November 18, 2008
Text: Matt. 3:1-6
Title: Confession: I Need You
Thoughts:
In my thoughts on change yesterday, I mentioned that there are three elements that are vital to effective change in our lives. The second element was aligning ourselves with truth. By this I mean, we come to the complete realization of where we are living in opposition to truth. From there we make the necessary changes to come into alignment with truth.
Nearly every AA group or 12 step program begins their session with an introduction of the individual confessing his/her state. “Hi, my name is Allen. I am an alcoholic.” The idea behind this weekly confession is to bring the individual into a face to face encounter with why they need need help and change.
It’s interesting to note that John the Baptist is offering baptism only to those who are “confessing their sins” (Mt. 3:6). Why is that such a big deal? Because a genuine confession requires us to confront truth and come into alignment with it.
Our Christian faith requires confession. It requires that we recognize how deceitfully wicked the unregenerate heart of humanity can be (Jer. 17:9). Nevertheless, that same heart living in the grace of Christ’s forgiveness, placing its total trust and dependence upon the work of Christ, displays the true attributes of what God intended our lives to look like.
When uttered in sincerity and genuine truth, confession unlocks the flood gate of heaven’s resources. Take ownership, align yourself with the Truth of Christ, and let God’s refreshing flood over you today.
Application:
If confession unlocks heaven’s resources, why do we struggle with it so? Does pride affect us?
When have you confessed, aligned with truth, and it worked to be more beneficial than if you had continued to deny it? (e.g., child stealing a cookie, etc.)
Are there areas in your life that you need to confess your need for and dependence on Christ today? (finances, marriage, faith, etc.)
Prayer:
Father,
I am truly aware of how desperately I need You today. Like those who were coming to John to be baptized, I am looking for a refreshing from You. Infuse me with Your power, passion, and purity today. Allow me to live in the resources of Christ’s strength and success. I need You today more than ever! And, this confession is not just words! It’s from my heart’s alignment with Truth!
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
I want to share with you rest and peace. Take for example, Jesus heals a lot of jews on the sabbath, heals the blind, lame, deft, criple, sick, heavy labor, demon posses and teaches on the sabbath. He said: “I am the Lord of the Sabbath” right? The Sabbath starts on Friday 7:15pm sundown to Saturday 7:15pm sundown. God said to keep this day Holy. The Word Holy in hebrew means to set a side for God. Again God said this is the day of rest, in exodus God told the Israel not to take more mana than they need it everyday, but some Israelites took extra mana for the next day. well it got bad with magets worms and got bad. well before the sabbath, God again told Moses to tell them to take double for each for the day of the sabbath. The next day the mana was good and was fresh. Again God showed us a miracle on the sabbath. Jesus did a lot of miracles on the sabbath. Now read Hebrews 4 Isaiah 56. Again Jesus is the Lord of the sabbath because He gave rest to the sick, lame, blind, deft, demon posses, and also gave His word. Brother keeping the sabbath it pleases God. Yes any day we can keep Holy, but God santify this day and He gave it to us to keep Holy and receive His blessings on this day. Keep the Sabbath and you will see what I mean. Pray for people on that day do not works except God’s work, lay hands on the sick and see Jesus heal them. This is what we as the church are missing. Sunday it’s cool to worship, but the sabbath pleases Him, who obeys and keeps it. Its a commandment. Jesus is the new covement for sacrifies but His word will never pass a way. The Torah. Well I hope to hear back from you and that you receive this blessing. I feel alone but the Lord Yeshua is giving me peace on the Sabbath.