We shared a sweet time in the Spirit last night during our Ash Wednesday service. Jen and I talked and shared about the work of the Spirit to convict our hearts of sin. This conviction is a gift, because it allows us to repent and draw closer to God. Sin separates us, so we need to humbly repent and seek God’s strength and power to lead us beyond the things that try to rob us of our intimate fellowship with God.
So, today, our word is repentance. People seem to struggle with the need for repentance, but every Old Testament prophet, as well as Jesus and the apostles called for it. The Kingdom of God awaits our repentance. So, we will begin our Lenten journey with the need to repent from sin—unbelief.
Regret or remorse is not repentance. Of course, we should regret leaving God’s presence to demand our own way. However, repentance is really about transformation—a change in thinking that will lead to a change in our will for living. We are to have the attitude of Christ regarding sin (Phil 2:5). Christ went to the cross for our sins, so sin can seriously destroy our lives. Turning toward Jesus is the only way to salvation.
In our verse today, Peter is in Jerusalem and he is talking to a crowd of people about the power of God by pointing to the miraculous healing of a lame man. He then invites those listening to embrace a change in attitude and action—to respond to Christ and his power—because it leads to freedom from sin and restoration with God.
Today, let us think clearly about the gift of repentance, because the proof that we have truly repented is revealed when we see a change in our allegiance, direction, and actions.
Acts 3:19 NLT
19 Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped [erased] away.
Prayer: Lord, please help me think seriously about sin and how it has the power to affect my relationship with you. Every sin flows from unbelief and a turning away from Christ as my standard. Please convict me of hidden sin and help me repent. I want to devote myself to the work of your grace, so I call for mercy and freedom in Jesus’ name.