MEANING VS UNDERSTANDING

This morning I would like to talk briefly about the meaning versus the understanding. I know in my much earlier years these two would really mix me up. There are many words that we use today that we use wrong for so long...but instead of fixing our understanding of what the word really means...we completely change the meaning of the word. What do I mean? Take for example the word awful. A-W-F-U-L. Its original meaning is Literally "full of awe", originally meant "inspiring wonder (or fear)", hence "impressive". Awful. A-W-F-U-L. BUT...in contemporary usage, now the word how it's used means "extremely bad". Do you get it? That's awful. And most people don't even know this. The true  meaning is literally... Awesome ...meaning..."awe-inducing", .....wow....think about it....it originally meant "inspiring wonder (or fear)", hence "impressive". But again in today's society we use it wrong. We say you look awful....meaning bad or not put together very well. So hold that thought. Next we also do this to God's word. Instead of us changing how we understand what God is saying...we somehow change the definition of the whole word. Let me give you an example. If you were ever having a conversation with someone and said you must repent...you would notice most times...this word shuts down the entire conversations. Most people relate repentance to shame and our bad actions. But what if I told you it doesn't mean this at all? So let's take a closer look. The Oxford dictionary's definition of repent is ...'feel or express sincere regret or remorse about one's wrongdoing or sin.' But the Greek word...which is the original language of the new testament scriptures... which it was translated from...the meaning is 'metanoiein', meaning to change one's mindset. Now look at this. We went from feeling bad about sin to changing our mind because of God. So very different. So let's reread this scripture. John is saying.'...I need you to change the way you think about somethings because God's thoughts, mind, and intentions are coming and He is going to express them in His son Jesus who is the Christ.  Much different. We've gotta understand and let people process repentance with their own minds. When most people figure out where they've missed the mark most times they'll change. See emotions only work as long as we care about them. I know me feeling bad about my sin didn't change me. But me understanding who God is and what He has to offer is so much better than what the world or Satan had to offer. This changed me. In other words....repentance is God's gift. And I want every part of it. When you want something else that's in contrast to something else...its because you've had a change of mind and you've got to see both things side by side. That's what repentance looks like. Today is a great day to start taking inventory of how we gain our understandings because there's a difference between God's insight and people's eyesight. Be free today from false meanings which are doors meant to shut you out of your Jeremiah 29:11. I prophesy clarity, true understanding, and even more grace.