Daily Power #260

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (James 5:16)

One evening I got held up at a church meeting later than planned. We already had company over, and Amy texted me, “Get home as fast as possible and grab some ice cream for the brownies. Hurry!”

Rushing out of the building, I drove quickly to the nearest grocery store. Not wanting to slow down to visit with others, I put my phone to my head and acted like I was talking to someone. Surely that would discourage people from wanting to chat.

My plan worked flawlessly until someone tried to stop me, “Pastor Craig, can I talk to you? It will only take a minute.” Forgive me if this sounds harsh, but “it will only take a minute” generally means I’m about to tell you my life story. Under normal circumstances, I would be blessed to stay and talk, but I felt pressure from Amy to be home fast!

So without thinking, I said, “I’m sorry” and pointed to my phone, implying that I was in a conversation. And that’s when my phone rang.

Busted.

It’s so easy to rationalize sin in our lives. We often have what we think is a good excuse. Ask yourself today, is there something I’ve been doing that is displeasing to God? Have I told myself it’s okay even though it’s really wrong?

Confess it. Repent. Be forgiven. And be changed.

Power Lift

I often rationalize my sins, Lord, and try to justify them as being an exception. Thank you for being quick and merciful to forgive whenever I confess to you.