March 30, 2009
No Condemnation
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1 (NIV)
Devotion:
Today's key verse is one of my favorites. It has comforted me many times in my life. It gives us freedom from the condemnation we often project on ourselves. If God promises freedom, then why is it so hard for us to believe, feel and grasp the fact that there is indeed "no condemnation" for Christians?
Self-condemnation just comes natural to me. If I didn't purposefully keep my eyes fixed on Jesus and remind myself of who I am in Christ, I'd beat myself to pieces with condemning thoughts and words.
The Lord has the neatest ways of reminding me there is no condemnation as His child. Just this morning God spoke to me directly through a devotion I read in Sarah Young’s book Jesus Calling. I felt as if the author had been following me around and knew exactly what I needed to hear. Actually I knew it was God Who knew exactly what I needed to hear. It read, "Do not listen to voices of accusation for they are not from Me."
Hello Lord. Are you talking to me? You know that I often feel down and disappointed in myself and call myself names. You knew my feelings had been hurt by someone's comments. I hear You telling me not to listen to the voices of accusation. Thank you for that reminder right when I needed it.
The devotion continued, "Pause before responding to people or situations, giving My Spirit space to act through you. Hasty words and actions leave no room for Me."
Lord, is that You again? You know that I spoke unkind words to my husband last night and You reminded me to "pause before responding." Thank you Lord for bringing me these words as a reminder of what You want from me. I needed these today, right now.
I get so excited and amazed when this happens. It just affirms that God cares about me. He loves me. He is real in my life today. Have you ever had a “God moment” like this?
If left to defend myself from self-condemnation and condemnation from others, I'd be defeated every time. Fortunately we don't have to defend ourselves. In fact, we don't have to "lift a finger" (Exodus 14:13-14). We have the greatest defender in God and His Word. As we take the time to listen to Him, He can remind us that He is with us, He loves us, and it's true..."There is NO CONDEMNATION in Christ Jesus!"
Dear Lord, when I forget, please remind me that I am not condemned. Help me to see the difference between conviction and condemnation and keep my eyes and thoughts on You. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young
Spend quiet time listening to the Voice of Love with Sanctuary: A Devotional Bible for Women
For more encouragement on this topic, Listen to Today’s Radio Show, March 30, 2009 edition
Share your “God moments” with Melissa on her blog.
Application Steps:
When spending time with the Lord, pause and ask Him if there is something He's trying to tell you. Ask Him to help you apply His Word to your life.
Reflections:
Am I listening to God?
Are there condemning thoughts about myself that I am believing?
Am I fixing my eyes on Christ?
Power Verses:
Exodus 14:13-14, "Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm." (NLT)
Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." (NIV)
© 2009 by Melissa Taylor. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
Matthews, NC 28105
www.proverbs31.org
Originally published Monday, 30 March 2009.
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