Matthew 3:8-9 – “You must prove your repentance by a changed life.  9 And don’t presume you can get away with merely saying to yourselves, but we are Abraham’s descendants!”

God rewards or deposits in us according to our ways.   Ways are routes, roads, or paths, but they also signify motive and intent.  God responds to what causes us to be and think what we do.  The fruits (plural) of our doings (practiced lifestyle) bring God’s response. 

There is no ambivalence or ambiguity with God. It is either the curse or blessing that we receive.   In Matthew 3:8-9, this is brought into focus.

A truly repentant heart includes and reflects a changed life, outlook, and motivation.  It is not just words.   I believe that it is evidenced transformation.  It is a transformation that is noticeable in our daily activities.

The tug at my heart is to have “evidenced repentance.”   God does not desire, nor will He accept verbal assent; He requires total surrender that transforms.   A transformed heart exhibits the heart of Jesus.  Its ways reflect Love and Forgiveness without restrictions.

LOVE – – God’s love is unconditional and transformational.

Jeremiah 21:8 – “…I have set before you the way of life and the way of death.”   The path we choose is reflected in our lives in a measurable way.

The cry of my heart is, “LORD, help me to totally surrender my life to You.  Help me to be a living example of a transformed life walking out the demonstrated love of God.   I want to be a visible manifestation of You on this earth- not my will, but Yours.  Help me give up my pain for Your Joy so I can infect others with Your love and grace.  I want to die, to me so I can truly live.  Amen!”

We each need to cooperate with the Holy Spirit as He searches our hearts, motives, perceptions, preferences, and purposes.   If we totally surrender, He will manifest Himself in us fully, and we will become who we are and do what He did.   You are powerful, limited only by your hesitation.  

This is your day; receive it and let it be manifested in you!