And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.
—Joel 2:13 (KJV)
One of the most amazing things about our God, the LORD God, is that he is so gracious and compassionate. This is true even when we've "blown it big time." He longs to forgive and cleanse when we sin, not condemn and punish us. His grace rushes to greet our genuine heartbreak and heart change with forgiveness, cleansing, and redemption. But God is not about playing religious games or practicing empty religious rituals that are not heartfelt. Our repentance must come from a heart genuinely committed to turn back to the LORD and live for him!
Dear Father, when I sin, please help me see my sin as you see it. I want my heart to break over my sin when I've rebelled against you. I don't want to ever become callused or cold to your graciousness. I always want to appreciate the high cost you paid to redeem, forgive, and cleanse me with your grace in Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...
—Joel 2:13 (KJV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
One of the most amazing things about our God, the LORD God, is that he is so gracious and compassionate. This is true even when we've "blown it big time." He longs to forgive and cleanse when we sin, not condemn and punish us. His grace rushes to greet our genuine heartbreak and heart change with forgiveness, cleansing, and redemption. But God is not about playing religious games or practicing empty religious rituals that are not heartfelt. Our repentance must come from a heart genuinely committed to turn back to the LORD and live for him!
My Prayer...
Dear Father, when I sin, please help me see my sin as you see it. I want my heart to break over my sin when I've rebelled against you. I don't want to ever become callused or cold to your graciousness. I always want to appreciate the high cost you paid to redeem, forgive, and cleanse me with your grace in Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...
