Many of us who have surrendered our lives to Jesus can remember a moment of truth, a defining moment where the journey began.  For me it was a complete change of direction. I was determined to go one way and the Lord put inside of me a different direction. Whenever I have times of doubts about my whole Christian experience, I remember that moment and how miraculous it was.  He changed my mind.  Since then, He has done it many times, usually more of a change of attitude than mind. Whatever it is, I am still amazed when He does it!

From the journal . . . . June 2023

Lord, when I feel bad and discouraged about my attitude or persistent temptations to jealousy or resentment, I am amazed when all of a sudden, the negative feeling is gone. I admit, I often try thinking and pep-talking the negativity away and it may help for a time. I know it is good to confess to You when the temptations to doubt or be negative come into my mind, and I do that. However, You are the One who I call on to relieve me of wrong thinking and You are the One who takes it away.

And God Said to Me:

Yes. It is finished. Keep confessing and exposing the devil’s lies.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

When the temptation to jealously or resentment comes, turn to Me.

Matt 6:13 And do not lead us into temptation but deliver us from evil. Remind yourself that the old man is dead. You have been born again.
Romans 6:5-7 For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, ⁶ knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; ⁷ for the one who has died is freed from sin.

No shame. You have been redeemed. Rebuke the evil one’s lies. Say it out loud. Just say, “No! That’s not me.”

Isaiah. 44:22 I have wiped out your wrongdoings like a thick cloud
And your sins like a heavy mist.
Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.”
Romans 8:1 Therefore there is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus.
James 4:7 Submit therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Thank You Lord. Your ways are always helpful and true.

1 Cor. 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

Lord, this is the Good News of the Gospel and often seems too good to be true.  I know You have forgiven and You do not hold my weaknesses and sins against me. You take my shame away and it’s gone.  Who but You can actually take away shame? Who but You can really change an attitude?    Just You!