Read: Acts 26:1-32
Think: A significant aspect of the Gospel message is a call to repentance. As Paul spoke to King Agrippa in Acts 26, he said, “I preached first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that all must repent of their sins and turn to God—and prove they have changed by the good things they do.” One version of this text reads, “…and do deeds to match your repentance.” The word repent means to “change one’s mind.” In my own life, I have found that to change one’s mind is not enough to change one’s actions. In order to move from changing one’s mind to changing one’s actions you must turn FROM sin and turn TO God. Repentance involves a physical posture of moving away from who or what is wrong (sinful, evil, ungodly behavior) and move immediately toward who or what is right (godly, pure, holy, good).
Act: Repentance, though it isn’t difficult to understand, it is often very difficult to do. If you need to repent, I encourage you to make it more complete, simple, and immediate by considering the words of Charles Spurgeon, “Oh, that you would run away from your old master tonight, without giving him a minute’s notice. If you give him any notice, he will hold you. Run to Jesus and say, ‘Here is a poor runaway slave! Will You set me free, and make me Your own?’” If there is any area of your life in which you need to say this prayer, I urge you to do so! Repent and turn…and don’t look back.
Pray: Dear Lord, I need to let go of ____________________ today. I need to relinquish control of this area of my life to You today. Help me to run from that which keeps me in chains. Please set me free from _________________ this very hour. Speak to me of anything I must do today, right now, that will change my mind and my actions! I am running to You. Hear my prayer, dear Lord. Amen.
Be full of faith today!
