Quote from Forum Archives on June 13, 2002, 1:15 pm

Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Dear friends,

I happen to agree with quite a lot of what Neil Anderson says in his
daily messages, so I frequently share them with you. His series this
week has been no exception to this. You can always get his messages
yourself from his Web site directly or you can get them through Email
subscription.

This message caught my attention immediately: ALREADY ACCEPTED. Only
a day or two ago, I shared that very idea with someone who needed
prayer and encouragement.

This message is good because it talks about not only the fact that we
are already accepted, it also explains both the benefits and the
responsibilities of that acceptance. If we are accepted, it is
extremely arrogant and odorous to God if we snub His goodness toward
us and treat His good gifts with ignorance and contempt.

Therefore, it is important for each of us to constantly examine our
own attitudes and actions, making certain that we accept and actively
embrace the gifts we have been given, and in response, have a thankful
attitude and an eagerness to invite and encourage others into that
fellowship, too --- not as some kind of payment, for we can never
repay God --- simply out of love and gratitude to the One who saves us
and gives us a new hope. Besides, I wouldn't want anyone to miss out
on the goodness of God.

The one thing I won't ever do, however, is base my own sense of worth
on anything other than the worth that God has given to me. I am
accepted, and I embrace that with a grateful heart!

Your Brother in Christ,
Brian

N E I L A N D E R S O N D A I L Y D E V O T I O N A L
from Freedom in Christ Ministries

June 13

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.

-----------
This daily devotional is published and distributed by
Crosswalk.com. It is written by Neil Anderson at
< www.ficm.org >.

Additional devotionals are available from Crosswalk.com:
< devotionals.crosswalk.com >.
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=====
--
Brian Masinick, "The Mas", mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: www.geocities.com/masinick/

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