Refreshing!

Refreshing!

So repent (change your mind and purpose); turn around and return [to God], that your sins may be erased (blotted out, wiped clean), that times of refreshing (of recovering from the effects of heat, of reviving with fresh air) may come from the presence of the Lord; Acts 3:19 AMPC

This is part of the quick message Peter preached at the Beautiful gate of the temple after the lame man had been healed. Isn't it strange that this message was directed at people in the temple? Do I equate church going, fervent service and good works with true faith in Christ? It is easy to appreciate titles and get recognition for work done; it is easy to get carried away with outward impressions; the key is this: who is the foundation of all I am and do?

The people in the temple had been coming regularly to the temple; listening to the teachers of the law. You have got to wonder what they had been taught all the while. When there is an opportunity to teach, what do you focus on: grammatical construction or sincere conviction of the heart? Do I seek to please man and not God? Do I seek to move men's emotions and not prick their hearts? Of what use is a message that does not push you into a definite stand, which leaves you very comfortable in sin and encourages you in error?

That's why today's extract is timely: repent! It doesn't matter how long you have walked on the path of sin or how comfortable it has made you. The wages of sin under Adam and Eve was death and it is still the same till today. Repentance must lead to a change of purpose, direction and pursuits. That is my part. God's part is forgiveness and cleansing from sin AND then times of refreshing. This is the part we must all look forward to: After mercy and forgiveness comes the wave of God in abundant measure.

God never leaves a man who is on his side alone. You now have an unending supply of grace; a never-ending flow of power and the constant support of God's presence. There will be seasons when life's experiences will want to make you doubt God; but remember that even in the midst of the darkest night, God sees you and is able to help you. Faith keeps me focused on God even when all else around me is going to pieces. No matter how bad things have been, go back to God. His arms are open wide and He will receive you again. His time of favour is here.