Lenten Daily Devotional from Pastor Mary 3-3-20

Psalm 32: 5

Then I finally admitted to you all my sins,
refusing to hide them any longer.
I said, “My life-giving God,
I will openly acknowledge my evil actions.”
And you forgave me!
All at once the guilt of my sin washed away
and all my pain disappeared!

Pause in his presence

Lenten Reflection: Restoration is God’s perfect work. He awaits those moments when we come before him and stop hiding what he already knows about us. In fact, God does not hold back blessings from us. We hold ourselves back from God’s blessings by our failure to be genuinely repentant and trusting of his instruction and care. When we repent, we are not simply praying, “I’m sorry, Lord…” Repentance is a spiritually deep and sincere prayer, “I acknowledge my sin against you and your gracious love, Lord, and want to turn from sin so I cease to grieve and dishonor your name.”

Prayer: Lord, you are my life-giving God; I hunger for the abundant life only you can give me. Therefore, every day I need forgiveness that I have not earned, but by grace can receive. I know this is true, because I have experienced and felt your grace bring restoration to my life many times. Continue to take me to the deep places of your heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.