The pursuit to happiness is paved with spiritual disciplines.

Confession: To speak the same thing or to agree. Specifically, we agree with God that our sin is rebellious.

Self Examination: To to look at oneself to see if there is any sinful way within us.

1. Joy and HAPPINESS come from knowing we are clean before God.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness.

2. Un-confessed sin:

* Results in UNANSWERED PRAYER.

Isa 59:2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.

Un-confessed sin:

* Results in the consequences of DISCIPLINE.

Ps 32 – when I refused to confess my sin, I was weak and miserable….day and night Your hand of discipline was heavy upon me.

Un-confessed sin:

* Gives Satan an opportunity for a foothold in your life.

3.Develop the discipline of confession.

a. Practice Self Examination.b. Seek an accountability

partner c. Get input from your

spoused. Agree with God about

your sine. Confess to a spiritual

mentorf. Confess quickly

There is an attitude that characterizes true confession: HUMILITY.

Hosea 6:

(Israel says) “come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces, now He will heal us”

Hosea 14:

(God says) Return to the Lord for your sins have brought you down. Say to Him: ‘forgive our sins and graciously receive us…

Hosea 14:

…never again will we call on the idols we have made our gods’ . The Lord says: “Then I will heal you…”