Adventure Day 42 - 4/4/09

In today's Adventure Bible reading [Read Daniel 9:1-19], the Prophet Daniel offers this sober commentary of the plight of God's people in his day: "...disaster has come upon us, yet we have not sought the favor of the Lord our God by turning from our sins and giving attention to your truth." This is profound insight into welcoming revival/awakening in our time. God's favor is unleashed in our lives as we recognize our sins, turn from them (the "reactive" part of repentance) and then give our full attention to God's truth, or Word (the "proactive" part of repentance).

Daniel's prayer is an excellent example of what repentance looks like, and we can learn much from Daniel by studying his words. He includes himself as he confesses the sins of his people (note his continual use of the word "we," not "they"). He appeals to God by citing the Lord's attributes (see vv. 4,7,9,14,16,18...take a moment to read again how the prophet describes God's character...). Then, he appeals to God's great mercy, not any merit of his or his people's own, and begs forgiveness. This is a whole lot more than saying, "Lord, I'm sorry...please forgive me." It is repentance and confession in great detail, and such prayer is always answered by God with his favor/grace.

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face (my presence) and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to their prayers...." - II Chronicles 7:14,15

Today, as part of our time alone with God, let us ask him for the grace of such genuine repentance.

God's Peace,
Pastor Paul