Daily Devotional
Do You Ask God to Search Your Heart?
“Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults.”
Psalm 19:12
July 2, 2023
Ponder This
Do you want forgiveness? Do you know what I do sometimes in my study? I sit down in my quiet time, and I lay myself open to the Lord, and say, “Search me, O God, and try my heart.”
And sometimes it’s very painful. God will show me things that I say, “No, Lord that’s really not true. You’re wrong, Lord.” No. He says, “You’re wrong, Adrian. I’m right.” I’ll write it on a slip of paper, and sometimes that list will get pretty long. But then I’ll take that list and go one at a time and I’ll deal with it. I’ll name it. I will repent of it. Something on my list may seem like a harmless thing to you. It may not be wrong for you, but it is for me. Or something may be wrong for you that wouldn’t be for me. But I deal with each item on the list, then take my pen and write 1 John 1:9 over the whole thing and tear it up in little pieces. By that act, I’m reminded that I’ve been set free.
- What is something God has told you is wrong for you even if not for others?
- How have you experienced the freedom that comes through repentance?
Practice This
Take time this week to practice the exercise described in today’s devotion. Read and write the truth of 1 John 1:9 over the list God brings to mind for confession.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Real Truth Never Changes
Real truth never changes, and the truth about government is that it is God who ordains it, leaders who are responsible for it, and citizens who are accountable to it. The privilege of being called Americans comes with significant responsibilities—to God, to each other, and to the world.
