…“Therefore turn and live!” Ezekiel 18:32 (NKJV)
One of the toughest parts of My TEA CUPP Prayers might be the letter “A” for Admitting our sins. It can be hard to admit when we’ve done something wrong, said the wrong words, done the wrong thing, broken one of God’s commandments, and fallen short of the glory of God. It can be especially hard to even admit we need forgiveness, but we do. For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We’re all in need of the forgiveness that only Jesus can provide.
Yet there is Good News! Though admitting our sins is tough, we are cleansed, our burden is lifted, and we have joy and peace again. Jesus bore our sins for us on the cross at Calvary so long ago. When we believe in Him, He washes away all our sins and makes us His child. Isn’t that Good News?! So, today, if you’ve been skipping this part of your TEA time with Jesus, I urge you to turn and live!
Turn from your sins, admit them to Jesus, repent and live a new life, walking with Jesus. This sin stuff is not new, it’s as old as Adam and Eve and the serpent. God’s people, the Israelites, fell into it often. God’s Old Testament prophets warned the people, as did Ezekiel:
Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways,” says the Lord God. “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord God. “Therefore turn and live!” Ezekiel 18:30-32 (NKJV)
Are you ready to turn and live? How can you do it? James tells us so well in his New Testament book. James says…
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. James 4:7-10 (NKJV)
Did you hear James’ points? 1) Submit to God. 2) Resist the devil. 3) Draw near to God (having TEA with Jesus each day is a great way to do this!). 4) Cleanse and purify your heart (by admitting your sins, weeping, and asking Jesus’ forgiveness). 5) Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord.
And did you see Jame’s promises? 1) The devil will flee from you. 2) God will draw near to you. 3) And God will lift you up!
Today’s TEA CUPP: Turn and Live! Dearest TEA CUPP Friend, whether you are a new believer, old believer, or a seeker, there is always something to admit to Jesus. Give Jesus that last sin you’ve been hanging onto, let Him wash it away and give you a new clean heart. Turn and Live!
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1 (NKJV)
For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,” says the Lord God. “Therefore turn and live!” Ezekiel 18:32 (NKJV)
Scripture from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson