“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”—John 3:17

“For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”—Romans 8:2

I felt the “sting” of conviction yesterday.

It was quick, and immediately the Lord showed me what I needed to see.

Yes, it stung for a moment,

but I was glad to know.

I was glad to be aware.

God uses conviction to keep us on His good path.

But His conviction is not intended to “stick with us” for too long.

Our Father uses it to lovingly lead us into quick repentance…

which leads to relief

and gladness

and more LIFE.

We may need a bit of pruning,

but if we follow His leading, He’ll take us into flourishing growth… 🌱

…and good fruit. 🍏

“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”—Hebrews 12:11

“For the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.“—Proverbs 3:12

“Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.”—Revelation 3:19

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”—1 John 1:9

But there is this thing the enemy will often attempt—it’s called “condemnation.”

…and I felt this attempt nagging at me yesterday.

Oh how I’ve struggled with self-condemnation in my life.

I have allowed the enemy to nag and drag me down that path so many times.

Our enemy wants to sneak in there, in the midst of conviction—in the midst of a GOOD thing that God is doing…

and he wants to convince us down the dark, dangerous path

of dwelling and cycling in “condemnation”…

…which leads to death, and not life. 🥀

It’s like willingly, rolling around in quicksand…

And the enemy wants it to “consume you.”

And so, I am reminded…

that we must know and remember the WHOLE truth…

so that we can recognize this “trap” of the enemy when it comes against us…

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.“—Romans 8:1

“For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.“—1 John 3:20

God uses “conviction” to lead us into more life, to quickly reveal to us, what we need to be aware of so that we can repent and keep going!

But the enemy sets traps of “condemnation”

because he wants to lead us into death and destruction.

He wants to “shut us down, and turn off the lights.”

But God…
“The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.”—Psalm 34:22

And it’s like I can hear Him saying,

“…Yes, you are forgiven, and I love you…. now get up, rise up, and keep going…” 💖 💪

Thank You, Father. 💝 Thank You for reminding me of Your powerful truth this morning! Thank You for making clear, the attempts of the enemy. And thank You, Lord, for Your truth that sets me free—a loving truth that leads me into life, and not death. You lead me into life and vitality. 💖

-Heather 🌺