Scripture: Acts 8:21-23
You can have no part or share in God’s word because your heart isn’t right with God. Therefore, change your heart and life! Turn from your wickedness! Plead with the Lord in the hope that your wicked intent can be forgiven, for I see that your bitterness has poisoned you and evil has you in chains.
Thought for the Day: In this passage, Peter is confronting a single individual about a specific happening, yet the words are still challenging. Our lives can so easily become entangled in things that are destructive and hurtful, yet it is easy to justify or dismiss our actions because we go to church or pray or say very religious sounding things. Today, we enter an important season in the life of the church, but an even more important season in our individual lives. It is time for change – It is time for transformation. I want people to be careful when it comes to language like “wicked” and “evil” (in the above passage) as those are often used in emotionally debilitating ways. At the same time, seeking change and forgiveness is the only path forward for many who feel bound by chains. Today is a great day to take on something in your life that needs change, and for that reason, know that there is a God who is seeking to help you and wants for you to embrace the grace and forgiveness already offered.
Prayer: You know where I need change, God, so challenge me in the 40 days of Lent to do the necessary work that will lead beyond change to real transformation. Amen.
TONIGHT
6:45pm
