Devotions From Steadfast Lutherans

Lord, teach us to fear, love, and trust You above all things. Amen.

David is “lonely and afflicted” (v. 16). He’s surrounded by his enemies. His heart accuses him. His mind is haunted by the memory of his past sins. He has nowhere in this world to turn. So, he turns to God, saying, “To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in You I trust,” (v. 1), “My eyes are ever toward the Lord” (v. 15), “I take refuge in You” (v. 20). And the consolation David seeks for his heart is this: The forgiveness of all his sins (v.18).

“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My Word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make our home with him” (John 14:23). When God forgives all your sin through the mouth of your pastor, hear that Word of God and keep it.

SATISFACTION VS. FRUITS OF REPENTANCE

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Philippians 3:20-21

Lord God Heavenly Father, soften the hearts of those who do not believe in Your Son. Forgive us for when we have desired to reject faithful preachers who have called our sins out. Lead us to continue to confess our sins and relish in the free and full forgiveness that Your Son paid for with His innocent suffering and death for us. In the Name of Jesus. Amen

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“I acknowledged  my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my  transgressions to the Lord,’ and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.”

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Ps. 121:1-2

She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.” Matthew 15:27

Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Psalm 19:12

What is Confession? Christians need to be taught the answer to this question.  Biblical teaching is different than that of the Roman Catholic Church which usually comes to mind when confession is brought up.

Almighty God, according to Your great mercy in Christ, forgive us our sins, grant power to become Your children, bestow upon us the Holy Spirit, and bring this good work of Yours in us to completion in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“The forgiveness of sins means something to one who has sins.”

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 1 John 1:9-10

Almighty God, grant that we who deserve to be afflicted for our evil deeds may mercifully be relieved by the comfort of Your grace; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

God forgives sin in Christ!

We are reminded here also in this text that the forgiveness spoken by ministers (St. Paul as example) is done for the sake of the people of God in the presence of Christ. Christ has commanded penitent sinners to be forgiven. Pastors are to do this for the sake of Christ’s people.

Consider reading Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions with us this Lent!