R&R

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No, I'm not talking about Rest and Relaxation.  What is Samantha talking about then?  Let me use a pretend person for some examples.  We will name it --A.

Let's say A likes to lie, cheat, and take the Lord's name in vain. It knows that it is wrong. The Holy Spirit is convicting its heart, making it feel it's wrong for what it is doing. It really feels sorry.

Each time it sins, it knows the Lord forgives. 1John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." But that certainly doesn't mean that we, who are believers, should keep on sinning. We actually should try not to sin.

It's not like we have a free pass to sin. It's totally the opposite. I mean, since Jesus died for our sins, we should try hard not to sin. The operative word is--- TRY. God knows we are not perfect, and He still died for us, sinners.

Back to what I was saying earlier, the first R stands for Remorse. Meaning, when it knows it did something wrong that made it feel bad, what is it gonna do? It would say, "Sorry," and maybe not make the mistake the next day. Unfortunately, the same mistake is still happening over and over again. And then, it's just gonna say, -- "Sorry." It becomes like a cycle. It knows that's not good.

This brings us to the second R. It stands for Repentance. A should do their best to stop lying, cheating, and taking the Lord's name in vain. God knows what's in A's heart and A's heart is saying, "it wants to change." A believes, with much prayer to God and asking for His help, that He can change A. It would also need to exert much effort and work to try to change. It's not like God will do all the work. God can do all the work if He wants to, but I think it's like God opens doors. But then, we have to work hard and figure out how to get through the door.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for today. I pray that you would be with every one of us today. We love you, Lord. Amen.

Questions for Reflection:

1. Are there any cycles of sinning and just repeating, "I'm sorry," but no repenting in your life?

2. Is there a sin that you just keep on repeating, but you really want to stop doing it?

3. Have you spoken to God about it and shared your feelings with Him?

Thank you for listening to Samantha's Deep Thoughts. Have a Blessed Day!!! Remember to smile 'cause Jesus loves you!!!

Mighty to Save - Hillsong Worship

Goodbye Yesterday (Live) - Bethel Music, David Funk & Brooke Ligertwood

1 John 1:9 ESV

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

2 Corinthians 7:10 ESV

For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.

Acts 3:19 ESV 

Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,

Matthew 4:17 ESV 

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

2 Peter 3:9 ESV 

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.