Ezekiel 14:6, "...Thus saith the Lord GOD; Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations."  

The primary message of the Old Testament prophets to the wayward children of Israel was to turn from their idols and to turn their hearts and focus upon the Lord.  We don't hear much about repentance anymore.  Yet this turning with Godly sorrow away from our sin back to the Lord is vital if we are going to grow in the Lord.   

I want to point out that you can only repent of your sins.  You can't repent for a group, you can pray for a group, but you can't repent for a group. The insertion of the word "yourself" puts the emphasis where it needs to be. Satan has caused caused a deep sleep and blindness to fall upon believers.  We see the need for others to repent but not we ourselves. 

I pray we will turn away from any and all the things that hinder our relationship with the Lord.  2 Corinthians 10:12, "For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."  I am examining my heart this morning; I pray you will do the same.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1. When is the last time you repented of some sin?

2. In order to repent, one must acknowledge his own sin. Are you living with any sin in your life right now? What must you do about it in order to get right with God?

3. Is there a difference between confession and repentance, and if so what is the difference?

4. What is the standard by which every believer should live his or her life?