Acts 3:17-26 - A Time of Refreshing

Scripture: Acts 3:17-26

Summary: This section continues Peter's description of Jesus. He said that God fulfilled what had been fortold through all the prophets. Repent and turn to God so that your sins could be wiped out, that he may send the Messiah, Jesus. You are descendents of the prophets and the covenant that God gave to your ancestors.

Thoughts: This scripture says "Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord..." In this time, between Christmas and New Years, the thought of a time of refreshing is very appealing to me. Right now I long for the time of refreshing that may come from God's presence in my life. The scripture says that I have only to repent and turn toward God. So with Christmas behind me and the coming of the saviour so fresh in my mind, I turn toward the New Year and the uncertainty that it brings. And I pray that God's presence will bring me a time of refreshing, allowing me to face the New Year with hope and the promise that God will provide. Because God promises to be with us throughout each hour, each day, each year. God will indeed provide.

Prayer: God, pour upon me a time of refreshing. A time to wipe my sins away and begin again with the new year. For You make all things new, even me! Amen.

Mark 1:14-15 - Repentance

Scripture:Mark 1:14-15

Summary: After John the Baptist is arrested, Jesus says: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news."

Thoughts: I have been thinking about the kingdom of God alot lately. Now, if the word kingdom reminds you too much of a monarch who tries to control your life, then let's call it the reign of God. Either way, Jesus is telling us that the reign of God has come near. This is the good news that Jesus came to earth to proclaim, that the reign of God is near. It's coming. It's here but not all here yet. What's here? For me, the reign of God is that time when peace, justice, and healing rain down upon the earth. When every person has enough to eat and a place to sleep. When every child can go to school. When everyone gets equal treatment under the law. When all people take care of the earth and God's creation. I find myself longing for this time to be upon us! And then, of course, I begin to wonder what I can do to bring it here more quickly. What is God calling me to do today?

Prayer: God, remind me every day that your reign is upon us. Help me each day to contemplate what I can do that day to work toward your reign. Amen.