20/11/2022 - REPENTANCE AND GRATITUDE

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Take words with you, and return to the LORD. Say to Him, “Take away all iniquity; Receive us graciously, for we will offer the sacrifices of our lips. Hosea 14.2

In the spiritual world, words are what count, for they represent what is in a man’s heart (Luke 6.45). If they are good, they will be pleasing to God and there will be a reward. If not, the person who utters them will be held accountable and punishment will come (Matthew 12.36). The Bible warns of the harm that unbiblically based statements can do: There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health (Proverbs 12.18). You must be very careful!

The Lord not only hears what we say, but also sees in our hearts whether we are truthful or not. If not, we will be punished, of this we can be sure. Therefore, never lie. Playing the hypocrite will complicate your life. If ever in your life you are seized by a forbidden passion, such a thought will lead you to sin. Then ask God to set you free, for you are in great danger!

If you can’t stand the temptation, be honest and tell the Lord everything. It is not ugly to give an explanation of how you feel. Also, cry out for strength to refuse the evil one’s offers, and God will answer you (1 Corinthians 10.13). Jesus said that the Father delights to deliver us from temptation, so open your heart to Him, confessing all that deceives and dominates you. Believe in the power that will come with the light given in the Word. The power given by the Most High is enough to set you free!

Look in the Bible for promises that will lift you up and free you from doubts and pressures used by Hell to destabilize good people and cause them to give up the walk of faith. Nothing in the world gives us escape, only faith in God. The Lord guarantees this to all those who put their trust in Him (Psalms 121). To leave the certain and follow the uncertain is double foolishness. Only God is Omnipotent in Heaven and on Earth. Believe, pray and live!

For a genuine and lasting conversion, one needs to get right with the Most High according to His Word, which is His hiding place. By putting on what He affirms, you stay out of the onslaughts of the evil kingdom. Serving God indeed should be everyone’s goal; otherwise, they will become only religious. Now, the saved need to be doers of the divine commands found in the Holy Book.

Ask God to cast out all iniquity from your life. Then you will be born again and receive the good that He Himself will produce through you. The saved have much to offer; after all, the nine aspects of the fruit of the Spirit are sources of great production (Galatians 5.22,23). By showing gratitude for what you have received, you will obtain more. Jesus said: For whoever has, to him more will be given (Luke 8.18). The good we give is what Jesus accomplished wherever e went, when he received the anointing from on High!

The time for offering animals to the Lord is over; now we must make the sacrifices of praise and worship. The Master stated: But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him (John 4.23). Seek from Heaven the ability to be the worshipper that He seeks, and serve Him in this way!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares