Thursday's Discipleship Response
Acts 2:38
Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
~ The Apostle Peter
Pondering Point
The words quoted above were declared on Pentecost to conclude Peter’s message.
The re-act-ion of the people was an act of repentance – by thousands. That act was followed by the promised giving of the Holy Spirit. When God calls for repentance, He isn't just looking to humiliate or humble people, but rather to prepare them to receive the awesome gift of Himself and the grace He brings with His coming. It is a coming of His kingdom into the life of a person. It is one of the Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done moments we pray for as Jesus taught in the Lord’s Prayer.
Let’s review our daily commitment to be turned toward God’s ways and God’s will as part of God’s Kingdom.
Review
Do I repent (i.e. turn away from self to God) by denying myself, take up my cross daily (die to living my own way) and follow Jesus? Such repenting can result in loss of friends or family, current reputation and job opportunities. Am I committed to God’s ways? God’s will? God’s kingdom?
Repent if necessary...
of not repenting daily (isn’t that ironic!). Repent of letting your ways, your will and your version of kingdom-living usurp God’s ways in your life.
Return as necessary...
by denying yourself, taking up your cross and committing to follow Jesus, akin to following the way of God in your life. Pray that the Holy Spirit leads you in this life of repentance.
Prayer
Father God, let nothing stand between us and communion with You as You reside in us. Let no selfishness, no sin, no sinful nature get the upper hand. Let all be submitted to You as we live out our lives as baptized children of yours! I pray this in the name of Jesus, my Lord. Amen.