1 John 1:8 (NIV) If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. Jesus, help me see what causes me to try to hide my sins from God. Show me that when the Holy Spirit convicts me of a sin and makes me feel guilty, there is something in me that causes me to try to forgive myself, justify myself, explain it away, and go to my friends to see if they will tell me it wasn’t my fault? The world has taught me self-esteem and self-confidence. In the principles of the world, I AM my deeds. If I DO or say good things, I am considered to be a good person. If I do or say wrong, bad, or evil things, the world considers me a wrong, bad, or evil person.

1 John 1:9 (NIV) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from ALL unrighteousness. Jesus, teach me that if I have God-esteem and God-confidence, then I will evaluate myself based on my record WITH GOD. Rom 7:20 (NIV) Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. Help me agree with this principle so I will be willing to stand with You on one side of the line and deal with the deeds of my body. Since the deeds of my body don’t represent ME, You and I can attack them and NOT attack me.

1 John 1:10 (NIV) If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His word has no place in our lives. Jesus, teach me that when the Holy Spirit and the Bible speak to my conscience and tell me that I am feeling, thinking, saying, or doing something wrong, bad, or evil, if I am not willing to confess it, admit it, and repent of it, I make Him out to be a liar and His word has no place in my life. I no longer have the “want” and the “hate” described in Romans 7:15. Help me understand that I either like what I am involved in and don’t want to give it up; I am in disagreement with the Holy Spirit and the Bible and don’t see it as a sin; or, I have self-esteem and self-confidence and CAN’T admit it is a sin because of what it would say about me.

Rom 12:1 (NIV) Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.

Rom 12:2 (NIV) Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will. Jesus, help me see that I can’t just do it! Help me see that the Bible takes this approach a lot; it tells me what to do and then seems to leave me with the responsibility. However, help me see that these verses and many others are based on a person’s spirituality, maturity, and Bible knowledge. Show me that the Bible isn’t set up to have a section for new Christians, a section for older Christians, and a section for mature Christians; it is based on the principle of love.

1 Cor 2:6 (NIV) We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. Jesus, teach me that those who are more advanced in spiritual growth are responsible for making sure I am exposed to those Scriptures that I need. I must read my Bible on a regular basis; but, I must also be trained by those who are more mature than I am. Teach me that those who love me and are willing to make sure all my spiritual needs are met MUST spend time with me. They MUST see to it that Scriptures from all over the Bible are put together to meet my special needs.

Eph 4:11-13 (NIV) It was He Who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Jesus, teach me that those who yield to these gifts will submit to You and allow You to prepare the studies I need for each level of my spiritual growth. You have been seeing to it that these studies are already ready for me. So, when I get exposed to a Scripture like: Matthew 5:48 (NIV) Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect., there will be information and training available to help me with it.

2 Tim 2:15 (AKJV) Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Jesus, make it clear to me that the Bible is like food; some of the Scriptures are already ground up and prepared for new Christians to drink like milk or soft food. But, some of it is solid and has to be cut and chewed before it can be swallowed. You have these studies prepared so I can grow to the place where I will be able to prepare my own food.

Heb 5:11-14 (NIV) We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Jesus, help me see that there can be all kinds of spiritual food and drink presented to me; but, it is up to me to take advantage of it. Show me that there are people who are very old Christians who never applied themselves. They are like people who never grew up. Just like in the human life, I have a birthday as a child of God. If I have been a Christian for ten years, then God expects me to act my age.