Today, we continue our devotions from the book “Time with God for Fathers,” by Jack Countryman.  Our focus is on confession and the equal importance of praise.

CONFESSION OF SIN IS NOT EASY; Proverbs 15:29-33:

29 The Lord is far from the wicked,
but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

30 Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart,
and good news gives health to the bones.

31 Whoever heeds life-giving correction
will be at home among the wise.

32 Those who disregard discipline despise themselves,
but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.

33 Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord,
and humility comes before honor.

A father’s pride and ego is like a wall that separates him from the will of God; and that wall is not easily broken down.

When you believe you are self-sufficient and don’t need to answer to anyone, Satan will have his way in your life. When you become self-absorbed and listen to no one, there is no room for God to come in and change you for his glory.

The Bible clearly says in 1 John 1:9, “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Don’t let anything interfere with your confession. Let go of your ego and pride. God wants to restore you to his family today. His grace is sufficient and nothing can take that away. Praise God!

THE JOY OF PRAISING THE LORD; Psalm 145: 1-4

1 I will exalt you, my God the King;
I will praise your name for ever and ever.
2 Every day I will praise you
and extol your name for ever and ever.

3 Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.
4 One generation commends your works to another;
they tell of your mighty acts.

Life has a bunch of twists and turns. Sometimes it takes us down unexpected and difficult roads. So, sometimes it can actually feel strange to praise the Lord in those moments.

Still, He seeks your praise in all things; whether they appear good to us or not. Remember that God is good and always gives ample reason to praise him.

God’s overriding purpose for your life is to glorify him and He will use any means to accomplish that. Ask him to open your heart so that you will see life’s circumstances as he does. Psalm 146:2 says, “While I live, I will praise the Lord. I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.”

Despite how you may feel, praise can flow from you like a fountain beginning right now.

Thanks for listening!
– Joe and Todd