“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Acts 3:19
What is your first thought when you hear the word ‘repent’? Do you think, “I’d rather go through surgery” or “how wonderful it is that I ‘get to’ repent”?
Repentance is not merely a change of mind but a radical change in one’s life that involves an arising from sorrow, forsaking sin, turning or returning to God with a transformation of life. In other words…we ‘get to’ renew our relationship with God and experience rebirth!
Action is required to repent. It must be a deliberate choice to stop the road we’re on, turn around in the opposite direction, and start picking up our feet to take our first steps. The first steps are never easy but soon we pick up the pace as we spot the billboard that reads ‘deliverance’.
Take a look at a few other 're' words, in Scripture with the prefix ‘re’, I found in the concordance of my Bible: revenge, restrain, rebellion, regret, remove, rebuke, reject, responsibility, repay, require, resent, renounce, and resist. Now let’s look at a few more; repent, respect, reverse, restore, rebuild, rebirth, receive, reclaim, record, reflect, refresh, reward, return, regard, release, rely, relief, remain, remember, remind, remove, reassurance, revive, respond, renew, resolve, redeem, and REJOICE!
Thought I’d close with a little ‘re’ prayer and encourage you to do the same today with some of the words listed above:
“Dear Father, I come to You with great respect—for You are the Most Holy God. Remind me today of Your power to rebuild my life, which can easily break. I want to return to You and ask that You reveal any rebellion in me that would only lead to regrets. Remove everything that restrains our relationship and replace it with a spirit of total refreshment. Restore me once again. Renew me as I am reassured my sin no longer remains on my record. It brings a release like none other. I celebrate my rebirth as You grant me the reward You promise is now mine. There is reason to rejoice in the redeeming blood of Your Son, Jesus, Amen.”
What does your Bible concordance say about words that begin with 're'?
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Worrywart
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:21
Is being anxious a sin? Could it possibly be the root of all sins?
A seed began to sprout roots when the serpent asked Eve, “Did God really say…”. Can’t you just picture Eve’s angelic face begin to tense as the serpent’s relentless questions rang in her ears?
A tiny seed of worry can grow destructive fruit of impatience, anxiousness, resentment, and even anger. We begin to no longer trust the Sovereign God. In other words, we let our guard down as our hearts and minds become an easy target for the enemy; the Liar.
Have you heard the expression, ‘desperate people do desperate things’? When desperate people take matters into their own hands they fail the first of the Ten Commandments miserably by allowing worry to become bigger than the Prince of Peace. We dethrone God by becoming our own god and the benefit…no peace.
Beth Moore gives a good example of anxiousness, “A lack of peace manifests itself in many ways: a sleepless night filled with tossing and turning, fear that lodges itself like a pine cone in your stomach, a mind and body in perpetual motion, memories that imprison you repeatedly, unending strife, hopelessness, and the general, yet horrible, sense of being out of control. God’s peace means the absence of fear and turmoil, but not the absence of pain and grief.”
“Are you at peace today? Are you worried about something? What if it never happens and if it does…do you not trust the Lord will be present in it?”
Give your worries to the Lord and ask Him to forgive you for holding on to it so tightly. Make peace with God so He can show you His perfect peace.
Spend your day thanking the Lord for all He has done, is doing, and will do. Remember…He loves you and desires only the best for you. Trust Him.
Is being anxious a sin? Could it possibly be the root of all sins?
A seed began to sprout roots when the serpent asked Eve, “Did God really say…”. Can’t you just picture Eve’s angelic face begin to tense as the serpent’s relentless questions rang in her ears?
A tiny seed of worry can grow destructive fruit of impatience, anxiousness, resentment, and even anger. We begin to no longer trust the Sovereign God. In other words, we let our guard down as our hearts and minds become an easy target for the enemy; the Liar.
Have you heard the expression, ‘desperate people do desperate things’? When desperate people take matters into their own hands they fail the first of the Ten Commandments miserably by allowing worry to become bigger than the Prince of Peace. We dethrone God by becoming our own god and the benefit…no peace.
Beth Moore gives a good example of anxiousness, “A lack of peace manifests itself in many ways: a sleepless night filled with tossing and turning, fear that lodges itself like a pine cone in your stomach, a mind and body in perpetual motion, memories that imprison you repeatedly, unending strife, hopelessness, and the general, yet horrible, sense of being out of control. God’s peace means the absence of fear and turmoil, but not the absence of pain and grief.”
“Are you at peace today? Are you worried about something? What if it never happens and if it does…do you not trust the Lord will be present in it?”
Give your worries to the Lord and ask Him to forgive you for holding on to it so tightly. Make peace with God so He can show you His perfect peace.
Spend your day thanking the Lord for all He has done, is doing, and will do. Remember…He loves you and desires only the best for you. Trust Him.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Choose life!
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
A popular radio talk show host taught me a very important lesson when he said, “Words mean things”. As simple the statement is you have to agree words should be chosen carefully to communicate your message. His lesson continues to challenge me to never skim over a word again.
I applied this method when studying the Word of God and discovered the smallest words possess the most powerful significance. The word ‘all’ in this passage means every human being—no exceptions.
‘Have sinned’ implies we’re already sinners. I used to battle this truth because I would have liked to have had a say in Eve’s decision to disobey God. Why should I pay for what she did? My question only traps me in the same blame argument she found herself in. Blame only deafens us to God’s love, grace, and provision in spite of our sin. Like Eve...we're tempted but we don't have to choose sin. We can say no and walk away.
Notice degrees of sin are not mentioned for sin is sin to a perfect God. Eve’s teeny-weeny taste trickled down into our daily lives. What she thought was harmless actually changed the course of God’s plan for all humanity. No sin is harmless.
Today we have sophisticated sin by giving them fancy labels, which carry little accountability. Hiding in our destructive comfort zones is cozier. Personal responsibility is just too risky. Nobody wants to admit a weakness. How many times have you said or heard someone say with shrugged shoulders, “I am who I am”?
Don’t allow a ‘letter’ to keep you from knowing the glory of God? Take a close look at the middle letter in sin and pride. Could you’re worse enemy be you?
Romans 6:23 tells us “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” We are sinners in need of a Savior to keep us from death.
Choose God’s gift of eternal life by handing over your deadly sins to Jesus today. He says if you admit, confess, and repent then you will be forgiven. Don't you want to experience the glory of God in your day? Clear things up with Him...He's waiting on you.
A popular radio talk show host taught me a very important lesson when he said, “Words mean things”. As simple the statement is you have to agree words should be chosen carefully to communicate your message. His lesson continues to challenge me to never skim over a word again.
I applied this method when studying the Word of God and discovered the smallest words possess the most powerful significance. The word ‘all’ in this passage means every human being—no exceptions.
‘Have sinned’ implies we’re already sinners. I used to battle this truth because I would have liked to have had a say in Eve’s decision to disobey God. Why should I pay for what she did? My question only traps me in the same blame argument she found herself in. Blame only deafens us to God’s love, grace, and provision in spite of our sin. Like Eve...we're tempted but we don't have to choose sin. We can say no and walk away.
Notice degrees of sin are not mentioned for sin is sin to a perfect God. Eve’s teeny-weeny taste trickled down into our daily lives. What she thought was harmless actually changed the course of God’s plan for all humanity. No sin is harmless.
Today we have sophisticated sin by giving them fancy labels, which carry little accountability. Hiding in our destructive comfort zones is cozier. Personal responsibility is just too risky. Nobody wants to admit a weakness. How many times have you said or heard someone say with shrugged shoulders, “I am who I am”?
Don’t allow a ‘letter’ to keep you from knowing the glory of God? Take a close look at the middle letter in sin and pride. Could you’re worse enemy be you?
Romans 6:23 tells us “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” We are sinners in need of a Savior to keep us from death.
Choose God’s gift of eternal life by handing over your deadly sins to Jesus today. He says if you admit, confess, and repent then you will be forgiven. Don't you want to experience the glory of God in your day? Clear things up with Him...He's waiting on you.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
The Core
“Now the serpent was craftier than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" Genesis 3:1
What a slimy little liar who planted a seed of doubt, “Are you sure you got that right, Eve?”
Throughout Genesis Chapter 3 the serpent continues to tap into Eve’s emotions. A Monday morning quarterback would have said, “Hey, Eve, you should have just told that worm to get lost. Why in the world did you think you had to explain everything to him? Don’t you believe if God says it…that settles it? Listen to your coach, Lady.”
But with her eyes frozen on the one fruit she couldn’t have Mr. Serpent moved in for the kill, “Do you really think a loving God would get mad over a teeny-weeny taste? Come on, He won't get angry. It’s obvious he’s holding something out on you. Besides He loves to control, Evette. Don’t let Him make you His slave. You deserve to have a good time.”
Wonder if all creatures in the garden stood in silence when they heard the loud crunch from Eve’s teeth planted firmly in the fruit. By the time the juice trickled down the back of her tongue she had wisdom alright—she knew, without a doubt, she’d been had. Since misery loves company she quickly enticed Adam to do the same and he did. Thus, the first blame game was born as Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent. No winners—all losers.
What seemed like the logical thing to do was now the biggest mistake of all time. Something called shame appeared with guilt following close behind as Adam and Eve realized there would be a forever separation from God.
Ever been had? I have and I’m starting to take the advice of the quarterback and say, “Get lost worm. You had me too many times before.” You see…I believed a lie that God was holding out on me when actually He was just trying to hold me closer.
Is transformation necessary? Only if you want to restore the relationship He wanted with you from the very beginning.
Thank Him for setting limits and pray you will recognize a snake in sheep's clothing.
What a slimy little liar who planted a seed of doubt, “Are you sure you got that right, Eve?”
Throughout Genesis Chapter 3 the serpent continues to tap into Eve’s emotions. A Monday morning quarterback would have said, “Hey, Eve, you should have just told that worm to get lost. Why in the world did you think you had to explain everything to him? Don’t you believe if God says it…that settles it? Listen to your coach, Lady.”
But with her eyes frozen on the one fruit she couldn’t have Mr. Serpent moved in for the kill, “Do you really think a loving God would get mad over a teeny-weeny taste? Come on, He won't get angry. It’s obvious he’s holding something out on you. Besides He loves to control, Evette. Don’t let Him make you His slave. You deserve to have a good time.”
Wonder if all creatures in the garden stood in silence when they heard the loud crunch from Eve’s teeth planted firmly in the fruit. By the time the juice trickled down the back of her tongue she had wisdom alright—she knew, without a doubt, she’d been had. Since misery loves company she quickly enticed Adam to do the same and he did. Thus, the first blame game was born as Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent. No winners—all losers.
What seemed like the logical thing to do was now the biggest mistake of all time. Something called shame appeared with guilt following close behind as Adam and Eve realized there would be a forever separation from God.
Ever been had? I have and I’m starting to take the advice of the quarterback and say, “Get lost worm. You had me too many times before.” You see…I believed a lie that God was holding out on me when actually He was just trying to hold me closer.
Is transformation necessary? Only if you want to restore the relationship He wanted with you from the very beginning.
Thank Him for setting limits and pray you will recognize a snake in sheep's clothing.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Why Transform?
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
For the past nine weeks we have examined different eras; everything from welcoming a newborn to saying farewells to a patriarch. Both ages teach us amazing lessons on how to transform our hearts to trust God more.
This week’s verse was one of my mother’s favorites. Hard to believe ten days ago she quietly stepped into Heaven. Even with watching her rapid decline with dementia we are still numb with the realization she no longer lives among us. My heart already aches for her unconditional love and great wisdom. No one prayed for me as much as she did; always asking the Lord to protect me from harm and to bless me with His goodness.
Patches of brown sod top her grave—unlike the lush green grass of the grave next to hers. For beside her lies my daughter, Kellie, whom God called home a little over two years ago. On the right is the one who held me inside her womb and to the left…the one I once held.
I stood alone at their gravesites yesterday trying to imagine what they must be doing without me. My longing for Heaven now intensifies as I know their bodies lay asleep but their souls are wide awake. Both women have had a part in the transformation of my heart by teaching me what God's true love really is and how powerful relationships can be. Both women left me the greatest legacy...HOPE! Because... they left me with no question as to whether I would ever see them again.
Generations will come and go until Jesus returns. Trusting God, while we wait, will require our all or we will never walk the path He planned for us before we were born.
Why transform? Because giving your heart away will be the best gift you ever gave to yourself and others.
“How much do you really trust Him? Are you more paralyzed by trying to figure everything out? God says, “Trust me”. We must believe there is purpose in everything He does, because His love runs much deeper than ours.”
Next week we will begin the series on transformation called “Is It Necessary?”
For the past nine weeks we have examined different eras; everything from welcoming a newborn to saying farewells to a patriarch. Both ages teach us amazing lessons on how to transform our hearts to trust God more.
This week’s verse was one of my mother’s favorites. Hard to believe ten days ago she quietly stepped into Heaven. Even with watching her rapid decline with dementia we are still numb with the realization she no longer lives among us. My heart already aches for her unconditional love and great wisdom. No one prayed for me as much as she did; always asking the Lord to protect me from harm and to bless me with His goodness.
Patches of brown sod top her grave—unlike the lush green grass of the grave next to hers. For beside her lies my daughter, Kellie, whom God called home a little over two years ago. On the right is the one who held me inside her womb and to the left…the one I once held.
I stood alone at their gravesites yesterday trying to imagine what they must be doing without me. My longing for Heaven now intensifies as I know their bodies lay asleep but their souls are wide awake. Both women have had a part in the transformation of my heart by teaching me what God's true love really is and how powerful relationships can be. Both women left me the greatest legacy...HOPE! Because... they left me with no question as to whether I would ever see them again.
Generations will come and go until Jesus returns. Trusting God, while we wait, will require our all or we will never walk the path He planned for us before we were born.
Why transform? Because giving your heart away will be the best gift you ever gave to yourself and others.
“How much do you really trust Him? Are you more paralyzed by trying to figure everything out? God says, “Trust me”. We must believe there is purpose in everything He does, because His love runs much deeper than ours.”
Next week we will begin the series on transformation called “Is It Necessary?”
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