I realize I haven't written anything in a while. I wanted to, but I just get in these lazy spells sometimes where I lose contact with people and feel sort of...Weak. Like I just need to rest. I think everyone who reads this blog knows how easy it is to fall back into the mentality of "I must do something for God" and the accepting the Gospel of Grace in theory but denying it in practice.
There are times when I know the Gospel, but I still feel anxious and I'm not truly submitting myself to the Grace of God in Jesus Christ. I'm accepting it as theory but still denying it in my actions by trying to keep everything together myself, feeling and saying to myself "I have to do this and do that." If I am trusting in anything other than Jesus, I am not trusting Him. The devil accuses us day and night! I used to wonder why he would do such a dumb thing, knowing full well Jesus dealt with our sin. But watching Joseph Prince this morning helped me understand. "It's the only weapon he has!" I believe we hear his accusations in our spirits and have a choice to either believe the words of Jesus who intercedes for us simply by being there or to believe the accusations of satan. "You shall confute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their righteousness from Me."
How do we confute every tongue that rises against us in judgment? By being good and pointing to what we did? Absolutely not! We confute every tongue by saying what Paul said in Romans "Who will bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justified us! Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the One who died! More than that! Who was raised! Who indeed is interceding for us!"
Jesus said, "Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!"
Our garments is His righteousness!!! Being seen naked is being seen without His righteousness and so having your sins exposed. Let's keep trusting Him alone!!! He who promised is faithful and He will surely save us by His own power!
5 comments:
Excellent post Matthew, I have missed you. I have been reading a book lately called 'Grace plus nothing by jeff harkin' it has been a great help in overcoming legalistic teaching, I think you would like it, I came across it from a website called 'Inchristalone.org' the guy there was a pastor for many years in a united penticostal church (lots of legalism) but has since come to an understanding of grace.Many wonderful articles that have helped me in my grace walk.
Love and peace to you matthew, from Anne
What a fantastic post Matthew!!! Heather and I are sending you lots of love.
Have a great Saturday. :o)
Hey Anne,
Glad you were encouraged. :) I haven't heard of that book but it sounds like a good read. I just bought Joseph Prince's Destined to Reign today at the bookstore and I'm excited to read it!! I wish you would start your own blog, Anne! :P
Sheryl!! Whats up, sista? Thanks so much for your encouragement. I'm sorry I've been slack in getting back to you. I hope I see you on MSN soon.
Hey Matt!
I am glad you are back and writing! You are very encouraging to me and look forward to reading what Father has put on your heart to share!
Don't ever feel pressured to show yourself, be you and show yourself whenever you want to. There is and hopefully never will be any obligation or forcefulness here in the blog community, just keep in mind that we are all in this life together living for God and building each other up in Father! I am glad you shared your heart!
Keep em' com'n whenever you feel or want to share freely!
Love and Freedom, Nicole!
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