February 9-15, 2025
Confession is a gift that fosters right relationship with God and others. It is not denominational, it is transformational. God already knows our sin but it is important that we also see and agree with God about our destructive behaviors, thoughts and ideas. Over the next few weeks, we will look at self-awareness, surrender, acknowledge, and authentic connection as avenues to support regular confession to God and others as appropriate.
This week's Bible reading: 1 John 1:5-10
Focus Theme: Confession
Focus Topic: Surrender the hidden
Focus Verse: “but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7).”
Day 1: Hidden fears. As you intentionally practice silence ( as little as 5 min), ask God to show you any suppressed fears. Write it/them down if you have a chance. Hold those fears up to God and surrender them to His rule. Ask Him to increase your faith in that area. Confess the error in holding those fears back from Him.
Day 2: Self-sufficiency. As you get in quiet, ask God to show you ways in which you conduct yourself apart from Him in a self-sufficient manner. Confess the wrong thoughts and choices that keep you from relying on the Holy Spirit’s rule. Choose to surrender whatever comes to mind. He will help you.
Day 3: Shame. What do you keep in the dark due to shame? Speak it out loud. Then, write it on a piece of paper, an index card even. Place pretty stickers or images on top of your writing. Lastly, written or typed on a separate piece of paper redeem it with scripture (like Romans 8:1 or Revelation 12:11) by gluing a verse on top as a focal point.
Day 4: Guilt. If you feel that you have committed a wrong or offense but have not confessed it to God or harmed person, choose to do so today. Talk to God about the situation (s). Confess where you went wrong. Ask for forgiveness. If He is asking you to confess to the wronged party take steps to do so.
Day 5: Control. Not many of us escape the tendency to control aspects of our lives. Do you find yourself: gaslighting, guilt-tripping, isolating, criticizing, blaming, over structured, manipulating, etc.? Maybe you don’t see it, ask a trusted friend/family member? Ask God to reveal those tendencies. Confess whatever is discovered. If you need to apologize to someone choose to do so.
Note: Confession is not a one and done. Confession should be a regular and an intentional part of our spiritual formation.
Prayer Prompts and Bible Readings are provided by Michele Bowden and Lisa Brass, Coaches and Digital Missioners with Visual Faith™ Ministry. Find them on our Creative Devotion page, on Instagram @victoryinart and @aworthylif, and on the web at victoryinart.com.