R E P E N T A N C E ?
 
       A NOT MUCH TALKED ABOUT ACT IN THE LIFE OF A
                                 LATTER DAY BELIEVER

Why is this? JESUS speaks of REPENTANCE as a necessary
component of SALVATION throughout the New Testament.  So does
Paul in his missives to the Churches and to the Gentiles at large.  How
come it is of little mention in today's "readiness" discussions? Since
JESUS's WORD in all things is HOLY, shouldn't we come to a complete
understanding of what REPENTANCE really means in the eyes of the
LORD?  Of course we're all sorry for our sins,  so how do we go about
confessing them in a manner that is acceptable to HIM?  Well first of
all HE has to HEAR US when we confess and herein may lie the problem
for some people.  It is the HOLY SPIRIT that conveys our PRAYERS
to HE THAT ANSWERS.  Without the HOLY SPIRIT in US to "speak"
for us, these confessions, we are told, will be "unheard".  Uh Oh !  That's
not good!  So once again having the HOLY SPIRIT on board becomes
necessary(and not just for the confession of sins but for living under
HIS direction in ALL THINGS)  This is just another reason why I keep
harping on the necessity of a Speaking/Hearing relationship with the
HOLY SPIRIT in our lives so we can OBEY HIM and TALK to HIM and
K N O W that HE HEARS US.
         The HOLY SPIRIT, when "on board" makes the confessing of one's
sins almost "easy"  You see when HE is WITH YOU, you can FEEL HIS
HOLINESS and PURITY and our sins show up in contrast.  We "feel"
guilty and remorseful just being around HIM.  A feeling of REPENTANCE
comes upon you almost automatically and confessing your sins almost
happens by itself in the presence of such MAGNIFICENCE.  HIS
HOLINESS  is a great impeller of confession.  This is just another benefit
of having the HOLY SPIRIT with you while we wait.  So again, how
important is it to be ONE OF HIS SHEEP WHO HEARS HIS VOICE?
I would say that NOTHING ELSE MATTERS.  What do YOU say?

               MARANATHA !

                         TH

PS.    Incidentally, a daily confession is a good way to start your
            conversation(prayer) with HIM.  Good opening of dialog.