F4S: When The Expensive Gold Necklaces Become Some Horrible Chains Around Your Neck - What'll You Do? I Say Repent Right, Believe In Jesus, Follow Him All The Way Home, And Bring Some Others With You. (Lists Made)

Four words: Remember The PTL Club.

And there've been other such clubs since then. I wish it weren't so. Your luxury lifestyle could turn to vice.. where anything goes. You really don't want that!

Are you living a double life? Are you now in sin or in Christ? What or who do you live for -- what's your master passion here?

Yes, Beautiful Shiny Gold, Sterling Silver Or Resplendent Platinum Jewelry Can All Become Dangerous Chains For The Wicked Wealthy:

“Though you hoard up wealth, gold is nothing but dust to a dying man.” — Charles Spurgeon

There Are Some Treasures That Will Last Up In Heaven: What Do Our Wallets And Bank Statements Preach About Our Hearts?

James 5 opens with a blast of prophetic thunder: “Your riches have rotted.. your gold and silver are corroded” (vv. 2‑3).  Worn‑out, your idol of money you trust in will fail you!

"And a final word to you arrogant rich: Take some lessons in lament. You’ll need buckets for the tears when the crash comes upon you. Your money is corrupt and your fine clothes stink. Your greedy luxuries are a cancer in your gut, destroying your life from within. You thought you were piling up wealth. What you’ve piled up is judgment. All the workers you’ve exploited and cheated cry out for judgment." James 5:1-4b msg

"Look here, you rich people: Weep and groan with anguish because of all the terrible troubles ahead of you. Your wealth is rotting away, and your fine clothes are moth-eaten rags. Your gold and silver are corroded." James 5:1-3a nlt

"..now is the time to cry and groan with anguished grief because of all the terrible troubles ahead of you. 2 Your wealth is even now rotting away, and your fine clothes are becoming mere moth-eaten rags. 3 The value of your gold and silver is dropping fast, yet it will stand as evidence against you.." James 5:1-6 tlb

"The Christian's life should be a daily demonstration of the fact that Christ is more satisfying than money, more satisfying than sex, more satisfying than power, more satisfying than anything this world has to offer." — John Piper

Ask God to use your wealth to bless others and build His kingdom, revealing any misuse of your resources so you may confess it. Express gratitude for what you have and seek His wisdom for faithful stewardship. Pray for increased generosity—not only with money but with your time and talents.

"True Christian giving is a matter of the heart, not the pocketbook. It is giving from love for God and His kingdom, not from compulsion or for show." — R.C. Sproul

Let's be embracing the Lord and His type of gracious generosity instead of greed. Sure, because His generosity is the antithesis of inverted self-indulgence. I say we all intentionally give to an individual, family, or ministry as God leads you this week.

"The greatest use of a life is to spend it for something that will outlast it." — William James (Often attributed to William James)

Would you like to zero in on, and study some passages with biblical examples of real repentance from selfishness, ego, greed etc. Where were humanbeing(s) actually repenting of their own sin(s) with tears, with sincere mourning, weeping, crying, howling etc. How had they made the quality choice to repent and believe in the Lord? Yes of with real repentance, showing their emotional expression etc. And what about the false repentance we see in the Bible. How can we be warned about that?

A.) True Repentance from Greed, Selfishness, and Self-Indulgence

Perhaps You'd Like Some Biblical Examples?

Zacchaeus got honest to the core (Luke 19:1–10)

Sin: Greed and extortion as a chief tax collector.

Repentance: Voluntarily gave half his possessions to the poor and repaid fourfold.

Emotion: Joyful humility in welcoming Jesus.

Belief: Jesus declared, “Salvation has come to this house.”

Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17–22) – A Missed Opportunity

Sin: Love of possessions, self-righteousness.

Response: Sorrowful but not repentant—he went away sad.

Emotion: Grieved but not changed.

Outcome: Missed eternal life due to clinging to wealth.

Disciples’ Transformation (Luke 5:11, Acts 4:32–35)

Sin: Initial ambitions for status and gain.

Repentance: Left everything to follow Jesus; later, they shared all things in common.

Belief: Lived out radical generosity and community.

* Lord, Give Us Keen Insight, Directly And From Others Believers With Insight:

A.W. Tozer said, “The man who has God for his treasure has all things in One. Many of us Christians have never made that basic decision to turn our backs on the world’s toys.”

Jim Elliot spoke of giving up more than one's sin for the Lord as one is led: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

B.) Where Is Some False Repentance Found In The Bible?

* How 'bout there with Esau's life (Hebrews 12:16–17, Genesis 25:29–34; 27:30–41)

Sin: Despised his birthright; selfishly wanted blessing without change of heart.

Tears: Wept bitterly but sought only regret over consequences—not true repentance.

Warning: “He found no place for repentance, though he sought it with tears.”

Tragic Outcome: No spiritual transformation—only sorrow over loss.

* Pharaoh vaslicated (Exodus 9:27, 10:16)

Sin: Pride, rebellion, oppression.

False Repentance: Multiple times said “I have sinned,” but hardened his heart again.

Emotion: Lip service, not inward sorrow.

Outcome: Hardened to destruction.

* Judas Iscariot looked right much of the time (Matthew 27:3–5)

Sin: Betrayal of Jesus for money.

Tears/Regret: Returned the silver, admitted guilt.

False Repentance: Remorse without turning to God—led to suicide, not salvation.

Contrast: Peter wept bitterly too—but turned back to Jesus and was restored.

* King Saul could sure play religious (1 Samuel 15:24–30)

Sin: Disobedience, self-justification, fear of man.

Words: “I have sinned,” yet more concerned about appearances.

False Repentance: Asked Samuel to honor him in front of people rather than humbling himself before God.

Result: Kingdom torn from him.

C.) Why is False Repentance So Tragic? Eternity is at stake.

Tears can be fake. Actors get good at crying.

2 Corinthians 7:10: “Godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation... but the sorrow of the world produces death.”

What does George Barna say? (2021): Says: 64% of Americans believe they will go to heaven, but only 35% have repented and trusted Jesus as Lord.

The Lord wants no one dying when they can live on, though some sadly will.

Jesus said in Luke 13:3: “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

God earnestly desires true repentance—not just emotional sorrow, but change, a full turning away from sin toward Christ in saving faith.

* Would You Like Some Old Testament Examples?

King David sincerely repented. Nathan rebuked him (Psalm 51, 2 Samuel 12:13, 16-17).

Sin: Adultery with Bathsheba and murder of her husband Uriah.

Repentance: After Nathan the prophet rebuked him, David confessed, fasted, wept, and wrote Psalm 51—“a broken and contrite heart.”

Emotion: He wept, lay all night on the ground, and begged for mercy.

Belief: Called out to God for forgiveness, trusting in His steadfast love.

Manasseh blew it and then turned (2 Chronicles 33:10-13)

Sin: Idolatry, sorcery, shedding innocent blood.

Repentance: Humbled himself greatly while imprisoned in Babylon.

Emotion: Deeply humbled and prayed earnestly.

Belief: Turned to the Lord, and God restored him.

Ninevites (Jonah 3:5-10)

Sin: Wickedness unspecified but widespread (likely violence and idolatry).

Repentance: Fasted, wore sackcloth, cried out to God.

Emotion: From the king to commoners, they showed desperate sorrow.

Belief: Hoped in God’s mercy—“Who knows? God may turn…”

Israel at Mizpah repented (1 Samuel 7:3-10)

Sin: Idolatry and forsaking the Lord.

Repentance: Fasted, poured out water, confessed sins.

Emotion: Mourned, wept before Samuel.

Belief: Turned to the Lord with whole hearts, forsook Baals.

Ezra and the returned exiles (Ezra 9:5–10:1)

Sin: Intermarrying with pagan women against God’s command.

Repentance: Ezra tore his garment, fasted, fell on his knees, and wept.

Emotion: Ezra and many people wept bitterly.

Belief: Confessed sin and made a covenant to separate from the sin.

Nehemiah and the people (Nehemiah 8:9-10, 9:1-3)

Sin: Disobedience to God’s Law.

Repentance: Went public with it. The Law of the Lord was being read and this led to open weeping and confession.

Emotion: Weeping, fasting, sackcloth, dust on heads.

Belief: Reaffirmed covenant with God.

Joel’s Prophecy (Joel 2:12-13)

Sin: National sin, idolatry, rebellion.

Repentance: “Return to Me with all your heart—with fasting, weeping, and mourning.”

Emotion: Specific call to weeping and howling.

Belief: Trust in God's mercy—"He is gracious and compassionate."

* Would You Like Some New Testament Examples?

Fisher Peter just swore like a fisherman when he should have been past all that (Luke 22:61-62)

Sin: Denied Jesus three times then.. "Cock-a-doodle-doo!" That's the onomatopoeic representation of the sound a rooster makes

Repentance: When the rooster crowed, he remembered Jesus’ words.

Emotion: “He went out and wept bitterly.”

Belief: Restored by Jesus in John 21—he still followed and loved the Lord.

Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)

Sin: Rebellion, wastefulness, moral sin.

Repentance: Came to himself, returned to the father saying “I have sinned.”

Emotion: Though not described in tears, deep sorrow and humility are clear.

Belief: Threw himself on the mercy of his father (a picture of God).

See the Apostle Paul when addressed by the risen Jesus (Acts 9:1-18)

Sin: He was out persecuting the Church of Jesus.

Repentance: After Jesus confronted him, Paul was blind and didn’t eat for 3 days.

Emotion: Deep shock, fasting, prayer.

Belief: Called on the Lord and was baptized in faith.

Woman Who Was a Sinner (Luke 7:36-50)

Sin: Likely sexual immorality.

Repentance: Wept at Jesus' feet, wiped them with her hair.

Emotion: Overwhelming tears.

Belief: Loved much because she was forgiven much; Jesus affirmed her faith.

That Pentecost Crowd heard the message (Acts 2:36-41)

Sin: Rejected and crucified the Messiah.

Repentance: “They were cut to the heart” and asked what to do.

Emotion: Conviction and brokenness.

Belief: “Repent and be baptized…”—3,000 believed and were saved.

The Apostle rebuked the Corinthian Church (2 Corinthians 7:8-11)

Sin: Tolerated immorality and disorder.

Repentance: Paul’s rebuke led to “godly sorrow that brings repentance.”

Emotion: Grief and earnest desire to make things right.

Belief: Zeal to obey Jesus as Lord and clearing of themselves.

* Are There Bible Verses That Are Like Weeping-Howling-Mäßig Dealing With True Repentance?

Joel 1:13 – “Put on sackcloth, O priests, and mourn.. spend the night in sackcloth...”
Joel 2:12 – “Return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping and mourning.”
Jeremiah 31:9 – “They will come with weeping; they will pray as I bring them back.”
James 4:8-10 – “Be wretched, mourn and weep.. Humble yourselves before the Lord.”
Isaiah 15:3 – “In the streets they wear sackcloth; on the roofs and in the public squares they all wail, prostrate with weeping.”

Self-indulgence stinks to high heaven! Greed and selfish sins like those James confronted are never worth it!

Remember the references, where people in the Bible had false repentance like with Easu's life, who sought for repentance with tears but he was not forgiven. He was one who often did the wrong thing and he was not saved spiritually. His descendants were constantly a mess and hated the Jews of Israel. Very moronic! Do you know people who constantly make the wrong decision? Explain why false repentance is so tragic for people when God strongly wants to bless, and desires that all people sincerely repent and honestly believe in Jesus Christ to get saved.

A.) True Repentance from Greed, Selfishness, and Self-Indulgence Makes A Diff!

* Again Slower, Zero In On Some Biblical Examples:

Zacchaeus wasn't ashamed to admit his sin (Luke 19:1–10)
- Sin: Greed and extortion as a chief tax collector.
- Repentance: Voluntarily gave half his possessions to the poor and repaid fourfold.
- Emotion: Joyful humility in welcoming Jesus.
- Belief: Jesus declared, “Salvation has come to this house.”
Rich Young Ruler sadly chose his wealth over the Son of God! Yikes, a horrible choice. He walked away from this person, Jesus, who really loved and could well provide for Him (Mark 10:17–22). Tragic Misstep – A Huge Opportunity, Missed!
- Sin: Love of possessions, self-righteousness.
- Response: Sorrowful but not repentant—he went away sad.
- Emotion: Grieved but not changed.
- Outcome: Missed eternal life due to clinging to wealth.
Disciples’ Transformation -- they got sanctified in Christ (Luke 5:11, Acts 4:32–35)
- Sin: Initial ambitions for status and gain.
- Repentance: Left everything to follow Jesus; later, they shared all things in common.
- Belief: Lived out radical generosity and community.

* Here's some decent insight for ya:

George Barna (in 2023) said: Only 19% of practicing Christians in the U.S. give 10% of their income. Consumerism has discipled more people than the Church has in the West.

B.) False, Insincere or Incomplete Repentance in the Bible Helps No One!

* What did you do Mr. Esau? (Hebrews 12:16–17, Genesis 25:29–34; 27:30–41)

Sin: Despised his birthright; selfishly wanted blessing without change of heart.
Tears: Wept bitterly but sought only regret over consequences—not true repentance.
Warning: “He found no place for repentance, though he sought it with tears.”
Tragic Outcome: No spiritual transformation—only sorrow over loss.

* Numbscull Pharaoh hardened Inside - God made Him firmer in this firm idiotic decision (Exodus 9:27, 10:16)

Sin: Pride, rebellion, oppression.
False Repentance: Multiple times said “I have sinned,” but he hardened his heart again.
Emotion: He didn't like what he was seeing, so he gave lip service to sound right for relief, but it was not inward sorrow leading to repentance.
Outcome: Hardened unto destruction.

* Judas Iscariot made a lot of little compromises (stealing for personal gain) that led to the big spiritual compromise (Matthew 27:3–5)

Sin: Betrayal of Jesus for money.
Tears/Regret: Returned the silver, admitted guilt.
False Repentance: Remorse without turning to God—led to suicide, not salvation.
Contrast: Peter wept bitterly too—but turned back to Jesus and was restored.

* King Saul appears to be merely religious outwardly, even sorrowful at times.

He was sorry that God saw -- that he got caught with his lame half obedience to God (See 1 Samuel 15:24–30). Are you sorry that you sinned and hurt God when you blow it?

Sin: Disobedience, self-justification, fear of man.
Words: “I have sinned,” yet more concerned about appearances.
False Repentance: Saul asked Samuel to honor him in front of people rather than sincerely humbling himself before God unto repentance.
Result: The Kingdom was torn from him and given to another -- David.

* False repentance does have serious lasting consequences - Hell is a real location to avoid!

“Tears are not always the evidence of true repentance. The real test is a changed life.” — Charles Spurgeon

There is a godly type of sorrow that won't lead to death.
2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord has been so patient with us cuz he wants us all to get a clue and be saved.
All have really sinned by omission or commission, so all humans need to humbly repent and believe in Jesus in order to live forever. (See Luke 13:3).

Ask God to give you the gifts of true repentance and saving faith.

1. Remember: Cash here will expire, but Christ’s Kingdom endures. I've got a pile of it from ole Germany, now worth nothing.

Jesus warned us not to stuff earthly storehouses but to “lay up treasures in heaven” (Mt 6:19‑21). Modern data show that a tension is still real: even among practicing Christians, fewer than half (42 %) set their giving at a full 10 % tithe, and 25 % give nothing to their church at all. barna.com Holding wealth loosely and investing it eternally is not legalism; it is liberty.

It's not gain all you can, save all you can, and then sit on that can.

“Gain all you can, save all you can, give all you can.” —John Wesley

We are to pray and do that wisely, following Jesus with every move and have pure motives inside just to please Him.

2. Reject riches gained by injustice, and reject close friendships with those who are involved in that. Be close with Jesus and on-fire believers.

The Apostle James condemns rich owners who “kept back the wages of the laborers” (5:4). Whether it’s under‑the‑table payroll games or slick marketing that hides the true cost, dishonest profit fattened calves for judgment. Barna notes that 55 % of practicing believers already give to their local church, demonstrating that ethical generosity is possible—and contagious. barna.com Let every invoice, price tag, and paycheck you touch ring with righteous integrity.

3. Trade in self‑indulgence for Spirit-led sacrificial generosity

Luxury that ignores the needy is spiritual obesity—“You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter” (5:5). Contrast that with Wesley’s rule above or Billy Graham’s reminder, “We have come to worship things.. Anything that comes between God and ourselves is idolatry." This antidote is purposeful, it's about wise open‑handed generosity:

Give something up to please God as he leads you to. Only then. Fast from one non‑essential expense for 30 days—streaming, the daily latte, impulse clicks. Let every skipped swipe preach, “Christ, not comfort, sustains me.”
Give something extra if the Spirit leads you to. Pray over a gospel‑driven ministry and stretch past convenience in your offering this month. A recent Barna snapshot shows Gen Z donors research "good causes" thoroughly before giving (81 %). barna.com Model that diligence, then give with glad abandon.

4. Choose the way of real holiness and tune your heart to the Holy Spirit's still small voice.. to heaven’s good values

Sing with the old hymn, “Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise; Thou mine inheritance, now and always.” Let Wesley’s three‑fold rhythm guide your spreadsheet, Graham’s warning guard your desires, and James’s thunder jolt you awake whenever money tries to masquerade as Master.

Is there a Bottom line to Really Consider?: Your Wealth is your property on the horizontal, but it's really God's, believer. Think about all that is on loan for you to use for His glory! The wealth is a tool to use in getting the gospel out, and not a mere treasure anyone should hoard. We want to minister heart to heart with God's grace while we can! Please use it to serve, to bless, to advance the gospel—because chrome corrodes, portfolios crash, but every Spirit‑led act of generosity is banked in eternity. Let's use what we have while we can or we will lose what we have. Use it or lose it.

This Is Basically A Gospel Wake‑Up Call For Us.

James could not have painted it darker: “You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter” (Jas 5:5). Picture King  Solomon surveying his storerooms—gardens, singers, gold galore—only to sigh, “All was vanity” (see Eccl 2:4‑11). Today the same misty pursuit lures us: chase, consume, repeat.

1. Earthly treasure is real but it's also sort of like a mirage in a sense.
Jesus warns that moths, markets, and malware dissolve every earthly stash (See Matt 6:19‑21). Owning something is of course not evil, but obsessing over it is idolatry; the heart always moves toward its investments doesn't it.

A thousand‑year‑old Irish hymn still tells the truth: “Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise; / Thou and Thou only, first in my heart” 

2. The generosity gap is growing.
Barna’s latest archival study showed that U.S. tithing has cratered—only 3 % of adults and 6 % of born‑again believers give God the first tenth, even after a 62 % plunge in one year. Even among so called evangelical Christians, just 27 % tithe faithfully. See  barna.com. Our wallets preach louder than our words.

3. Prosperity preaching twists the plot.
More than three‑quarters of Protestant churchgoers now believe “God wants me to prosper financially,” and over half hear sermons promising cash for contributions. Scripture calls such barter “another gospel” (Gal 1:6‑9). When shepherds become salesmen, the sheep are shorn.

4. Give up the sin. Give you away to Him. A better economy - it's up there in heaven.

“He who has God and everything else has no more than he who has God only.” — C. S. Lewis 

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” — Jim Elliot 

Both of these voices above echo what Jesus taught: real gain is eternal from obeying the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit.

"But godliness actually is a source of great gain when accompanied by contentment [that contentment which comes from a sense of inner confidence based on the sufficiency of God]. 7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so [it is clear that] we cannot take anything out of it, either. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 9 But those who [are not financially ethical and] crave to get rich [with a compulsive, greedy longing for wealth] fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction [leading to personal misery]. 10 For the love of money [that is, the greedy desire for it and the willingness to gain it unethically] is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves [through and through] with many sorrows." 1 Timothy 6:6-10 amp

See 1  Tim 6:6‑10! That is why the old gospel chorus still rings: “I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold” 

5. How to break that so called spell (from the sin nature):

Regularly Audit the Heart. Trace your bank statement; highlight what outlasts earth.
Regularly Live open‑handed. Start with the first tenth—then grow toward extravagant grace.
Regularly Test every Teacher's Message. If the spotlight is on their lifestyle, step back to Scripture (Acts 17:11). Are you a mature, discerning believer?
Regularly Invest in Soul-winning and Diblical Discipleship, and not in perishable stuff. Give where the gospel is preached and the poor are lifted.

Related to relationships, I say: Fast is slow, and slow is fast: Therefore start in prayer and linger alone before the Lord, and you will run wisely with your wealth. When the last ledger closes, the only riches that remain will be the ones already transferred to heaven. May we be found “rich toward God” (Luke 12:21), lean in possessions yet fat in faith—ready for the feast that never ends. Take time with people too. Slow down and listen to individuals.

You've indulged your hearts to the max.. yep, maximum limit. you fattened your hearts in the day of slaughter. You've drunken the cup dry. You satiated every lust. You sought to fulfill every single selfish indulgence. You wicked wealthy. Think about King Solomon. Eccl. 2:4
You raise important concerns regarding wealth, materialism, and the potential for these to be misused, especially by those claiming religious authority. Let's explore this further, drawing on scriptural principles and discussions on the topic:

1. Biblical warnings against prioritizing earthly treasures:
Jesus himself cautioned against storing up "treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal," and instead encouraged laying up "treasures in heaven," emphasizing that our heart will be where our treasure is.
The pursuit of wealth can become a "master" that enslaves us, drawing us away from devotion to God.
The desire for wealth can lead to temptation, destructive desires, and straying from the faith.
2. The deceptive nature of materialism:
The pursuit of material wealth can be deceptive, offering false fulfillment and security. True wealth, according to some interpretations of scripture, is found in spiritual well-being and a relationship with God.
3. The concept of false prophets and their characteristics:
Biblical teachings caution against false prophets who may appear devout but are motivated by selfish desires and teach corrupted doctrines. Their lifestyles may also not align with biblical principles.
4. The issue of televangelists and wealth:
Some televangelists who teach the prosperity gospel have faced criticism for emphasizing financial giving as a path to blessing, which some argue can exploit vulnerable people. Concerns have also been raised about the extravagant lifestyles of some televangelists, which critics suggest contradict the biblical focus on simplicity and serving those in need.

Is There a Takeaway for Me?:

Scripture warns against prioritizing material wealth over spiritual devotion, though it doesn't condemn wealth itself. The luxurious lifestyles of some televangelists and certain teachings within the prosperity gospel are viewed by some as potentially conflicting with biblical principles and having the potential to exploit individuals.

Wealth and its relationship to Bible faith could deal with complex topics but it's so simple a child ccould get it.
Biblical perspectives on wealth and possessions:
Earthly treasures are always temporary at best: The Bible, particularly in Matthew 6:19-21, speaks about the fleeting nature of earthly possessions, which can be affected by decay or theft. It encourages focusing on accumulating "treasures in heaven," which are described as eternal.
The Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 6:10 states that "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil." This verse is often interpreted as a caution against an excessive desire for wealth and the negative consequences that can arise from it, rather than a condemnation of simply having wealth itself.
None can Serve God and Possessions Simultaniously: There are teachings that suggest it is difficult to prioritize both spiritual devotion and the pursuit of material wealth.

Is There An Anatomy of True Repentance: With Brokenness, Honesty, and the Grace to Admit & Quit?

The Holy Spirit convicts us (that's sweet) but the Devil points the finger and accuses us. He condemns us (makes ya feel horrible).

Real repentance is not a mood or feeling. It’s not a religious ritual to go through. It’s from grace. God above, we need a miracle of grace to do this get right. Repentance with tears, getting past all of ones self-deception is good. It shatters pride/ego, and brings one's soul face-to-face with the holiness of God and the horror of sin. The sorrow that leads to life is not just mere sadness leading to death—it is heartbreaking honesty, a deep contrition, and a desperate turning toward mercy. Repentance means change, to change ones mind unto being changed by God. Humbly choose to change and be changed!

Leonard Ravenhill once said, “You can’t live wrong and die right.”

* God Doesn’t Want Mere Performance—He Wants the Heart, the Whole Person and Whole Life

God is not impressed by religious gestures. He’s not moved by rehearsed apologies or shallow confessions. What moves His heart is humility, truth in the inward parts, and the kind of godly sorrow that says, “Lord, I’m not just sorry for the consequences—I’m grieved for what I’ve become apart from You.”

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” —Psalm 51:17

* Brutal Honesty: The Doorway to Mercy

True repentance begins when we stop editing the story. When we quit blaming others, justifying ourselves, or hiding behind spiritual-sounding phrases. It begins when we lay ourselves bare before God and say, “I’m guilty. It’s me. I sinned—and it’s worse than I thought.”

Esau shed tears, but they were tears of regret without repentance. He wanted the blessing without the blushing. Judas threw back the silver but never threw himself on the Savior. Contrast this with David, who said bluntly, “Against You and You only have I sinned.” No excuses. No finger-pointing. Just the naked truth, and a cry for cleansing.

“Until sin becomes bitter, Christ will not be sweet.” —Thomas Watson

* Contrition and Sincerity: The Soil Where Grace Grows

The contrite heart is not simply emotional—it’s tender, teachable, and willing to change. It trembles at God’s Word (Isaiah 66:2). It doesn’t argue with the Spirit’s conviction. It agrees with God, grieves over sin, and desires a new life, not just a new start.

But here’s the mystery: even that kind of heart must be given by God.

“Then God granted them repentance that leads to life.” —Acts 11:18

Repentance is not our gift to God—it is His gift to us. And the moment we mix that brokenhearted repentance with real, saving faith—not just religious belief, but personal trust in Jesus—we are reborn.

* Excellent Saving Faith vs. Worthless Religious Faith

There is a true religion that is worth something, but too often we see worthless religion. I think Satan is religious, like King Saul and the Pharisees were. Religious faith knows the right language. It might attend church. It might even weep under conviction. But saving faith runs to Jesus. It clings to the cross. It doesn’t just believe about Christ; it believes into Him (Greek: eis ton Iēsoun). It trades in pride for mercy. It turns from sin because it sees Someone better than sin.

“Faith and repentance are two sides of the same coin: turning from sin and turning to Christ.” —R.C. Sproul

Religious people often cling to outward form (they want to look pious to people), but God calls us to get real, to forsake the form for real fellowship. We want to please Him regardless of what people think of us. God is not religious in the man-made sense. He is 100% real and holy, 100% truthful, 100% pure, and 100% piercingly honest. His love is unflinching. His grace is absolutely free—but never cheap. It cost Christ His life and everything while here.

* What's The Best Thing Someone Can Do?

Humbly repent right, go to and believe in Jesus! Follow Him all the way home and bring some others with you.

If someone today—whether sitting in a pew or hiding in shame—would stop pretending, stop defending, and fall broken before Jesus, it would be the best and wisest thing they could ever do.

“He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” —Proverbs 28:13

“Admit it and quit it, by grace.” —D.L. Moody (tweeked by kvs)

To repent and believe is to finally say:

“I give up trying to fix myself. I can't save myself. I opt to trust Jesus to fully cleanse me, cover me, save, change and use me.”

That moment, angels rejoice (Luke 15:7). That soul is rescued from the grip of death, adopted into God’s family, and filled with the Spirit of God—not for empty religion, but for joyful relationship.

Hey, I'm an American, a Westerner and we are rich comparatively. Don't want to get proud and miss with my life!

See, there is a vast disparity in global wealth but this encourages sincere gratitude for what one has.

The quote states that if you have food in your fridge, clothes on your back, a roof over your head, and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of the world's population. It further suggests that if you have money in the bank or wallet, or spare change in a dish somewhere, you rank among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.

Pastor Mark Batterson from the National Community Church in DC (it's one church in seven locations) once said this,

"If you woke up this morning with more health than illness—you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week. If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation—you are better off than five hundred million people in the world. If you can attend a church meeting, or not attend one, without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death—you are more blessed than three billion people in the world. If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep—you are richer than 75 percent of this world. If you have money in the bank or in your wallet, or spare change in a dish someplace—you rank among the top 8 percent of the world’s wealthy. If you can read this book—you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world who cannot read at all. So count your blessings and remind everyone else how blessed we all are!"

And Here's Why That's So:

There's Still Extreme Poverty On This Planet That We Need To Be Aware Of! A significant portion of the world's population lives in extreme poverty, lacking access to basic necessities like adequate food, clean water, shelter, and sanitation.

Many of them.. many of us too.. have been ripped off by bureaucrats, politicians and others.

I say if you earned it, then it's yours of course. It's really on loan to us believers to use for God's glory.

The World Inequality Report 2022 states that the poorest half of the world's population owns just 2% of the total net wealth, while the richest 10% own 76%. Interesting. Should we pressure people or force spread their wealth around? No!

How in the World Do They Define Wealth: "Wealth is defined as the total value of assets owned, including financial assets and real assets like housing, minus the debts. Having enough accumulated resources to have some spare change demonstrates a level of financial stability and security that is beyond the reach of a large portion of the world's population."

While "spare change in a dish" Is used to illustrate Pastor Mark's point, it is not meant to be taken literally as the minimum amount needed to be among the top 8% of richest people. The point is to highlight the stark contrast between those who have some financial cushion and those who have virtually nothing that is cushioning.

I say always let the Lord lead you in wise giving, believer.

What's Our TPA?

Think: Have you had struggles with money, savings, materialism, and self-indulgence before? How have you been tempted to give an overemphasis to income? Was there a friend or leader related to this in your life? Have you ever mistreated others or placed your trust in wealth over against God? Do you recall any instances where money pressures or quotas have disappointed you.. failing to provide you with the inner satisfaction that you expected? Examine your acts of giving versus self-indulgence, regardless of your financial standing. Can you discern the ultimate consequences of self-indulgence? Finally, consider how you in the future leverage your resources to honor the Lord and advance His eternal Kingdom while serving others.

Pray: Repent. Believe. Ask in Jesus' name for a godly perspective regarding God's money. Ask God to use your wealth to bless others and build His kingdom, revealing any misuse of your resources so you may confess it. Express gratitude for what you have and seek His wisdom for faithful stewardship. Pray for increased generosity—not only with money but with your time and talents.

Act: by embracing generosity, the antithesis of self-indulgence. Intentionally give to an individual, family, or ministry as God leads you this week.

What is repentance from dead works in Hebrews 6?
What is godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10)?
What does the Bible say about repentance?
What does it mean to be contrite? What is contrition?
What are some Bible verses about brokenness?
What does it mean that God will not despise a broken spirit?
What is penitence? What does the Bible say about penitence?
How to repent—what does the Bible say?
What does the Bible say about guilt?

Friday, July 11, 2025

When The Expensive Gold Necklaces Become Some Horrible Chains Around Your Neck - What'll You Do? I Say Repent Right, Believe In Jesus, Follow Him All The Way Home, And Bring Some Others With You. (Lists Made)