Monday - Nacham
Job 42:1-6
Job has survived the years of torment and is now able to see how Jehovah works in the lives of mankind. He is now been allowed to see and hear God as He truly is. In Job’s explanation of the incident, specifically regarding his personal response and statements, causes him to see the errors of his actions toward God. He then stops to "repent!" The word Nacham, or the Hebrew word for repent means to be sorry. It additionally indicates the acts of breathing deeply as in a sigh of relief. Job realized that his actions may not have been reverent toward God, and after seriously considering the grace and mercy of God, he repents. He acknowledges that he is sorry. Have you considered and repented? Its not too late.
Father, thank You for allowing me to stop, consider, and repent. It may take more than one per day, but allow me to come to You. In the name of Jesus, Amen
Tuesday - Shuwb
Ezekiel 14:4-6
This Hebrew word means to "turn back." An act that is much more difficult to do, than to say. In this passage God is speaking to the people through the prophet asking them to turn back from their idolatrous ways. He speaks to us in our high tech, multi theistic society in an effort to draw us back to Himself. Today, more than ever before, we have become worshipers of "everything!" We worship our homes, cars, money, jobs, children, lovers, and anything that we can grasp, steal, obtain, or see. His mercy (not giving us what we deserve) is extended to allow us to see Him for who He is, and turn from our idolatry. Israel turned too late and ended up in exile. Is exile from God your intent?
Father, tap me on the shoulder when You see I am leaning in the wrong direction. Help me know Your ways and turn before its too late. In the name of Jesus, Amen
Wednesday - Nocham
Hosea 13:9-14
God has always promised Israel that He would restore them. This restoration process is actually going to occur in the last days. Hosea speaks of God’s promise and in the process informs them that He would redeem them from death, and He would redeem them from the grave. Eternal life was the total promise and then God stated that He would even destroy the grave. God shows His total love for us by letting them know that the regrets (repentance) He has had in the past would be forgotten for their sakes. He is still prepared to dismiss His regrets for Israel, and for His living church.
Father, Your repentance allows me to see You in a new light. Instill in me, by my request, the skills to perform as You desire. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Thursday - Nichum
Hosea 11:8
God’s heart was so moved within Him with repentings (compassion) for Ephraim that He was torn between two decisions, to destroy or not to destroy. Ephraim was so sinful there was nothing left to do but destroy, hence the pleading of God for the nation to seek Him and do that which was right so He would not have to bring judgment. As the Lord looks at us today, does He have to repent because of our disobedience? When He looks at you is "Nichum" the order of the day, or can the Lord use other attributes as He relates to us? These are questions we need to consider. Notice that repentance is not just for man, but is used extensively by God. Our lives should be such that God does not need to repent any more now, than He did with Israel.
Father, order my steps, my life, my thinking in such a manner that I don’t cause You to have to repent. In the name of Jesus, Amen
Friday - Metanoeo
Matthew 27:3
Until now we have looked at Hebrew words for repent. Now lets change and consider some Greek words. A lot has been said about Judas and his dastardly act of betraying Jesus, but little is said about the fact that Judas repented of this action. As we consider the depth and breadth of repenting, we see that even Judas had to repent, or metanoeo. This Greek word means to change one’s mind for the better, morally. Judas realized that his actions were morally wrong and actually tried to reverse them. His attempts were futile. The day has arrived when Christians need to take a look at the way they view their morals, the morals of the church, and the morals of the world. We need to "metanoeo." That is "change our attitude toward the raging sinfulness in our land and lives.
Father, turn me around so I can be face-to-face with the need to view sin as You view sin. In the name of Jesus, Amen
Saturday - Metamelomai
Luke 24:46-48
There are times when things we do cause us to regret (repent) them. Then after additional consideration we realize that our regret was unnecessary. Paul issues a mandate to the church at Corinth and then feels bad about it. After he looks at the situation a little closer he regrets his regret. His regret was not because he had written it, but because he felt he might have done more damage than good -we have been there- only to discover that he has actually benefitted the church. He knew of the problems of the church and wanted them to know that he regretted the consequences of sin they would endure, and wanted them to do the same. We need to stop, assess and regret in this same manner.
Father, create in me the desire and the knowledge that enables me to live in a manner that pleases You. In the name of Jesus, Amen
Sunday - Ametameletos
Romans 11:25-32
Verse 29 provides another concept of repenting. This Greek word means irrevocable." God has given these gifts to mankind for the benefit of mankind. He has no intention of revoking them, though the original receiver of the gifts has fallen into sin. There are, and have been, many attempts to say that God retrieves things He gives man, but this verse, this paragraph of Scripture, shows that He does not retract (repent) His promises and gifts, He just delays their use. Sin has caused any number of gifts and callings to be delayed. Today, take a goooood look at yourself and determine if God has given you a gift, or called you to serve, and you have procrastinated, or are procrastinating. He will wait for a while, but then He will pass it on to someone who will engage it and be successful. God will not repent the giving of gifts or His calling of man.
Father, touch me, point me, use me! In His name, Amen
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