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     Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. Acts 3:19-21

     Dear Jesus, we continue and grow in the Christian life the same way we began this journey with you—through repentant faith leading to times of refreshing… leading to more repentant faith and more times of refreshing. This cycle of repentance and refreshment will only be finished when you return to restore everything broken and make all things new… in us and in this world. Therefore, we cry out collectively, “Hasten that Day, Lord Jesus, hasten that glad and glorious day!”

     Until then, deepen our repentance and multiply our times of refreshment. Why would we have it any other way? Who of us could improve upon such a glorious gospel-state of affairs? How many different ways do you have to say it, Jesus? How often do we need to hear it? You resist the proud but give grace to the humble. Seriously… who wants to try to resist you? Who doesn’t want more grace? Who would prefer times of self-righteousness over times of refreshing?

     Jesus, by your life and by your cross, you have clearly shown us that the way up is down. You have never sinned, but you humbled yourself and became sin for us at Calvary. We have never been righteous, though we have pretended to be. In fact, all of our “so called” righteousness is like filthy rags, yet we have been declared righteous in you. How can this good news not move us to a greater humility… softer hearts… and quicker repentances? 

     We “get” the gospel the best when we are face down and palms up before you in repentant faith… not in groveling despair, nor in face-saving penance, but in the beauty of repentant faith.

     Forgive us when we make excuses… offer explanations… shift the blame… or try to dodge the convicting work of your Spirit. All such madness simply demonstrates the insanity of sin. You promise times of refreshing. Why are we so afraid to repent? Why am I so slow to repent?

     As I begin this day, Jesus, please show me the ways I love poorly. May your kindness lead me to repentant faith all day long. So very Amen, I pray, in your tender and tenacious name.

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