SCRIPTURE: 1John (NIV) 3:21 Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God 22 and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him.
23 And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. 24 Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.
OBSERVATION: Lacking confidence when we come before God hinders our faith. Obedience pleases God and can serve as a foundation for our faith. Two basic commands are given: First, to believe in Jesus, the Son of God, and Second, to love one another!
The Heavenly Father loves His Son and wants Him to receive the honor He deserves. We honor Jesus by believing His word and doing what He says. Jesus told us to love one another! Since God loved them so much He sent His Son to die for their sins, then we should love them too!
APPLICATION: There is proof that we believe in Jesus and love each other: “We know it by the Spirit he gave us.” The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives makes a great difference. We cannot miss it. Can a mother ignore a baby growing within her womb? Neither can we ignore the fact that there is something different. Life is just not as it used to be! The Holy Spirit lives within!
Also, neither can other people ignore that something has changed in us! Things that once brought an angry reaction, now are passed by. Things that we once walked by, we now stop for a second look. We see things differently! Those who do not already know what has happened begin to ask questions. We are not the same!
PRAYER: Father, the Holy Spirit you put within my life makes a big difference. I have a constant companion who helps me live a life that pleases you. What peace and joy He brings. I am indeed blessed! Amen
Pastor Leon
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