Refreshing -- January 27, 2009

Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord
Acts 3:19

Times of refreshing start with repentance and conversion. Repent (transliterated metanoeo) means to change your mind for the better. Converted (transliterated epistrepho) means to change your position. When we change from the inside out by turning to Jesus our sins are dealt with so that refreshing comes.

The refreshing Luke is talking about is the relaxation we feel when a burden is removed from us. It is the cool breeze that relieves us at the end of a hot day. The Salvation of the Lord is only the beginning. It opens the doors for times of refreshing. Times. We are prepared by our salvation for waves of release to wash over us as the Lord continues to free us from bondages throughout our lives. This happens because the Salvation we acquire through our conversions brings us into His Presence.

We now access the Throne of Grace where we confidently seek to obtain the mercy and grace we need in our time of need. Yes, times of need become times of refreshing in His Presence. In His Presence we find the help of a sympathetic brother who happens to be the High Priest of God. Here there are times of refreshing as we continue transform by changing our hearts and then our lives.

Feeling the Breeze,

Pastor Jason