Proverbs 30:20 (KJV) Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.

As we saw in yesterdays devotion (“No Excuses” https://missioncommunities.network/2025/08/20/no-excuses-2025-08-20/) when we sin we tend to make excuses and thereby deceive ourself. This excusing and deception will cause our hearts to be hardened as we keep on sinning that in the end our conscience is so seared that we don’t recognise sins as sin anymore. “Hebrews 3:8-9 (KJV) Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: [9] When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.”, “1 Timothy 4:2 (KJV) Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;”. This will lead us to a state, of the world, as described in Isaiah 5:20 (KJV) “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”

Therefore be encouraged today and every day to look to Jesus Christ. “Hebrews 12:2 (KJV) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”. To recognise sin as sin and repent instead of trying to cover it up. “1 John 1:8-10 (KJV) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. [9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [10] If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” Thank GOD for His great love, forgiveness and mercy!