Day 20 - March 27, 2025

New to the Lent, A Closer Walk with God 40-Day Devotion? Start with Day 1!
Take this time to enjoy a closer walk with God. Read a short devotion and a selected Bible verse each day.
It’s Day 20 of the Lent, A Closer Walk with God 40-Day Devotion.
DEVOTION
We had a rule in our house while our children were younger: if you do something wrong—such as eating the top crust off of freshly baked brownies—but willingly come to us with a contrite heart and confess, we won’t punish you severely.
How I wish that brownie-top-eating child had come to me. I warned the children that if no one fessed up, I would throw away the entire batch of brownies. Later, one of my friends said that my husband and I should have eaten the whole batch of brownies in front of the children by ourselves instead of following through with my threat.
We eventually remembered we had a security camera pointed in the direction of the kitchen, and discovered who committed the wrongdoing. Because lying was added to his charge of thievery, a stronger punishment ensued. Don’t worry – I made that child’s favorite cookies the next night, and allowed him only one cookie, and shared the rest with the children who were innocent regarding the brownie fiasco.
How does God deal with His children when we sin? Sin has consequencess. There are times when we hide our wrongdoings from Him. He might not have a security camera to watch our misdeeds playing out, but He knows. And then we wonder why others are reaping benefits from their honest relationship with God, while we reap the bitter harvest of our actions. The only way to get back on track with God is to confess our sins and ask for forgiveness. And no matter what we’ve done, He is faithful and will forgive us of all unrighteousness.
PRAYER
Thank You for being a good Father who wants us to come to You with everything – including our sins. And thank You for Your forgiveness. Amen.
VERSE
Verse 1 John 1:9 (NIV)
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AUTHOR
