It's a Matter of The Heart!

Sunday's Devotion (3-5-06)

"Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." Romans 8:33-34 (KJV)

You know, these scriptures put the devil in check when he tries to make us feel condemned. That's all Satan can do is make us feel condemned. He's a deceiver, he's a liar and he will stop at nothing to make you feel unsaved. He'll stop at nothing to make you turn from Christ, but there's good news! Jesus will stop at nothing to keep you with Him. It's a spiritual war, and if you're with Jesus then you've joined the winning team.

I love these scriptures, because they tell me that things look pretty one sided in our favor. Christ is the one that condemns, God justifies, and Christ is always praying for us. The same one who condemns is the same one that loves us, died for us, and rose again for us! How exciting is that? That's like getting pulled over by the police for speeding, but the cop that pulled you over has favor for you. All he's going to say is, "Don't do it again," and you'll be on your way. You won't get a ticket, you won't go to jail, you get off clean and go on your way. Christ has made it possible for us to get off clean and continue on our way to Heaven! Does this mean that He's going to let you break all His rules? No! But He's going to be understanding. If you are using Him just to get away with everything bad, and you plan to continue doing bad things... Then He knows this, and you will not get away with it! If you're just making mistakes, and if you love Him with all your heart, then you are justified if you seek forgiveness. Just like with the cop, if he/she stops you for speeding and if you say, "I'll speed whenever I want to," you're not going to get off so easily. You're going to get that ticket, you're going to be fined. Like I've said before, "It's a matter of the heart!"

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for this message, and for all things. Please forgive us of all our sins, and we forgive all those who've wronged us. We also thank you for your favor towards your children. Draw us closer and don't let us be deceived. In Jesus name. A-men!

God bless!

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