therefore...NO condemnation...

one of my favorite verses...therefore, there is now NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." romans 8:1

and yet...sometimes...i still need reminding of this incredible truth...it has comforted me many times in my life...it gives us freedom from the condemnation we often project on ourselves...if God promises freedom...then why is it so hard for us to believe, feel and grasp the fact that there is indeed "no condemnation" for christians?

self-condemnation just comes natural to me...and to alot of people...if i didn't purposefully keep my eyes fixed on Jesus and remind myself of who i am in Christ...i'd beat myself to pieces with condemning thoughts and words...how about you?

the Lord has the neatest ways of reminding me there is no condemnation as His child...just this morning God spoke to me directly through a devotion i read...i felt as if the author had been following me around and knew exactly what i needed to hear...actually i knew it was God who knew exactly what i needed to hear...it read... "do not listen to voices of accusation for they are not from Me..."

hello Lord...are you talking to me? You know that i sometimes feel down and disappointed in myself...You knew my feelings had been hurt by someone's comments...i hear You telling me not to listen to the voices of accusation...thank you for that 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..."

Lord...is that You again? You know that i spoke hastily to my mom a few days ago and You reminded me to "pause before responding..." thank you Lord for bringing me these words as a reminder of what You want from me...i needed these today...right now...

i get so excited and amazed when this happens...it just affirms that God cares about me...He loves me...He is real in my life today...have you ever had a "God moment" like this?

if left to defend myself from self-condemnation and condemnation from others...i'd be defeated every time...fortunately we don't have to defend ourselves...in fact..."the Lord Himself will fight for you" (exodus 14:13-14)...we have the greatest defender in God and His word...as we take the time to listen to Him...He can remind us that He is with us...He loves us...and it's true..."there is NO CONDEMNATION in Christ Jesus!"

so...Lord...when i forget...please remind me that i am not condemned...help me to see the difference between conviction and condemnation and keep my eyes and thoughts on You...