We are in Christ

We end this week of Devotionals on Rejection of Gossip, Slander, Lies and Discord. And pray that you were ministered to and challenged by these devotionals. Spend these last few days committing to memorize this scripture and live by it!

Saints of God, one of the keys to the Christian race is to remember who we are, especially during our most vulnerable times. We possess salvation! We have been purchased by Christ’s blood. He so loved us that He died for our sin. He exchanged His holiness for our sin; for we are created in Christ Jesus unto GOOD works. We move, breathe, and have our being in the Lord’s Christ. He is our everything!

Therefore, to experience the joy of our salvation, we must walk closely and circumspectly (Ephesians. 5:15) to what He instructs. We are called to obedience. However, before we were His, He provided grace for when we would fail in our practice. Shall we take His grace for granted and readily choose sin? No, of course not. Exhibiting the behaviors listed in the verse above is diabolically against what God instructs. Whether a culprit or a victim, the Lord gives a way of escape through the Holy Spirit’s guidance and conviction. Conviction causes us to raise our gaze to the One we say we love, the Lord Jesus. Even in mid-stream of a situation or conversation, we can intentionally and rapidly shift our conduct (of slander or entitlement to revenge) to embrace His abounding mercy through 1st John 1:9.

What shall we continue to say to the temptations to tear down another or to seek revenge when hurt? It’s simple. Let’s predetermine to carefully arrest and banish patterns of thought and behavior that lend to God's displeasure. Let’s just be a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), more than conquerors (Romans 8:37); victors over all that seek to condemn us (I Corinthians 15:57). Let’s guard our hearts and minds ever choosing to immerse ourselves in Jesus’ freedoms, truths, and righteousness.

Prayer: Lord, we thank You for Your Word; Help us to take all of our thoughts captive allowing You to redirect us and to preserve our saltiness. Help us to run to You for safety when we feel entitled to murder another’s character; that we would always keep who we are (in You) ever before us. Help us to deny ourselves and refrain from whatever threatens to destroy our peace with You. In Jesus’ Name-Amen
Sis. Lisa Williams