<FONT face="trebuchet ms"><FONT size="4"><FONT COLOR="purple">Boy, I sure can remember getting into trouble when I was young. One of the earliest memories I have in regards to today's devotion comes from a time when I had gotten into a tousle with my sister who is about 18 months older than I. I think at the time I was around 5 or 6. I was the instigator of the incident and was forced, if memory serves, to hug her and tell her, through clenched teeth and a sore behind, that I was sorry. I don't think that I have ever uttered a more insincere apology in my life! Of course the years have mellowed me tremendously and I now regret pulling her hair the way I did that day. That was just one of many altercations she and I would have over the years, but until I searched the Word of God I never knew that I couldn't get by with a simple "I'm sorry." The word "repent" is the one used to describe how we are to act when we sin, not just against our sister, but any sin we commit. Many churches don't teach on repentance. Many teach that if you have a rote assignment, that equals repentance. Let us look up the origins of the word. Repent, was first translated into Latin and then English from the Greek word "Metanoeo" (met-an-o-eh'-o) and that means to "change ones mind for the better, heartily to amend with abhorrence of one's past sins" Hmmm that is interesting I don't see an "I'm sorry" mentioned anywhere in that! All that definition talks about is changing! Is that what God wants us to do? You had better believe it. God is much less concerned with us uttering a forced "I'm sorry" than us leading a changed life! If we truly repent/change from a sin, then sure an apology very well could be the order of the day. But an apology with no action is empty and meaningless, and not repentance. Metanoeo is a verb and a verb requires action, that is the whole basis of repentance, action.</FONT c>

The Word:
Acts 26:20 First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.

<FONT COLOR="purple">Ok action it is, but what was Paul preaching about? What deeds am I supposed to do? I can only say that it depends on two things, 1. the Holy Spirit's guidance, 2. What the sin was. Let the Holy Spirit will lead you in your repentance. If your sin was theft, you may be called to repay. If your sin was hurtful, you may be called to nurture. If your sin was pride, you may be called to serve. That is part of what Paul was talking about. The other part is living a changed life. If you TRULY repent of a thing, then by the definition of repent (Metanoeo) you won't ever do that thing again intentionally! Restitution and a changed life, now there is repentance! Some teach that you should do, or recite certain things in order to repent. Those things may just help you change your heart into a repentant heart, but should not replace the Holy Spirit's guidance, nor are they a substitute for a changed life. Repentance brings God glory, repentance causes many things to happen. Watch below an see what happens!</FONT c>

The Word:
Mark 1:15 "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and <FONT COLOR="blue">believe</FONT c> the good news!"

<FONT COLOR="purple">Repentance allows BELIEF!</FONT c>

The Word:
Jeremiah 15:19 Therefore this is what the LORD says: "If you repent, I will <FONT COLOR="blue">restore</FONT c> you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them

<FONT COLOR="purple">Repentance causes RESTORATION!</FONT c>

The Word:
Luke 15:7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more <FONT COLOR="blue">rejoicing</FONT c> in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

<FONT COLOR="purple">Repentance causes REJOICING!</FONT c>

The Word:
Ezekiel 18:32 For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and <FONT COLOR="blue">live!</FONT c>

<FONT COLOR="purple">Repentance causes LIFE!</FONT c>


<FONT COLOR="blue">Pray with me: Father I come to you so sorry for the things I have done and the things I have allowed to happen. I don't know where to start Lord. Send me your Holy Spirit to guide me Lord. I want to live a changed life. Teach me the ways of your heart Lord. I cannot do it on my own, I need your help and your strength to make things right. Father God I submit to your will and want to do as your Spirit leads me. Let my life prove that I have repented of all my past sins. I want to serve you and be restored to you Lord. I ask all this in Jesus' name. Amen!</FONT c></FONT s></FONT f>

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<FONT COLOR="#000000" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial">This message has been edited by SLattier on 04-18-2001 at 12:27 AM</font>

Thanks you, Steve. You're right. God wants us to be repentant so we may be moldable, pliable. Too many times I say "I'm sorry" but do not change my actions. Not only is that statement empty to God, but it becomes empty to others who hear it again and again.
Lord, I pray for a repentant spirit that I stop operating in the flesh and be made more like you...(from glory to glory)...

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victoria