Word for Today, Fri, 07b May 2004: Accepted
Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>
Dear friends,
Earlier this week I wrote to you about discouragement, then the
topic of being guided and lead by God.
In this message, which also comes from Neil Anderson, we consider
the reality that we are already accepted by God, and therefore,
when we behave in a manner consistent with our spiritual rebirth,
we actually have fellowship with God!
Therefore, we can move from discouragement to acceptance, to
being guided and led by God, to the point of having fellowship,
a real, genuine relationship, with God, our Creator, sustainer,
lover of our souls!
Isn't it great to be loved and accepted?
Yours in Christ,
Brian
Read Proverbs 31 to find out what the Bible says about the
importance of mothers and their role in the home.
____________________________________________________________
NEIL ANDERSON'S DAILY IN CHRIST
from Freedom in Christ Ministries
May 7
ALREADY ACCEPTED
If we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have
fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son,
cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7).
Fellowship with God is not an abstract theological concept, but a
living relationship. Living in continuous agreement with God is
to walk in the light. Satan can't accuse me if I live in the
light, but walking in the light is not moral perfection (1 John
1:8). We are not sinless, but the confession mentioned in 1 John
1:9 brings us into agreement with God about our present moral
condition before Him.
What makes it possible to be this open with God about our
condition is the fact that we are already His children. Our
eternal state is not at stake, only our daily victory. We don't
have to pretend with God in the hope that He will accept us. As
His children we're already accepted, so we are free to be honest
with Him. We have no relationship to lose, only fellowship to
gain. Knowing that we're secure in Christ, we can express
ourselves honestly to Him. He already knows the thoughts and
intentions of our hearts (Hebrews 4:12).
Knowing that we are forgiven, let's come before His presence with
thanksgiving. God is our Father, and like any parent He doesn't
appreciate grumbling, complaining children, especially since this
Father sacrificed His only begotten Son for us. He will not be
very interested in our list of demands if we haven't been
obedient to Him. I also don't think He is going to be very
interested in helping us develop our own kingdoms when we are to
work at establishing the only one that will last--His!
To sit in the presence of my Father who loves me, who has made an
incredible sacrifice so I can be there, doesn't have to be a
dismal, failing experience. He invites us into His presence just
as we are, because in Christ our weakness and sin have been
covered: "Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance
of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil
conscience" (Hebrews 10:22).
Thank You, God the Creator, that You have opened up the way for
me to approach You and enjoy fellowship with You.
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Crosswalk.com. It is written by Neil Anderson at
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Additional devotionals are available from Crosswalk.com:
link.crosswalk.com/UM/T.asp?A1.14.21722.2.293748.
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--
Brian Masinick, mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: http://www.geocities.com/masinick/
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