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Phillipa Williams
avatarPhillipa Williams4 min read  

Are You Safe? Understanding the Power of Repentance

Because the Lord is my shepherdI have everything I need,

~From the song, "Safe in His Arms" by Rev. Milton Brunson & The Thompson Community Singers

Recently, I thought back on this gospel hit from my teenage years and asked myself...

How can we be safe in His arms if we are not close?

We can't.

So, what keeps us close to God?

Repentance. 

Sounds simple, but it never is because of what pulled us away in the first place.

Sin.

You and Sin

Sin's sole purpose is to manipulate your relationship with God,

to decrease the proximity of your intimacy with Christ,

to disrupt the love affair between you and the Holy Spirit using false promises of pleasure (lust of the eye, lust of the flesh) or self-superiority (pride of life).

Sin is a beast.

It feeds on your faith while never satisfying your appetite but instead feeding you lies to convince that your actions are unredeemable or you can do bad all by yourself.

Now, it has you where it wants you. Vulnerable for the kill.

Guilt.

Low self-esteem.

Self-hate.

Depression.

These are just some of the vulnerable spaces we reside in when we have unresolved issues with God, but none of this is what we want.

I want safety, don't you? It is available when we repent.

You and Repentance

Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. ~Ezekiel 18:30b, New International Version

For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live! ~Ezekiel 18:32 NIV

Most of my life when I have heard talk of repentance it has been bathed in fire and brimstone - and it is a warning - but I now believe it to be so much more.

From then on, Jesus began to preach, “Turn from sin and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” ~Matthew 4:17, Living Bible

Acknowledge the wrong done, live to make it right.

That's it. That's repentance.

Is It That simple?

Just because repentance is simple does not mean it is easy. We need to consider what happens when we decide not to repent.

Since Genesis, Jesus has been witness to the empty arms of Our Father longing to hold us once again and keep us safe. Every day we live out of his will is another day of empty arms.

“I hear a shout from the wilderness, ‘Prepare a road for the Lord—straighten out the path where he will walk.’” ~Matthew 3:3b LB

Our repentance prepares the road for Jesus to bring about what will keep us close and keep us safe. His walk straightened out the path for our

salvation,

forgiveness,

healing,

deliverance.

Safety.

So will yours.

Let those who love the Lord hate evil, for he guards the lives of his faithful ones and delivers them from the hand of the wicked. ~Psalms 97:10 NIV

When the storms of life are raging and the billows roll it is better to be in the safety of His arms than the hands of the wicked, yes? 

Then, repent.

But only if you want access to all the wonderful things waiting for you in His arms.

Your choice.

PHILLIPA WILLIAMS

AUTHOR | SPEAKER | MINISTRY COACH

If life is built on the choices we make, let's choose wisely!

This one convicted me!

How about you?

Next week... LOVE!

We all want it, so why don't we all have it?????

Is how you see love limiting you? Let's talk about it next week.

Missed this week's prayer? Click below:

"Lord, Keep Us Safe!"

In the meantime remember I love you, but God loves you so much more!

Be courageous.

About Phillipa

AUTHOR | NON-PROFIT FOUNDER

MINISTRY COACH

LOVER OF CHOCOLATE
Phillipa Williams has dedicated her life to building God’s kingdom. A former programs director for new member and Christian education with over 36 years’ experience in leadership and discipleship, she has equipped thousands to serve God and community.

She is the Founder/CEO of GOD n Me International, a faith-based social enterprise equipping and inspiring others for spiritual intimacy, transparency, and destiny. Her blog, godnme.org, was named one of the "Top 10 Black Christian Blogs, Websites, Newsletters To Follow in 2019“ by Feedspot.com. In Spring 2022, Phillipa published her first book, GOD 'n You: Finding Your Place in Forever. She also completed the licensing and ministerial requirements at the Potter's House School of Ministry in Dallas, Texas.

An advocate for women and children, Phillipa founded and serves as Executive Director of the 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, ilooklikeLOVE, Inc.. ilooklikeLOVE works to eradicate early childhood poverty through diaper assistance and capacity building for new mothers.

She is the proud parent on one adult son, Kenneth.

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