It’s a Lifestyle

I want to start this off by saying How great of a God that I have the privilege to serve. He is Creator of all, Beginning, the End, All Powerful, He has healed my mind, touched my body, been faithful. He redeemed me, saved me, and changed me. He took my sin while dying on the cross, then he rose from the grave! He is alive, and one day I will get to live in eternity with my King and Savior, Jesus Christ. I do not have words to adequately describe my Lord, but I am thankful that He saved me.

Today I want to talk about one of the necessary parts of Salvation, repentance. It seems so simple, mentioned occasionally, but not dwelled on.  Although, I could not tackle every part of repentance in today’s post. I hope to share some thoughts in my mind in hopes that it encourages you. It has been a prayer of mine, “God I want to live a life of repentance.”. It doesn’t just happen once, but it happens daily. Repentance is a constant, intentional choice to turn from evil, self, and this world towards God. It is a requirement for Salvation. Every day we are given choices and opportunities. Where will we turn?

I believe that repentance starts with acknowledging who you are serving, or planning to serve. When I look at repentance through the right frame of mind it doesn’t seem like a drudgery or confusing, I want to do it. When I think about all that God has done for me, I do not want anything to separate Him from me.   

The goodness of God leads us to repentance. (Romans 2:4) 

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15

Sometimes we go through things that change us: bad decisions, unforeseen circumstances, life got a little hard and we made some bad choices, hurts, and brokenness. Sometimes it's the thoughts we entertain that change us.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8

It can feel scary to come to terms with the mess you are in or who you have become. It can feel like you are stuck.

There is peace! There is freedom!

The medication you take to escape. 

The alcohol you drink to numb the pain.

The things you fill your mind with to distract. 

They only give a temporary feeling that imitates freedom from the things that bind you. Today is the day to repent. 

Repentance changes everything. Not only does it change you the moment you decide, it changes the outcome of your future. It changes the direction of your life. The peace or the struggle that you live in tomorrow. It’s a journey and everything may not be healed immediately, but the change that leads to full healing can start immediately. 

Repentance starts immediately but still has to be chosen time and time again. It’s a lifestyle.

The scripture says that Godly sorrow worketh repentance. What is that? Godly sorrow does not leave you mentally bound, condemnation does, Godly sorrow leads to change.  

For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

One story of repentance in the Bible that comes to mind is Peter when he denied Christ. Peter denies Christ three times before the crucifixion. In the gospel Luke, it says that the Lord looked upon Peter. When Peter realizes what he has done he wept bitterly. 

Godly sorrow, led Peter to a place of repentance. After Jesus rose from the grave we see Jesus asking Peter, “lovest thou me?” then commanding Peter to “feed my sheep”. We later see in Acts on the day of Pentecost, Peter preaching. His sorrow led to repentance and restoration. 

In Acts 2:37 the people ask this question, what shall we do? The first thing Peter told them to do was Repent. Repentance is essential to Salvation. 

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

The Lord wants you and me to come to repentance. He is coming for His church. He is coming back one day, and eternity is waiting. Our days are not promised on this earth. Don’t wait to turn your life to Him. 

He created YOU. He wants YOU. He loves YOU. 

A life of repentance starts in your mind. The thought before the action, the decision before the fruition. It’s a lifestyle.

When you live a true life of repentance, there is freedom. 

When you live a life of repentance, you turn your eyes from the evil before you, even in the privacy of your own home. 

When you live a life of repentance, you turn away from the condemning thoughts that the enemy torments you with, towards the words of God.

When you live a life of repentance your speech doesn’t tear down, it speaks life, not only to you but those around you. 

Though it can be hard work, and an ugly process at times, in the end there is beauty in repentance. 

Repent for unforgiveness. Forgive others. 

Repent from the bitterness. Forgive yourself. 

Repent of your current ways. Forgive God. 

I know it’s something none of us want to admit. Honestly often while we are bitter at God, it’s not even God himself where it started. It’s our unmet expectations of how the Almighty God should operate. 

The shame that binds you to where you are. You struggle to recognize yourself and your life any longer. 

Let me tell you, there is freedom with true repentance.

It’s worth it. Don’t let the enemy keep you captive one more moment, one more day, it can all change right now. 

The journey might be hard, but when you look back God makes even the ugly parts of the journey beautiful.

Washed in Baptism, by the blood of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice.

Filled with His Spirit, the Holy Ghost.

There is nothing like it. There is nothing that can replace it. There is nothing more special.

I encourage you to choose a life of repentance today.

More questions? Message me! I would love to teach you Bible study.

 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38