Repentance

True repentance means that we give up our sinful ways and turn toward God.  We die to our sins and choose to live for God above all else.  (2 Peter 2:20-22)

It is necessary in order for us to continue in our sanctification.  A lack of true repentence brings us back to our old ways.

Two ways of repentance : 1) at the horizontal level - that is confessing our sins to one another as James 5:16a (NIV) "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed."
If you sin against another, the Bible is pretty clear that you should not first go to the altar, but first go and get it right with your brother before you go to the altar (Matthew 5:23-24)

2) at the vertical level - once the air with others is cleared, we will enjoy the fresh fellowship and forgiveness with Jesus Christ.  Jesus  forgave of our sins and healed of our bodies.

Psalm 103:2-3

A repentant person can find mercy in the forgiveness of God.  Without the assurance of forgiveness, life can end in despair.

True repentance does not end with words of confession - that would be mere lip service.

True repentance must  lead to changed attitudes and behavior.

Son and Daughter

God's presents or God presence?

Psalm 16:11  You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

We want health, wealth, knowledge, a better job, a better place to live.

As David said, "In Your presence is fullness of joy" (Psalm 16:11).  Presents or gifts may make us happy temporarily, but fullness of joy comes only when we remain in a right relationship with God.

If God gives you a rose without giving Himself, He is giving you a thorn.  If God gives you a garden, without giving Himself, He is giving you a garden with a serpent.  If He gives you wine without the knowledge of God Himself, He is giving you that with which you may destroy yourself. - A.W.Tozer

God wants us to know that when we have Him, we have everything - we have all the rest.

Matthews 6:33