Guest Writer: Meet my friend Shana Schutte. We are blessed to have her as our guest writer.
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – July 21, 2015
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions. Ephesians 2:4
Some things in life are too beautiful for words: the majestic Rocky Mountains, the sound of a babbling brook, the joy of a baby’s giggle, and the incredible Word of God. But for some people, the Bible doesn’t feel beautiful. Instead, it feels like a judgment against them every time they open it. When they read Scripture, all they feel is condemnation.
Recently while reading the New Testament, a subtle feeling that I wasn’t measuring up rose in me. Then a thought came to mind: The conviction you are sensing is the purification of the human heart through the Word. I suddenly remembered Hebrews 4:12-13:
“For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any doubled-edged sword; it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account.”
Ah, yes. My soul and spirit are laid bare and exposed before you, Jesus. You know everything about me. You see the thoughts and intentions of my heart, and you purify me as your Word judges both. This is the purification of my heart through your Word as it corrects me and shows me where I am blind. Suddenly, something hit me that I have always known, but this time it felt like a new truth: The conviction I feel is God’s love in action, transforming me through His Word. It’s never His desire to burden us with guilt that leads to death, but to reveal our sin so we can experience life! It’s to show us where our thoughts and intentions are wrong so He can lead us to what is right. Ah! Joyous liberty!
Keep in mind that the Accuser (Revelation 12:10) wants to beat you up with how much you have failed, and how much you have sinned against God. He doesn’t want you to fully experience God’s grace, mercy, and love. He wants to keep you bound and burdened with the weight of condemnation. Don’t let him convince you that your sin means you can never experience redemption. Through His blood, forgiveness, and love, He has made you worthy. Remember: The conviction you sense when you read the Word is His deep love in action working to transform you so you can experience life and a greater fullness of joy!
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
Prayer: Lord, you love me so much that you don’t want me to stay in sin. Help me to remember that conviction over sin is your great love for me in action.
Related Readings: Luke 13:5; Ephesians 2:1; Galatians 1:4-5; Romans 5:8
Post/Tweet this today: Conviction over sin is God’s love in action. #God’s love #WisdomHunters
If you’d like to read more from Shana, you’re invited to download her free e-book, 5 Great Relationship Truths That Will Change Your Life.
Additional Resource: 4 minute music video- Need to Breathe: Washed by the Water
Get ready for Two Minutes in the Bible Through Proverbs: You’ll soon be enjoying the benefits of a storehouse of wisdom in your heart. Pre-order Boyd’s newest devotional book coming August 1st! (Learn more about our friends at Harvest House Publishers)
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