Devotional For the Week 28 November 2005

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Devotional For the Week 28 November 2005

Come On Home

Scripture Text: Nehemiah 9: 29 – 39

Wrong Turns in Life

I was lost a few times in my life and how glad I was when a person showed me the right direction I needed to go, to get to my destination. Before the person can help me, I needed to admit that I was lost and open my mouth to ask for directions. Sometimes this in itself can be a humbling experience as many of us do not like to look stupid or do not like to admit that we are wrong. In the same way, in life a person may get lost by the wrong turns of life and needs to get back on the right track. I am indeed thankful and grateful that we have One whom we can turn to – the Almighty God.

In Nehemiah 9, although the Israelites knew that the physical walls had been built and completed, they then had to deal with the spiritual walls in their hearts. They knew the lost-state in their lives. God desired physical obedience; but more so, spiritual obedience in their lives. They gathered together, fasted, read the Word and acknowledged their sins and sought His forgiveness. Some may argue that since God knows everything then, why is there a need to confess to Him? The need arises because when we confess our sins, the focus is on us, the sinners. The confrontation of this sin sets us on a right relationship with our God.

Three things happen when we confess:-

We become AWARE of our wrongdoings and it turns us from the wrong direction to the right direction.
There is Humility in character when we confess. It lays our pride low and helps us ask for DIRECTION from
the One who can give it. (Neh 9:33).
It sets the stage for our first step towards life change and repentance. We can see that Nehemiah confessed
before God even before a single stone was laid (Neh 1:4, 6-7).

How to get back on the right track

Confession needs to be specific and not general. How do we confess?

Firstly, confession manifests itself in PRAYER. Prayer is talking to God – we need to tell him our wrongdoings.

Secondly, this prayer ends with ACTION – that is, we must put right what is wrong so that it ensures that our confession is practical and not just a sentiment.

Lastly, the action we commit to, will MIRROR God’s faithfulness in our life and give us FAITH to ask for all the help we need today.

As we see God’s faithfulness, our faith grows stronger and we know that no matter how big our sin may seem, God in His love and mercy is able to forgive us. No matter how many times we fall down, He is able to lift us up as we continue to trust Him.

Prayer response

Dear Lord, we thank you that we can come to you when we feel lost and do not know which way to turn. We know that when we confess our sins to You, You are faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. Your love and mercy endures forever. Amen

- Devotional based on message by Rev Joel Yong

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This Week's Devotional \| 2004 Devotionals \| 2005 Devotionals Devotional For the Week 28 November 2005 Come On Home *Scripture Text: Nehemiah 9: 29 – 39* Wrong Turns in Life I was lost a few times in my life and how glad I was when a person showed me the right direction I needed to go, to get to my destination. Before the person can help me, I needed to admit that I was lost and open my mouth to ask for directions. Sometimes this in itself can be a humbling experience as many of us do not like to look stupid or do not like to admit that we are wrong. In the same way, in life a person may get lost by the wrong turns of life and needs to get back on the right track. I am indeed thankful and grateful that we have One whom we can turn to – the Almighty God. In Nehemiah 9, although the Israelites knew that the physical walls had been built and completed, they then had to deal with the spiritual walls in their hearts. They knew the lost-state in their lives. God desired physical obedience; but more so, spiritual obedience in their lives. They gathered together, fasted, read the Word and acknowledged their sins and sought His forgiveness. Some may argue that since God knows everything then, why is there a need to confess to Him? The need arises because when we confess our sins, the focus is on us, the sinners. The confrontation of this sin sets us on a right relationship with our God. Three things happen when we confess:- We become AWARE of our wrongdoings and it turns us from the wrong direction to the right direction. There is Humility in character when we confess. It lays our pride low and helps us ask for DIRECTION from the One who can give it. (Neh 9:33). It sets the stage for our first step towards life change and repentance. We can see that Nehemiah confessed before God even before a single stone was laid (Neh 1:4, 6-7). How to get back on the right track Confession needs to be specific and not general. How do we confess? Firstly, confession manifests itself in PRAYER. Prayer is talking to God – we need to tell him our wrongdoings. Secondly, this prayer ends with ACTION – that is, we must put right what is wrong so that it ensures that our confession is practical and not just a sentiment. Lastly, the action we commit to, will MIRROR God’s faithfulness in our life and give us FAITH to ask for all the help we need today. As we see God’s faithfulness, our faith grows stronger and we know that no matter how big our sin may seem, God in His love and mercy is able to forgive us. No matter how many times we fall down, He is able to lift us up as we continue to trust Him. *Prayer response* Dear Lord, we thank you that we can come to you when we feel lost and do not know which way to turn. We know that when we confess our sins to You, You are faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. Your love and mercy endures forever. Amen *- Devotional based on message by Rev Joel Yong*
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