True Repentance: The Lifelong Journey of Returning to God - Ep 9

Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on Episode 9 of the Milk to Meat Discipleship Podcast.
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5-Day Devotional: From Milk to Meat Episode 9 True Repentance: The Lifelong Journey of Returning to God

5-Day Devotional: The Journey Home—Understanding True Repentance

Day 1: Beyond "I'm Sorry"
**Reading:** Luke 15:11-24 (The Prodigal Son)

**Devotional:**
True repentance is far more than a quick apology. The prodigal son didn't just say "sorry"—he recognized his sin, changed his direction, and began the long walk home. Teshuva, the Hebrew concept of repentance, means "to return." It requires acknowledging what we've done wrong, feeling genuine remorse, confessing to God, and committing to change our behavior. Today, consider areas where you've offered surface-level apologies without transformation. God doesn't want empty words; He desires hearts that turn toward Him. Repentance isn't about beating yourself up—it's about recognizing you need Him and choosing to walk in a different direction. What specific behavior is God calling you to turn away from today?

Day 2: The Continuous Journey
**Reading:** Acts 3:19; Mark 1:15

**Devotional:**
Repentance isn't a one-time event but a lifelong journey of returning to God. Because we have sinful natures, we need continuous realignment with God's holiness. This isn't discouraging—it's liberating! Each day offers fresh opportunities to turn from self-centered living and walk closer to our Father. The Scripture reminds us that repentance brings "times of refreshing" in God's presence. Don't view your ongoing need for repentance as failure; see it as evidence of spiritual awareness and growth. The more we recognize our need for God, the more we experience His transforming grace. Where have you been trying to "go it alone" instead of continuously returning to dependence on God?

 Day 3: Joy in the Journey
**Reading:** Psalm 51:1-12; Psalm 32:1-5

**Devotional:**
Repentance should be approached with joy, not crushing shame. While we acknowledge sin seriously, we also celebrate the opportunity to draw closer to God. Joy differs from happiness—it's a deep, abiding state rooted in who God is, not in our circumstances. Even in the darkness of recognizing our sin, we can experience joy knowing God welcomes us home. David's psalms of repentance reveal both genuine sorrow and confident hope in God's mercy. The "gunk" of sin removed from our lives allows us to reflect God more clearly. Today, thank God that repentance isn't about condemnation but about restoration. How can you approach confession with both honesty and hope?

## Day 4: The Father's Heart
**Reading:** Luke 15:20-24; Ephesians 2:1-10

**Devotional:**
The most stunning part of the prodigal son story isn't the son's return—it's the father's response. While the son was "still a long way off," the father saw him, ran to him, and celebrated his return. God doesn't wait for you to clean yourself up before welcoming you home. He meets you on the road of repentance. You may feel the journey back is long and difficult, but God is watching, waiting, and ready to embrace you. His compassion outweighs your failure. His grace is greater than your sin. The ring, robe, and celebration weren't earned—they were gifts of love. Whatever pit you're in today, your Father sees you and longs for your return. Will you take one step toward home?

 Day 5: Living Testimonies
**Reading:** 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:1-14

**Devotional:**
Every believer is a prodigal story. Whether you strayed dramatically or subtly, sin separated you from God, and repentance brought you home. True transformation occurs when we surrender control and admit, "I can't do this on my own." God doesn't just forgive—He removes the desire for old patterns and makes us new creations. This isn't about willpower; it's about His power working in us. Your story of repentance and restoration can encourage others still in the pig pen. God's complete transformation in your life testifies to His faithfulness. Today, reflect on how God has changed you through repentance. Who needs to hear your story of coming home? Remember: repentance isn't turn-or-burn fear—it's recognizing you need Him and choosing His better way.

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**Prayer for the Week:**
Father, thank You for always welcoming me home. Help me understand that repentance is not shame but restoration, not punishment but returning to Your loving arms. Give me courage to turn away from sin and walk toward You, even when the journey seems long. Transform my heart continually, and let my life be a testimony of Your grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.