Good judgment wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction.

Proverbs 13
Holy Spirit Relationship

Good judgment wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction. v15

We don't realize that we tell and live lies all the time...and one of the most deceitful lies we can tell is the rationalization of sin...we either think or say that it is OK.  It's not...we need to be "cut to the heart" as they were in Acts 2 when Peter spoke after the Holy Spirit appeared at Pentecost.  

Proverbs 13:1 is critical here in my view:  

"A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes."  

This verse underscores how important it is to heed the father's advice and for me it's about Jesus, my Heavenly Father.  I can only have good judgement when I heed and take to heart Jesus' teachings for me.  I must understand, apply and obey His teachings...only in this way can I live true as the devotional encourages us to do.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what a great God You are that You provide Your Holy Spirit, Your Word, Lisa, my family, my church, my brothers and sisters in Christ, etc. all to help guide and teach me in Your Word.  What blessings!  Thank You Jesus.  I am lost without You and all of the help and support I get from You.  I need You in my life.  Forgive me for not being all of the man You intend for me as a husband, father, worker, son, etc.  Help me turn from my laziness towards You.  Help me be the man You intend for me in all roles.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of her cancer.  Please heal her of the side effects of chemo and radiation...quickly!  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message today and every day.

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

1 John 1

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. v8-10

John, like Peter does, spends much of his energy warning us about false teachers and teachings (see also commentary here).  We must not be deceived, and on this topic John warns us even further that we must not make false claims about our righteousness and our holiness.

... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God....Romans 3:23

We all need Christ to cleanse us of our sins, as He CAN, and He WILL.  We of course must truly repent and turn from our sins towards Christ and renew our minds (Romans 12:2).

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what a great God You are, You suffered and died for me, so that I would not be slave to my sins and so that I would have eternity in Heaven with You.  You did this knowing everything about me, including my sin.  You continue to forgive me when I come to You and You protect, encourage, guide, provide, etc.  How awesome You are!  Thank You Jesus for coming into my heart and my life.  I need You desperately.  Please forgive me for my lack of action.  Help me serve others as if serving You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength.  Please heal and cure her of this cancer.  Help her rid herself of the chemo side effects and be protected from harsh side effects from radiation.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.