“The thief’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness” John 10:10
Recently I spoke to someone with a nasty tone of voice. I didn’t even notice what I sounded like. But God did. Later while I was reading a devotional book, the Holy Spirit reminded me that Satan is the accuser and asked me if I really wanted to be on his team?
Well, no, I sure didn’t. So I immediately apologized to the Lord and the person I accused. I could have communicated in a more positive way. I didn’t need to accuse. I could have simply stated how I felt about what happened.
While I was reflecting on that thought, I remembered a spiritual concept that helped me a lot during the years. How do you differentiate between the conviction of the Holy Spirit and the accusations of the Enemy? Here is what I learned:
The Holy Spirit convicts us of specific actions or attitudes that needs to be confessed. When we admit and confess it (1 John 1:9) we experience God’s forgiveness and He will not bring that specific sin to our attention again. The Enemy, on the other hand, will make us feel guilty. (Usually a vague sense of guilt – not specific.) He will tell us that we are no good and that we will never be forgiven.
We can choose whom we listen to and believe. Will it be God or Satan? God loves us and has a wonderful plan for us. The Enemy hates us and has a terrible plan for our lives.
Listen to Jesus. He speaks words of life.
Lord Jesus, how often we are fooled by the enemy and listen to his accusations, rather than to Your words of Life. We want to be like You, Jesus. We want to speak words of Life into people’s lives. Thank you for helping us. Amen.
by Katherine Kehler
used by permission