Monday, July 30, 2007

The 'Ivy' League Devotional Pt. 2



1 John 2 picks up where chapter 1 left off and tells us how we can be forgiven of our sins. “But if anyone does sin we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins-and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.” 1 John 2:1-2. Glory hallelujah!!!!! Thank you, Father for your grace and mercy. Once we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, he’s got our back! He is our attorney and we will not be condemned!

The next part of 1 John 2: 7- 12; really challenges us. It gives us a new commandment that is old. It calls us to simply love one another. So if we say that we love Christ and go to church and won’t speak to Laneeqa because she rubs us the wrong way, we are still living in darkness (1 John 2:9).

From there John really starts to step on toes. He tells us not to love the things of the world more than God. Not to be caught up in or to take pride in our possessions and achievements. (1 John 2:15-17) If you can’t say “amen” say “ouch”! That’s smart. Take a deep breath, say a prayer and continue.

The last part of 1 John 2, teaches us about the antichrist. To test the spirit by the Spirit. When I first read this passage some years ago I was very confused about what it was directing us to do. “And who is a liar? Anyone who says that Jesus is not the Christ. Anyone who denies the Son doesn’t have the Father, either. But anyone who acknowledges the Son has the Father.” 1 John 2:22-23. You cannot love God and deny Jesus. You cannot love Jesus and deny God. They are one.

We have the Holy Spirit in us that allows us to discern what is good from what is evil. When Christ sent the Holy Spirit that lives within us and the Holy Spirit teaches us what is true. The moment that we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior we receive the Holy Spirit into our hearts. When we get caught up in a movement or on the latest dynamic speaker to hit the airwaves, yet something deep inside is tugging at our hearts and no matter how hard we try to ignore the feeling, it still persist. That’s the Holy Spirit. My Bible commentary recommends the following Scriptures for more on the Holy Spirit and what He does: John 3:6, Acts 1:5 and Ephesians 1:13, 14.

John definitely stretches us in our Christian walk. The book of 1John also blesses us in assuring us in our relationship with our precious Lord and Savior.

Until next week, women of God. "May God’s grace be eternally upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 6:24.

Yours in Christ,

Michelle

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