Today’s Bible Verse
“So repent [change your inner self–your old way of thinking, regret past sins] and return [to God–seek His purpose for your life], so that your sins may be wiped away [blotted out, completely erased], so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord [restoring you like a cool wind on a hot day]; and that He may send [to you] Jesus, the Christ, who has been appointed you.”
Acts 3:19-20 (AMP)
The Joy of Repentance
This verse is a beautiful description of God’s unconditional love for us and His never changing promises. It brings hope when we are feeling hopeless and unsure if God will forgive us after what we’ve done. When we choose to sin, we find ourselves outside of God’s plan and purpose. The lines become blurred and compromise has crept in. Desire for the things of God no longer burns as a fire within us. Repentance is the only thing that can restore us back to our Father.
To repent is to change our mind about sin. We need to not only ask God to forgive us but to change our direction and return home to God’s grace and truth. Repentance is more than a passive changing of our mind. It’s a deliberate acknowledgement of our disobedience and desire to live for God once again and not go back to our disobedience. In Hebrews 12:1 it says, “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
God has a plan marked out for us but we can miss out on it when we are hindered and entangled in sin. When we act contrary to our new nature and commit sin, we have a promise in John 1:9. It says God will, “forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
It’s written in Romans 2:4 that the goodness of God brings us to repentance. His mercy, His grace, the price that Jesus paid for us on the Cross and the Blood that He shed for us on Calvary.
Something to Think About
Remember the price Jesus paid for our lives. Jesus’ mission was to redeem us. The meaning of redeem is to buy back. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, we learn that we were bought with the precious blood of Jesus, the price paid for us through God’s plan of redemption. Because of this, we should glorify God in our bodies and spirits. What an incredible sacrifice and price Jesus paid for us to be reconciled back to the Father.
When we truly repent, making the decision to turn away from sin and go the other way, to not return to that sin that easily entangles us the Holy Spirit makes our hearts new again (Ezekiel 36:26). When we truly repent, there is refreshing that only God can give. He restores our soul (Psalm 23:3). When we truly repent, God refreshes us and brings back the joy of our salvation (Psalm 51:12). When we truly repent, hope and faith is restored (Romans 15:13). When we truly repent, we once again experience God’s presence and joy through His Word.
This refreshing can only come from a heart that has truly repented of sin. Thanks be to God that He provides times of refreshing when we choose to repent and return to Him with our whole heart. (Pastor Pattie Eselu)
Today’s Declaration
The joy of the Lord is my strength and is brought to fullness when I accept His provision of righteousness by grace that reunites so I can enjoy His presence.
I trust in the redemptive work of the Cross. When I confess my sin You are faithful to forgive me from all unrighteous. Restore back to me the joy of my salvation
I make a deliberate decision to obey Your Word, O God. Restore back to me the joy of my salvation. I thank you for your grace and forgiveness. I declare today you are my Lord and my Savior. I trust in the redemptive work of the Cross.
Today’s Bible Reading
- Old Testament: Daniel 7-8; Job 21:1-21
- New Testament: John 13:12-17; Jude 1:1-7
