First RECONSTRUCTION
Afterwards RE-INSTRUCTION
Now REACTION – regret/repentance
Right reaction: Honesty + Availability – Isaiah 6
HELPFUL QUESTIONS – as you listen/read God’s Word:
LORD – what are You saying to me?
LORD – what displeases You in my life?
LORD – what changes do You want to see in me?
EXTRA QUESTIONS about repentance:
Am I willing to do anything God wants me to do?
Do I have a clear conscience in my relationship with my family members?
Is all resentment out of my heart?
Am I sexually pure in deed and in thought?
Do I have anything in my possession that does not rightfully belong to me?
Is the reputation of others safe in my hands?
Do I seek after material blessings more then spiritual ones?
‘Scripture is like a pair of spectacles which dispels the darkness and give us a clear view of God.’
John Calvin
ON THE WAY 
I realise that it’s easy to create my own image of God. This image is influenced by other people’s opinion, by the church, by my own ideas, character and personality. I tend to go on ‘guilt trips’ (as mentioned in the sermon) because I’m inward looking and my view of God is blurred. It really spoke to me on Sunday night again – I need to know God as He is!!
True repentance is not inward looking but always leads to change and then we can move on! I tend to look back and despair at myself (an issue of pride, too)
Sounds familiar… One other thought, maybe we don’t move forward and tend to keep looking back because we have never repented properly (i.e. not just regret but acceptance of forgiveness and celebration of grace). Almost like getting ‘closure’ after a failed relationship. Possible?
Miriam – have a look at my new post – came across this…