I am free from condemnation...
Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for
those who are in Christ Jesus...
Colossians 1:21,22 And you, who once were alienated and
enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled you by Christ's
physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish
and free from accusation--
Encouragement
for Today
Melissa Taylor
September 7,
2011
No
Condemnation
“Do you ever hear the whispers of condemnation telling you that
you're not what you should be, that you're always disappointing someone and
that you'll never change?
“I do. Unfortunately, self-condemnation is a default for me and,
if I let it, it can wipe out my confidence as a woman, wife and mom.
“Thankfully, I'm just as familiar with God's promises as I am with
Satan's lies. My heart has heard Jesus' gentle reminders of His love and
goodness, like His "there is now no condemnation" promise in today's
key verse.
“However, although I know this truth that He speaks over me, I've
learned that it's up to me to pause and respond to it. If I don't keep my ears
tuned to His voice and my mind set on His thoughts, I forget His
promises. Condemning thoughts come back in and drown out the confidence I
have through Christ.
“One morning I was struggling with self-condemning thoughts and
God guided me to these words written in my morning devotion: ‘Do not listen to
voices of accusation for they are not from Me.’ I opened my journal and
responded from my heart:
Hello Lord. You know I often feel disappointed in myself and call
myself names. You know my feelings have been hurt by someone's comments.
Comments that cut me down and stole my confidence. Instead of feeling worthy, I
feel like a loser. I hear You telling me not to listen to voices of accusation.
Thank You for this 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.’
“Again, I reached out to Him: Lord, You know I spoke unkind
words to my friend. Thank You for gently reminding me to ‘pause before
responding.’ You are so faithful to speak truth to me. Thank You for these
words—a reminder of what You want from me. I needed this today, right now.
“If left to defend ourselves from self-condemnation or the
condemnation of others, we'd be defeated every time. Thankfully we don't have
to defend ourselves. In fact, God's Word promises, ‘the Lord himself will fight
for’ us. (Exodus 14:13-14, NLT)
“We have the greatest defender in God and His Word. His truths
re-build confidence that condemnation breaks down.
“Our part is to know God's promises, respond to His truth, and
believe it! Staying saturated in His Word and taking time to listen to His
voice is the only way we can overcome condemnation. Reading devotions, digging
into books on our specific area of struggle, participating in Bible studies and
talking to Jesus through prayer helps re-build the confidence that is ours in
Christ.
“As we take the time to listen to Him today, let's ask Him to
remind us that He is with us, He loves us, and that it's true: ‘There is no
condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.’ And, that means you and me!
“Dear Lord, when I forget, please remind me that I am not
condemned. Help me to keep my eyes and thoughts on You. And to accept Your Word
as truth so my confidence stays strong in You. In Jesus Name, Amen.”
Last weekend we held the first Post Abortion Healing &
Recovery Bible study of the year – we had five beautiful women attend, and it
was an honor and a blessing to be able to walk with them through the process of
healing! It was also a good reminder – even after all these years of
following Christ and teaching other woman about the importance of winning the
battle for the brain – I can still fall into old thoughts and feelings –
especially when I’m tired. SO – Monday and Tuesday were spent telling
myself the truth multiple times a day. What I “know” in my head doesn’t
always translate into “feelings” – but I’ve learned to be OK with that – as
long as I don’t let the enemy and my flesh control the dialogue! If
you’re having a tough time – and you don’t “feel” forgiven/loved/valuable/etc.
– that’s OK. Keep telling yourself the truth – and don’t let the enemy
take up space in your mind. Instead, fill it with those things that will
keep your eyes (and thoughts) focused on Jesus! Eventually your feelings
WILL change! Sharon
Silent Voices International
355 K Street, Suite H
Chula Vista, CA 91911
619-422-0757
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