Repentance
Posted by Dion Todd March 5th, 2024 2,624 Views 0 Comments
Then he began to denounce the cities in which most of his mighty works had been done, because they didn't repent. "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you." Matthew 11:20'22 WEB.
When John the Baptist came to prepare the way for Jesus, he preached a message of repentance. When Jesus came, He healed the sick, raised the dead, sought out the lost, and preached repentance. Repentance means changing your ways, a change in your heart and mind, a change in your actions. It involves turning away from sin and turning towards God. It's changing our lives to align with God's plan for us. For God isn't on our team. We are on His.
When Peter began to preach after the Holy Spirit descended on them in the upper room, the people asked what they needed to do: "Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:37'38).
In the book of Revelation, Jesus said: "As many as I love, I reprove and chasten. Be zealous, therefore, and repent" (Revelation 3:19). That is what the cross brings, a crossroads in our lives. Jesus said to all: "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me" (Luke 9:23).
Repentance involves saying: "I am sorry for that." Though it is not a popular subject today, it's the number one way to take a load off your shoulders, make things right with God, and bring a spiritual revival to your life. If you want to see a breakthrough, start with repentance. Simple but difficult because our very nature wants to hide our mistakes, just as Adam and the Pharisees. Jesus told them:
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness" (Matthew 23:27).
When you mess up, be quick to tell the Lord you are sorry and try to do better next time. Forgiveness is there when we ask for it, but keep a shortlist. By doing so, you completely disable the enemy's plan to use your mistake against you. Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for all You do for me. Please forgive me for the things that I have done and said wrong. Wash me, and I will be clean. Deliver me, and I will be free. Teach me, and I will understand better. I want more of You in my life, Lord. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
Note: For those following the Creation Photography weekly challenges, group leader, Dianna Wyles: Genesis 9:13 "I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth." ~ 'All the Colors of March' will be our next fun-inspired theme. Show us the colors of March where you live, or anything else that inspires you. Our themes are always open wide for creative interpretation so have some fun taking pictures and post away!!! My photos this week show off our early spring colors here in Nor. Cal. Plus a shout out to my bosses for giving me the 'heart of gold' award at work. It's always nice to feel appreciated. Enjoy your week everyone, God bless! Here is the link: Creation Photographers
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