January 2 Repentance

January 2

Isaiah 30:19.  “Oh people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more.  He will be gracious if you ask for help.  He will respond instantly to the sound of your cries.”

Haggai 2:19. “............From this day onward I will bless you.”

The Lord has promised abundant blessings on Zarubbabel, son of Sheltiel, because of his obedience to rebuild the temple.  The results of obedience were abundant harvests and to be treated like a signet ring on the Lord’s finger, which is symbolic of being highly valued. 

Many times in the Bible, blessings come from obedience or repentance to the Lord.  (Human repentance is a change for the better and is a conscious turning from disobedience or sin or idolatry to the living God.) 

I have met many people who professed an abundance of blessings after a confession or an act of obedience in supporting a Christian cause, especially in the ministry to children and the poor.  Often this blessing is evident in finances or a personal touch by the Holy Spirit or in some other significant area in life.

We are depriving ourselves of God’s blessings if we refrain from obeying and repenting and asking for his blessing. Unrepentant sin causes a gap in our relationship with Christ and the longer it is left unattended, the wider the gap becomes. He will forgive if we let Him.  It doesn’t matter what the sins are, He forgives and blesses.

Prayer for today: Father, Today I ask you to forgive my trespasses and give me a new sensitivity to your voice and leadership.  My desire is to be obedient to your plan.  I long for a closeness with you and to be in the shelter of your hand.  Draw me nearer to your side, Lord.  In Jesus name, Amen.