Jesus, I Need You, Part 2Sample

QUIET MOMENT


The voice cried out, “Make ready the way of the Lord!” True repentance is not just mental assent or a ritualistic act. It is an altering of thinking and a reevaluating and reorganizing of priorities that leads to a change of lifestyle. It is getting things out of the way so that the Lord may come closer. What do you need to do to make the way ready for the Lord in your heart?


GOING DEEPER


Read Luke 3:1-14. What speaks to your heart? Even as Christians—as those who have repented and turned to God—how can we apply this to our hearts?


1. Do you think hearts today are different than those in the days of Christ?


2. Even if we are in Christ, how can our hearts be hardened by unconfessed sin?


Repentance isn’t a popular subject today. Many do not want to offend people by preaching it. John the Baptist wasn’t afraid of offending people; it was God he didn’t want to offend. True repentance will manifest itself in a willingness to change and give up things like pet sins (sins we make allowances for or minimize), selfishness, self-centered living, and hurtful behavior. True repentance will produce a whole harvest of new behavior based on a willingness to put off the old and put on the new. John said to bring forth fruit in keeping with repentance. It is an outgrowth of a change in the heart. What are some examples John mentions in verses 11-14?


What would the Lord say to you if you asked Him, “If these things are true, Lord, what shall I do?” If you are to turn toward God with all your heart, what would you need to get rid of to truly clean house? Confess to the Lord any unwillingness to let go of your ways.


REFLECTION AND PRAYER


Meditate on what you have just read and close in a prayer to the Lord.

TAKE THE TRUTH TO HEART AND BRING THE TRUTH TO LIFE

Choose one truth from today and apply it to your heart. Take it with you throughout the day.