March 30th - Final Exam

“Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1)

This is our last opportunity to examine our hearts before going into battle. If you have not turned from that sin He has been convicting you of, do it now. Before it’s too late. NOW. Right now.

We are not talking here about being sinless or perfect; none of us can be. But what we are dealing with is the attitude of our hearts. If we knowingly and rebelliously continue in sin, unwilling to fully repent and fully release it, then we would be well advised to lay down our weapons, step aside and not participate in this battle before us.

Let’s face it. Your prayers will be hindered by your willful sin. Your sword won’t be effective either if you are unwilling to allow your sword to— His Word — to cut that sin out of your own life. You won’t be able to expertly wield your weapons of warfare. You will be a laughing stock to our enemy. You risk being exposed for the hypocrite you are. You’d best excuse yourself before you are discovered and face expulsion.

Either choose a side, or step aside. We cannot fight with our whole heart if we have a divided heart. So let’s get completely and fully right with God right now, or step aside.

Let’s come before Almighty God, in humble submission to His kingship in our lives. Let’s lay everything on the altar of sacrifice, and ask Him to reveal and strip away anything that may hinder our effectiveness in the battle ahead.

Today’s Action:

Let’s read Proverbs 30 together. Let’s allow ourselves to be filled with awe at the power of our Creator Commander, and submit ourselves to His fitting us for battle, even if that includes stripping away that easily ensnaring “secret” sin.

“There are those who are clean in their own eyes but are not washed of their filth.” (Proverbs 30:12) ESV