When we have done something wrong or sinful, in our time of prayer we need to confess that to God or else our line of communication for prayers will become muddled and disconnected.
Confess means to say you did something wrong and repent is a turning away and running from that sin. Get away from what is dragging you down and keeping you from a closer walk with Jesus. Inside of everyone is a little voice, the Holy Spirit, convicting us of what is wrong. Some choose to go their own way foolishly ignoring that conviction of sin. Scripture says "there is a way that seems right to a man but in the end is death."( Proverbs 14:12).
Psalm 66:18 tells us "If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened". This verse speaks loud and clear. If you are hanging on to some sin, and cherishing it, then the prayers you utter may be falling on deaf ears. You can not sin willfully and expect God to just say "Well okay".
We all have sinned. (See Romans 3:23). Sin is sin, period! Do not start feeling you are better because your sin "is not as bad as his sin". Watch out having a haughty attitude like that. Pray that you not be led into temptation in the first place. (Mark 14:38). We all will mess up sometime in our lives and God is there ready to listen to your prayers and your cry for forgiveness. Proverbs 28:13 says "Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy." Here once again we see that if we are intentionally hiding sin then we lose communication with God.
Running the race to win includes running away from things that so easily beset us as scripture says in Hebrews 12:1. Turn away, ask God to forgive you, then if necessary do a lifestyle change or a friend change to get away from what is pulling you down. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says "wicked friends lead to evil."
It is hard in the world we live in as we are bombarded by so much and even our own government, which was originally set up using the Bible as a guide, has turned its back on some sins and made them acceptable and penalizes those who do not agree or accept them. I am referring to same sex marriage and abortion. God will not continue to bring his blessings on this land unless we turn away from sin and turn back to Him. Many within the church turn a deaf ear to sins they feel are 'okay'.
2 Chronicles 7:14 says "if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven will forgive their sin and heal their land."
It is time in our personal life that we ask God to give us strength to stay on his path and turn away from influences that tear us away from Him.
PRAYER: Lord I am sorry when I do things I know does not please you. Even things as simple as gossip, small 'white lies', judging others, holding resentment or anger in my heart, are all not pleasing to you. I choose this day to stay on the path of godliness and I pray for those in my family not listening to you to recognize it and run from evil. Help me be a good witness for you and be alert to sin. In Jesus Name.Amen.
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