"This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" (2 Cor. 5:17 NLT)

"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.” (Jeremiah 29:11-14 NLT)

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Convict My Heart

You became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 2 Cor. 7:9-10 

Holy and loving Jesus, today I’m praying about my heart, in particular my heart’s convictability. It would be impossible for me to overstate the joy and peace I have in being able to affirm, "There is now [and forever] no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 8:1). How I praise you for completely exhausting the judgment I deserve for the multiple ways I fail to love God, the ones closest to me, and my neighbors as commanded. Nothing can separate me from the love of God; nothing can intensify or lessen its irrepressible wonder. Hallelujah!

But there remains a disconnect between the good news of no condemnation for my sin and the very important news of deep conviction about my sin. Through recent circumstances and in certain relationships, I can see that I haven’t been taking my sin as seriously as I should. I know this isn't right, so I come before you today humbled and hungry. If anything, the gospel of grace should make for quicker and deeper repentances, not fewer.

To be specific, I’m aware of how I indulge a critical spirit towards some people, and at the same time I work hard to maintain the approval of others. I’m also aware of how easily I can be lured by greed, pride and the want of praise from others. Left to myself, Jesus, I am capable of acting out in very foolish and destructive ways. Left to myself, I’m a mess.

Jesus, bring me to a fresh place of godly sorrow for my sin - the kind of good grief that will lead me to repent more quickly and yet not get weighed down with vain regrets. I know you don’t want me to put my conscience back under the law; but I also know grace will not put my conscience to sleep.

There’s no power like the power that is found in Your Word that can possibly convict me, humble me, gentle me, and strengthen me for doing all things for the glory of God. Grace isn't an anesthetic but a sensitizer, when it comes to the glorious freedom of guilt free, shame free repenting.

Great is your faithfulness, kind are your ways, and sufficient is your grace. So very Amen I pray in the wonders of your name and the glories of your love.
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