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Day 3
Cost, Value, and Net Gain
Scripture
Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."—Matthew 16:24-28
Devotional
We judge the value of something based on what it will cost — and everything has a cost, which means everything has value. When making a decision, financial or otherwise, we ask ourselves: "Is it worth it?" This private, and sometimes unconscious evaluation, is a question of value, and we wrestle with this even in our faith. It's part of the human decision-making process, and Jesus knows it. But now consider the thoughts stirring around in the minds of the disciples as Jesus presents the proposition above.
If we could read minds, I would bet we'd discover that the disciples were evaluating if the real cost of following Jesus was worth the net gain. Many onlookers, during the time of Jesus' ministry, weighed the cost and decided the value was a net loss, not a net gain. But there were a few who weighed the present cost with the eternal value and decided it was worth it, and thus they went all in. But, Jesus suggests the cost is great.
"The cross," mentioned above, was not made for wearing, it was made for dying. In our culture, it's difficult to appreciate the cruelty of the cross. During the reign of the Roman Empire, crucifixion was a deliberate, torturous, barbaric punishment resulting in the gradual suffocation and death, which was reserved only for the worst of criminals. Crosses and crucifixion were a symbol of intimidation, warning people in the republic of the cost of non-compliance in the Roman empire — the cost is your life.
Jesus turns this imagery toward a Godly proposition. He is encouraging men to evaluate their net gain in this life, with that in His Kingdom. While there is a lot to be gained in this life, the net gain is nothing compared to the net loss if we have not also evaluated the cost of the human soul. Jesus implores us to consider this — to assess the cost, the value, and the net gain. Today nail a bad habit, a bitterness, a regret, or a perpetual sin to His Cross. Leave it there and acknowledge the net gain of a life without it.
This week we are focusing on the discipline of prayer.
Your Call To Act (C.T.A.) today is:
- Confess: in the comment section below, share something that you need to rid from your life. If you feel concerned about sharing this in the comments, be cryptic in your explanation, but know that God blesses a man's confession.
- Pray: for 5-minutes, and share this confession openly with God and let him take the burden from you.
⚡Share That You Achieved Today's Challenge 
Habitual sin- been in it for decades.
While I tell her I have, I haven’t really forgiven my wife for cheating on me and I don’t know if I ever can.
You are prayed for today!
The thought of knowing something isn’t good for me but trying to justify it.
I struggle with what i allow myself to watch on the internet
Being lukewarm
Coworkers
Today I mail doubt, fear, and anger to the cross. In return I embrace a life filled with faith, peace and love. Lord thank you for what you accomplished for me on the cross. Today and everyday the blood of Jesus will never lose it’s power. Your blood is able to heal all hurts and cure every disease . Father thank you for the blood!
Dealing with a lot of insecurities currently. Want to do what gods will for me instead of my own will.
Anger has been a problem since I’ve been a kid and I still struggle at times
Praying for God to remove the strongholds of anger, lust, and pride in my life.
Focusing on the past.
I confess that my anger gets the best of me in which spuns into unchristian like behavior and ends in disappointment in myself. Lord, I do not want to be that hollow Christian feeling like a failure.
I confess my anger and ask the Lord to remove it from me
I still have a lustful eye
Alcohol has not taken a firm hold in my life but I’m drinking more than I should. I confess my inadequacy and turn from that poor decision.
Stay with it. I am praying for you.
Failures that occurred raising my son.
Procrastinating is hard to get through.
Failures at being a good dad
Up util 5 weeks ago it would have been sexual purity, I’m currently praying and giving God this area daily…then next area is giving. I want to be generous with what God has blessed me with financially and in all areas!
Ben, you are in my prayers
Procrastination, fear of success,, slothfulness, thought life
There are so many things but I’ll start today with confessing the resentment in my heart toward my wife and family members.
My temper
I agree 💯 with so many things to name. I will first repent next with surrendering my life and thank God through the process.
Among the repertoire of habitual sins that plague me, there is one over in the corner that keeps itself hidden and periodically jumps out and grabs me by the throat. God has been gracious — he has lessened its power — but he hasn’t taken it away. I feel like this thing is similar to Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” — it feels as though God has left it there to remind me of my powerlessness over strongholds.
In the stumbling there is often a willful disobedience — I know God knows and I don’t care.
In the shame that inevitably follows the stumbling I try to hide from God, like Adam did, or pretend that knowing he will forgive me isn’t itself a sinful presumptuousness on the mercy of God.
But God does forgive — again and again. Over time, I see that it is indeed his kindness that leads to repentance (Rom 2:4). But repentance — true 100% repentance — true and permanent turning — has eluded me. God have mercy. Don’t permit, even for a moment, the things of this world to shine brighter than the things of the Kingdom. Help me turn from this and many other sins, and give you the glory for deliverance when I do, my Lord and my God.
Wandering eye…
Seems like I always get persecuted by my immediate family members because I speak and teach Godly principles to my children and wife to follow. Its heartbreaking that they take advice from the world and dont stand for biblical values and convictions. I struggle with separating myself from the home so I can follow Jesus completely.
Wandering eyes
Self-reliance
Lord, I nail my sin of stubborn pride to the cross.
Trying to be right all the time.
I’m inadequate – my faults are many – I lay them at the cross – in Jesus name I surrender all
I confess my lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and pride of life, and falling short in parenting my children, this day…
Praying for Ezekiel 36:26; Joel 2:25; 3 John 4; Genesis 50:20….
Guilt and shame…living in the past
Anger
Thought life
I confess the use of curse words and anger.
I confess a repetitive sin habit and pray for help to resist.
I confess, the lies, big or small that I tell myself and others that help me with self-confidence or feelings of “fake” self-worth.
Love of self above all others.
Inappropriate thoughts
Chronic stress. It’s really embarrassing.
I have a tendency towards spiritual disfunction, allowing leadership control over my life. I confess it has created depression and co dependency. Lord help me to seek you not man and to move forward in my faith.
Promotion of self, position, and anger resentment toward others. Effects of sin that obscure relationship and Christ righteous. Being able to give a word of testimony or witness to what Christ has done in my life and shrinking back from opportunities to lift God’s renown.
The cost of following Jesus must be assessed by the the person gain of his soul in eternity . The Christian must further assess the cost against what Christ did for him on the Cross , He gave His life to save him .
Lack of faith in certain areas, and how easily I forget to look back in my life and see how God has always been faithful…
I’m right there with you Ruppe
Lust.
You are prayed for today.
Judging others
I should add — without taking the time to understand their circumstances
Sometimes I cut off or ignore messages from friends and others that I just feel like answering then make up an excuse later to why I couldn’t get to them.
Take control of my thoughts and nail unrighteous and prideful thoughts to the cross of Christ. Think Godly thoughts and focus more on God’s eternal Kingdom.
I am outspoken and judgemental, especially with family members. Resulting in conflict that does no one any good. Asking God for patience, understanding, and slow to speak; especially as it relates to family members.
I confess my weakness in turning away from worldly things and allowing satan to take control of my thoughts and actions. Too often I slip into bad habits -not studying, not praying, not pursuing Christ – and result is always the same.
Trusting God completely in my finances.
Amen, I will join you in prayer with this bro!
Selfishness- to be more aware of the needs of others and the courage to respond through Gods love and kindness.
Language has been an issue for me and needs improvement.
Today I rid myself of sin that only hurts my relationship. Take this away and help guide me towards trust loyalty happiness and forever.
Fathering my children and a porn problem.
Cigarettes and alcohol.
Lustful thoughts
I want to nail to the cross my sin of frustrating reaction to my wife.
My frustration and shortness toward my wife’s tendeny to look at the world with a half empty glass and worry.
Self Control: letting my cell phone or other things distract me from what’s truly important.
Prideful. I would like to show more compassion to others, especially my wife and mother.
And become a better listener.
Very short attention span on God’s faithfilness.
I lay down the sin of selfishness. Too often I make decisions based on what I will gain from them without considering others, especially those I love.
What bad habits/sin do I have that I need to leave nailed to the cross today, so I am able gain life more abundantly and live more freely with Jesus and not have regret later. Thank you Jesus for all you have done and will do for me.
Selfishness, Pride, Lust
Fear, unrealistic expectations of self weighing me down
Lust
Father i confess that i struggle with impure thoughts and today i nail them to the cross of Christ and seek to experience the net gain of living a life without the struggle of impure thoughts in Jesus name.
Lacking in discipline
Time management: I have been guilty of letting other things take priority in my life. Similar to Tom I let things and devices distract me from what God wants to do with me.
I confess to the sin of not trusting my Lord. This devotion has freed me from anxiety and I will walk strong thru this day.
Complacency, and other challenges that men face in keeping pure thoughts.
Pride
Pride- Controlling and not letting Jesus to handle these areas in my life: Not being consistent in parenting approach to raise my kids God’s way, spending too much time on surfing the internets, not focusing in loving my wife intentionally. Lord Jesus- I gave all of these at the cross and ask that you will be taking control of all of these areas in my life. Please help to take away my pride, teach me how to submit to you so you can help me in those areas. Amen!!!
Language – I’ve let my words get a bit uncontrolled, both with swearing and under my breath frustrations and anger. Asking God to clean my heart which out of the abundance the mouth speaks.
I need help in this area also. Thanks for sharing.
I struggle with internet time wasting also. Just this week I set up a reminder on YouTube so it reminds me to take a break every 5 minutes. It helps break the cycle for me and reminds me to focus on the family. Google how to set it up.
I nail to the cross the excuse that doing work for God can sometimes replace my intimate time with God.
I am nailing doubt and worry to the cross. It is simply more than I can bear. Despite the attacks by the enemy I will place my full faith and trust in God
Treating my health better knowing my body is a gift from god.
Unforgiving spirit at times
Critical judgements of other’s sins. Meaning, I sometimes don’t judge to help restore them to the faith, but use their sin to impress others of my “goodness.”
Yes Matt. I tend to pass judgement also. Then the Lord reminds me of how much He has forgiven me. It’s humbling.
Trust in God, rather than myself, to meet needs
2 Things-
I am nailing to the cross. My decision to rid (excuse) those in my life that are not good for me, (but I will pray for them) and secondly my hypocritical thoughts about judging others when I should just surrender who I am and look in the mirror. My changes have definitely put me in a better spot with Jesus.
I apologize for being bitter and without hope and angry at life.
I confess the lust of my flesh.
Lord, I mail it to the cross and leave it there.
I confess to looking at women in away that doesn’t honor the Lord or my wife, and not always turning my eyes away when I’m confronted with that temptation!
Lord forgive me for being dishonest with my life and allowing my sinful nature to rule in finances , marriage, and in the friendships in my past.
Anger-I need to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
I allow anger to flow freely, unmanaged it will destroy everything.
Not carrying my past hurts and them being a barrier to my faith.
Dishonoring self indulgence of the flesh
I confess I am so week and fall so short but I will continue to lay my sins at the cross and beg Jesus please do not let me die this way.
Anger towards media and Democrats
Anxiety and doubt. Control issues.
I need to trust God more and worry less (I’m too anxious about the future: health and financial stability) through prayer.
God, Thank you for your daily forgiveness of sin. All we have to do is repent with a genuine heart and you accept us back into fellowship.
Jesus, today I nail my sins of lust to the cross. Thank you for the price you paid and your ultimate sacrifice, which set me free.
Habitual sin
Frustration and anger
Self control
Eating disorders
Stay in the present with God
I had at times an unforgiven spirit towards individuals that have done me wrong.
i need to stop the excessive drinking that i use to cover up my stress.
Sometimes I waste time watching TV when I could be doing something with Haley.
My fear, of the unknown as to the outcome of the coronavirus. Who that I know, may come down with this dreadful disease? Lord, remove my fear and replace it with hope.
Amen Lewis.. we must trust our sovereign God that nothing will happen outside his will, and be prepared to see his glory through anything that comes.. ♥️
I do not deny myself as Jesus asks us to do. I want and desire a servant heart but fall short.
We are all “works in progress” Scott. Be encouraged. He is not done with us yet.
Wondering eye and thoughts, cursing, anger/yelling at my children, and being slothful
I confess the sin of my anger
I need to work on control issues
Need to get rid of anger towards an individual and worries of things that are out of my control.
Today, I ask that Jesus nail my impatience and bad temper to the cross, especially as it concerns my daughters
As I encounter problems including finances I need to be rid of any missunderstanding to be prepared daily to have successful wisdom to make good positive progressive decisions.
Michael,
I’m sure you’re tired of hearing that you’re an inspiration to so many people. You are to me!
We all have kids and no matter our circumstance or position in life, kids will give us a run for our money and hearts! You are an amazing Dad from what I’ve heard and sitting behind you at church and watching your daughter sing from her heart let’s me know you are doing a great job! Don’t forget to pat yourself on the back every once in awhile because the seeds you’re planting are showing fruit when you’re not watching! I promise! StAy strong brother!
Thank you Brady!
I want to nail to the cross this nagging feeling i am not good enough. I know it causes me to be resentful, defensive and angry when I receive criticism, even when it is constructive. I just don’t here it that way. All I hear is – you are wrong, you’re stupid, what were you thinking?
It is hard to hear criticism and harder to accept it. My first instinct is to not trust the reasons behind it and to defend myself . The frustration i have caused in the other, especially someone close, does not always lead to gentleness in their presentation. I try to take a step back and not respond hastily. Trying to focus on the message and not the tone. Any success I have achieved has been by asking God for patience and wisdom in the moment. Even when I fail in the moment (less than before but still too often) I have discovered that God will provide the humility to come back to them again.
Focus on the message, not the tone! Great advice Jon. Thank you. Robert Morris, in “The Power of Your Words” encourages us to use the 3 “P’s”, Pause, Ponder, and Pray. Thank you for your encouragement.
Lord, help me to deny myself of all those sins that prevent me from fully knowing the eternal value of following You.
Putting others down in a very sly manner. So sly others may not even know my true intentions. I do it because I am still an insecure 13 year old boy.
I am seeking counsel and I have a brother who I trust to share this with as well.
My constant struggle is porn. I have damaged my marriage and friendships because of it. I have been dealing with this sin for over 38 years. Thank God for His forgiveness and Grace. I am always willing to talk to or be there for you so we can kill this awful life killing sin. Death to self. Sometimes I am afraid to confess my sin of porn as well. Which is wrong. Again I say today death to self.
I need to rid from my life the reluctance of sharing the gospel to others.
Pride and judgmentalism. Netiher have a place in me if i am truly a follower o fJesus
I value my own time more than His time. I prioritize things that I want to do ahead of what God is calling me to do.
Habitual sin has been a challenge over the years.
I have a short fuse with my children, especially my son. I fear I
my children see me and fear me rather than respect and adore me.
Davin,
The Bible shows us , even in revelations that God punishes His loved. A counselor once told me don’t apologize for being a great parent, the seeds we sow now will show plentiful crop in their lives in the future. Tell them you love them as much as you direct them. Tell them you will love them through this time in their life. I do it and at it almost daily.. don’t apologize for being a great parent! You love them and they know it! The Bible teaches us that our children testing us is normal! Love them! But be you! Cause you love them
Time spent thinking about and regretting past failures.
God, may my brother see himself as you see him today.
GOD gives us his grace and loves us unconditionally. This gift has tremendous value and is our cost is just to obediently appreciate and accept the gift.
My waste of time, effort, and money on trying to help a friend overcome drug addictions.
I have many bad habits. Lord, I nail my loneliness to the cross.
My need to control the situations of my life.
God knows the heart.
I need to stop the bad habit of not trusting God in my present or for my future. This has led to worry and anxiety in my life. Trying to rely on my own strength will end badly.
I need to rid myself of any worldly desires, and rely on god as my strength
I have a so call pastor that I have a hard time to forgive. If he come to our church as a guest speaker I will leaven. Just can know sit under his preaching. How do you stop the thought that come in to your mind?
I’ve got habits that are hidden from world, but not you Lord. I’m tried of faking it and need your help to cleanse me.
Abortion. Twice. In those days I didn’t really understand how miraculous children are. Twenty-some years later I am still wondering if I will ever really forgive myself. I thank God for my two wonderful children today with an entirely different perspective on life. The guilt remains.
I fail at a good husband need to change my sins are heavy
Lustful thoughts and desires.
The most frequently stated command in the Bible is “do not fear”, or some similar form of this command. I, however, find myself anxious about a lot of things that are completely out of my control. I repent of this sin and pray that God will help me to turn to Him whenever I feel anxious about things in this life.
Not be truthful or faithful in my relationships
I cheated.
Worry & Anxious, Lustful thoughts
Turning my selfish nature over to Him to allow Him to use me more.
The resentment that I often have toward my spouse for being able to make quick, informed, and good decisions for our family. It take me a much longer thought process to come to decisions. She is always looking for the positives and I seem to dwell on the negative outcomes of decisions. I must lose the resentment and become more positive.
I’m concerned that I don’t have the strength to hold on to my relationships
Lust
I struggle with pornography addiction even though I have mostly beaten it I catch my self thinking about it occasionally even though I get nothing from it Satin knows our weakness and tries to test us!
Financial Anxiety – I have placed way too much trust in the balance in my bank account. I need to trust God for all things and in all things.
Not being truthful and faithful in my relationships
Lust of the flesh
I’m working on being less judgemental. Sometimes it can be a real problem. Good is taking this sweaty from me! Thank you Lord!
Alcohol
I will pray for you Carl. I am 2 years alcohol free now and my life is a new one. I continually picture alcohol as my personal Goliath – defeated by God’s strength and my faith in his strength.
I have a burden that I have been working hard with God to take from me during Lent. He has already blessed me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. If you have some burden, sin, challenge you are dealing with, trust me, you can do it with God!
Not honoring my parents in my speach
Thanks take up my crops daily. Don’t always want to.
I leave my bitterness at the cross!
I have a huge issue with letting go and giving them to the Lord. I tend to try and handle it myself and end up dragging the Lords name through the mud.
My actions don’t match my words
I need to let the Glory of God into my life every minute. I need to live with God every day.
Being committed to taking care of my body (temple) consistently and help with deepening my love for God.
All of my sin is rooted in my selfishness.
I should and will deny myself more often.
God with today society … TV shows, movies , and the way we dress. Help me protect my thoughts.
Lust , the struggle with lusting with my eyes.
My sin is worldly desires over kingdom eternal values.
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
I too, deal with pride issues guys. If I want to follow Jesus and be all in, I have to deny and leave myself behind. My pride sets limits on my resources, time, compassion, love, etc. Lord, help me to let go and not turn back!
All in.
Complacency in my relationship with Jesus and leading my family
Well, this is a little tougher. With all that is going on though, I would put worry/anxiety at the forefront. It has always been a struggle, not just now. So that is what I plan to work on this season.
A very serious and bad interaction with a previous employer.
I need to let go of my anger and grudge against others and give it over to God. He will be the judge of what they do
I confess that the level of my anger with certain people in certain situations has been sinful.
I’ve been struggling with 2 issues for it seems all my life. Anger and another I am not going to share.
I need to get marijuana out of my life. For a couple months it was, but has recently crept back in. No excuses.
I’ve counted the cost and Jesus is priceless. I rather have Jesus than anything else in this world or universe.
I fear commitment and tend to push people away. I have to trust God more in those times
Porn still has a grip on me, I don’t want it anymore!
You got this. I struggled with this a lot! Until I put boundaries and got accountability and it helped.
When I fail to pray for people that I say I will pray for. I want to be better than lukewarm.
Anxiety and fear of being inadequate. Rooted in me relying on my own efforts instead of the completed work of Christ
Since being graced with salvation I believe it’s best summed up as acting and thinking of my glory versus God’s glory. My ego driven perception has caused many undue burdens and loss of joy, peace, contentment, happiness, self worth.
Hey guys! Let’s do this!
Drunkenness. Praying for help to stick within my limits.
Shouting at children. Need to talk calmer and understand they won’t get it right the first time.
Scorekeeping! Grudge holding!
To finally be ridden of the unhealthy lust of instant gratification. Today I nail that to the cross.
Something that I need to get rid off in my life is that I get very defensive when my wife challenges me or asks me a certain question. I tend to get angry when she is direct with me and calls me out. And I want to stop that.
Dave S C – Seeking to focus more on the needs of others, rather than my own agenda.
Hating myself for sinning. The accuser brings up my failings when I’m depressed and I spiral down even further. Praise God for some recent victories in my struggle against the flesh, it is a daily fight. God is faithful. There is power in the blood of Jesus.
Amen, I will join you in prayer with this bro!
I put my own interests and desires ahead of my wife and family, and ultimately ahead of God. My priorities are a big mess but honestly I love my desires, and it’s a battle to want the important priorities over my own. This is kind of a big part of why I’m not living at home right now.
Time management
I want to rid myself of my impatience.
Judgement. I judge early and think last.
Worry and Fear
I sometimes overlook my language in my workplace to “fit in” and then feel shameful that I couldn’t control myself better.
Get freaked out over my health
I need to nail my quickness to anger to the cross. There are so many verses that speak to being slow to anger. I definitely need to crucify that bad habit.
I need to get rid of something that I’ve been considering as more valuable than my soul.
Lord, I nail the sin of not taking care of my body and my physical health to the cross.
shouting at my kids when i am too busy to get up and go talk to them, like when i am working in the other room and can’t leave the computer at a moment’s notice.
I place at the foot of the cross, my repetitive sexually immoral habits.
Have had to battle more then usual about porn. And repented to my wife, we went to the weekend to remember last week. I also repented to her about not making her a priority in my life. I am in G-D’S word ever day. I think a lot about what James says resist the devil and he will flea from you. James also talks about confessing sin one to another. I also Rembrandt Mr.Deep sharing his testimony!
Same old tricks for me – pride, possessions, power
I confess and need to rid my mind of my past mistakes and decisions of infidelity. I have forgiven myself my spouse has forgiven me and we have moved forward in Gods path. Stronger than ever, but the burden is still there with me.
Being intolerant and easy to anger
Pride, anger
Judging people
I need God to break my heart of stone that I have towards lukewarm Christians – remove the plank from my eye Lord.
I am selfish and resistant to change. I idolize money, health, and attention. I must continue to focus on Christ.
procrastination
I’m Confessing for Habitual sin ,
Procrastination
Being lukewarm
I’m struggling with lustful thoughts and occasionally looking at porn.
I confess my problem with porn, and also my inability to forgive and let go of the bullying I received when I was in school.
Simple. For me it is selfishness. Only thinking about my self. I need to die to self.
Trust is hard.
Temptation/Idols
– giving in to distractions particularly during my study/devo time
– fear of man as it relates to sharing the Gospel
I need to nail lust to the cross.
I’m nailing my drinking to the cross
My doubt and anxiety over what I can’t see.
Pride and a rush to judgement without the thought of compassion or empathy has been a deep seated issue in my life so today I through prayer and confession nail them to the cross. Lord lead me more in your kingdom living and help me to see the world more through your eyes of eternity.
I confess fear of financial failure to the cross
Sloth, pity, the fool, inaction like Adam, sitting aside while loved ones struggle in sin,
The list is long, but his shoulders are broad. Thank you Jesus
Releasing my guilt for failing God by turning away from Him and being angry at Him for many years because of a divorce I didn’t want and no matter how hard I tried couldn’t get my wife to seek counseling or reconcile.
Feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, and self-doubt which lead to a host of negative responses such as fear, worry, frustration, anger, double-mindedness, self-loathing, inaction, etc. I’d like to nail this to the Cross-of-Christ, TODAY, and consistently meditate and be reminded of God’s Word from 2 Timothy 1:7 which tells me I’ve been given a spirit of power, love, and self-control and not one of fear and timidity.
I need to ask God for forgiveness of my sin in all areas of my life.
Today, I’m nailing my bad habit of always being anxious about the next thing on the calendar: being more present in the moment, a moment that God has brought me to, is a net gain for my life and my ministry.
habitual & inappropriate thoughts
Today I would like nail in the cross my bad habit of being complacent.
My pride often leads to anger, which in turns causes me to ruin relationships. Instead of resolving conflict I end relationships.
I confess on some of my choices I had made in my life.
I refuse to go to bed in a reasonable time because I am avoiding the next day.
Avoiding the next day. They seem to come quicker.
I ask Jesus for the strength to resist the temptation of the flesh and he has helped me but I need to turn it all over to Jesus because my flesh is weak.
Gossip and slander must end for me.
I need to rid the thought of knowing what isn’t good for me but trying to justify it. Whether it’s finance, physical, emotional or business. Also the rid of fear knowing God can close that door.
Oh Father God-I give you any stress or any need to find comfort from any source other than you. I give myself to trust you and rely completely on you for peace and comfort.Nothing else.
Stress of Finances – been trying to buy a house and at least 3 times a day, I check the bank on my phone. I understand we have been given a brain to decipher things however, I also know that have been giving a God that we can give all things to!
At the heart of many things, I get consumed about me, why wasn’t I given that opportunity, thing, recognition, etc. I struggle to focus out and not in.
Priorities
I always seem to find time for TV or YouTube videos. I need to spend time with God before any of that stuff.
Dale completely with you on priorities. Seems Satan knows how to distract a modern man.
Feelings of inadequacy which is rooted in pride. But the truth is I’m not enough on my own. It’s in my weakness God is stronger.
Angry with God at times for allowing my son to pass away from cancer
Prayer for giving into what Christ wants instead of what I think I need.
Thank you Jay. I know what you are saying.
I also need peace. Too much temper. Need to slow my reactions.
I haven’t been diligent in schoolwork. Not enough to make sure that I can honor God by taking a Sabbath rest. Other things play into that as well, like idolizing food and entertainment, and how others view me (reputation).
I gave up Sunday for Him.
I haven’t been diligent in schoolwork. Not enough to make sure that I can honor God by taking a Sabbath rest. Other things play into that as well, like idolizing food and entertainment, and how others view me (reputation).
I gave up Sunday for Him
My inadvertent attention to my wife and children.
Jason,
Psychology shows us that anything we focus on improves… just the fact that you ask for prayers about this is enough to know you are focusing on it! Love her like you did when you met her! Find reasons to show her love … love is an action verb… do something … it’s not a noun that sits on the shelf! Praying for you bud … we all have been where you’re at
Dear God. I nail my sin of appathy. Of giving up on caring when the going gets tough. When others challenge why do i even bother, sometimes i slack off. Lord help me to perservere and endure the times when the going gets tough. Help me to carry my cross. Take it all.
I need to respond to a situation instead of reacting to a situation 1
Sharing my faith with those who need to hear it. Keeping struggles to myself when the Lord surrounds me with people who love me. Setting a better example to my son and not be as private with my quiet time with the Lord.
Confessing my anger and resentment towards my wife for not supporting me in my business and blaming her for my lack of productivity when it’s my own fault.
Lust and anger.
Laziness in being a spiritual leader and example to my wife and kids. I let trivial conflicts distract me.
Jonathan,
That’s why you took the step to join our group! One Step makes a difference and it doesn’t go unnoticed even to your wife and family. Your leadership is already being enhanced because you are making steps to make a difference. Allow them to see your commitment and trust in your new group to help see it through for you
Lustful wondering eyes and thought process with that image
Impure thoughts and actions
Even after decades, there are opportunities I still regret not taking advantage of, even though I know they would have led to utter ruin.
Thank you for yor comment, I feel the same
I place gambling, lust, sinful thoughts upon the cross
Pornography
Resentment and bitterness towards those who have hurt me!
The struggle with porn
Control, I need to submit this more often . God has shown recently the blessing he pours over me and my family. when I release this.
I really try hard to cling to my own will. I never find lasting comfort. You think I would gain some knowledge and give up. I am thankful I have a forgiving Savior. Picking up my cross and following Him I could not do on my own
I am continuing to work on giving up my selfish nature.
The pride that comes from thinking that I can do great things in my own strength.
One thing I need to nail to the cross is my selfishness. I get very self absorbed and forget where God has asked me to reach out and connect/serve other people.
Imoral Thought life.
Challenges and worry
Lust
My struggle is the fear of loss (which is being magnified a thousand times by the Cornavirus) of things of this earth pitted against the FAITH I struggle to have that I will walk with Jesus someday and that none of this will matter! As Pastor Chad has said “ help me with my unbelief and lack of faith”. That is my prayer and confession of a continual failing I deal with EVERY day!! This lesson today is right on target with everything we are dealing with right now!!
I confess that I’ve been stuck in my anxiety, depression and PTSD symptoms. Thinking mostly about myself! Help me lay all of this at your feet and start living, loving, and learning again. Thank you Jesus!!
I need to take faith serious.
6 months ago I nailed alcohol to His cross….huge. Now, personally I need to nail procrastination to it…and isolation…
Internet misuse
Sining in my thoughts,
Lustful thoughts, selfishness, covetnous(sp?). Seems like too many to name
Alcohol and anger
Selfishness in how I think about and spend time.
Unthankfulness and dissatisfaction.
Take my pride Lord that is diminishing my relationship with you.
Passivity. I need to lean-in more!
The strong emotional feeling in my chest of losing a girlfriend of 3 years. Her leaving me has effected me not enjoying the present as much
I confess my regrets of not living for you in the past. I acknowledge the gain without it.
Bitterness for past employees
Worrying about things that God has control of. It’s hard to let go of fear.
selfishness
I am shedding bitterness towards an old friend that criticized me years ago.
Lots to think about there. I think I have to repent of my sharp tongue. Sometimes it gets away from me.
Thank you for your gift of salvation!
Trying to stop nail biting and worry, God is in control.
The overwhelming Joy and Relief I feel from the Lord breaking my bond with addiction. I have total trust and faith in the Lord I just have to remember to ask!
patience Lord know I need it .
I am praying for myself in this regard to be free from a deep rooted issue that keeps me from being all that God has planned for me to be.
I’m sorry for lying and stealing from people
Rid of gossiping
The bondage of lust and fear of financial insecurity.
My language and my constant battle to protect my wandering eyes. These are two things that I ask for forgiveness and correction on almost daily. I have made great progress in both areas but I hope and prayers that one day I can truly reshape my eyes and brain to process images and thoughts differently after almost 40 years of seeing and thinking a certain way.
Cory,
We both have struggled with the same issues over life. Woman were an item growing up.. mechanic as a dad with dirty pictures and mags everywhere was normal. I’ve seen such an amazing transformation in you over the year I’ve been watching. You need to remind your self as I do… you’ve come a long ways. It’s a long battle and you are doing something about it! I promise you… I will not let you fail! And I beg you… DON’T LET ME!
My net gain is this raw truth… I struggle with self value.. I desire, I need, I want approval.. my life as a kid was so tough… no appreciation, no approval. Bitterness and abuse. I know the Lord is all I need and It’s not my fault my parents sucked really bad at what they did and who they were as parents… I’ve moved on but the underlying need for appreciation and necessity will always be a struggle
To much screen time on non productive things
Resentment towards a parent
Unbelief
I confess I need to work on my patience with others.
I still hold on to bitterness and grudges against people
Anger/frustration
Judging others instead of looking at my own sin
I confess my selfishness!
I have been sober from sexual sin for 6, but am reminded that I must leave it at the cross each day. I must never forget the pain that I caused. Please pray that I would begin each day with a desire to learn more from our Heavenly Father.
Lord, please remove the bitterness and anger towards my prior employer, knowing that your will even in this is good and perfect.
What I watch
Managing time
Holding onto grievances against me and not giving it to Christ
I let too much of my time get tied up with relaxing in the evenings and streaming shows. I need to open up more time in my life for God and relationships.
Lord help me to take every thought captive. i wrestle so much with negative self-talk, and low esteem and find myself escaping in sinful ways.
Worrying about what others think about me more than who God says I am.
Not trusting God’s plan for my life. Why hasn’t he thrown a big door in my face that says “God’s Plan for Josh’s Life” so I know I’m on the right path.
I choose to nail my ‘way’ of doing things to the cross and ask God to purify my heart, motives and intentions.
Anger when things aren’t right. Give me wisdom and understanding to not sin in anger.
Bitterness toward my wife
I confess, I have not been as good a dad/husband as I could be/could have been.
I need to nail the sin of trying to make myself ok or save myself by being perfect to the cross. I still have lots more ego that needs to be put to death
Impatience with those closest around me
I’m struggling with the impact the current pandemic may have on our church.
There is one particularly contentious person whom I have severed ties with. I don’t feel called to reconcile, but I am called to forgive and to love. Pride is indeed a stumbling block
Nailing to the cross my bitterness towards my daughters boyfriend
Selfishness & Pride
I struggle with personal insecurities- what people think of me.
Worry,fear and chewing tobacco
I’m nailing to the Cross, my lustful eyes.
I confess the cost of habitual sin and my need to be free of it.
I confess that I will forget to live in the light of eternity and live a life of now.
Thoughts
i confess the cost of not listening to God in my life and trying to just do other things like staying up late playing video games
I often put my needs above the needs of others.
Putting myself on the throne and thinking of myself before others. Chasing after every desire including food, alcohol, and lust.
Worry
Catching up due to COVID-19 chaos: but I need to get rid of my need of acceptance/approval by others And the desires this causes me to have throughout my life.
I confess my vices and my illusions that sometimes put a wedge in my eternal faith in Christ .
I want to rid myself of anger judgement , self pity and my agitation with my kids.
“Confess: in the comment section below, share something that you need to rid from your life. If you feel concerned about sharing this in the comments, be cryptic in your explanation, but know that God blesses a man’s confession.”
Wayward thoughts that detract from focusing on God. Thoughts about a woman I suffered tremendous heartbreak with juxtaposed against God tearing that apart to chastise as well as protect me from a future that wasn’t for my best and highest good and for His glory.