Mark 1:14-15 After John was put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. "The time has come," He said. "The Kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news."
The focus of today's reading was repentance. Blackaby writes, "Repentance is one of the most positive words", but goes on to point out that it is much more than just feeling sorry for what we have done or said. Repentance involves a "dramatic and decisive change of course".
Too often in my life I have equated resolve with repentance. I have confessed sin and resolved to do better. But repentance. . . On my knees, crying out before God, begging-for-strength repentance, usually not. That is why I too often find myself needing to confess again and again and again.
I realize that even the most genuine repentance does not guarantee perfection in one's life or even with a particular sin, but, after reading today's selection, I believe a true moment of repentance (not resolve) will decrease those "relapses" dramatically.
Repentance involves "a radical change of heart and mind in which we agree with God's evaluation of our sin and then take specific action to align ourselves with His will." Taking specific action. . . Interesting phrase. If gossip is a problem, stay out of the break room. Harsh words to family the issue, say a 30- second prayer in the car before going in the house after work. Overspending an issue, have your spouse keep your credit cards.
Take action. Don't just confess and resolve to "never do that again". Pray and ask God to show you concrete steps you can take to avoid those situations that make it difficult for you to say "no" to that drink, that porn site, that 50% off sale. Repentance should be a verb, not a noun.
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