Daniel, Devo

Little Sins Are A Bigger Deal Than You Think

Little Sins Are A Bigger Deal Than You Think

MEN'S RETREAT WITH VINCE MILLER
DANIEL JOURNAL
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You know, sometimes I think we make too little of our sin. But listen to how Daniel responds to the sin that's led to Israel's shame.

O Lord, according to all your righteous acts, let your anger and your wrath turn away from your city Jerusalem, your holy hill, because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and your people have become a byword among all who are around us. — Daniel 9:16

We make little of sin all the time. We make little of it by ignoring it, dismissing it, or even justifying it. We make little of it in at home when we say, "That's just how kids act." We make little of it at work when we say, "Everyone else is doing it, why don't I." We make little of it when we say something offensive and then reply, "I'm just kidding." And I could keep going all day long about how little we make of sin.

But Daniel responds differently because he has finally connected sin and its shame to his present situation. When he looked into God's Word, he looked into the truth and saw what we all see. He saw that our sin is a big deal to God because it separates us from him. But it also separates us from his protection, righteousness, blessing, and heaps upon us shame. Thus Daniel makes a big deal of sin and, in this section of his prayer, he turns to repent.

Instead of making little of your sin, why not make it a big deal? Try this. Consider one small sin in your life. One you typically ignore, dismiss, or justify. Then play it out. Think about what it might become if you continue to give way to it in your life. Think about the effects it will have on you and others. And then remember sin is only one size to God — BIG! And seek God's forgiveness before his anger and wrath bring longlasting shame upon you.

ASK THIS: Is there a sin you've made little?

DO THIS: Make big of it, and don't ignore it.

PRAY THIS: God, I own it. It's big, and I accept the shame and call on your mercy. Remove your wrath from me.

PLAY THIS: Heart of Worship.

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7 thoughts on “Little Sins Are A Bigger Deal Than You Think”

  1. Mark Palfenier says:

    I’m sorry but I completely disagree with you here Mr Miller ….The wrath of God is Never ever upon Christians whether sins are confessed or not . Since all our sins are forgiven at salvation our confessions is never to receive more forgiveness, but to receive deliverance from it. Now the discipline of God will be upon Christians who harbor sin, but never the wrath of God . Wrath of God is reserved only for unbelievers ….please do not spew this erroneous garbage of legalism. You need to amend this devotional and make a correction on this. There is now therefore no condemnation period …discipline yes ! Wrath never !!

    • Vince Miller says:

      Mark,
      Thanks for writing and sharing your opinion. I find it ironic because it’s a very condemning comment for a man who proclaims there is no condemnation. On this side of your comment, I feel condemned by you.

      I think you need to go back and read the devotional again. I never said what you are claiming I have said. In fact, I encouraged all (believers or not) to seek forgiveness for all sins. Just like Daniel did for his sin and the sin of the past.

      This does not mean I don’t agree with part of your “out-of-context” remarks. One that the Bible does teach about God’s wrath which will be unleashed on sinful humanity (Romans 1:18). Two, that all humanity is sinful that’s everyone (Roman 3:23) Three, that we can claim salvation in Jesus to be saved from God’s wrath at the end when wrath is unleashed (Romans 5:9).

      So I agree with some of your out-of-context remarks but not your delivery. Also, I see no need to amend this devotional. That would mean to make Daniel say something he did not say and infer an application he did not make.

  2. Bill B. says:

    The sins of lying to my wife at times and not paying attention to her as I should.

  3. Tom F. Sr. says:

    Thanks Pastor Vince! Another walk off home run! Keep bringing it with passion and conviction. Humble men, seeking God with ALL their hearts, MUST hear Truth! May THE Lord bless you and keep you, and make His face shine down upon you!

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