Daily Devotional
Do You See Your Sin as God Does?
“Then Joseph said to his brothers, ‘I am Joseph; does my father still live?’ But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed in his presence. And Joseph said to his brothers, ‘Please come near to me.’ So they came near. Then he said: ‘I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.’”
Genesis 45:3-5
April 3, 2023
Ponder This
People are not saved until they see the sovereignty of God and recognize themselves as people who deserve judgment. There is no conversion without conviction. Sometimes people come forward to join churches like they’re doing God a favor, but they have never been terrified by their sin and realized the weight of their sin that nailed Jesus to the cross. I don’t think anyone has ever been saved until he or she has seen himself or herself as a Hell-deserving sinner. If you have little children, and you wonder if they are ready to be saved, I don’t think it’s good to berate them and say, “You’re a no good, unworthy sinner.” But the time will come when, through Bible teaching, they will come under a conviction of sin, and then they’re going to be ready for a Savior. Don’t just simply ask a little child, “Do you believe in Jesus?” Little children will believe whatever you tell them to believe. That’s not the point. Has that child understood sin in the sight of a righteous and holy God? If he or she has, then that child is ready for a Savior. The same is for adults—there must be conviction of sin before there is conversion.
- When did you realize the gravity of your sin? What was that like?
- What happens when we forget the weight of our sin? How does that affect our walk with Jesus?
Practice This
Reflect on the weight of your sin and take time to praise Jesus for your conversion.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
