2024-01-19
Good Morning Dear Ones,
A problem that many people have is believing that they are loved and accepted by God. Instead, they are afraid of His rejection and/or condemnation. There are many reasons for this misconception: parents who don’t raise their children to have self-esteem, not studying the scriptures that discuss God’s attitude toward His human creation, cruelty of other children in the schoolyard or on the playing field, toxic relationships of all kinds, idolatry, and so on. One source of confusion is the word “fear,” which has two very opposite meanings. One is to be afraid of something; the other is to have respect, reverence, and obedience to God. God and His “Love Letter”/the Bible are great blessings in our lives, if we come to study this remarkable book and know God better. I’ve been told in my life by non-believers that Christianity, and all faiths are simply fairy tales to help people get through the troubles of life. I firmly reject this idea!
As far back as DT 31: 8, we get encouragement from our God, Who loves us. “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” A similar message comes through in PS 9: 9-10, “The Lord is a Refuge for the oppressed, a Stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know Your name trust in You; for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You.” Encouragement for us also comes from the NT for believers in Jesus Christ. 2 COR 5: 15, “And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him Who died for them and was raised again.” We should also note COL 3: 3-4, “For you have died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, Who is your life appears, then you will also appear with Him in glory.” Who is Christ? He is “the visible image of the invisible God; the Firstborn of all creation [COL 1: 15]. For believers and potential believers, this means we are loved and accepted, not only in this earthly life but forever! The first step is to come to understand that there are no lies in the Bible; it’s all true. Just in case we question the how applicable the Scriptures are to our present life, here is a timely verse: IS 61: 3, “To all who mourn in Israel, He will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for His own glory.” Time and time again in the Scriptures, we are reminded that He is our God and we are His people. For example, JER 31: 33-34, “This is the covenant I will make with the people Israel and with the people of Judah at that time [after God leads them out of Egypt] “ declares the Lord, “I will put My law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be My people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’
because they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest,’ declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and remember their sins no more.” If you are thinking this only applies to the Jews, understand what we learn in RO 11: 16-24 which uses the metaphor of an olive tree that has had its unbelieving branches pruned off by God and Gentile believing branches in-graphed to it. REV 21: 3-4, “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’”
Now, let’s consider our personal acceptance by God. Yes, it’s true that all of us are born with sin from the original sin [GN 3: 1-6] and have sin with that which we ourselves committed. But the situation is far from hopeless. Consider COL 3: 13, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” One more passage gives us an idea of God’s concept of His or any believer’s love. 1 COR 13: 4-8a, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, nor is it self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in truth. It always protects, trusts, hopes, and preserves. Love never fails.” Mercy multiplied exists to provide opportunities for all to experience God’s unconditional love, forgiveness, and life-transforming power. EPH 1: 6-7 and GA 3: 28-29 surround a true believer in the warmth and delight of God’s acceptance.
PRAYER: O Most Holy Lord, Your love for those who love You manifests itself in acceptance greater than any human can give. GA 3: 28-29, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” We are heirs to Your glorious Kingdom and are never left abandoned. What a good, kind, and generous God You are! We thank and praise You for showing us what real love is and for loving/accepting us as You do. We pray in the holy/mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
NEXT WEEK: The Holy Spirit prompts me to write about freedom in Christ next week. No doubt, there’s lots more wisdom that arises from being faithful, despite the times when the Scriptures talk about intangible phenomena, which are supernatural. Please read EPH 1: 1-14 and consider the wonderful message of vss 13-14, “And you were also included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the Gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, Who is a Deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of His glory.” What greater treasure can one have?! Praise and thanks be to Him!
Grace Be With You Always,
Lynn, JS 24: 15
© Lynn Johnson 2024. All Rights Reserved.
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