Repentance and Change

1 Samuel 1,2; Psalm 66; 2 Corinthians 7

Scripture:
2 Corinthians 7: ¹⁰Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. ¹¹See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.

Observation:
Paul commends the church of Corinth on their attitude and actions. Their lifestyles are matching up to true repentance and a desire for holiness. Godly sorrow has caused them to evaluate their lives and caused them to come to a place of repentance. This repentance produced righteousness in them and a fresh hunger for the things of God. How we need this kind of hunger in the church.

Application:
Repentance can become so ritualistic. We can go through the motions of repentance without any genuine change. Repentance should bring us closer to God and stir our hearts to righteousness. AS we approach Easter, I am reminded of the incredible price Jesus paid for my forgiveness of sin. He gladly laid His life down for me, yet I struggle so often to lay mine down for Him. Paul had it right in Galatians 2:20, where he talks about crucifying my flesh. Sometimes it is so hard to crucify or deny my flesh. The words of Paul encourage me today, the refocus me to the truth of sorrow and a desire to please God. He gave so much for me, He bankrupted heaven for my soul. This is a new day, I start it off by asking God to wash my soul. I ask Him to forgive me of my sins and I choose to live for Him. I choose to please Him, I choose His way and His will today.

Prayer:
Father God, I come before You today and ask You to forgive me of my sins. Wash me clean right now through the precious gift of Christ. I pray that my spirit would be strong today and my mind renewed. Guide me Holy Spirit in the steps the Father has laid out for me. Keep me from temptations and deliver me from evil. Give me wisdom, discernment and peace. Fill me with patience, love and joy. I pray for strength today to do all You have called me to. I ask for favor today, for restoration, elevation and multiplication. Bless my marriage, my home and my finances. Everything I have comes from You and I thank You for that.
Amen.