Stop Feeling Guilty!

I was encouraged today to share a page in my devotional book, Jesus Calling, written by Sarah Young.

This little piece of encouragement was inspired by Isaiah 61:10 and Romans 8:1-2. I bolded the sentences and phrases that stood out to me and made me pause while I read them.

“Enjoy the warmth of My presence shining upon you. Feel your face tingle as you bask in My Love-Light, arrayed in My righteousness. There is no condemnation for those who are clothed in Me! That is why I abhor the use of guilt as a means of motivation among Christians.

Some pastors try to whip their people into action with guilt-inducing sermons. This procedure can drive many people to work harder, but in the end does not justify the means. Guilt-evoking messages can undermine the very foundation of grace in a believer’s heart. A pastor may feel successful when his people are doing more, but I look at their hearts. I grieve when I see grace eroding, with weeds of anxious works creeping in. I want you to relax in the assurance of My perfect Love. The law of My Spirit of Life has freed you from the law of sin and death.”

Stop frustrating yourself by using guilt as motivation. God doesn’t like that. He sees straight into your heart and knows everything about you. You don’t have to bring up all of the bad things you have done just to get Him to listen to you. Just be you 🙂

“Freedom”

You Are Mine For All Time

Sarah Young published a devotional book which she titled Jesus Calling. This book has a devotional for each day of the year, but the way that Sarah writes is a little bit different from your typical daily devo’s. As Sarah meditates on God and his word, she receives personal messages from him. Eventually she began to write down the things that he was telling her and published those words for everyone to read. She writes:

“The messages are meant to be read slowly, preferably in a quiet place. I invite you to keep a journal to record any thoughts or impressions you receive as you wait in His presence. Remember that Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us.”

Today I am going to post one of the devotionals that really stood out to me and spoke to my heart. It is this:

“Whenever you feel distant from Me, whisper My Name in loving trust. This simple prayer can restore your awareness of My Presence.

My Name is constantly abused in the world, where people use it as a curse word. This verbal assault reaches all the way to heaven; every word is heard and recorded. When you trustingly whisper My Name, My aching ears are soothed. The grating rancor of the world’s blasphemies cannot compete with a trusting child’s utterance: ‘Jesus.’ The power of My Name to bless both you and me is beyond your understanding.” – God

(Acts 4:12 and John 16:24 were integrated into this message)

Whisper His name in loving trust. It works for me every time!

Blessings.