Zechariah 1:3 - Repentance Brings Blessings.

Zechariah 1:3 - Repentance Brings Blessings.

Zechariah 1:3 (NIV) Therefore tell the people: This is what the 
LORD Almighty says: 'Return to me,' declares the LORD Almighty, 'and 
I will return to you,' says the LORD Almighty. 

The words "Return to me" speak of repentance, that is, a change 
of attitude resulting in a change of conduct. And Zechariah said, 
"Repentance is the prerequisite for enjoying God's blessing." [New Bible 
Companion] 

Repentance would find God ready and willing to receive and 
bless. (Wycliffe Bible Commentary)  

We are responsible before God for our actions. We aren't trapped 
by our heredity or environment, and we can't use these as excuses 
for our sins. We are free to choose, and individually we must return 
to God and follow him. [Life Application SB] 

  God places much of the burden of what we will become on our 
response to Him. If we have drifted from God, His call is to return to 
Him. God promises that if we will return, He will immediately renew 
His relationship with us. Jam 4:8 promises that if we draw near to 
God, He will draw near to us. Mt 7:7 guarantees that if we seek 
Christ, we will find Him. Much of the Christian life rests upon our 
response and our desire to experience God to the fullest.  
  Why is it that some Christians seem to go so much deeper in 
their walk with God than others? Why have some had such powerful 
intercessory prayer ministries that have changed the courses of nations? Why 
has God chosen to anoint the words of some so that, when they speak 
or pray or preach, it is obvious that their words are consecrated 
by God? It is because these individuals have committed themselves 
to pursue God until His presence is powerfully real in their lives. 
They have decided to settle for nothing less than a vibrant 
relationship with God, and He has honored their desire.  
  Have you become complacent with your relationship with God, or 
are you hungering for more? Don't become satisfied with a 
relationship with God that is broken by sin and void of the power of the Holy 
Spirit. You have just as much of God's powerful presence available to 
you as the greatest saint in Christian history! Return to God. There 
is so much more in store for you if you will return to Him. He 
awaits your response. [Experiencing God Day by Day by Henry and Richard 
Blackaby re Zec. 1:3] 

ANCIENT WORDS - EVER TRUE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GVfs4qLISw

Holy words long preserved
for our walk in this world,
They resound with God's own heart
Oh, let the Ancient words impart.

Words of Life, words of Hope
Give us strength, help us cope
In this world, where e'er we roam
Ancient words will guide us Home.

CHORUS:
Ancient words ever true
Changing me, and changing you.
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart.

Holy words of our Faith
Handed down to this age.
Came to us through sacrifice
Oh heed the faithful words of Christ.