“and then a total life-change through the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed in his name to all nations”

Luke 24:47 MSG

I have come to treasure the gift of repentance, a word that simply means to turn around. To change. To move from where you are and head in a new direction.

There is no freedom without repentance.  The freedom that comes from recognizing your sin and being able to lay it down before God. There is no greater sense of peace than the one that comes the moment after receiving God’s forgiveness.

There is no greater sense of purpose than accepting God’s power to make a 180-degree turn and change.

This doesn’t just happen once. It isn’t reserved only for “the first time” you recognize you are a sinner in need of salvation but is a privileged right of every child of God, no matter how long (or how little) you have walked with God. It is the ONE thing that keeps your relationship with God thriving and alive.

Get before God and lay down what is holding you back.

Every day.
Once a week.
Once a month.
Once a year.
Whatever it takes.

The more the better. One of the reasons I need to go away by myself is that I need the time and space to squirm, to be real before God, to mourn my own weaknesses, own my mistakes and get neglected areas of my heart right with God.

And that takes courage because after repentance comes life change.
God gives you the power but you have to apply it to your life.

Be brave.

I want God’s prosperity in my life. In my mind, my heart, my health, my relationships and my ministry. But that means some things must change. I love the quote that says “if you don’t like where you are at, change it. You are not a tree”.

No, you are not a tree, you are a child of God.

What things do you need to be brave about?

When was the last time you found freedom through repentance?