There has been so much laid on my heart these past few weeks and the words that I hear the loudest is “Feed my Sheep” when I ask what should I feed the answer is “feed them the Truth.”
For to long because of tradition people have been taught a barrage of things that even though it sounds good, looks good it is not the Truth.
One of the biggest problems that has been brought to my attention is self condemnation.
There lies the problem “self” instead of looking to God and how he sees us we are taught to look at ourselves, when it comes to success, appearance, needs and wants. People judge themselves on what they see of them not what God see’s in them. In America we have even been taught to show the world that God has prospered us in the cloths that we wear, the cars we drive, and the homes that we live in. I am here to tell you if you are fortunate to live in the USA compared to most of the world you are prosperous. This brings me to the meat of this message whether you live in the US or in one of the remote places of the world when you look at yourself and condemn yourself; my question to you is, “compared to whom?” I hear, and read on a daily bases people begging God for what HE has already provided.
Next time you start to feel anxiety, loneliness, quilt, shame, unhappy, any form of self condemnation remember the words that Jesus spoke; “neither do I condemn you!”
John 8:10-11 (Amplified Bible)
10 When Jesus raised Himself up, He said to her, Woman, where are your accusers? Has no man condemned you?
11 She answered, No one, Lord! And Jesus said, I do not condemn you either. Go on your way and from now on sin no more.
Now, when I first heard the words compared to whom? The first thoughts that were brought to mind were those less fortunate than me. This seemed to work for a while but I knew it was not complete. I also knew to take my eyes off the problem and keep my attention on the answer. This is true as long as you are aware of what the answer is.
I am here to tell you today the answer is Jesus! When you feel frustrated the answer is Jesus, when you feel lonely Jesus is always there, when you feel ugly and different Jesus makes you beautiful in him, when you feel guilty Jesus makes you innocent, when you feel any form of condemnation always remember there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus!
I know you are going to say but Brother Bryant you just don’t know the troubles I have. You maybe right, but I am here to tell you God does and His word for you today is “My Grace IS Sufficient!” Paul said it this way in;
2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (Amplified Bible)
8 Three times I called upon the Lord and besought [Him] about this and begged that it might depart from me;
9 But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!
10 So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [[c]in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful in divine strength).
For when I am weak He (Jesus) is strong! God is telling you today “My favor, Love and Mercy is enough. God is telling you when you look at you, don’t believe the lies that satan is using to bring you down, always see Jesus for He is fulfilled and complete. Because of Jesus you are made perfect in God’s eyes!
So next time you start to feel down and lonely remember who you are in Him:
As Jesus is…, God’s Beloved, Righteous, Rich, At the Fathers Right Hand, Acceptable to God, Full of Health and Wholeness, Free from all Calamity, & Condemnation & an Overcomer … So Am I in this world!
This reminds me of an old hymn I sung growing up;
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
Beloved and I say that because that is the way God sees you. Know that Jesus is the answer to all your shortcomings and problems... and while on the cross He had you on his mind. Jesus the Lamb of God, the Savoir of the World!
Remember this always, God’s Grace is Sufficient!
God Loves You!
