Thoughts on Intimacy with GOD: Conviction as a Door or Means to INTIMACY with GOD

This week I've been reflecting on sin and its seemingly powerful influence on our lives. As I consider sin, and the day after sin, or even the moment after sin, the Holy Spirit has led me to a deeper understanding of the difference between Conviction and Condemnation!

Conviction is a tool that GOD uses to draw us NEARER and CLOSER to HIM, "And He (Speaking of The Holy Spirit), when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment" John 16:8.

While condemnation, is a weapon the enemy uses: "Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus," Romans 8:1, to bring about SHAME, GUILT, and DESPAIR.

Understanding the difference between these two emotions, after a personal bout with sin is a GAME-CHANGER!

If we begin to see conviction, as a Door The LORD is using to grow us into HIS sons and daughters, we will unlock a greater well of INTIMACY with HIM.

There is something really refreshing about Humbling ourselves and Submitting ourselves to GOD's way of doing things, immediately following sin.

For, Humbling and Submitting ourself to GOD's Will, and GOD's Word, is in fact . . . Worship!

But some may ask, "How is submitting myself to GOD's Word, worship, isn't worship, something I do on Sundays, at church?"

In Rom 12, Paul challenges us to think about worship as something we do 24/7. He states: "Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship (Rom 12:1)."

The idea of presenting a sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to The LORD comes from the Old Testament (I love how Paul borrows from Scripture to make a point). It is here that we find the people of Israel consistently offering sacrifices of atonement to The LORD (Gen 8:21; Lev 1:9; Lev 23:18; Ez 6:13). The key word here is consistent. GOD was pleased by their consistent obedience , to HIM, in making sacrifices.

Well we don't slaughter animals, or burn grain offerings, as as propitiation (offering) for our sins, anymore, (and if you do, that's just weird ), so how do we present our bodies as a living and holy sacrifice acceptable to God, today, in light of Jesus Christ, The Son of God's, ultimate sacrifice?

It is how we live!

Yeah, Ok, yesterday, you may have sinned' perhaps, you even sinned seconds before reading this blog, but make today, the day, you decide:

In light of GOD's INCREDIBLE sacrifice on the cross, I will FOLLOW HIM and SUBMIT myself to HIS WORD, out of GRATITUDE and LOVE for HIS SACRIFICE, for me

It's never too late; Remember the thief on the cross, who made this Mindshift change, only minutes before being executed (Luke 23:39-43).

It's never too late to experience the Abundant Life of Living For JESUS!

Let me leave you with this word of encouragement from the Book of Ephesians:

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma." Eph 5:1-2

LIVE LOVE TODAY

Have a Blessed Week!

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