I hope you enjoy this sneak peek into “The Pathway to Discipleship: A Yearly Devotion & Prayer Journal.” I contributed a week of devotions to this book, along with about 50 other pastors, teachers, and men of God. The book contains 52 weeks of thought-provoking and powerful devotions designed to help you experience a deeper walk with Jesus. Days 1-4 cover subjects essential along the pathway to discipleship, and Day 5 is for journaling, reflection, and prayer.
This beautiful, leather-bound book makes an attractive, Christ-centered Christmas gift that can be enjoyed all year. Why not pick one up for yourself as well? The book is not available in stores. You can purchase a prayer book for $15 in the Blackshear Place main lobby.
DAY 3
David: A Case Study in Repentance
So David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die.” 2 Samuel 12:13
It was a miserable year for King David. Many scholars suppose that the time between David’s great act of sin and his defining moment of repentance was 12 months. David described his emptiness during this time, “My sin was ever before me” (Psalm 51:3). David was reminded every day that joy and peace had vanished from his life. But everything changed when these heartfelt words came from David’s lips, “I have sinned.” As Charles Spurgeon said, “God does not allow His children to sin successfully;” instead He leads us to repentance. David repented, and God responded with incredible grace and mercy: “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die.”
What is repentance? It means to change the mind. It is a word that describes not only what we say with our lips but also how we live our lives. Repentance is honest confession. It’s not minimizing, rationalizing, or generalizing. It does not place blame; it takes the blame. It’s a complete break, putting away the desire and deed of sinful behavior. It’s turning around and going in God’s direction.
God is serious about repentance. His infinite grace and mercy are exhibited in these words, “For You have cast all my sins behind Your back” (Isaiah 38:17). How serious are you about repentance? Repentance is returning to God, and what returns to you in the process of repentance is priceless. Just as David received back his joy and peace, God will restore you when you repent: “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). God responds to our repentance. How do you need to respond to today’s devotional? Do you need to repent?
God, thank You for Your everlasting love, infinite grace, and great mercy. I praise You for the fact that You are faithful and just to forgive me of all my sin. I praise and glorify You, my Redeemer. Amen.
