REPENTANCE

The secret of the Christian life is learning to repent. To start again with Jesus and go where you are sent. It isn’t very difficult if you decide to move. Other than the problem of jumping from the groove. But what is really wanted? It isn’t just regret. For that is being sorry for your going into debt. You’ve done a thing that’s nasty and hurt yourself real bad. And that is what’s regretted; because it’s made you sad. It’s also not remorseful for that does not apply, Except to other people and makes you wonder why, You’ve hurt another person, and that reflects on you. And you are just remorseful for all that you did do. And then there is repentance. This is the thing we need. It’s what we’ve done to Jesus by that very nasty deed. We know that we have hurt Him and we have made Him sore, Instead of bringing glory to the One Whom we adore. Repentance is the hardest thing that we can ever do. It represent a turnaround from what been hurting you. It’s going to the Master in sorrow and in pain, Vowing we will never do that silly thing again. It’s going to the Master with nothing in your hands, Trusting that the Saviour will truly understand, That what we have been doing is over dead and gone, So that we can start over and with the Lord be one. What will be God’s attitude whenever we repent? Will He send us packing or will He then relent? Will He take us back again and set us on our feet, Or will He still be angry with our arrogant deceit? We cannot guarantee it, but this one thing is true. God requires repentance in me as well as you. His mercy is still infinite. You won’t be turned away. He’ll take you in His arms again the way He did that day, When first we were committed to Him as Lord and King. If we have repented He’ll do the very thing, That we know is essential to all our future days. Exactly as it tells us in every Bible phrase. He’ll surely want to change you from perishable junk, Into the sort of Christian that no one can debunk. This is the way He wants us all to be with Him each day. There is no other method, alternative or way. Jim Strickland – written Monday, 11 July 2011

DISCIPLESHIP

What is a disciple? The Church should really know. But no one has been doing it since Oh so long ago. We look at one another and scratch our heads in shame. We know it’s His commandment. But who can play that game? “Go and make disciples” is what the Master said. Teach them what I’ve taught you; it is their daily bread. Those who’ve listened to you, and then have been baptised, Will be a generation that cannot be surprised. But making a disciple is not a simple task. It doesn’t happen quickly for it strips away the mask. It makes you vulnerable so other folk can see, That it takes time and effort and huge maturity. It’s not an instant product that happens overnight. It’s giving a commitment to keep within your sight The purpose you are seeking. It will not be diverted. It carries on for many years from when you were converted. Remember that a new born babe needs absolute attention. You cannot point it to the fridge; it doesn’t get a pension. You have to change it’s diapers each time that it is soiled. It has to have a discipline to stop it being spoiled. It needs to know it’s parents and do the things they say. It has to learn what it must do as day succeeds to day. You cannot simply take it and lay it on its bed. You have to give it nourishment to go where you are led. It has to learn the house rules. It has to sleep at night. You have to give it clothing and have to dress it right. This cannot be accomplished in a weekly dose of “church”. You cannot make it sit in rows. It has to learn to search For everything that’s needed. You have to teach it where To go to get it’s sustenance, you have to teach it prayer. It is a life time effort. It’s “mom and dad” must be, Available until it’s reached its full maturity. It needs an education. It needs to go to school. It needs to know when it must learn and when to play the fool. Your children are disciples. They do what you have taught. You give them independence at work and play and sport. You teach it to be like you. You have to reproduce, Your character within them; you cannot turn them loose, And hope that all will be OK when they are on their own. Because your chief objective is to see them fully grown They have to look a lot like you. In some way’s they’re your double. And understand instinctively to keep away from trouble. How long will this work take you? In fact it never ends. Because they have to do the same with all whom Father sends. Jim Strickland – written Sunday, 10 July 2011