The Next Generation

Written By: Pastor Kelly

Have you ever had a Cookie Monster cupcake? A nice big vanilla cupcake with whipped cream icing, blue sprinkles, and two giant eyeballs. It’s been years since I saw one of these at a bakery, but just last month, I walked into a diner and started crying at the sight of this sugar-loaded dessert. To most people, this would be just a cute way to decorate a cupcake. For me, it brought back memories of my PopPop taking me (one of just a few…32 grandchildren) out for a treat. He’s been gone for over 30 years now, but the sight of that cupcake reminded me of the amount of love he had for me. As I shared this story with my children, I knew they would have no way of knowing my grandfather, who he was, or how he made me feel loved and special amongst a gaggle of grandkids. 

When reading Psalm 78, I’m reminded of the urgency of sharing the Gospel with the next generation. The Psalmist says, “We will not conceal them from their children, But tell the generation to come to the praises of the LORD, And His strength and His wondrous works that He has done.’  No, that verse is not about memories of a long-gone relative. It’s about knowing who God is, what He has done, and what He will do! While the memories of cupcakes at the bakery were important to me, the message we are called to pass on is important for everyone in the next generation. 

Today, take a moment to reflect on what God has done in your life. To shine the light on your testimony so that you can share with the next generation the amazing promises that God has given to you. Then, take a step of faith and share it. The responsibility is on us to ensure that this generation sees us praise God for His wondrous works (and sweet memories that show how we are loved)!

Revival

Written by: Pastor Chris

”…and My people who bear My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.”

—2 Chronicles 7:14 (CSB)

God’s promises are always “yes” and “amen” according to Scripture (2 Corinthians 1:20). Yet, as we see in this passage, some of His promises are contingent upon our faithfulness and obedience.

I remember, as a young teenager, going on my first missions trip to Kalamazoo, MI. It was a week-long trip with my youth pastor and youth group, ministering in the inner city on the other side of the state. We served countless meals, led sidewalk Sunday schools, cleaned up yards, and ended the week by hosting a massive block party for thousands of people.

That week opened my eyes to the deep spiritual need within our country for God’s intervention. Fast forward 21 years, and now all it takes is stepping outside your door or driving a few blocks to see how desperately our world still needs God to move.

Each week, I head to a local coffee shop to write my sermons. Why?

• To focus. I step away from the office and its countless distractions to give my full attention to the task at hand.

• To be reminded. Sitting in the coffee shop, surrounded by people from all walks of life, I’m reminded of the brokenness in our world and how much we need God’s intervention.

There are so many lost and hurting people around us every day. We need God to step in.

We need revival.

How Does Revival Happen?

2 Chronicles 7:14 gives us a clear mandate for experiencing revival in our land:

1. Humble Ourselves

We must daily remind ourselves that we are not enough on our own. Revival cannot happen without God. We must prioritize His Kingdom above our wants and needs. For Him to increase, we must decrease.

2. Pray

Revival must be bathed in prayer. Prayer for our city, our community, and our neighbors must become a lifestyle. If prayer isn’t our means of gaining the Father’s attention, we’re missing the mark. Revival begins when we make it a matter of consistent, fervent prayer.

3. Seek His Face

We must intentionally prioritize time to pursue God’s presence. Through the work of the cross, we have access to the very presence of God. When we seek Him, we gain clarity on His plans and discern where His Spirit is moving. Revival comes when we seek His face above all else.

4. Turn From Our Evil Ways

Finally, we must repent and turn away from sin—not just in word but in action. Revival requires consecration. We must die to ourselves, reject our sinful desires, and choose to desire the things of God. Only He can revive what is dead, but He requires that we surrender our lives to Him fully.

Revival doesn’t come from programs, events, or good intentions. It comes when God’s people humble themselves, pray, seek His presence, and turn from sin. Let’s commit to these steps and cry out for God to heal our land. We need Him to move.

Reaching Out!

Written by: Pastor Kristen

A few years ago at KidsFest, our annual Easter Egg Hunt & community outreach extraordinaire, my parents were visiting us. They had come up from Florida to join the fun & for some much needed family time. 

Like anyone else standing within ten feet of church property, they were roped into stuffing Easter eggs for the event. We sat around our dining room table catching up on family news while packing sugar bombs into brightly colored plastic shells. 

The event came and went in a flurry of bubbles, puppet shows, and pony rides; and after we were home that day, my dad made a confession to me. With a wry smile and a twinkle in his eye, he told me that while we were stuffing eggs, there was one golden egg. Among the pastel pinks, greens, and blues, this egg stood out like a glimmering jewel. He couldn’t put any old ordinary piece of candy inside this fancy egg, so he had pulled a twenty dollar bill out of his wallet and stuffed it into that golden egg. That’s right, that year someone went home from KidsFest $20 richer!

The next morning at church, there were several new guests. An unfamiliar young mom and son caught my eye, so I introduced myself and asked them my typical introductory question of, “How are you connected to Grace?” The pair exchanged smirks and she explained, “Well, we were at the Easter Egg Hunt yesterday. My son picked up this golden egg, and you wouldn’t believe it, but there was twenty bucks inside! I figured we better come check this place out.”

Imagine my shock that my dad’s unconventional evangelism technique had worked! That $20 egg had made such an impression that it brought them back to church Sunday morning. After a good laugh, I learned that this family was from out-of-town, visiting local friends, but that they had enjoyed their short, prize-winning weekend at Grace Assembly. 

Now, I’m sure some church would hear this story and drastically increase their Easter-egg hunt budget to accommodate $20 inside every egg. 

Can you imagine the turnout? 

Can you imagine the headlines?

“Bunny's Got Bucks: Join the Easter Egg Hunt for Holy Paydays!"

Thankfully, Jesus gives us something much better than sweet tarts and $20 bills to share with the world. 

In Matthew 5, Jesus says, “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” -‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬-‭16‬ ‭CSB‬‬

You heard that right- Jesus gave us His light to shine before the world so that they might also follow Him!

It’s easy to think about being the “light of the world,” as a bright, glimmering gift. And, it is! The light of Christ repels spiritual darkness, leads believers as we journey through life, reveals Truth, and leads us toward eternal life. However, this special gift imparted by Jesus himself is for us to both receive and give. It is a gift, and a responsibility. If we don’t shine the light of Christ in our community, who will? 

As we ask the Lord for His hand of blessing in our work to reach our community, both individually and corporately, it’s essential that we position our lights for maximum reach:

Shine brighter- When we reflect Christ, it draws the attention of the world. Not everyone will embrace you as you illuminate the darkness, and the temptation may come to tone down the light of Christ shining through you. Resist the urge to put that beautiful light under a basket; be bold and confident in pointing others to Jesus. 

Shine higher- Instead of putting your light under a basket, scripture says we should put it on a lamp stand to give light to all in the house. A higher light has a broader reach. Ask the Lord how you can raise your light higher so that more may see your good works and give glory to God. 

Shine clearly- Our world is walking is darkness. If we mirror this same darkness in our Christian walk, then we have nothing to show the world. Be set apart, so that your light is not unclear. 

Jesus has made our responsibility clear: you are the light of the world. We travel to Heaven, not under the cover of night, but with the light of Christ shining brightly so that everyone around us might see it, no $20 bill needed. 

Unity in the Church Part 2

Written by: Dr. Malcolm Brubaker

THE UNITY OF THE CHURCH

Early Christians used an analogy for the theological unity of the Church – the seamless garment of Christ (John 19:23-24). The Roman soldiers did not divide it but cast lots for it. This analogy emphasized the theological unity that ties all believers. The apostle Paul wrote, “ 3 Makeevery effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4).

We can apply this emphasis on several levels. At a global level, all believers in the

Christian faith should recognize that the blood of Christ erases differences whether cultural, political, or racial. We are all brothers and sisters in the family of God; thus, we pray and support world Christians experiencing persecution or natural disaster. We understand that there is much to forgive from past divisions in church history that led to so much “branches” of churches today. But we embrace as “family” those who hold to the essentials of Christian faith outlined in the Ephesians passage above.

At the local level, we strive to model the same truth in practical ways that we strive to

hold in theological unity. Often it is little things that act as corrosive agents to church unity: style or level of music; decisions of church décor; perceived or actual snubbing from other members; disagreements over church decisions; etc. Again the apostle Paul gives us the solution, “ 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace” (Colossians 3).

May we not tear the “seamless garment” of Christ but work for Christian unity each day!

May we remember the message of the song sung at the height of the Charismatic movement, “We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord.” Amen!

Unity in the Church

Written By: Ps. Chris

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:3

Unity is not just a suggestion from the Apostle Paul, it’s a command. A command is to be followed in order for us to fulfill God’s desired plan for his church and for us, His people! In Eph. 4:3 Paul urges believers to make every effort for unity through the Spirit of God and to protect it, to guard it with peace. Unity is not uniformity; it’s a shared commitment to Christ that transcends differences in personality, background, and opinion.

We could use more unity in our world today! May the church and its members be the solution that we seek!

The church is often compared in scripture with the body, with each part working together for the good of the whole. When your knee is injured, the rest of your body feels that injury too, and responds accordingly. when there is disunity among believers it can hinder the church’s mission and testimony to the world and community around it. Jesus prayed for unity in John 17:21, asking God to make us one, so the world would believe He was sent from God. Unity is not only vital for the church but also a power witness to what God can do amid imperfect and different people.

As we ask God for unity today in his church may we first start with ourselves. Is there any pride, bitterness, envy, or unforgiveness we need to allow the Lord to take? Pray for God to give you humility and a heart to seek peace. Then begin to pray for the church family. Ask God to strengthen relationships, resolve conflicts, and align everyone with His vision.

Unity is passive it requires work and attention on our part. We must commit to loving sacrificially, forgiving quickly, and speaking the truth in love. When we do, the church becomes a powerful example of God’s grace, drawing others to His kingdom.

Lord, today we look to you to help us to keep unity in your church through the bond of peace. May we not make it about us, but always focus on you. Amen.

Praying for Family and Loved Ones

Scripture: “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” - Joshua 24:15

One of the greatest joys and responsibilities we have as followers of Christ is to intercede for our family and loved ones. In Joshua 24:15, Joshua boldly declares his family’s commitment to serve the Lord. While we cannot make decisions of faith for others, we can faithfully lift them in prayer, trusting God to work in their hearts.

Intercession is powerful because it aligns us with God’s heart and purposes. When we pray for our family members, we are inviting God’s presence, wisdom, and love into their lives. Some may not yet know Christ, others may be struggling in their faith, and still others may need encouragement in their spiritual journey. Whatever their situation, our prayers matter.

Consider Job, who regularly offered sacrifices for his children, saying, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts” (Job 1:5). His devotion reflects the care we should have for the spiritual well-being of our loved ones.

As you pray, ask God to draw them closer to Him, to heal broken relationships, and to provide strength for their challenges. Be specific in your prayers—name their struggles, fears, and dreams before God. Trust that He hears you and is faithful to answer according to His perfect will.

Your prayers may not bring instant results, but persistence in prayer demonstrates faith. Galatians 6:9 encourages us, “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Today, take time to pray for your family. Commit their lives to God and ask Him to guide them to a deeper relationship with Him. Trust that the same God who saved you will also work in the lives of those you love.

Written By: Ps. Chris

Surrendering Our Plans

Written By: Pastor Chris

Surrendering Our Plans
Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Our natural desire is to plan, even if you’re like me and not a planner. We draft goals, dream dreams, and chart courses toward success. While planning is wise and necessary, there’s a deeper truth we must acknowledge: our plans are limited, but God’s wisdom isn’t. Proverbs 3:5-6 calls us to surrender our plans to the Lord, trusting Him to guide us in the way we should go.

Surrendering our plans begins with trust. The verse says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart." This trust isn’t partial or conditional; it’s wholehearted reliance on God’s character and promises. To trust God fully, we must acknowledge that He sees what we cannot. He knows every outcome and has a plan that is good, even when it doesn’t align with our expectations or hopes.

The next step is humility. We’re told to "lean not on [our] own understanding." How often do we rely on our logic, experience, or feelings to make decisions? While God has given us wisdom, our understanding is limited and often clouded by fear or pride. True surrender means laying down our desire for control and seeking God’s perspective through prayer and His Word.

“In all your ways submit to him,” the verse continues. This submission isn’t just for the big life decisions—it’s a daily posture of surrendering our choices, relationships, and dreams to God. When we hold our plans loosely and invite Him into every detail, we create space for His will to unfold.

Finally, the promise: “He will make your paths straight.” This doesn’t mean life will be free from challenges, but it assures us of God’s direction. He will lead us in paths that align with His perfect will, giving us peace and purpose along the journey.

Jesus modeled this kind of surrender when He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). His example teaches us that surrender is not a sign of weakness but of strength rooted in faith.

As we commit our ways to the Lord, we may not always see the full picture, but we can trust the One who does. His plans are higher, His timing is perfect, and His guidance never fails. May we surrender with confidence, knowing that God’s path always leads to life.

Faith Over Feelings

Faith over Feelings

2 Corinthians 5:7 Walking by faith and not by sight, trusting in God’s promises over emotions.

In today’s world, we can so easily be tricked into believing what we are experiencing in the physical is the big and final picture. The world has placed books, podcasts, and teachings everywhere to help one translate emotions to equal truth. But the bible tells us otherwise. To base our truth not on just what we see, feel, or hear in the physical, but rather let’s take those circumstances and not stop there but take God’s truth and let that determine how we will walk through this season all while having our faith at the forefront. Not only does that bring honor and glory to God but it allows the weight of having to carry that burden off of our shoulders. 

Let us pray - Father God we thank you for your son Jesus who came and died for all of man’s sins. Lord cleanse us from all iniquity. Father, we just pray Lord that you may help us set our eyes and hearts on you. That we may have faith over feelings. When moments arise and seem like a blearing voice in our ears help us to tone into your whisper that calms the storms. Help us to set our truth according to your truth and not based just on our physical experiences it is in your precious son‘s name we pray amen. 

Written By: John Torres

Overcoming Fear & Anxiety

Scripture Passage: Philippians 4:6-7 

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Reflection

The simple command given by Paul to the Church in Philippi, “do not be anxious” can be transformed into something complex when we try to follow it. What starts as straightforward guidance becomes an intricate road map that leads us nowhere. But why do we forget such a simple command when anxiety takes hold? 

When we feel anxious, it’s not that we’ve forgotten we shouldn’t be anxious—it’s that we’ve lost sight of the fact that God is our ultimate source of peace. Isaiah calls Him the “Prince of Peace,” a title that reminds us of His power against anxiety.

Anxiety is something we all experience at different points in life. It can stem from marital conflict, job stress, financial troubles, parenting challenges, or simply living in a broken world. But when fear and anxiety creep into your life, where do you turn? Do you rely on your own accord, or do you lean on the peace that surpasses all understanding—the peace the world cannot give and only God can?

Application

God, thank You for being my peace in the midst of life’s storms. Time and time again, You have shown up when no one else has. God, I pray that you release the anxieties and fears that weigh me down and help me to continue living in Your peace and presence. 

Written By: Tyler Logan

Identity In Christ

Identity In Christ

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

2 Corinthians 5:17

The old has gone, the new is here!

We are a new creation in Christ!  That is the exciting and wonderful truth of being a follower of Christ.  We are no longer identified by our shortcomings, failures, and sin.  But to the God of the universe, we are chosen heirs to His Kingdom.

Whether this passage is memorized or we are reading it for the first time, it can be difficult to wrap our minds around the implications and application of these words.  

We are dead to sin

“In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.”

Romans 6:11

We are exposed to sin and its effects everywhere we go.  We all have sinned, and been sinned against (Romans 3:23).  Sin distorts our identity in Christ by allowing the enemy to plant foundational lies in our minds.  This can be from believing what others say about us, or conclusions we draw from our own shortcomings.  Things like:

• I’m not good enough

• I’m a burden on those around me

• My opinion doesn’t matter

• I will always lose

• I am ugly - Inside and Out

• I must be perfect  

• I am on my own (It’s up to me to fix…)

Once these lies take hold, they are reinforced by circumstances or people in our lives.  The more we agree with these lies, the more power they have over us.  The good news is that we don’t have to continue agreeing with lies.  We are a new creation in Christ!  We have the power to break the bondage of sin.  We can repent (turn away) from the false identities the enemy and the world put on us.

1. Confess - Acknowledge that we believe lies and the power they have over us.

2. Repent - Turn away from those lies and put those old identities at the foot of the cross.

3. Forgive - Forgive those who gave us false identity and forgive ourselves for believing the lies.

4. Replace - Replace the lies with the truth; our new identity in Christ.

Application:  Reflect on lies you may have believed and take them to the Lord.

New Creation

New identity only comes from the Lord.  As we walk as Christians, doing our best to emulate Christ, the Lord imparts identity.  Here is a list of a few ways identity could be received:

• Scripture - What does God’s word say about our identity?  (2 Timothy 1:17, Romans 8:37, and Joshua 1:9 are a few of my favorites)

• Listening Prayers  - Slowing down, listening to the Lord to speak.

• Prophecy (Properly tested against scripture) - Let trusted friends and spiritual leaders speak into your situation while testing against scripture.

Prayer:

Lord, we pray that you impart your identity on us today so that we may be able to shed the lies we believe about ourselves and have the courage to step into the identity and purpose you have for us in this life.  We glorify and exalt You in all things.  Amen.

Written By: Dave Ergott

Repentance and Forgiveness

Repentance and Forgiveness

1 John 1:9 - “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

When I was in fourth grade, my ten-year-old self decided it was a good idea to attempt to cheat on a test. I remember strategically placing my schoolbook on my lap as I proceeded to write down the correct answers. I thought I was going to get caught. My hand was shaking as I was writing – knowing I was wrong, but I kept going. To my surprise, I didn’t get caught, and I walked out of school that Friday without giving it a second thought. However, at the next chapel service, our speaker talked about hidden sins and how we feel the guilt of our actions. I am sure you can piece together the events that took place after this moment. The feeling of guilt came over me like a flood. Right after that service, I shared with a friend what I had done, and she came with me to confess to the teacher. 

Now this may be a small and somewhat silly example of confessing our sins, but it is important for us to understand what confession means for us. Our passage for today says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). 

The harsh reality is that sin is present in every one of our lives. To confess and repent of our sins is not an easy task by any means. To repent means to turn away from our old ways and turn towards Christ – it is a shift in behavior. As scripture encourages, we should also confess our sins to one another (James 5:16)– this can provide both support and accountability as we are turning back towards Christ. When we confess and repent of our sins, we find true and complete cleansing that comes from Christ alone. We are forgiven not because we deserve it, but because Jesus took our punishment and paid the price for our sin – we are cleansed by His blood! 

The Lord has forgiven us for the sins we have committed, so what does this mean for us as we forgive others?  

Forgiving someone of their wrong towards us or our family can be one of the most challenging decisions we make in our lives. Forgiving someone is a journey, and in some cases, not extending forgiveness can seem like the easier thing to do. However, unforgiveness can produce bitterness, anxiousness, and cause you to feel “stuck” in the past. Yet through our forgiveness of others, God takes the weight that the circumstance caused us to carry and begins to heal us. (Please know that I am not suggesting reconciliation of hurtful, broken, or abusive relationships.)

At times, we fail to realize how much we have been forgiven of until we must make the decision to forgive others. 

The gifts of repentance and forgiveness ultimately lead to a life of freedom and peace in Christ. As we continue in this journey of Prayer and Fasting, I encourage you to reflect on the following questions and prayer points as you walk throughout your day. 

Reflection Questions/Prayer Points:

- Acknowledge Sin

o Are there sins that I need to confess and repent of?

o Ask for Forgiveness

o Is there a safe person in my life I can confess to who will keep me accountable? 

- Is there anyone you need to extend forgiveness to? 

o What steps can I take to forgive? ​

 Written By: Christina Standford

Hunger and Thirst

Developing a Deep Thirst for the Presence of God
Scripture: Psalm 42:1-2 (NIV)
"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?"

Thirst is a powerful sensation, a signal from the body that something vital is missing. In Psalm 42, the psalmist vividly compares his longing for God to a deer panting for streams of water. This image conveys both urgency and dependence—a life-giving need that only God can fulfill.

Our world offers countless "streams" that claim to quench the thirst of our souls. Success, relationships, entertainment, and even good works can promise satisfaction, but none of them can truly sustain us. These things may bring temporary relief, but like drinking saltwater, they ultimately leave us more parched. The psalmist's cry challenges us to evaluate the source of our satisfaction. Are we seeking God’s presence, or are we settling for substitutes?

Developing a deep thirst for God begins with acknowledging our need for Him. Just as a deer instinctively knows it cannot survive without water, we must recognize that apart from God, our souls remain dry and weary. In John 4:14, Jesus tells the Samaritan woman, "Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." Jesus Himself is the living water that satisfies our deepest needs.

To cultivate this thirst, we must intentionally prioritize time with God. The psalmist asks, "When can I go and meet with God?" This question reveals a heart that desires uninterrupted communion with the Creator. In the same way, we can make space in our daily lives for prayer, worship, and the study of God’s Word. These practices are not tasks to check off a list but lifelines to the One who fills us with His presence.

Finally, true satisfaction comes from surrendering to God’s purpose and trusting in His goodness. When we anchor our lives in Him, we find a joy that transcends circumstances. Psalm 16:11 reminds us, "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."

Let us, like the psalmist, develop a thirst for God that draws us deeper into His presence and sustains us with His all-sufficient grace.

Confession is Good for the Soul

Written by: Sheryl Light

Here are three statements about me: I played the clarinet in the Macy’s Day Parade, I went to

Japan alone without directions on how to get to my hotel, I have driven a hearse to NY more than

once. The game is called Two Truths and a Lie. You have to guess which one is a LIE!

This game is usually a hit with a group of friends… It may not surprise you that the American

Psychological Association noted that Americans in 2012 averaged about 11 lies per week. The

The “Science of Honesty” study continues by saying that telling the truth when tempted to lie can

significantly improve a person’s mental and physical health.

Jesus knew much earlier than in the “Science of Honesty” study that having a clean heart and

confessing our sins was “good for the soul.” In 2 Samuel 11 & 12, it took King David a little

over a year to come clean about his affair with Bathsheba, and that was after he had to be

confronted by the Prophet Nathan!

“Give us this day our daily bread. and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” In the

model from Jesus on HOW to pray, Matthew 6:9-13, he tells us daily to bring our confessions to

the Lord. We don’t have to wait a year; we don’t have to wait until someone catches us. When

the Holy Spirit reminds you, and HE WILL. Through Jesus’ death on the cross, we have direct

access to ask for forgiveness.

Similar to us, King David made some poor choices, his response in Psalm 51:10: “Create in Me a

clean heart, Oh God, and renew a right spirit within me.” King David repented, changed his mind

, and he asked for renewal and restoration.

As we begin this year of prayer and fasting, practicing a moment of confession in your prayer

time may be a new idea for you… or it could be something you regularly do. By recognizing

and receiving forgiveness of sins, we are free of the shackles of the sin we have just confessed so

that we can come to Jesus with OPEN hands, ready for what he has for us. By the way, friends,

no confession can surprise Him. He welcomes you.

Were you wondering about my LIE? I unfortunately never marched in the Macy’s Day parade…

But it is still a bucket list!

Let us march in victory in 2025 as we allow God the Potter to create in us a masterpiece that will

withstand the heavy burdens we have to carry.

Lord, Jesus, I thank you that my sins are as far as the East is from the West. Today, I confess I

am a sinner in need of a savior. I will give you the twisted ideas and selfish attitudes that I have

come up with. Thank you, God, that your light shines in the dark. May your glory be seen in my

life. May I remember that the real power comes from God and not from me? Use me and make

me more like you. AMEN

1. American Psychological Association :

https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2012/08/lying-less.