Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan; Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer
Good morning, beloved of God,
As I type that, I’m realizing something. I want to remember today that I am His beloved and He is mine. I sat in the quiet this morning and watched the sun come up. The chill in the air, the snow on the ground, the sun quietly ascend into the skies..and I am just so blessed.
I am assaulted by many temptations and I am weak. I fail. I fall. Yet, I know I serve a mighty God. Mighty to Save.
And then I open, like a card from my Father, the verses of the day. So GRATEFUL! Read with me…
17But if anyone has this world’s goods (resources for sustaining life) and sees his brother and [m]fellow believer in need, yet closes his heart of compassion against him, how can the love of God live and remain in him?
18Little children, let us not love [merely] in theory or in speech but in deed and in truth (in practice and in sincerity).
19By this we shall come to know (perceive, recognize, and understand) that we are of the Truth, and can reassure (quiet, conciliate, and pacify) our hearts in His presence,
20Whenever our hearts in [[n]tormenting] self-accusation make us feel guilty and condemn us. [For [o]we are in God’s hands.] For He is above and greater than our consciences (our hearts), and He knows (perceives and understands) everything [nothing is hidden from Him].
21And, beloved, if our consciences (our hearts) do not accuse us [if they do not make us feel guilty and condemn us], we have confidence (complete assurance and boldness) before God,
Oh friends, verse 20 is a memorizing verse. I have to find a notecard and stick that in my back pocket. And remember. And fight. I don’t know about you but my heart can torment me, my self-accusation is well refined..like a fine wine. Sigh. And what is NOT refined most of the time is my ability to listen to Him. His Spirit. Bow to His Will in my life.
We are in God’s hands..
I need to hear that today. As my brain ( I did it just now) begins to place the baggage in my mind, worry, fear, guilt..I need to lift my hands and remember. We are in God’s hands.
He is above and greater than our consciences/hearts…
As I sip my coffee, filling my body with warmth and comfort from familiarity, I am reminded that He is filling me with the Spirit who is FAR greater than any of my simple comforts. He is greater. He is more wonderful.
Jump back a verse or two…what is my responsibility?
Little children, let us not love [merely] in theory or in speech but in deed and in truth (in practice and in sincerity)…
I like the word practice. God desires for me to be perfect as He is perfect, yet I like the idea of practicing to be perfect. How can I practice? I can love…in my deeds and in knowing the truth, for it shall set me free!
Pray on, friends. Pray on…
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