Session 26

How to experience true change

From Mark: A 6-Week Devotional

When LeBron James, one of the NBA’s top basketball players, returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers, local fans rejoiced and even printed T-shirts with the word “Forgiven.”

LeBron had been playing for the Miami Heat, which never sat well with local fans. If LeBron would have stayed in Miami but said he missed home, his words would have been meaningless. But when he returned to the Cavs, a team based an hour north of his hometown, fans in Ohio knew he meant what he said. 

The difference between LeBron wanting to return to the Cavaliers and actually doing it is the same as the difference between wanting to repent of sin and actually doing it. In Mark 1:4, John proclaimed “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” Confession is admitting our sin; repentance is turning from sin. Confession is part of repentance, but changed behavior makes our words genuine.

When we ask Jesus into our lives, we receive the Holy Spirit, who helps us change and repent of our sin. The Holy Spirit guides us by prompting us to reach out when we’re struggling, to respond to a sermon, or to read the Bible.

The Holy Spirit will always give us the guidance and ability we need to take our next step. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can say no to temptation and turn from our sin.

Reflect:

• What have you been talking about doing that you need to take action on?
• Is there a sin you’re constantly confessing but never beating? What step do you need to take today to move from wanting to change to making a change?
• Is Jesus calling the shots in your life? If you haven’t asked him to take control and given him control, you don’t have the power to turn from sin. Do you need to ask Jesus into your life?