Own It

I do not consider myself a wealthy guy. I do not own massive amounts of possessions. I am thankful to own my own home and the vehicles that I drive. I am thankful for the many blessings I’ve received over the years. I do not believe that joy comes from owning things. I do believe that there is a lot of joy that comes through giving and serving others. I also believe that there is joy and peace that comes from a life of integrity. I don’t believe that integrity is living a perfect life. I see it as owning my mistakes and seeking forgiveness. Owning my mistakes is another form of confession. I’ve always thought of confession as agreeing that I’ve harmed the other person and seeking forgiveness.

I am fully aware that I’m not perfect. Anyone who thinks I’m perfect just don’t know me like the Lord does. I’m continually confessing (owning) my sin before God. I have learned first-hand about His amazing GRACE and His MERCY. If I don’t own (confess) my sin, I won’t experience His Grace and Mercy.

The Lord welcomes me back to Himself much like He welcomes His people Israel as often written about in the Old Testament. Check this out….

 ¹² Therefore, go and give this message to Israel. This is what the Lordsays:

“O Israel, my faithless people,
    come home to me again,
for I am merciful.
    I will not be angry with you forever.
¹³ Only acknowledge your guilt.
    Admit that you rebelled against the Lord your God
and committed adultery against him
    by worshiping idols under every green tree.
Confess that you refused to listen to my voice.
    I, the Lord, have spoken!

¹⁴ “Return home, you wayward children,”
    says the Lord,
    “for I am your master.
I will bring you back to the land of Israel—
    one from this town and two from that family—
    from wherever you are scattered.
¹⁵ And I will give you shepherds after my own heart,
    who will guide you with knowledge and understanding.

²² “My wayward children,” says the Lord,
    “come back to me, and I will heal your wayward hearts.”

“Yes, we’re coming,” the people reply,
    “for you are the Lord our God. (Jeremiah 3:12-15,22 NLT)

It’s not easy to admit that I have a wayward heart. I can’t be critical of God’s people when I’ve  done the same thing yesterday and the day before. It is not easy to continuously seek His Heart. He is so patient with me as I walk this out. I don’t try to justify my sin or my behavior with the Lord. I’ve learned that if I own my sin, He is consistent and faithful to forgive me and restore my soul. I am so grateful for His amazing Grace, Patience, Mercy and indescribable love.

Pressing On!

Dwayne