Refreshing.

Refreshing.

Acts 3:19TPT

Peter preaches this message to his fellow Jews, admonishing them to repent. Turn away from idols, and unbelief—turn to Jesus.

This cleansing, this refreshing, would give every believer a new perspective on life. Because of the Holy Spirit, these believers would carry the potential to change the world. And that’s exactly what they accomplished.

The Holy Spirit of God, Who was prophesied of throughout the OT, has arrived!

Acts 2:1-4AMP When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place, 2 and suddenly a sound came from heaven like a rushing violent wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 There appeared to them tongues resembling fire, which were being distributed [among them], and they rested on each one of them [as each person received the Holy Spirit]. 4 And they were all filled [that is, diffused throughout their being] with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other [b]tongues (different languages), as the Spirit was giving them the ability to speak out [clearly and appropriately].

Peter cries out in, Acts 3:19TPT And now you must repent and turn back to God so that your sins will be removed, and so that times of refreshing will stream from the Lord’s presence.

Again, Acts 3:19AMP So repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins] and return [to God—seek His purpose for your life], so that your sins may be wiped away [blotted out, completely erased], so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord [restoring you like a cool wind on a hot day];

Upon pondering on the word—Refreshing, I thought of some synonyms—Refreshing. Invigorating. Restoring. Reviving.

Upon thinking more about spiritual refreshing, renewal, I thought of several disciplines believers should practice. P.H

1. The first discipline that promotes spiritual refreshing is—Repentance.

Repentance promotes refreshing. That’s the message Peter preached to the early church.

Repentance refreshes, it prepares us for Jesus’ coming. Acts 3:21 say’s, Heaven receives Jesus until He’s ready to come down.

Therefore, Repentances prepares us to be His bride without spot or blemish.

2 Corinthians 4:7NIV We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.

Repentance is a part of the very “foundation” of the true Christian faith, so is much too important to be glossed over or neglected to any degree.

Every great move of God begins with repentance.

John the Baptist said this about repentance. Matthew 3:11-12NIV “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

Again, Repentances is good. Jesus works best through humility, and or brokenness.

Romans 2:4NKJV or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and long-suffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

You don’t despise the riches of His goodness? Do you?

You don’t despise the riches of His forbearance? Do you?

You don’t despise the riches of His long-suffering? Do you?

2. The second discipline that promotes spiritual refreshing is—Prayers.

Again, Acts 3:19TM “Now it’s time to change your ways! Turn to face God so he can wipe away your sins, pour out showers of blessing to refresh you,

How do I pray? First, Prayer is an act of faith—

Hebrews 11:6NIV And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek him.

As I pray, I speak fully aware that I have the Kings attention. I’m aware Im His ambassador.

As you pray—Prayer reveals who you are, but greater than that, prayer reveals who God is. P.H

1 John 5:14NKJV Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

If you have confidence in Him you ought to pray boldly, pray in the Spirit.

How about working around this altar?

Jude 20NIV But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,

How can I pray in the spirit? I am glad you ask. In you, dwells the Holy Spirit. He’s the One who convicted you of your sins. Presently, you have the ability to ask God for the Holy Spirit’s fullness—Fruit and gifts combo!

3. The third discipline that promote spiritual refreshing is—worship.

Psalm 96:9NIV Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness; tremble before him, all the earth.