Thursday, August 20, 2009

Turn, Turn, Turn

“‘Do you think that I like to see wicked people die? Says the Sovereign LORD. Of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live.’” “‘And if wicked people turn from their wickedness, obey the law, and do what is just and right, they will save their lives. They will live because they thought it over and decided to turn from their sins. Such people will not die.’” “‘Repent, and turn from your sins. Don’t let them destroy you! Put all your rebellion behind you, and find yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.’” Ezekiel 18:23, 27-28, 30-32

Watching someone dear to me pursue a lifestyle of sin, I long for them to hear these words and find a new heart and spirit. Sadly they are blind to any error in their ways and continue to justify and excuse their behaviour. Actions in complete rebellion of God’s Word speak of their current heart condition, yet they say the Lord is guiding them. One thing I know for sure, God will never, never instruct us to do anything contrary to His Word.

Like John in the wilderness, I long to be that voice that calls for repentance. Repentance is so much more than recognizing that what you are doing is wrong. It’s acknowledging sin as sin. Confessing. Asking for forgiveness. Surrendering. Turning completely around. True repentance is evidenced in a new heart and spirit.

In my own life I think of the many times I have told the Lord how sorry I am for carrying so much fear. True repentance would result in a new heart of trust and a spirit of confidence.

Father, before I am so quick to preach repentance to another, convict my heart and help me remove the log in my own eye.





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5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wonderful post dear Joy...we seek Him, to be filled with Him. Only through Him can we lived a transformed life. Bit by bit he builds our character to be more like Him.
Psalm 112:7
"They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them."

Hugs, Lori - AZ

Danielle said...

Girl, God is dealing with me on this very issue! Oh, how I hear you, Father.

Thank you for this post, Joy.

~Grace and Peace said...

This -
"Watching someone dear to me pursue a lifestyle of sin, I long for them to hear these words and find a new heart and spirit..."

Amen.

Sarah said...

Repentance, I hear your voice calling in the wilderness. YOu are blessing so many through your words here.

Keep writing, the world is reading and God is touching hearts.

Blessings from Costa RIca,
Sarah Dawn

Tim and Susan said...

Thanks for sharing. I love that song. I was just reminded this morning how we need to "flee" from those things that tempt be to turn from daily obedience...not walk away, but RUN.