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Key Bible Verse: Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you (Psalm 139:23-24).Bonus Reading: 1 John 1:8-2:2

When I left for college, my mother, who'd always done my laundry, sewed a canvas duffel bag. "Put your dirty clothes in this every night," she said. "At the end of the week, wash them at the laundromat."

Seven days later I took my dirty clothes to the laundromat. To save a little time, I threw the duffel bag in the washer, put in some laundry powder, inserted the proper change, and turned on the machine. Moments later a loud "thump, thump, thump, thump" echoed through the laundromat. A pretty Baylor co-ed approached with a grin: "I watched you load your washer. I think the clothes would get cleaner if you took them out of the bag."

One day when my relationship with God was hurting, I remembered my laundry episode. I realized the way I confessed sins—"Dear God, please forgive me for all the sins I've committed today"—was about as effective in cleansing them as my first attempt at washing clothes. Each sin needs individual attention.

Now, when I realize I've sinned, I detail to God what I've done and say, "I agree with You that what I did was wrong." I ask Him to forgive me, and affirm my resolve to never commit that sin again.

—Roger Barrier in Listening to the Voice of God

My Response: What specific sin do I need to confess?

Thought to Apply: Confession is not informing God; it is agreeing with Him.—DEREK CLEAVE (British pastor)

Adapted from Listening to the Voice of God (Bethany, 1998) by permission.

Copyright © 2006 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Help me, Lord, to identify and confess my sins so You can offer forgiveness and bring healing.

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