Acts 3:19 (KJV)
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
The above Scripture contains a remarkable statement from the Apostle Peter that deserves careful study. After healing the lame man at the temple gate, Peter called for repentance and conversion. He did not mince words declaring Heaven’s demand for God’s children to repent. Repentance is motivated by the desire to have our sins forgiven. Repentance involves a deep sorrow for the sins committed and a change of heart, mind, and behavior. It requires returning to God and adjusting to His plans and purposes. In repentance, we choose right over wrong, principles over convenience, truth over popularity, and Christ over all. Repentance clears the way for us to enjoy a restored relationship with our Maker. Ezekiel 18:32 says, “For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!” God is too just and holy to overlook sin, and the only response He expects from man is repentance, which is absolutely turning away from iniquity.
As the year wraps up, looking toward 2024, God wants all His children to repent and live. It is sad, however, that many modern-day preachers have deleted the message of change from their sermons because they would not want to be offensive to modern minds. What they forget is that the message of change brings repentance, and repentance offers moments of refreshing from the Lord. Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand! Let’s serve God well in the coming year. Do not crossover to 2024 with the same baggage from 2023. That is, DON’T ENTER 2024 WITH SINS INTACT. For God will judge each of us according to our ways. Therefore, repent, for He takes pleasure in the return of a sinner. He is opening the door of salvation to all His children; all we need to do is enter and live. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Through His Son, God has extended an open invitation to all humanity to come to Him for eternal life. Jesus said, “I have come that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” Be part of this abundant life Jesus promised us! Our commitment to God in 2024 will determine our fulfillment in this time and eternity. God mercifully forgives us all our sins, so let us cleanse our hands and purify our hearts, surrendering our lives to Jesus. In 2024, let the whole world recognize that we have given our lives to Christ when they see the undeniable proof of the fruits of repentance in us.
Beloved, take stock of your life, see where you have fallen short of the Glory of God, and repent. Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and repent of every act of unrighteousness now. Ask God to forgive your sins, for He is merciful to blot out all your sins. Surrender your life to Jesus if you have not done that, for He loves you. He transforms your mind and keeps you in perfect peace as you stay focused on Him. If you are reading this and want to give your life to Jesus Christ or ask God to forgive your sin, pray this prayer, for tomorrow may be too late! “Lord Jesus, I come before You today to make my way right with You. Help me, Lord, to fulfill Your will. Forgive me for my sins and make me a new person. Today, I have decided to follow You, Lord Jesus. There is no turning back, forward ever, backward never. Thank You, Lord, in Jesus’ Name.” The hold of sin breaks and the Grace to live for God is released on you now in Jesus’ Name. If saved, don’t waste your life sitting in a church pew. Get busy using that spiritual gift. The fields of this world are ripe for harvest. So, go out there and save a soul for Christ. God bless you as you bear fruits worthy of repentance in the Name of Jesus. Nobody has ever contended with the Lord and prevailed. The only viable option for salvation, life, and peace is for the sinner to repent genuinely and turn unto the Lord in spirit and truth. Remember, repentance from the heart brings refreshing from the presence of God Almighty, unspeakable joy full of glory, and restores you to your former position.
O Lord, I ask that You forgive me of all my sins. Help me to flee from every form of sin as I seek Your face daily in Jesus’ Name.