Scripture for Today: Acts 3:19 “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,”

The sun was shining and there was a slight cool breeze.  The track was empty and everything was perfect for my first morning walk here.  I was walking at a good pace when I noticed the arrows pointing the other way.  I was walking well but in the wrong direction!  How annoying.  As I was monitoring laps and time for future walks, I did not want to turn around.  Although I was alone, I felt pretty silly going the wrong way.

Our verse for today includes the idea of going the wrong way.  To repent is to change one’s mind and turn around, going a different direction, in this case toward the Lord.  Peter is challenging his listeners through the words of their own prophets.  They were going the wrong way by rejecting Jesus.  And it was only by changing direction and accepting their Messiah that they could return to God.

To admit that our direction in life may be the wrong one is difficult to do.  On that track, I was not about to start all over.  I had covered a good amount of ground.  Not only that, it is excruciating to acknowledge error.  However, the arrows on that track were clear and I did not have any valid excuse.

God’s Word is like those arrows marking the right direction.  If I am not following them I am moving farther and farther away from the Lord and His refreshing presence.  I just need to change my mind and open my heart to Him.  I just need to turn around.

Thank you Lord that You are there, waiting to forgive and love on me!