Paul says that we must all, preachers and other people alike, “appear before the judgment seat of Christ.” But if you will learn here and now to live under the scrutiny of Christ’s pure light, your final judgment will bring you only delight in seeing the work God has done in you. Live constantly reminding yourself of the judgment seat of Christ, and walk in the knowledge of the holiness He has given you. Tolerating a wrong attitude toward another person causes you to follow the spirit of the devil, no matter how saintly you are. One carnal judgment of another person only serves the purposes of hell in you. Bring it immediately into the light and confess, “Oh, Lord, I have been guilty there.” If you don’t, your heart will become hardened through and through. One of the penalties of sin is our acceptance of it. It is not only God who punishes for sin, but sin establishes itself in the sinner and takes its toll. No struggling or praying will enable you to stop doing certain things, and the penalty of sin is that you gradually get used to it, until you finally come to the place where you no longer even realize that it is sin. No power, except the power that comes from being filled with the Holy Spirit, can change or prevent the inherent consequences of sin.“If we walk in the light as He is in the light…” (1 John 1:7). For many of us, walking in the light means walking according to the standard we have set up for another person. The deadliest attitude of the Pharisees that we exhibit today is not hypocrisy but that which comes from unconsciously living a lie._____________________________________________________________________

March 16 2015

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Lord, whenever I read a devotional like this about being judged, or measured based on my behavior, I get anxious, and then feel guilty and culpable. Who can stand the scrutiny of God?  Then I recall that You said there is no condemnation for those that are in Christ Jesus. Then I recall that if “Jesus paid it all”, then why am I worried about payment of any kind? And a clear small voice reminds me that You have separated me from my sin as far as the east from the west. And You once again reassure me that You are my God forever and ever, regardless.

And God says…”The enemy would have you live in fear of a misstep, a bad habit, or your human nature. Many would have you grit your teeth, rededicate your life, confess, or otherwise commit your energy to a change that can only be accomplished supernaturally. The sacrifice of Jesus and the resulting grace and mercy was and is sufficient for your daily life. Do not feel guilty, obligated or fearful about your relationship with Me. When I see you, I see Jesus. Walk in His light, acknowledge Me in all your ways and I will make your paths straight. There is no condemnation for those that are in Christ Jesus.”