CHANGE YOUR MIND. REPENT.

by Tammy Phillips
(with contributions and approval from Patsy Phillips, my mother in law)
August 12, 2020

“Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands ALL men EVERYWHERE to repent, – Acts 17:30 NKJV

It is 5:45 AM; the sun is gloriously rising over Nashville. The nurse just entered, awoke us and took my mother-in-loves vitals.  Granny, my mother-in-law, had been diagnosed with follicular lymphoma, a slow growing cancer.   She was in the heat of battle overcoming this nasty “C” word!   She miraculously had experienced NO PAIN.   She had been doing so well and then we had a little setback.  She began losing A LOT of blood and was admitted to Vanderbilt Hospital.  The first night, her blood pressure dropped extremely low. Her situation became dire and she was transferred from the oncology floor to ICU.

The next morning brought rest, refreshing and strength to her.   However, it was not the case for the strong looking man across the hall.  He was extremely restless and could not find comfort. His apparent strength was failing him.  He demanded continuous attention.  He was up and down, constantly readjusting his bed.  We questioned why this man was in ICU.  All the nurse could disclose was that what he had presented with was not consistent with his “demented” actions.  All thanks to God!  We were only in ICU for a short time, but the man never found peace.  I wish I could have entered his room and told him what I am about to tell you.

Even though Patsy was in the battle, she was at peace.   She said, “The battle is not mine, it is the Lord’s.”  She knows Jesus as her Savior, Healer, Deliverer, and her Prince of Peace in all things.  She trusts Him with her now and her eternity.

Are you restless? Troubled? In agony?  Worried?  Angry?  Offended?  Concerned about your eternity or present?  REPENT!  Repent, simply, means change your mind.  Turn to Jesus.  Repentance is NOT an emotion.  Repentance is a decision.  Repentance is changing the direction you are going.  Want things to stay the same, keep doing the same thing.

The word “repent” is the Greek word metanoeo. It means a change of mind or conversion.  “It is a decision to completely change or to entirely turn around in the way one is thinking, believing, and living.”

The Greek word metanoeo is a compound of the words meta and nous. The word meta refers to a turn or a change. The word nous is the word for the mind, intellect, will, frame of thinking.  If you do not like the way life is going, change direction!  It is simple.  Repent, turn toward God with all of your heart and mind and to follow Jesus.

The Lord said:

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. – 2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV

John the Baptist:

“REPENT, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” – Matthew 3:2 NKJV

Jesus:

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. REPENT, and believe in the gospel.” – Mark 1:15 NKJV

“I tell you, no; but unless you REPENT you will all likewise perish. – Luke 13:3 NKJV

The Disciples:

“So, they went out and preached that [people] should REPENT.” – Mark 6:12 NKJV

Peter:

“REPENT and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. – Acts 2:38 NKJV

“REPENT therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, – Acts 3:19 NKJV

The Lord, John the Baptist, Peter, and the disciples all begged the people to repent and turn to Jesus for their eternal and present salvation. 

I am enCOURAGING you with all that I am, REPENT.  Change your mind.  Turn to Jesus in all things. He has every answer to your every need.  When you seek Him, YOU WILL FIND HIM, the resolution and right answers.

“Jesus is, has been, and always will be interceding for the Church — pleading for His people to hear Him and repent before He arrives.” -Rick Renner

Wise words from my Mother in Love: “You have to stay in prayer. You never know what is going happen.”