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Key Bible Verses: People who cover over their sins will not prosper. But if they confess and forsake them, they will receive mercy (Proverbs 28:13). Bonus Reading: Psalm 32:1-6

Once during our family devotions, childish behavior and repeated instances of "no respect" sent me up the wall. I stormed out of the room and slammed the front door. I climbed into my car, tossed my briefcase on the backseat, and drove away. The kids were stunned. Finally, one shrugged, "Well, there goes Dad. Great devotions, huh?"

Driving down the street, I threw one of the best pity parties I'd ever attended. "Boy, I just don't deserve this," I groused. "I'm killing myself to put this stuff together and nobody appreciates it. Not the kids and not Susy. Nobody cares." But then it seemed as if the Lord had picked up a megaphone, even though the only sound was a quiet crawling through my brain. "Phil, remember that I hung on the cross for you, big guy. You pierced my hands and feet. What do you mean, you don't deserve this? I gave you these kids to train."

Coming to my senses, I turned the car around and drove home. As I got to the driveway, I muttered, "I hate this, I just hate having to say, 'I'm sorry.'" Swallowing hard, I walked in and said, "Guys, I'm sorry. I really blew it. Would somebody pray for me?"

—Phil Downer in Optimize Your Marriage

My Response: How have I blown it? To whom—besides God—do I need to confess this?

Thought to Apply: Sin cannot be undone, only forgiven.—IGOR STRAVINSKY (Russian composer)

Adapted from Optimize Your Marriage (Christian Publications, 2003) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Lord, help me to stop kidding myself about what I'm really like. Thank You for loving me even though You know the worst.

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