Just a thought....
Ever have those days - or seasons - when it seems that
all you're doing is repenting? Does it leave you feeling strengthened or weary? I was praying for a friend who
mentioned being in this place and the Spirit reminded me of Acts 3:19.
"So repent (change your mind and purpose); turn around and return [to God],
that your sins may be erased (blotted out, wiped clean), that times of refreshing (of recovering from the
effects of heat, of reviving with fresh air) may come from the presence of the Lord." (emphasis
mine)
Repentance accomplishes two specific, important things: it erases
our sins and it brings us into the presence of our God and Father where we will be refreshed and encouraged.
If you repent and don't feel refreshed, either you are beating yourself up or you're allowing your enemy to beat you up.
I didn't understand for many years what Romans 8:1 meant when it said, "So
now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus." I had heard it over and over, but just
didn't get it until the Spirit gave me understanding. Let me put it this way: do you ever analyze and replay your
faults and mistakes in your mind? Do you go back and ask forgiveness for something that you have already repented
of? Do you stop short of what you would like to do or accomplish because you feel you are unworthy even though you have
taken your past sins before the cross and asked Jesus for forgiveness? This is condemnation. You
have condemned yourself to living under the curse of that sin simply by not receiving the forgiveness that Jesus has already
given you the first time you went to Him.
Repentance is more than being sorry. As Acts 3:19 states, it is changing
your mind and purpose; it is turning around and returning to God in an area where you were walking away from Him by your
actions and thoughts. Repentance comes from having a revelation of the truth of your error and the truth of His mercy
and love. And repentance always brings refreshing; it always takes you back into the arms of
God.
If you don't feel the peace and rest of God's presence, grab onto I John
1:9.
"If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins,
He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously]
cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action]."
Pull down every thought that would try to exalt itself above the knowledge
of Christ Jesus in your life, bringing your thoughts into obedience with His thoughts. Bath yourself in the truth of
His Word until His Spirit grounds you in the revelation of how He sees you, and how He is changing you into His very own image.
"Whenever a person turns [in repentance] to the Lord, the veil is
stripped off and taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty
(emancipation from bondage, freedom).
"And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued
to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His
very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is]
the Spirit." (II Cor. 3:16-18)
Repentance is an amazing doorway into His presence!
Amy
