Thoughts for Life: The Wedges of Sin

Michael Brooks tells us:

Satan screams,

"Look at Mike's sin!"

But God says,

"What sin? All I see is My Son."

I sometimes have to remind myself: There is no
condemnation for those of us who are in Christ Jesus --
even me.

Let me repeat that one more time because it is such
great news: There is no condemnation for those of us

who are in Christ Jesus. Period. End of discussion.
(see Rom. 8:1)

You might say,

"If you believe that to be true, then why did I see

you on your knees this morning confessing sin?"

Now that's a really good question. There is a subtle,
yet gigantic difference between conviction and
condemnation. Conviction is a work of the Holy Spirit
and leads to confession.

It's demonstrated when I pray,

"Lord, thank you for revealing this sin to me. I now

realize I was wrong. I agree with You. I thank you
for your forgiveness in Christ Jesus."

Conviction accompanied by confession leads us back and into relationship with the Lord.

Conversely, condemnation drives us farther away. It's
when we say,

"I'm worthless. I'll never get anything right. I always

choose the wrong path. What's wrong with me? I

can't pray and there's certainly no reason to go to
church."

The one who does bring charges (condemnation)
against God's chosen is Satan. He is our accuser, and if
we listen to him, we drift farther away from God. Un-
confessed sin thus becomes a wedge between us and God.

So let me ask this question: To whom will you listen?
The Holy Spirit's conviction or Satan's condemnation?
And a better question: How will you respond?

Romans 8:33a "Who will bring any charge against those

whom God has chosen?"

Questions to Ponder:

We know who brings charges against God's chosen. It is Satan. Even though we know better, sometimes his lies take us off course.

Are you off course right now? Are you enjoying the benefits of your salvation or have Satan's accusations gained the best of you?

It's not too late. Prayerfully allow the Holy Spirit to convict and define the nature of your sin; in humility confess, repent, and lay your sin at the foot of the Cross; then joyfully accept God's grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Michael Brooks

Be sure to check James Cagle's up-coming message, Comparison for Wedges of Sin, to be posted 9/9.

Let’s pray:

Father, help me see there
is no condemnation for
those of us who are in
Christ Jesus.

May I remember that conviction accompanied by confession leads me back and into relationship
with You.

Help me enjoy the benefits of my salvation and not allow Satan to interfere with his accusations.

I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen!

Today’s Bible verse: Ps. 37:24 "Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand."

Today’s quote: William Cowper – “Satan trembles when he sees the weakest Christian on his knees.”

Some thoughts today: As we're godly thermostats, we change the atmosphere when we enter the room. There's an enlargement of spirit in giving to others what God's given to us.

- There's always another mountain to take! God's Kingdom is expanding. (see Matt. 16:18)

- We're to take the salvation message to the very gates
of hell. We're not to stop at any boundaries along the
way. Remember, it's against spiritual principalities and
powers that we are fighting.

6th- Saturday’s post: Behind the Song; O How I

Love Jesus Diana Leagh Matthews

7th- Sunday's post: How to Glorify God at School
Raquel Worten

9th- Tuesday's post: Comparison for Wedges of
Sin James Cagle

11th- Thursday's post: God is Slow to Anger and
Abounding in Love Kim Damon

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