Simply Angie
Yesterday when my husband was preaching about the Holy Spirit and the many jobs He does, he mentioned something significant. He talked about conviction and the importance of a person seeing themselves as condemned and lost in their sin before they can actually experience saving faith. This is an age-old struggle and one that flourishes even more today. As humans, we spend a lot of time in self justification. We think of ourselves as ‘not really that bad’ because we are usually aware of many people who are worse. However, until we recognize that we are guilty sinners and are condemned by our sin, we are unable to accept the astonishing gift of forgiveness and redemption that is provided for us by Jesus as Our Substitute. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. ~2 Corinthians 5:21 I was reminded of this favorite old poem by Martha Snell Nicholson. I just had to share it with you today. My Advocate ~ Martha Snell Nicholson My soul is moved and my heart is filled with humble thanksgiving every time I imagine that scene. Forgiven! The King of Heaven is My Advocate who paid my debt and pleads my case. Amazing grace, indeed! One of my dear friends (at two weeks shy of 98 years of age) went to meet the Lord in person this month. I’m thrilled for her as I think of her joy in that meeting. She was a great witness for Christ as she spent many years trying to warn others of their need for a Saviour. The devil cleverly uses deceitful tactics in the world and sometimes in the church to encourage us to cast off all sense of guilt and shame, while at the same time he is daily going before the throne and acting as the great accuser of the brethren. Pretty sneaky! And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. ~Revelation 12:10 The old accuser loses in the end, praise God, but how many souls did he gain along the way because of his deceitful treachery and the foolishness and stubborness in the hearts of men? I’ve written previously about what I believe freedom in Christ and legalism look like, so I won’t reiterate it here, but I do want to emphasize the importantance of acknowledging our guilt and our sin so that we CAN stand (or bow) guiltless one day before His throne. There is an important distinction that needs to be understood regarding guilt and shame.
When we experience guilt and shame or a lack of them, we must remember to wisely identify the source of these emotions, and whose hand is weilding them upon us. If it is God, we should rejoice that He is working in our lives to draw us closer to Him. If it is the devil, we must reject His influence and run back to God’s Word for wisdom, guidance, and truth. I hope these thoughts and this inspiring poem will encourage you today to recognize how much God loves you. I hope that you, too, see Jesus as your Advocate, your Mediator, your Saviour, your Master, and your King. He is SO Wonderful and loves you so much. I couldn’t live without Him! Blessings, Angie P.S. I haven’t forgotten about the parenting stuff! I’m working on it. There are only so many hours in each day. :) You can still sign up for updates at parenthelps.com, and you can also get a sneak preview of some of what’s coming at storybookhut.com. Talk to you again soon. Can’t wait?
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Monday, February 19, 2024
My Advocate
