While conducting a revival service in Flint,
Michigan several years ago, I gave an
opportunity for confession of sin. A
woman, who had not been attending the
meetings, quickly spoke. Desiring to set
a good example, she confessed to laziness.
I felt that this might explain her indifference,
but I did not believe laziness was her
problem. I felt that this was not the sin
that needed to be confessed because she
took such obvious joy in her confession. I
felt a need to pray for her. I prayed that
God would convince her of hypocrisy and
lead her to make a true confession. Two
nights later, at the close of the service, out
of a truly contrite heart, she confessed that
she had disliked the pastor’s wife for eight
years.
God withholds His presence and power from
His own children until sin is confessed. Have
you been praying for the fullness of the Spirit
while all the time there has been continued
indulgence of known sin? Even King David
had to cry out, “Search me, oh Lord, and see
if there be any wicked way in me.” Psalm
139:23-24
If you are living with a grieved or quenched
spirit, you cannot be filled. To be filled, one
must be cleansed. Be honest with God,
Confess your need.
Father, we confess our sins against one
another and against the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants anymore, because a servant doesn’t know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from my Father. John 15:13-15 CSB