For Heartfelt Repentance

For Heartfelt Repentance

THE SPIRITUAL LAW OF SOWING AND REAPING is as certain as the law of gravity. Whether or not you believe in Newton’s theory, there will be consequences if you jump off the Shanghai Tower.

But—what if I told you that our prayers can override certain consequences? Would you believe you possess the power to change God’s mind?

“Obeying GOD’s orders to the letter,” Jonah declared, “In forty days Nineveh will be smashed.” As a result, the king frantically issued a proclamation: “Not one drop of water, not one bite of food. . . . Send up a cry for help to God” (Jonah 3:1-9, MSG).

Now, here’s where it gets interesting: “When God saw what they had done and how they had put a stop to their evil ways, he changed his mind and did not carry out the destruction he had threatened” (Jonah 3:10, NLT, emphasis added).

God is more interested in our hearts than in rendering punishment. Our seeds of heartfelt repentance can cause the Lord’s mercy to take root.

STRENGTH IN THE WORD

Go and sin no more.

TODAY I DECLARE

I’m turning away from my sin.

PRAYERFUL THOUGHTS

Dear Lord,

In the words of Psalm 51:

Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. . . . Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me . . . and make me willing to obey you (verses 1, 10-12).

In Jesus’ name, amen.

KEEPSAKE

“Our prayers can override certain consequences.”