Matthew 3:1-6
In those days, John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven is near!” Yes, this is he of whom this was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: A voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Prepare the way of the Lord. Make his paths straight.” John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem, all of Judea, and all the region around the Jordan were going out to him. They were baptized by him in the Jordan River as they confessed their sins.
Dear Heavenly Father,
You are concerned about what is in our hearts. John’s message was that of repentance in preparation for your coming kingdom. Thank you for allowing us to come before you; please hear our confession for all the sins which have twisted our paths. Forgive us for not loving you as we should and for the unloving things we have thought, said, and done to others. Forgive us for not loving our enemies. We lay all our sins before you and ask for Jesus’ forgiveness. Renew our hearts, and change them into hearts of love.
Lord, we humbly come before you for your Son’s sake. Because Jesus carried out salvation’s plan, he came to this earth and lived perfectly—Jesus never sinned. He then credits us with his righteousness so that you see Jesus’ perfection covering whoever believes in Him. Jesus removed our sins, going to the cross and suffering the world’s punishment for every sin. Even though Jesus had not sinned, he suffered in our place, taking every sin into himself; he became sin for us, then suffered our punishment. Jesus gave up his life to defeat death for us. For everyone who believes in Jesus, their sins are removed, and they will never face eternal death. What a gift you have given us, so we thank you for restoring us to you.
Lord, you know the heart, so please send to us those who are broken and twisted, suffering in their sins, so that we can share with them the good news of your forgiveness, that they will trust in you and have faith in their Savior. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
What is on the inside is what matters. We are all similar that we must deal with sin. So how do you deal with it? You can cover it up in some image or lay all sins at Jesus’ feet and ask him to forgive you; then, with a changed heart, you reflect Jesus’ love.