Today I really have no specific devotion to put before you. I thought that this might be a great time to let you know then why I write. I do not write for the sake of just writing. I am not looking to send out devotions with the hopes of just one more thing or one more opinion being presented to your email box. I do not write to take the place of anyone’s time in the Word with the Word! I only write as I feel led by the Spirit and do so trusting the Lord to minister to someone out there for His glory alone. I came across a scripture yesterday that so beautifully captures my heart and why I write to the Bride of Christ. Many of you may not even know me, and even our closest friends may not know our every thought or feelings. But like Paul, this scripture could give the greatest insight into why I obey what the Lord has asked me to do and what is really going on in my heart and head.
2 Cor 2:4 For I wrote to you out of great distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to grieve you but to let you know the depth of my love for you.
It is unfortunate that Paul had to write some very strong words to those he cared so much about. In these last days I find it even more nessecary because, just like in Paul’s day, ours is so filled with false teaching and tolerance of sinful behavior. For my husband and my closest friends, I have no doubt they could attest to the pain and anguish I have gone through as I see many I love heading down the apostate road, away from Jesus Christ. There have been many a time I have called them in tears asking them to pray with me. And just like Paul even though my words may at times seem serious and even urgent, it never takes away from the true love that has so filled my heart with all those Jesus Christ has allowed me the privliage of knowing and calling friend. I am sure that there are even some of you that will read this very journal today, that could recall a time when the Lord laid on my heart something to say to you that you did not want to hear. Maybe it got twisted in your mind or the enemy tried to stop you from getting before the Lord and praying or testing it to His Word. I myself have felt the pain of being rebuked for following something false. If that is the case today then you are one that I want to assure of where my heart is. The Word of the Lord says in Proverbs 27:6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. Do you know why that is dear friend? Because a true friend, one who really loves you beyond what you could ever know, will always tell you the truth. Whether you like it or are even willing to accept it. See, a true friend is one who fullfills the old saying: if you love them let them go and if they return….But one who loves only themselves and sees you as just another “relationship” or person in their lives, will always mutiply those kisses. In other words, they will always tell you what you want to hear. Jesus called Judas “friend” yet he betrayed Jesus with a kiss. The reality of what Judas stood for showed he was never a true friend, no matter what he said. I just want to challange you dear friends, take a deeper look into the Word and examine your lives. See what it is you tolerate, defend and even practice when no human is looking. Examine yourselves and see if you really are in the Word, growing in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior and fully relying on His Spirit to guide us into all truth, or if you are just holding on to what someone else has taught you, without any studying on your own. And if you have a true friend in your life and they come to you with some truthful words or warnings of love, don’t push them away. Though it may sting for a moment, if you will but pray and seek the truth in the Word, I have no doubt you will find it, and you will be spared a thousand heartaches. But even more so, you will find that Jesus himself has provided you with a true friend!
My eyes are filled with tears as you share with us…..I know the deep conviction you have for God’s people and the unsaved. I myself have been rebuked by a good friend. She even had to distance herself from me because I was toxic. You see, even though I had invited Jesus in my heart, I did not have a 100% die to self relationship with Him. I did not have fellowship with Him and did not know His will for my life. I was panic stricken by circumstances and my dear friend knew the fullness of Christ and wanted me to experience it too. I was scared to give my body to Christ even though I had invited him in my heart. To know God’s will for our life we must FULLY give ourselves to God, constantly be renewing our minds through his word, and know and use the gifts he has given us! Today, even though in perilous times, because my trust is in the Lord – I am comforted by his LOVE and protection.
Romans 12:1-2
1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.