•Monday, December 13, 2010
"Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon." Isaiah 55:7 NIV
We've all made mistakes that we've later come to regret. At the time, maybe we didn't realize the choice we were making was a sin. Perhaps we acted out of impatience, lack of trust, or envy. We all have a different story to tell of life-altering failures with far reaching consequences.
But God is gracious and desires to give us a second chance. Though we may have to live with the consequences, when we acknowledge our sin and turn from it, God is merciful and eager to forgive us. His love is so endless, powerful, and deep. And when we experience the blessing of a second chance, we are experiencing a gift of his love. It leaves you feeling awed, humble, and grateful.
The Pharisee, Saul, was determined to exterminate the new set of heretics known as the Followers of the Way. His sole purpose was to glorify God as he acted out terrible persecution against believers in Jesus. While his passion for service was admirable, he had it all wrong. And Jesus personally revealed himself to Saul on the road to Damascus and set the record straight. After that, Saul became known as Paul, one of the apostles of Christ, and went on to change the world with his witness.
God didn't just save Saul. He gave him a second chance to spread the gospel with as much determination as he had previously persecuted the church. If God has given you a second chance, don't take it for granted. Live like you are grateful.
We've all made mistakes that we've later come to regret. At the time, maybe we didn't realize the choice we were making was a sin. Perhaps we acted out of impatience, lack of trust, or envy. We all have a different story to tell of life-altering failures with far reaching consequences.
But God is gracious and desires to give us a second chance. Though we may have to live with the consequences, when we acknowledge our sin and turn from it, God is merciful and eager to forgive us. His love is so endless, powerful, and deep. And when we experience the blessing of a second chance, we are experiencing a gift of his love. It leaves you feeling awed, humble, and grateful.
The Pharisee, Saul, was determined to exterminate the new set of heretics known as the Followers of the Way. His sole purpose was to glorify God as he acted out terrible persecution against believers in Jesus. While his passion for service was admirable, he had it all wrong. And Jesus personally revealed himself to Saul on the road to Damascus and set the record straight. After that, Saul became known as Paul, one of the apostles of Christ, and went on to change the world with his witness.
God didn't just save Saul. He gave him a second chance to spread the gospel with as much determination as he had previously persecuted the church. If God has given you a second chance, don't take it for granted. Live like you are grateful.
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