Eugene Peterson, in his book, Run with the Horses, shared a humorous story that vividly illustrates the meaning of repentance.
A few years ago I was in my backyard with my lawnmower tipped on its side. I was trying to get the blade off so I could sharpen it. I had my biggest wrench attached to the nut but couldn’t budge it. I got a four-foot length of pipe and slipped it over the wrench handle to give me leverage, and I leaned on that—still unsuccessfully.
Filed under Repentance
“You cannot enjoy the things money can buy if you ignore the things money cannot buy.”
We have all seen the above quote reflected in the lives of many people. Some famous. Others ordinary folks. Some wealthy. Others with average means. But none more dramatic in terms of his lifestyle change than the “Prodigal Son” in Jesus’ famous parable recorded in Luke 15. Continue reading
Filed under Christian Living, Parables of Jesus, Repentance
Yesterday’s post, How to Deal with Personal Offenses, was in response to a reader’s question regarding Matthew 18:15-17. If you missed it, please read it first. It will provide the context as we continue this discussion. Continue reading
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Last night Norma Jean and I visited the Lenexa church and heard Bruce Reeves preach on Radical Repentance. His lesson planted a seed for some thoughts for today’s post.
The word repent literally means “to perceive afterwards.” It is a change of mind that results in a change of life. Repentance is fundamental in primary obedience. When the Jews who crucified Christ were convicted by Peter’s sermon they asked, What shall we do?” Peter’s first word was, “Repent.” (Ax 2:38) Continue reading
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Rick Stacy, a Michigan preacher, tells a neat story about a man named Ken Bailey.
Ken was a laborer on the Alaska Pipeline back in the mid 1970’s. He worked a year and came back with $30,000. That was a lot of money 30 years ago! He blew it all in a month.
He went back and in six months made another $18,000. He came home again and this time he decided to visit the church where Rick preached. Continue reading
Filed under Repentance, Word of the Week
It was a classic every football season for several years in the Peanuts comic strip. Charlie Brown practicing his place kicking and Lucy holding the football.
Every time Lucy held the ball for Charlie the same thing would happen. Charlie would approach the ball and with all his might was ready to kick the ball out of the end zone. But at the exact moment, the point of no return, Lucy would pick up the ball. Charlie would kick and his unchecked momentum would cause him to fall flat on his back.
One strip opened with Lucy holding the ball, but Charlie Brown wouldn’t kick it. Lucy begged. But Charlie wouldn’t budge. Continue reading
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“I’m deeply sorry for what I did. I can say that thousands of times, and it might never be enough.” said Lance Armstrong to Oprah Winfrey.
If you didn’t watch the two-part interview that Oprah had with the famous cyclist, you’ve probably heard about it. Armstrong finally admitted to doping. To using performance enhancing drugs. To lying. Covering up. To being a bully. To cheating. To hurting his family, friends and fans.
Following the first telecast, Norma Jean turned to me and said, “Do you think he’s sorry he sinned? Or just sorry he got caught?” Continue reading
Filed under Repentance, Sin
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