real repentance

who among us has sinned? all of us. but, God calls upon us to turn away from sin by following HIS commandments. and the good news is this: when we do ask for God's forgiveness and turn our hearts to HIM, HE forgives us absolutely and completely.

we cannot sin against God without consequences. we cannot live outside HIS will without injury. we cannot distance ourselves from God without hardening our hearts. we cannot yield to the ever-tempting distractions of our world and, at the same time, enjoy God's peace.

sometimes, in a futile attempt to justify our behaviors, we make a distinction between "big" sins and "little" ones. to do so is a mistake of "big" proportions. sins of all shapes and sizes have the power to do us great harm. and in a world where sin is big business, that's certainly a sobering thought.

genuine repentance requires more than simply offering God apologies for our misdeeds. real repentance may start with feelings of sorrow and remorse, but it ends only when we turn away from the sin that has heretofore distanced us from our Creator. in truth, we offer our most meaningful apologies to God, not with our words, but with our actions. as long as we are still engaged in sin, we may be "repenting," but we have not fully "repented."

God's Word teaches us that when we invite Christ to rule over our lives, we become new beings: "You were taught to leave your old self-to stop living the evil way you lived before. That old self becomes worse, because people are fooled by the evil things they want to do. But you were taught to be made new in your hearts, to become a new person. That new person is made to be like God-made to be truly good and holy." (Eph 4:22-24)

so, is there any aspect of your life that is preventing your from becoming a new person in Christ? are you engaged in an activity that is distancing you from your God? if so, ask for HIS forgiveness, and-just as importantly-stop sinning. then, wrap yourself in the protection of God's Word. when you do, you will be secure. have a nice day all of you !!!

quote of the day:

"Repentance becomes a way of life, a lifelong process of turning towards the Holy One, that happens one day at a time." by Trevor Hudson