Did God convict your heart? Did it make you squirm? Good! Me too! Squirming helps us to move forward on this journey!
“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” Romans 15:4 KJV
It is God’s will that every believer keep God’s Words in their mind all the time. We have to make the daily decision to learn God’s Word ~ it just doesn’t miraculously appear. In my talks with other believers, this seems to be hardest to do… to spend the time with God in study and prayer. Yet, it’s one of the most important!
Honestly answer all the questions. Don’t answer with how you think you are “supposed” to answer! We can only be filled with God if we are willing to empty ourselves and allow Him to fill us up. Be willing, be honest, be thorough in your confession.
Questions for Reflection
Is it your habit to seriously read and study God’s Word daily? Do you meditate on key verses? Does God’s Word have a big or little place in your thought during your day? Have you failed to write down key verses that speak to your needs in your life?
You cannot love God and not love His Word. When you neglect God’s Word you are, in a sense, neglecting God. How can we know His will for us if we don’t know His Word? How can we make decisions if we don’t know His Word? We can’t!
Confess the sin of not spending time in God’s Word. Now make a personal commitment to embrace time in God’s Word.
“Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” James 4:3 KJV
How many times have you had a list of requests for God? We are always giving Him our lists of wants, of needs but do we think about what we can give to Him? We can become so selfish!
Questions for Reflection
Are you guilty of seeking God for what He can do for you than out of genuine love for Him? Do you sense that your thoughts are mixed with selfish desires rather than seeking God’s glory? Are you aware of the desire to be noted and praised by people rather than seeking God’s pleasure? Are you unwilling to pray God’s will when it doesn’t fit your plan? Do your love and worship decrease when things don’t go according to your plan? When you are disappointed, do you “cool off” toward God?
If God convicted your heart of selfish, impure or shallow motives to spending time with Him, confess these sins. Ask God to give you a deep purity and purpose for His kingdom.
“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Matthew 15:8-9 KJV
God does not want insincere worship or empty ritual! The whole essence of worship is to bow before God in total reverence and surrender. We forget that the extreme holiness and majesty of our Creator. We compromise with sin but we still want God to honor our prayers.
Questions for Reflection
In coming to worship, is your main purpose to bow before God in total repentance and obedience? Is your mind filled with holy fear, reverence and awe? Do you mostly seek His benefits? Do you set aside a day for God or just go to church on Sunday? Have you taken the Lord’s Supper without deep examination and personal repentance? Do you often sing the worship hymns without deeply reflecting on the words? Do you listen to sermons without much thought of immediate to God’s instructions?
Insincere, ritualistic worship is a serious sin. Do you need to confess a shallow reverence and worship of God? Confess your sins and trust God to grant you the spirit of genuine reverence and worship.
“And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” 1 John 3:3 KJV
The pursuit of holiness should be the predominant aim of every Christian. It is the pursuit of a holy mindset. When we are spirit-filled there is a burning thirst to experience Christ’s holiness in every area of your being.
Questions for Reflection
Is your mind filled with thoughts of how to experience greater holiness? Do you often say “I wish I was more like Jesus” and then do nothing or very little to pursue spiritual cleansing? Do you make consistent time to allow God to search every area of your life? Do you regularly read comprehensive lists of Scriptures designed to thoroughly examine your heart?
In Matthew 6:33 KJV, Jesus said we are to, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” Confess to God and ask Him to grant you a heart that hungers for Him, for a holiness that is genuine. God will answer this prayer every time!
Personal Reflection
What specific Scripture has God brought specific conviction? What thoughts have God told you to change? Which do you need to address first?
How do these sins affect your relationship with God and others?
Has God given you specific Scripture promises to help you overcome each sin? What are they?
In what specific ways are you prepared to change your thoughts? What thoughts will be the replacements?
Let It Begin Anew 