Contagious

God lives and works today, and the greatest of His deeds are the ones He does in the hearts of men. Do you suffer because of your own personality traits, your selfishness, your envy, or your moodiness? Then today's program by Basilea Schlink is just for you. In it, we will be hearing how someone found the way to a truly different life.

During a time of spiritual retreat, a minister discovered how contagious repentance is. He returned home, and during a communion service, asked his congregation for forgiveness for that which God had shown him to be his guilt. Afterwards, a man came to visit him, bringing two bouquets of flowers for the minister and for his wife.

He wanted to confess his guilt, too, and be reconciled. A woman in the neighborhood who was deeply moved by the pastor's confession designated herself as representative of a whole group of villagers and confessed their mean gossip about the parsonage. As this woman returned from the parsonage, her son came out to meet her.

Up until that time, he had only eaten and slept at home, and had taken advantage of his mother. But now he asked her for forgiveness. Many people in the town began to be ashamed of what they had said and thought.

The minister's wife wrote us, When you experience such a thing for the first time, you're overwhelmed by God's love and goodness, and such experiences make us want to pray even more for the precious grace of a repentant heart. You will be the greatest of your graces, since you will abandon sorrow to my heart, to make me truly humble. Ask daily that God will place your undiscovered sins before the light of his countenance, so that you can become aware of them.

Then you will catch a glimpse into the depth of his heart of mercy. Your love and thankfulness towards him will be quickened because of Jesus' forgiveness. Yes, repentance is precious to God, so value it is something costly.

Repent ever anew by turning away from the sins which God and man convict you of. Then you will lead others to repentance by your example. And the thrice holy God will be gracious unto you, forgiving you all your sins.

And one day, when you enter into his kingdom with a rich harvest of souls, he will adorn you beautifully and crown you with glory. Spirit of penitence, I pray, give me another heart today. But most heart that will not hide but make it play.

My sin caused Jesus such great pain. But now I mourn to grieve him. 9849 North 40th Street, Phoenix, Arizona, 85028-4099 That's God Lives and Works Today, 9849 North 40th Street, Phoenix, Arizona, 85028-4099 God bless you.