1 John 3_21
September 1
Happy Sabbath Everyone,
The scripture for today is 1 John 3:21
1 John 3:21 Beloved, if our heart condemns us not, then have we confidence toward God.
The heart is the place where we begin to exercise faith. It is that which transpires within our hearts that manifest in behaviors and attitudes. Jesus said "for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." Matthew 12:34 The apostle Paul adds, "We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak." 2 Corinthians 4:13 Words of faith originate in the believing heart. Our words and acts of obedience are clear reflections of the faith that resides in our hearts. Condemnation comes when we know in our hearts that we are not walking in obedience to God's word. External pretenses might get pass most people but they do not change what we know is in our hearts.
Love for God generates confidence toward God. A teacher of the law asked Jesus which was the greatest commandment in the law; "Jesus said unto him, you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." Matthew 22:37 Notice that Jesus said that we should love the Lord our God will ALL our heart. Our love for God must not be fragmented. It is complete or it is unacceptable. Love for God is made visible through obedience to God. Jesus said "If ye love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15 Partial obedience is disobedience. God expects us to be faithful to Him all of the time not just when it is convenient. The heart can have confidence toward God only when it is in a continual love relationship with Him. That unbroken communion produces the confidence that is born from experiencing His presence, His love, His grace, and all of the attributes of God that He deposits into the life of one who walks closely with Him in obedience to His word. Yes, we can have this confidence toward our God and "whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight." 1 John 3:22
God bless you as you continue in His service.
Tim