Time For Change

Spiritual Disciplines 3

Here are some final notes on repentance.

Repentance does not includes guilt, shame, or condemnation.  It is a processes that begins with the revelation that something in your life does not conform to the Word of God.  The awareness of your wrong doing causes you to change the way you think or view something.  This change then leads you to confess your wrongdoing, apologize to Jesus, and to make different choices from that point on.  

               Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.

                              Rev. 3:19

God loves us too much to leave us the way we are.  He will, when necessary, bring correction and this in turn leads us to repent.  Repentance is not only for the new believer coming Christ.  It is for all who believe in Jesus.  In the book of Revelation, Jesus tells five of the seven churches to repent.

               Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.  If not I will come to you and remove your lamp stand from its place, unless you repent.

                              Rev. 2:5

Repentance is not a comfortable thing to do.  Admitting we are wrong and have messed up is hard for everyone BUT Jesus paid the price required to atone for our sin so we have nothing to be afraid of when we come to Him.  Many people fear the idea of repenting because they think it's too painful when the truth of the matter is that it actually sets them free.  

Anything you keep hidden in the dark has power over you and it will stop you from having and enjoying the life Jesus died for you to have.  

Every time you shine the Light of Christ on an area, it loses it's power over you.  You are set free from that weight and burden.  This is why the devil tries to stop you from repenting.  He wants to keep you tied down and in the dark, not free in the Light.  Remember, John 10:10 says our enemy will do whatever he can to steal, kill, and destroy our life.  The devil loses every time we step out in faith, trust God, and repent.

            No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will likewise perish.

                              Luke 13:3

Without repentance we cannot be right with God.

               Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out.

                              Acts 3:19

As soon as we recognize sin in our lives, we must repent.  None of us are perfect.  We will all sin - say something wrong, give in to temptation, throw a fit, gossip, hold unforgiveness, and lie.  

               Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 

                              Acts 8:22 

The motive in our hearts are seen as clearly by God as our behaviors.  Evaluate both your intent and your actions everyday and if anything doesn't conform to the Word of God - repent.

Repentance is a discipline to practice daily.  Don't put it off.  Be quick to apologize.

Live God First!

Heidirn