If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. --- 2 Chronicles 7:14
PRAYER THOUGHT
The verse above my be the most well-know verse about repentance. Unfortunately, the focus is often toward "them," and somehow we overlook the fact that "I" and "You" are a part of "them." This is why humility, confession, and repentance come before repentance. We are all guilty, and we need repentance.
The repentance (metanoia) called for throughout the Bible is a summons to a personal, absolute, and ultimate unconditional surrender to God as Sovereign. Though it includes sorrow and regret, it is more than that. It is a call to conversion from self-love, self-trust, and self-assertion to obedient trust and self-commitment to now live for God and his purposes. It is a change of mind that involves a conscious turning away from wrong actions, attitudes, and thoughts that conflict with a Godly lifestyle and biblical commands. An intentional turning toward doing that which the Bible says pleases God. In repenting, one makes a complete change of direction (180° turn) toward God.
ACTION PLAN
Repentance begins with me. Let God be your daily compass as you turn 180 degrees to God's true north. Don't make excuses, but do make choices that honor God and lead you to true freedom. Practice repentance not once, but daily. Let your daily transformation be the irresistible encouragement to draw others to do likewise.
