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Daily Share-a-Prayer w/e 30/03/2025
Derek Mill
Worship Leader, All Saints Church, Belton
Tuesday 25th March
Heavenly Father, I had a thought cross my mind while Jane and I were praying yesterday. I wondered how many people hold on to their guilty feelings because it makes them feel better about themselves?
This may seem like a strange thing to think, but I wondered if we think we can somehow pay for our sins by feeling guilty? After all, guilt can be a recognition that I am doing something wrong. It shows I am conscious of my conscience; a conscience given us by You to make us aware of right and wrong. But simply being aware doesn't cleanse me of my guilt
I heard many years ago that if I feel condemned it is not You, it is the enemy. If I feel convicted it will be You. What is the end point of the conviction that comes from You? Returning to the Lord! I will know it is conviction when it brings me back to You. I will know it is condemnation when it leads me away from You
I must remember Your Word to us: "Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus". My thoughts ran on: what would be even worse, no guilty feelings? If I feel no guilt or shame at any point wouldn't that be worse than feeling some sense of having done something wrong, at least caring about it?
Your Word warns us: "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron". You convict us because You want better for us than self-destructive sins that stop us flourishing and thriving
There's one reason we should leave our sins: You are better! Because fellowship with Jesus is more wonderful, more glorious, than the pleasures of sin and it leads us back to the One who loves us and transforms us day after day. Thank You Lord, for showing such love
Amen
Songs for today:
Lamb of God
I still believe
Come to Me
Monday 24th March
Heavenly Father, yesterday I gave thanks for You being the God of the second chance. You are well aware of our weaknesses and that the enemy will always be trying to lead us astray; more than that, he wants to destroy us
Your Word tells us that You provide for us in the temptations we feel: "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it"
I mentioned yesterday how You met with Saul and David and provided a way out. You did the same for Joseph, whose arrogance caused his brothers to sell him into slavery; in Egypt he eventually became second only to Pharaoh and thus his family's Saviour. In the parable of the Prodigal Son, You provided a way home. On the seashore You met with Simon Peter and offered him his second chance after he had denied You three times
Pride could have stopped any of these men from turning back to you. Our attitude can easily be: "I've made my bed and I'll lie in it. It's my mess and I'll sort it!" But, You are always with us, and come into the mess to help us, showing us the way out. A writer known as Ecclesiasticus wrote "Run away from sin like you would from a snake: If you go near it, it will bite you. Its teeth are lion’s teeth, destroying a person’s life"
Help me Lord to do as Your Word instructs: "Flee from evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart". May I go through Jesus, the Gate for the sheep, the Way out You have opened up for me
Amen
Songs for today:
Bring me back
Jesus Messiah
Through the storm I stand
Holy, Holy, Holy
Trust in God
all songs (usually with lyrics) and talks courtesy of YouTube
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