let God bless you

We read these verses today in the One Year Bible reading:

2 SAMUEL 23:24-24:25
ACTS 3:1-26
PSALM 123:1-4
PROVERBS 16:21-23

In Acts, Peter heals a man and then uses that moment to share the good news of Jesus with the crowd that gathers. Throughout the New Testament, we see this pattern. First Jesus, then His disciples perform miracles to get people's attention. Then they proclaim the kingdom of God and tell people how to respond to the good news of Jesus.

You might notice as you read that Peter keeps telling them that they will be blessed and will see God restore all things, redeeming the universe. But first, he keeps saying, they need to repent of their sins. As long as they go on sinning, they're going to miss out on what God is doing. 

Is sin preventing you from receiving God's blessing and works in your life? Repent of your sins. First, confess them. That means agreeing with God that what you're doing is sin. If you need help figuring out if what you're doing is sinful, Google "examination of conscience" and you'll find resources that will help you find the sins in your life. Then turn from your sin and stop doing it. That's easier said than done, and some people take years to overcome habitual sins. But as long as you keep trying, He will honor your effort and will help you overcome them.

And once you've turned from your sins, seek His face. If we seek Him with all our hearts, we will find Him. The Bible promises us that. 

God, thank You for helping us prepare ourselves for your blessings and work in our lives.