Daily Repentance
This article was written by George Whitten and shared with written permission. You may subscribe to his free daily email devotionals at worthybrief@worthynetwork.com.
Repentance is a lifestyle; be ready!
Luke 12:39: *And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. 40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.*
When studying the Jewish roots of many of Yeshua*s (Jesus*) parables, and I came across an interesting saying from a Jewish Rabbi that I believe has something to teach us.
Rabbi Eliezer said, *Repent one day before your death.* His disciples asked him, *Does then one know what day he will die?* *Then all the more reason to repent today*, he replied, *lest he die tomorrow, and thus his whole life is spent in repentance.*
When I first became a believer, I thought by simply dealing with my outward sins that I could live a state of sinlessness. But it wasn*t long before the Lord began revealing and dealing with my inward sins and attitudes. Now, and the longer I walk with Him, I understand more and more the meaning of daily repentance!
If we truly want to be free and walk in His liberty, we cannot avoid this crucial requirement for freedom. Because we cannot receive His forgiveness without it, repentance must be a way of life for us [1 John 1:9].
Staying close to the Lord is His heart*s desire for us...but one of the main conditions for it is walking in regular repentance. When we walk in humility and truthfulness about our sin -- we are walking in the light, and the blood of Yeshua keeps cleansing us from sin. In that condition we are so much more able to love the Lord and those around us -- with Him, touching one life at a time. So, let*s lay down our pride and turn to Him every day....with genuine repentance ... and then we*ll be walking in daily revival!
Two added thoughts: If we find ways to serve the Lord every day, we will be serving Him right up until the day we die and if we spend time studying the Bible every day we will be hiding His Word in our hearts which will keep us from sin every day and we will have the light of His guidance every day.
Psalms 119:11: Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Psalms 119:105: Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
It might seem very difficult to do these things for the rest of your life. It is much easier than it seems. Just do them one day at a time and one moment at a time. Make them habits. You may contact Ron with questions, comments or prayer requests via email at ronsbibletopics@yahoo.com. |