Early Morning thoughts on 1 John ...

It is a new day best begun with time with my Savior, Jesus Christ. I have been getting up about 2 hours before my children get up for years, and though it is the most precious time in my life, I feel compelled to share a few minutes here (I'm not making this a daily priority- my time with the Lord is too precious for that, this is just something I'll do when I have a couple of minutes to spare).

I am studying 1 John right now, so would you like to come along with me on my study?

First, read the first chapter. A solid understanding of the gospel is clearly presented. When we understand that Jesus died for us in order that we might have life and if we have humbly confessed our sin and acknowledged our need for a savior (Jesus Christ), we are on the right path to living a righteous life (which will take all of our lives).

Now, I am on a slow path through chapter 2-

I John 2: 1 "My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense- Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sin, and not only for ours, but  also for the sins of the world."

Have you ever done something you really regret? I have. In keeping with my homeschool/wifely/motherly duties, I have blown it. I have gotten angry with my kids and raised my voice, have lost hope in schooling them when they struggled with a subject, have nagged my husband...yes, I have been a very unlikeable Mommy.

What is the most recurring theme in all of that? Guilt.

This scripture verse, though, tells us that when we do feel guilty, Satan is accusing us. He is pointing the finger at us to prove to God that we are his. He wants us to think that we are not God's children when we sin- we are under trial and that is what guilt says to us. But hold on! Christ is standing up in our defense- the day I confessed my sin (when I was a kid) and recognized my need for a Savior, confessed and repented, I was bought (ransomed) by Jesus from Satan. No longer do I stand accused, Christ covered me with his righteousness. Satan no longer has a right to my soul.

Isn't that good news?

So the next time you feel guilty and if you have been "born again", remind yourself that the Righteous One has already ransomed you and guilt can no longer has a voice.