A local newspaper carried an article about my work of helping drug addicts.  Later, the paper published this letter: "I commend Mrs. Yoder for trying to help drug addicts, but sadly, she is dealing with a problem that shouldn't be there in the first place."  That's true, but it's no use saying it shouldn't be there—it already is!

Sin shouldn't be here at all. Yet God anticipated our sin and prepared a perfect sacrifice—"the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" (Revelation 13:8). In Romans 5:8, Paul emphasized that "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

No matter what circumstances drive us to God, He won't deride us for honestly seeking His deliverance from our most regrettable sins. Jesus insisted that He came into the world for this very reason, not to "call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance" (Luke 5:32). When we repent, we not only admit our wrongs, but we willingly turn from them and open ourselves to God's transforming power.

Repentance is necessary to enter into a relationship with Christ. Daily repentance is necessary to stay in close fellowship with Him and to grow spiritually. Both lead us to the fountain of God's forgiveness and His life-changing power.

Which repentance do you need today?  — Joanie Yoder