Devotions
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FEELING FORGIVEN
Colossians 1:13-14 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. 1 John 1:8-10 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. Are you at peace with your faith? Your faith in Christ should be the source of your feelings. But you say; then why don’t I feel forgiven? Christianity has nothing to do with your feelings. It's not about how you feel, it is about the blood of Jesus being enough, enough to cover your sins. So why do we keep giving Satan credit and glory by confessing our sin over and over again? Isn’t God big enough and His Grace sufficient enough to forgive you the first time you ask for His forgiveness? Jesus, your Grace and Blood are enough! Satan loves and wants you to keep your focus on your sin and the past. Instead, look at Jesus, look toward your future. It was enough that Christ looked past the cross to the future and saw you. We only look to the past if there is sin we have harbored in our heart and never asked God for forgiveness, that is a killer of our soul. Christianity is not a focus on you or me, rather it is on God, His love, and the act of loving God. It is forgetfulness of self and re-focusing from our old sinful nature which has been forgiven and to a renewed focus on God. Paul said: For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9) You and I must cooperate with that gift of Grace, believe it, accept it and live it day by day growing in Grace. If we strive for Holiness in itself, it can become an object of our pride which we can never reach. Rather we should strive to love God and others more as He commanded, then we become holy, because it is a byproduct of love. Jesus tasked us to be Holy as He is Holy. But how? Live each day as Jesus lived, loving God, loving others rather than self, so that day by day we become the very image of His love and self-sacrifice for others. Love means doing what God has commanded us, and he has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning. (2 John 6) You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. (Matthew 22:37) Christ paid the price for your forgiveness and give you peace. When you don’t feel it, it's not because of Christ, it's because you are focusing on you, not Him. Look to Him and focus on Him in prayer. The first half of the Lord’s Prayer teaches us to focus on the Father, honoring Him, then to bring our petitions and love focused on Him. Remember; you are CHOSEN, you are FORGIVEN and the LORD IS SUFFICIENT! God Bless and Keep you wrapped in His loving arms. Yours in Christ, Rev. Jerry Schmid
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AuthorNotes from the Staff @The Woods Archives
March 2023
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