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.