2026-04-10
Good morning, Dear Ones,
As we continue to examine how to get a fresh start, the Holy Spirit directs me to write about stubbornness, confession, and faithfulness. Back in EZK 36: 26-27, God told Ezekiel this message for the people, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit in you and move you to follow My decrees and be careful to keep My laws.” But, Dear Ones, that has been no easy job for Him, nor one that is being done in a short time. The Jews were surely stubborn and rebellious, as we see in PS 81: 11-12, “But My people would not listen to Me, Israel would not submit to Me. So, I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices.” Jeremiah also wrote, in JER 7: 24, “But they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they follow the stubborn inclination of their evil hearts.” Practicing idolatry, leading a self-centered existence, being greedy, being destructively ambitious, and refusing to heed God’s voice all lead to negative consequences. The same can be said of holding grudges.
Since our loving God has no evil in Him, He wants us to put off a state of rebellion and come to Him contritely and willing to confess our sins. Moreover, without Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, we who genuinely confess our sins would have no way to be eternally forgiven [1 JN 1: 9], justified [RO 4: 3] or saved for eternity [JN 3: 16]. So, there had to be a way to bring about this meeting of humble contrition from mankind and forgiveness from God. It has always been included in the OT that believers in God should have a ritual of confession during worship. The confession included individual and corporate acknowledgement of sin and request for forgiveness of it. Confession is also a part of individual (private) meetings with God, as well. Confession involves openly acknowledging sins and recognizing the need for God’s mercy. This concept is reflected in PS 32: 5, “I acknowledge 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.” God’s mercy is seen in 1JN 1: 9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” One of the most beautiful and poignant expressions of confession in the Scriptures is found in PS 51: 1-19, King David’s confession of his sin and those of Israel. Be sure to read it.
After a long day of sweat-provoking physical labor or mental efforts, there is nothing more welcome than a cleansing shower and a good rest. As time goes on, our living in our society becomes ever more demanding and complex. That’s the kind of earthly relief that God makes available to us. Heavenly relief is made available to those who visit the shelter under God’s wings frequently; these believers will find spiritual direction and relief there. PS 91: 1, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” There we will find our Refuge and Fortress. RO 10: 9, For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him.” God’s mercy and forgiveness are available to all who seek them. We must remember that God’s love allows us to approach Him with a humble heart, confident that He will embrace us again.
PRAYER: O Lord, “In Him, [our Lord Jesus Christ,] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” [EPH 1: 7]. And yet, the OT also alludes to this blessing in IS 1: 18, “Come now, let us settle the matter. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” The depth of Your mercy is not earned but is a gift freely given. You allow us to forgive others and ourselves, ultimately bringing us closer to You. PS 103: 8, “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” You set an example of mercy for us to model in our lives and showcase Your heart in our relationships. We offer You our loyalty, honor, praise, and thanksgiving forever and ever. In Christ’s holy/mighty name, we pray. Amen.
NEXT WEEK: The Holy Spirit directs me to write about growing in forgiveness and restoration through forgiveness next week. In the meanwhile, we need to see how this breaks apart long and short held grudges. Learning these godly principles begins in the home and ideally should extend beyond. Sadly, that is not only the case, which means that we are forced to choose between things within our control and those not. That choice should be made with the greater good intellectually, physically, emotionally, and spiritually in mind. Remember, EPH 2: 8, “By grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves. It is the gift of God.” Praise and thanksgiving be to Him!
Grace be with You Always,
Lynn JS 24: 15
© Lynn Johnson 2026. All Rights Reserved.
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