Accused
Little children, let us not love [merely] in theory or in speech but in deed and in truth (in practice and in sincerity). By this we shall come to know (perceive, recognize, and understand) that we are of the Truth, and can reassure (quiet, conciliate, and pacify) our hearts in His presence, Whenever our hearts in [tormenting] self-accusation make us feel guilty and condemn us. [For we are in God's hands.] For He is above and greater than our consciences (our hearts), and He knows (perceives and understands) everything [nothing is hidden from Him]. And, beloved, if our consciences (our hearts) do not accuse us [if they do not make us feel guilty and condemn us], we have confidence (complete assurance and boldness) before God, And we receive from Him whatever we ask, because we [watchfully] obey His orders [observe His suggestions and injunctions, follow His plan for us] and [habitually] practice what is pleasing to Him. And this is His order (His command, His injunction): that we should believe in (put our faith and trust in and adhere to and rely on) the name of His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and that we should love one another, just as He has commanded us.
(1 John 3:18-23, Amplified Translation)
Can you stand before God with an assured heart? Not the assurance that is created in a hardened human heart. We have all seen that kind of assurance that says with pride, “I’m as good as the next man.” What I’m speaking of is that assurance that you can stand before God and let Him look at all of you. Willing to surrender whatever He asks of you, giving in to His will so that His precious Holy Spirit may have control of your life.
If your heart condemns you, look to see if there is any door that you have left open for the enemy to enter in and pounce on you. If you find one open, close it! Repent before the Lord. Not self-pity. Not blaming someone or something else for your sin but in sincerity. I’m speaking of that Godly sorrow which can only happen in the heart of a man or woman who is willing to acknowledge that the God before whom we kneel is a Holy God.
Not the kind of “holiness” that is manufactured by doctrines and traditions of men, and then worn as if it were royal robes or the garb of priesthood. You know, that stuff that you wear so others will look at it and tell you how wonderful you are. The sorrow that the bible speaks of as that Godly sorrow that leads to repentance.
When we are in this place of repentance, the blood of Jesus can do mighty works! Remember the night before the Children of Israel were led out of the captivity they endured in Egypt? After you shut that door, you can put the Blood of the Lamb on that doorpost so that death will not even come near your doorstep.
Remember the testimony of those who did not recognize how precious that Blood was? The Angel of Death entered those unprotected doorways and took their firstborn. For them that firstborn represented their future.
The Angel of Death is still on the job, but for those who trust in the Blood of the Lamb, they and their entire households were saved and delivered from captivity and spiritual death.
O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? Now sin is the sting of death, and sin exercises its power [upon the soul] through [the abuse of] the Law. But thanks be to God, Who gives us the victory [making us conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:55-57
Take your victory. It was brought at a high price.
In His service
6-28-04
