We learned from the last blog that our time is now by speaking things in the present tense to bring them into the now. Last week’s blog showed us that prayer and thanksgiving would release our chains, and complaining keeps us in bondage, prolonging our time. What happens if we make an error or get off track? The good news is that when we get off track, we can repent and return on the right path. God used my Aunt Mary to give the phrase for the blog, which Pastor Gaines used in his message. The message ties in with the other two blogs. In his sermon, Pastor Gaines said, “If you mess up, fess up.”
I John 1:9 NIV: 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Proverbs 28:13 King James Version He who covers his sins will not prosper,
But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.
Everyone needs grace and mercy because we are imperfect people who consistently do not get things right. However, as believers, we serve a perfect God who is merciful and faithful. He will have mercy on us when we own up to what we do and repent (change, to do the opposite of what was done). If we try to hide or blame someone else, it can keep us in bondage. Proverbs 28:13 states that we can’t prosper (succeed) if we don’t confess our wrongdoing.
David was imperfect, but God called him a man after His own heart. We know David for his praise, worship, and expression of his emotions to God. He also would repent to God when he had done wrong. In 2 Samuel 12, Prophet Nathan rebukes David by exposing his sin of taking someone else’s wife and having the man go to the front lines to die. He spoke in a parable and asked David what should be done to that man. David then said, “The man should die.” The prophet said, “You are the man.” David quickly said, “I have sinned against God.”
David repented, and God forgave him. However, he did come under judgment for what he did after his child died. His judgement would have been far worse if he had not repented. It could have been death. Thank God for his mercy!
Romans 8:1 says: There is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. We do not have to be condemned once we repent and get back in line with the word of God. We serve a God that wipes our slate clean. Hallelujah!
If we mess up, fess up!
Prayer: God, I thank you for your grace and mercy that endures forever. I am thankful that I can go to you when I mess up. God, I thank you that when I repent and confess my sins, you forgive me, have mercy on me, and wipe my slate clean. I can hold my head high, knowing when I repent and get back in line with the word of God, I don’t have to walk around in condemnation. I praise you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, Amen!