"The Words of Jesus #4 – Turn Away From Evil" by Chris Godbey

[Matthew 4:17 NASB95] 17 From that time Jesus began to preach and say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Without repentance (turning away from evil and doing good) no one can become a child of GOD or enter the kingdom of heaven. We must all understand our sinfulness and lack of ability to do good in our own power. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” [Romans 3:23].

However, we must also understand, “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” [James 1:17] So, we should pray to GOD and ask Him to “grant them (us) repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth.” [2Timothy 2:25]

If GOD is convicting you and revealing sin in your life, don’t ignore it. Act now. Turn from the sin in your life and turn toward JESUS. It’s never too late and you’re never too far gone for GOD to save you! "TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS.” [Hebrews 3:15] “FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES.” [Hebrews 12:6]

And finally, we must remember the flip side as well. “If I regard wickedness in my heart, The Lord will not hear.” [Psalm 66:18] You cannot be okay with sin in your life and think that GOD will still hear your prayers. True repentance is removing all known sin from your life. Every day we have a choice to walk in righteousness or wickedness, to do the right thing or the wrong thing. Which one are you walking in?

My fellow believer, choose wisely and turn away from evil.