What was “the main thing” Jesus came to tell us? In Day 16 called “Repent,” the authors remind us that, while teaching folks to “love thy neighbor,” urging them to turn the other cheek, to be hospitable and help the poor were all good things, they were just not the main thing. They say, “This was the main thing: Jesus came to proclaim the kingdom of heaven – God’s sovereign rule and reign, now and for all eternity.” (p72) I love this particular devotion so much because of the clever design of how they write, that I simply want to read the whole thing to you! But I won’t as I really do hope you will invest in at least this Book One of The Chosen 40 Days with Jesus collection.
But I will share this quote about the major thing: “Jesus was calling for heart change. Radical inward transformation was the price of kingdom admission. Nothing more. Nothing less.” (p73) They go on to talk about Peter and how his powerful repentance radically changed his life and moved him to pick up where Jesus left off, proclaiming the same life altering, and life giving message of the kingdom of heaven.
Repentance. I never really meditated on that moment when Peter surrendered his life to Jesus, but today it has hit me in a deep way. After hauling in a miraculous catch of fish, Peter simply fell to his knees in front of Jesus and confessed, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” (Lk 5:8) Did you see it? That beautiful moment when he realizes he is nothing apart from God? In the Holy Presence of Jesus, Peter becomes painfully aware of his own unholiness. Do we? While we are not to live in guilt, it is healthy for us to remember the disparity between our Savior and our sinfulness. It keeps us humble. It keeps us connected to God. It keeps us growing in His Grace. We repent once for Salvation, but we should foster a repentant heart so that we can act like the beloved, holy children of God we now are in Christ. Repentance is indeed the ticket into Heaven, but it is also the power that helps us live a fulfilling life here too, before we get to go to Heaven, because it opens us up to the power of God’s forgiving and saving Love.
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
May: My Spiritual Mom: “Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits” by Joyce Meyer
June: Spiritual Dad: “It’s Not About Me- Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy” by Max Lucado
July: Financial Freedom “Complete Guide to Money” by Dave Ramsey
August: Summer’s Soul Restorer “A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23” by W Phillip Keller
September: Covering Our Children: “Prayers for the Prodigals” by James Banks
October: Reformation of Our Hearts: “Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine” by Max Lucado
November: So Thankful To Be Chosen: “The Chosen 40 Days with Jesus Book One, Book Two & Book Three” by Amanda Jenkins, Kristen Hendricks and Dallas Jenkins
<>< Peace, Diane
