We confess this morning that we have fallen short of your perfect holiness and that we have sinned against you, Lord. We confess that our desires, that our emotions, that our doubts, that temptation, that the distractions of this dark world have led us astray from the perfect, narrow path by your side to fall into sin in our thoughts, words, actions, and disobedience. Lord, we repent from our own willful and prideful disobedience to surrender to your will and your way. We know that your forgiveness is available, and that your Blood on the Cross is sufficient to wash us clean from all unrighteousness. We know that this forgiveness is not there so that we could just continue in our own wicked ways, but so that we will be convicted in our hearts by your Word, by your holiness, by your grace and mercy towards us — so that we will gratefully and wisely and humbly follow you along the narrow path. Lord, give us your strength, write your lessons upon our hearts, place your armor of light upon us to protect us and guide us through what the days have to bring. Remind us that the time draws short and that we have a purpose and a calling today and now. Remind us that your resurrection from the tomb is a lasting sign and testament to the resurrection and everlasting life that lies ahead for those you have called and revealed yourself to, and who know you, and love you, and abide in your presence. We do not deserve such amazing things because of anything we have done ourselves — even our faith and our repentance is a gift from you. You blind carnal eyes set on a road to destruction, and restore spiritual eyes to lead us instead on that prodigal’s road back to you. Lord, see us through to the end for the glory and honor of your Holy Name. In Jesus name we ask such amazing ands awesome things of you, Amen.
Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
Romans 13:11-14 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/rom.13.11-14.ESV
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
1 John 1:5-10 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/1jn.1.5-10.ESV
Harold J. Ballinger 