| False Repentence
On the surface, it appears as though the Israelites, Saul, and Judasare in fact repentant. Yet, as we will see, their hearts are far from God, even thuogh they are aware of their sinfulness. One important point is that false repentence looks very much like genuine repentence.
Read: Micah 6:6-8, 1 Samuel 15, & Matthew 27: 3-5
God requires for us to have a repentant lifestyle, humility, and love toward others, but often times people feel like God wants them to do something. When in reality, we have been deceived into thinking that we have something to offer. We want to buy God as cheaply as possible. The point is that we will DO anything rather than repent. The sinful nature would rather offer his firstborn child instead of walking humbly with God.
Which is worse?
On the Day of Judgement, many will stand before Christ. These people stand before the throne of God and brag about themselves. The great trumpet has sounded, and they are still tooting their own horns. Rather than sing His praises, they sing their own. Rather than worship God, they read their resumes. When they should be speechless, they speak. In the very aura of the King they boast of self. What is worse- their arrogance or blindness? -Max Lucado
A Letter to Christians who want to repent...
The Lord says this...
I want you to know that you are beloved, and washed free from all your sin because My Son, Jesus Christ, who lived a whole and perfect life, died on the cross and washed you free from all your sin. I know you, I know your desire, and yet you cannot carry out what you desire. I know your sinfulness, your wretchedness, your sorrow, and your pain, and I want you to know that I love you just as you are. Come to me, do not be afraid, for I am your God. I knit you to be part of the garnment of life. Beloved child, you are damaged, troubled, and pressed from all sides in your sin. Who will rescue you? It is I! The Maker of the heavens and the earth! Take from me this forgiveness, this grace, this unconditional love and mercy, and see that it fills up all your broken cracks, holes, and injuries. See that you are very weak, but upon that time of weakness, see that I alone am your strength, dependable and true.
Prayer...
Jesus, please take away my life, when I dont have the strength, to give it away to You! I want to live for something worth living for.
Listen to me, my people; hear me, my nation! The law will go out from me; my justice will become a light to the nations. My righteousness draws near speedily, my salvation is on the way, and my arm willbring justice to the nations. The islands will look to me and wait in hope for my arm. Lift up your eyes to the heavens, lok at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear our like garment and its inhabitants die like flies, but my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail.
Hear me, you who know what is right, you people who have my law in your hearts: DO not fear the reproach of men or be terrified by their insults. For the moth will eat them up like a garment, the worm devours them like wool. But my righteousness will last forever. my salvation through all GENERATIONS! ....awake awake!! CLOTHE YOURSELF WITH STRENGTH O ARM OF THE LORD, AWAKE IN DAYS GONE BY AS IN GENERATIONS OF OLD...For I am the Lord YOUR GOD who churns up the sea so that its waves roar, the LORD ALMIGHTY is HIS name. I have put my words in your mouth and COVERED YOU WITH THE SHADOW OF MY HAND, I who set the heavens in place, who laid the foundations of the earth, who say to Zion, YOU ARE MY PEOPLE.
LORD! SHOW US YOUR PASSION FOR US!!
~Isaiah 51 |
