Doing Things Differently

Thursday December 12, 2024

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 Repentance involves reviewing the things we have done and admitting that we have not lived up to our own moral standard, let alone to God’s standard.  We have come to despise our harmful ways and regret the sorrow that our actions have caused our loved ones, others, and ourselves.  Being repentant includes having a strong desire to change our ways and do things differently. 

 After I strayed, I repented; after I came to understand, I beat my breast. I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth.  (Jeremiah 31:19 NIV) 

Feeling sorry for the way we have handled our affairs and for the people we have hurt, is not repentance.  Repentance is the strong desire to change our actions and the way we live.  In the past we lived self-centered lives and never thought about others, or about God and His ways.  We just did what was right in our own eyes.  Now we are willing to admit that our lives are unmanageable and that on our own, we are powerless to change. We desire to know this power greater than ourselves who can restore us to sanity. 

 The Spirit of the God who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you. So the God who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your bodies. He will do this because of his Spirit who lives in you. (Romans 8:11 NIRV) 

When we are truly repentant and turn our will and life over to the care of God, He forgives all our past sins, and the Holy Spirit comes to live within us.  The Holy Spirit is the power that strengthens us to follow the ways of God and is the higher power who restores us to sanity.  With the Holy Spirit at work within us, we have the desire and the power to change our former ways and to be the person God created us to be.

 

Prayer:  Loving God, I repent of my sins and turn to You.  Thank You for Jesus whose death gave me new life and for the Holy Spirit who lives in me and strengthens me to live according to Your word. I am eternally grateful for Your provision. Amen

    Video Encouragement and Prayer 

 

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