THURSDAY, JANUARY 24
Scripture: Matthew 3:8-12
Matthew 3:8-12 says, “Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance and do not think to say to yourself, We have Abraham as our Father. For I say to you, that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. And even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. ‘Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry, He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His threshing floor and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” What do we know about God and His ways? As adopted children who are members of the family of God, repentance is our doorway to blessing. It is our doorway to salvation. And it is our doorway to fruitfulness! God consistently calls on His people to repent. That is a vital step forward in what we have to do! ‘Sorry, Lord, please forgive our mistakes. We choose to amend our ways and to walk in Your Word.’ That is the blessing of being in the family of God. Repentance triggers mercy, while stubborn rebellion triggers unquenchable fire!