The Monthly Devotional (TMD)
3rd Week
Day 17
Lay your heart bare and ask God to forgive and cleanse you
Introduction:
Lord! You recognise my faults and they are not hidden from you! This should be your cry and lamentation. 
Temptation is a reoccurring experience for everyone. It is the proud heart that justifies his living and actually counts the number of good deeds or possible bad deeds committed.
A humble man understands that without the help of God we can’t please God. His thoughts are not like ours and sometimes we tend act according to our thoughts, understanding, expectations, or will. Other times we stubbornly seek to take our own course in life.
A wise man remembers that he has his limitation and must have committed errors of omission or commission. Yes, sin is lurking somehow and we must always ask God for forgiveness. We need his cleansing always.
Regardless of how well you take a physical bath and how much of a deodorant or perfume you have on your body, you are expected to have a wash the next day even if you were in doors all day. So also with the cleansing received when you pray for forgiveness daily.
Bible Passage:
- Psalm 32: 1-6; 51
- Genesis 4:7
- Luke 18:9-17
Reflection:
No one comes before a King in a filthy state: Is it right then to come before God filthy? God’s mercy is available to all, so that we may be cleansed. When last did you have a spiritual cleansing? Ensure it is not less than 24 hours! Do it regularly!
Prayer:
Dear God, I come before you with a contrite heart seeking for your forgiveness and healing; wash me that I may be whiter than snow. Grant me the joy of your salvation in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord, amen!