“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19).
Recently a lady asked for prayer after an evening service. Her request was simple but so typical among Christians. This lady had a high-pressure job as a real estate agent. Even though her agency was doing well, there were many pressures in her life.
She felt like there was no one to help her make the major decisions in her agency and she felt that many of her employees were out of control. To her friends it appeared like everything was going well, but actually her life seemed to be in turmoil internally. She said, “I need a break. I need some rest. I need some time of refreshing.”
Her request is echoed by many and God in His Word gives us His plan for refreshing. In Acts 3:19, He tells us that when we repent of our sins they are blotted out and that allows us to enter into the presence of the Lord and there we find times of refreshing. Doesn’t that sound good?
Obedience to God’s Word and His will always brings peace, rest and contentment. Where stress comes in is when we try to get God to align His Word and will with our life. That will never work and will only create confusion.
The only way for there to be a time of refreshing is for us to fall in line with God’s will and quit doing the things that are opposed to His will. That’s called repentance.
Repentance is a difficult concept to teach in these modern times, mainly because we try to be so politically correct in all we say and do. There is a Greek word that describes this concept. It’s called “hogwash.”
Hogwash! It doesn’t matter if it is politically correct or not, find God’s will and come in line with it. Quit walking in the flesh and doing things against God’s will. Turn around.
Say what God says and do what He says to do. Turning away from sin and turning toward God is repentance. It’s not being sorry for your sins, but it’s turning away from and quitting them.
Remember Acts 3:19 says, “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.”
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Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.