This site includes links from a number of different paid/affiliate programs. When you click on a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. We have also displayed ads on our site as a means to support our online ministry. Please be aware that some of the ads may not be appropriate for Christians.
Day 24: God’s Command for All People
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are a righteous judge and Your command for all people is to repent of sin and believe in Your Son, Jesus Christ. We come before You now acknowledging that without Your grace and mercy, we would stand guilty and condemned. Thank You for Your patience and lovingkindness that leads us to repentance.
As we now reflect on Your universal call for repentance, we pray that You would search our hearts. Examine our lives and reveal to us any areas where we continue in rebellion or unbelief. Convict us of sin and pride that keeps us from fully submitting to Your will.
By Your Spirit, open our eyes to more fully comprehend the depth of Your holiness and our need for a Savior. Stir within us a godly sorrow over ways we have fallen short of Your glory. And grant us the humility and courage to turn from sin in obedience to Your command.
We ask that You would use this time to draw us nearer to Yourself. May our understanding of repentance lead us to deeper faith, hope, and trust in Jesus Christ alone. In His precious name we pray, Amen.
Scripture Reading and Reflection
Acts 17:30 KJV
And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
Reflection:
God’s universal command to humanity is to repent. Acts 17:30 tells us that “God commands all people everywhere to repent.” This is no small requirement, as repentance means turning away from sin and self and turning to God through His Son, Jesus Christ. If we do not repent and put our faith in Jesus as Savior, then one day He will be our judge. Hebrews 9:27 warns that “just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” On the day of judgment, Jesus will divide all people – those who trusted in Him and are counted righteous, and those who rejected Him who will face eternal condemnation for their sin (Matthew 25:31-46). God’s standard of righteousness is perfection, and even one small sin separates us from Him (James 2:10). If we go our own way instead of God’s way, living as we please according to our standards rather than His, we are in fact living in sin and unrighteousness. 1 John 3:4 clarifies that “everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.” There is no third category between righteousness and sin as some believe. Sin is anything that falls short of God’s perfect law (Romans 3:23). We must repent of trying to define righteousness or unrighteousness on our own terms. True repentance means surrendering fully to God’s righteous rule over our lives through faith in Christ. His way, and His way alone, leads to life.Hymn:
God Hath Commanded All Men Every Where to Repent
1 Repent, the voice celestial cries, Nor longer dare delay; The soul that scorns the mandate dies, And meets the wrathful day.
2 No more the sovereign eye of God O’erlooks the crimes of men; His heralds now are sent abroad, To warn the world of sin.
3 O sinner! in his presence bow, And all your guilt confess; Accept the offer’d Saviour now, Nor trifle with his grace.
4 Soon will the awful trumpet sound, And call you to his bar; For mercy knows th’ appointed bound, And yields to vengeance there.
5 Oh! hear the Saviour’s gracious call, While he prolongs your days; Now yield your hearts, and prostrate fall, And weep, and love, and praise.
Lyrics: Philip Doddridge, Music: John Clements
Creative Activities: 1. Scripture Writing
Write out Acts 17:30 in your best handwriting on the Scripture writing page which you can download below.
Please download the Scripture Writing Page below. It is for personal and educational use (school, homeschooling) as well as for use at church and in ministry only.
Commercial use not allowed.
Download Scripture Writing Page
Creative Activities: 2. Bible Journaling
- Highlight verses about God’s command to repent, like Acts 17:30. Circle keywords like “command” and “repent.”
- Underline passages where Jesus calls people to repentance, such as Mark 1:15. Note His tone of urgency.
- In the margins, journal your thoughts on surrendering completely to God’s definition of righteousness alone.
- Sketch symbols representing leaving your own way for God’s (a cross over a question mark).
- Make a list of areas where you may be defining sin on your own terms rather than God’s. Pray over these.
- Paraphrase key points from today’s reflection in the margins or through doodles.
Creative Activities: 3. Doodling
- Draw shapes or scribbles that symbolize surrendering areas of unrighteousness you identified earlier.
- Sketch simple images from Bible verses like crossed out thought bubbles for “turning from sin.”
- Doodle patterns like raindrops falling to depict cleansing and forgiveness through repentance.
- Add textures like zigzags for conviction of areas still needing work.
- Include symbols like a cross as you pray through a list of ways to turn more fully to God.
Download Doodle Printable
Creative Activities: 4. Journaling
Reflect and Journal:
- In what specific way is God calling you today to demonstrate repentance through changed actions, attitudes or priorities in your life?
Download Journal Printable
Applying and Taking Action
- What step of obedience is God prompting you to take in response to insights from today? Perhaps slowing certain activities to spend more quiet time with Him.
- Pray specifically for repentance, strength and wisdom regarding any areas the Holy Spirit convicted you of through reflection/journaling. Ask God to empower changed behavior.
- Schedule time this week for attentive listening, such as a walk focused solely on the Lord. Silence distracting noises to hear His still, small Voice.
- Consider discussing any major changes God is calling you to make with a trusted Christian friend, mentoring you in accountability.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for graciously calling us to repent through faith in Jesus. Search our hearts and reveal any remaining unrepentance. Forgive us for rationalizing righteousness on our own terms rather than fully submitting to Yours.
Empower us to obediently apply what You have revealed today. Grant wisdom, courage and determination to walk in repentance through changed living. Help us continually surrender more to Your will.
As we obey Your promptings, be with us through trial. Fill us with hope to represent Christ well. Continue shaping us into His image through Your Word. May our lives bring You glory as we follow Your call. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you have been blessed by this Creative Lent Devotional, please share it with others. Many thanks. God bless you!
Welcome to ‘wisdomfromheaven.net‘. Our ministry is dedicated to support your spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, educational, work, financial, social, marital, and parenting health in alignment with the Bible.
We also aim to equip you for works of service and for building up the body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-13)
I’m a disciple and servant of Jesus Christ (Prophetic and Pastoral Scribe) sharing the Gospel online. I’m also a wife, mom, teacher, author, Christian Life Coach, Creative Entrepreneur, and Online Business Coach.
ABOUT OUR MINISTRY
We are a non-denominational Bible-believing Christian Ministry trained and equipped at the Christian Leaders Institute. Even though our Ministry is based on God's Word, the Bible, you need to approach our teachings like the Bereans and always study the Bible yourself to see if what we teach is aligned with what is written in the Bible.
Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Acts 17:11 NIV
We are only humans who 'stumble in many ways' (James 3:2) and we only 'know in part and we prophesy in part' (1 Corinthians 13:9).
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
The content provided on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. The blog owner, Janet Giessl, is a Certified Christian Life Coach and Ordained Minister with the Christian Leaders Alliance and holds degrees in Education and Christian Leadership, along with credentials in Bible, Ministry, Philosophy, and Theology. However, Janet is not a medical doctor, licensed therapist or health care professional. The information presented on this platform is not intended to treat, cure, diagnose, or prevent any disease. It is essential to understand that the content offered here is not a substitute for professional advice, whether medical, legal, financial, or from any other professional field.
Spiritual matters and personal well-being are deeply personal and can have profound effects on individuals. We strongly recommend seeking guidance from qualified professionals and prayerfully considering your own circumstances when making significant decisions in your life. The content on this blog is meant to offer insights and inspiration based on biblical principles, but it is not a replacement for professional assistance or personalized advice.
Always consult with appropriate professionals for your specific needs and circumstances.
