4 Scriptures to Overcome Thoughts of Condemnation and Guilt

 

4 Scriptures to overcome thoughts of condemnation and guilt

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

Does your mind play games with your conscience over past sins? Do you suffer with guilt even though you know you are forgiven?

Sometimes the words of others can ignite those thoughts and bring the hammer down on any positive progression we have made in our souls.

I have heard these words from people before. "(Name of person) told me I have cancer because there must be sin in my life."

Or thoughts and accusations come after a disaster or tragedy such as, "This happened because of what I did." (Meaning they think they are being punished because of a past sin, not a consequence of a bad decisions such as having a wreck because of speeding.)

This way of thinking stems from traditions, someone's opinion (that may even be hundreds of years old), or Old Testament stories.

We look to the Old Testament accounts where God punished Israel for their sins and we bring these forward to today. The Lord had to give a penalty to them to keep the decay of transgressions from multiplying to the point of no return. Animal sacrifices offered a temporary reprieve but could not cleanse a person.

The Old Testament is given to us for a reason, but we need to keep reading and discover that Jesus set up a new covenant for believers. He is the One who paid for all sin for all time (Hebrews 10:12-14), and it is a done deal.

Even after we are born again, we can still beat ourselves up over our past.

But this is not the way He wants us as His body on the earth to function.

Because Jesus forgave us, He doesn't want us acting like defeated members of His Church who have no power to overcome. We are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37)

God hasn't changed. Sin does still need to be dealt with, but Jesus is the One who dealt with it for us. The Father inflicted the punishment for all sin upon His precious Son so that we wouldn't be punished for it.

Our part is to accept Christ's payment for us. If you are still bound by guilt over past sins, let go of the condemnation. Don't hold on to baggage that weighs so heavy on you that you can't move forward in your spiritual life.

Our enemy, the devil, can't take away our salvation. But he wants to paralyze us by keeping us focused on our wrongdoing. He uses these reminders to put condemnation in our minds. But we are told to focus on Christ's victory rather than the wrong we have done.

There is no iniquity more powerful than the blood of Jesus. Nothing is so bad that hasn't already been forgiven.

When your thoughts, or even other people, remind you of what may have transpired in your life, throw those words at the cross. The pure blood of Jesus has made your clean.

Talk to yourself with 4 simple confessions based on these Scriptures when you feel the downward spiral of judgment swirl around your soul.

I am loved. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 NIV)

I am accepted. To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. (Ephesians 1:6 NKJV))

I am forgiven. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 NKJV)

I am free. Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. (Galatians 5:1 NKJV)

Win the war in your mind by saying no to guilt and shame. We have the yes of victory in Christ.

Join the conversation and share your thoughts.

Does your mind play games with your conscience over past sins? Do you suffer with guilt even though you know you are forgiven? Here are 4 Scriptures to overcome thoughts of condemnation. (click to share on X)

 

 

 

 

Image by Mariya Muschard from Pixabay 4 poppies

3 Ways to Win Spiritual Battles with the Sword of the Spirit

 

By Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

In ancient Rome, the army of Caesar was an institution to be feared. Everywhere they marched, these soldiers conquered. To resist them meant certain death.

They were heavily armed, trained, and disciplined. They had at their disposal an arsenal of weapons. Among these were various types of swords.

A heavy double-edged sword, too large and heavy to use in battle, was a training tool. This strengthened the soldier’s muscles so that when they wielded their fighting swords in battle they did not grow fatigued and weak.

The spatha was a long sword used in the Roman cavalry and gladiator games. A soldier could swing this instrument of death with a long reach while still on horseback. 

But the gladius was the weapon of the foot soldiers. With a double edge and triangular tip, its reputation was the sword that conquered the world. Just the sight of this sword and the decimation left behind would strike fear in the hearts of an enemy. It was used in close contact because it could penetrate the body between chinks in armor, remove limbs, and slice throats. 

Gladius is the Latin term for this type of sword which in Greek is machaira. And this Greek word is the term Paul used in Ephesians 6:17 when he refers to the sword of the Spirit. The deadly sword Paul tells us to use against our enemy. The machaira of the Spirit.

The devil cannot stand against the Word of God. This weapon strikes fear in this fallen angel because he knows he has no power against those razor-sharp edges. The sword that conquered the spirit world is the sword of redemption. 

Our use of machaira against the enemy of mankind reminds the devil of this. That’s why he fights so hard against our knowledge of the Word of God. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6). 

When we receive the revelation of what Christ did for us, we hold the power against our spiritual enemy. It is God’s power in our hands, His sword, and we can eliminate any threat because this weapon strikes behind the devil’s armor—his lies. 

Here are 3 ways to win spiritual battles with the Sword of the Spirit:

1. Strengthen our soul by training (constant immersion in the Word). Then we can stand against our enemy without fatigue or weakness. Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7).

2. Stand in our rightful place of redemption. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil (Ephesians 6:11). Three times in Ephesians 6:10-18, we are told to stand or withstand. The devil is under our feet. We are not under his. 

3. Stay in a sound mind and do not let fear rule. We have been given the spirit of power. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

Roman soldiers won battles because they were heavily armed, trained, and disciplined. When we arm ourselves with the Sword of God, train ourselves in His Word, and discipline our souls to only listen to the truth, we are a force that strikes fear in the spiritual wickedness in high places.

We are victorious because our Leader has already won the war for redemption. Our fighting takes place in the battlefield of the mind. Truth conquers lies and the Sword of the Spirit cuts away the false images the defeated enemy shows us. 

If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:31b-32).

The truth makes us free. 

What are other ways you can think of that help us win spiritual battles with the Sword of the Spirit? Share your thoughts.

When we know what Christ did for us, we have His power to use against our spiritual enemy. (click to tweet)

3 Benefits of God's Love

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

Love is the foundation upon which all biblical doctrines rest. It is the cement that holds all other revelations together. How can we trust our heavenly Father to save us, provide for us, or heal us if we question the depth of His affection?

We may not feel His heart at times, but that doesn’t change the truth. We should believe He is passionate toward us because He said so.

We love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19 NKJV). We can’t love God first because there isn’t anything in us to love Him with until we receive for ourselves the life He extends to us.

Herein is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins (1 John 4:10). We don’t deserve His mercy, but He gives it to us because of His grace.

God's love gives us more than we can ever count, but here are 3 benefits we can live out daily.

Remedies for Emotions That Can Create Thoughts of Insignificance

Remedies for emotions that cause thoughts of insignificance

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

Have you ever felt insignificant? Hidden from God? That your life doesn't really matter?

The Bible provides examples of women who felt less than worthy. They didn’t feel as if their existence contributed to anything or anyone. Lives full of pain, despair, brokenness, and condemnation were all they knew.

Since the Bible does tell us about these women, we know their story is important. Their lives had a special meaning we can all learn from.

These biblical women are examples of how God overcame their difficulties and redeemed their souls. He will do the same for us with these remedies for emotions that can create thoughts of insignificance.

Start the New Year With New Thinking

 

by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

Have you ever thought about what you think about? We may not realize it but our thinking does control our lives.

New Year's resolutions usually involve changing some type of behavior. Rather than a resolution, why not a renewal? Why not start the new year with new thinking?

A renewal of our minds can bring about changed behavior.

Where do thoughts come from?

What Does God So Loved Mean to You?

 

What does God so loved mean to you

By Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16 NKJV).

Those of us who have grown up in church have heard John 3:16 quoted over and over. We learned that verse as a child and could spit it out at the drop of a hat. It is printed on cards, cups, plaques, and banners.

But over familiarity can cause words to lose their meaning.

Do we really know what Jesus was saying when he told this truth to Nicodemus? What does God so loved mean to you? How does John 3:16 change your life?

God so loved….

This is love not that we loved God but that he loved us and gave his Son (1 John 4:10).

We can’t love God apart from Him loving us first because there is no love in us without Him.

The world…

God’s gift is available to all who will receive it.  …Not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9b). Unfortunately, not everyone will receive eternal life, but it’s not because God didn’t give it.

That He gave….

He gave His Son from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8). He knew His creation would sin and He made a way to redeem the lost. God loved His created ones made in His image so much he was willing to give Himself to pay for the wrong that we do.

He gave by putting His Word into the form of flesh. The word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14)

God was walking and talking with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden until they sinned. They threw away their intimacy with their Creator.

God was walking and talking with mankind in the form of Jesus, but most did not recognize him. They threw away the God that was before them.

He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him (John 1:11).

Love came down from heaven, but He didn’t have to.

But made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:7-8).

This gift from the Father was presented to the fallen earth wrapped in swaddling clothes. In insignificance and with no earthly fanfare, He was born in the normal human way. He became one of us, so He could identify with our hurts, fears and temptations (Hebrews 2:18).

Jesus came to earth through a bloody human birth and left the earth through a bloody human sacrifice.

What does “God so loved the world” really mean? It means love came down…so we could be lifted up (Psalm 145:14).

Christmas brings us the cross.

Merry Christmas and may God bless us every one!

What Does God So Loved Mean to You (click to share on X)

 

 Image by Bruno from Pixabay 

Gifts for the King - Guest Post by Annie Yorty

 

by Annie Yorty

I recently sat teary-eyed in the theater watching The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, directed by Dallas Jenkins. In this movie based on the book of the same name by Barbara Robinson, a family of six unruly and unkempt kids takes over the local church’s annual Christmas pageant. Near the end, in a welcome moment of levity, the boys acting as wise men present a ham as a gift to the baby Jesus.

Magi—A Symbol of Christmas

In a devotion from my newly released book, 25 Symbols of Christmas: Finding Jesus, I show how the magi from the Christmas story remind us Jesus is our wise guide. Due to space constraints, I didn’t elaborate on the gifts the wise men brought to the Christ Child. Nevertheless, these gifts for the King deserve our attention and can help us understand more about how we can honor Jesus as the star of Christmas.

We can get hung up on the inconsistencies between the biblical text about the magi and the way they’re portrayed in nativity scenes, carols, and pictures. Sometimes our worry over artistic license distracts us from thinking more deeply about their purpose in the nativity story.

First, let’s address a couple of myths. Most of our Christmas traditions portray these wise men, as they’re also called, as arriving the night of Jesus’ birth. More likely, they came at a later date to a house Mary and Joseph had moved into. We don’t know how many magi there were. We assume there may have been three because they gave three gifts. They were not necessarily kings. More likely, they were men who studied ancient texts of various cultures to learn truth and watched the heavens for signs. 

We don’t know exactly where they originated, except from the east. Some say from Arabia while others speculate they came from as far away as India. We know they journeyed over hundreds of miles probably for a period of months. We don’t know how they traveled, though most depictions show camels.

Gifts for the King

In his gospel account, Matthew records that the wise men brought three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This part of the story hearkens back to prophecy from the book of Isaiah. “The people of Sheba will bring gold and frankincense and will come worshiping the Lord” (Isaiah 60:6 NLT). In ancient times, these three items in combination were standard gifts for kings and deities.

Gold

As one of the most precious metals on earth, gold was typically brought to important kings as tribute. In the days when Israel followed God, He blessed His people with gifts of gold from other nations. A gold crown denoted royalty in ancient times as well as today.

God also designated gold as a fitting material to adorn His temple. When He gave David the design of the first temple in Jerusalem, He specified that pure gold must overlay the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant and be used to make the lampstands and other instruments for serving Him (1 Chronicles 28).

We have no way of knowing how much gold the magi brought as a gift for the newborn King, but I don’t believe they traveled over hundreds of miles for several months to bring a paltry gift. Some Bible archaeologists suggest the gold may have been worth hundreds of thousands of dollars in today’s currency.

Yes, gold is always valuable, but God says there’s one thing far more precious that will hold its value in any economy.  The psalmist wrote, “Truly, I love your commands more than gold, even the finest gold” (Psalm 119:127 NLT).

We may not have a pile of gold to offer our King, but when we love His Word more than any earthly possession, He is honored and pleased.

Frankincense

People valued frankincense, an aromatic resin gathered from the sap of Boswellia trees, long before Jesus’ birth. They used the spice for medicinal purposes, and the wealthy embalmed their dead with hundreds of pounds of its anointing oil. Most Middle Eastern cultures burned the costly resin in ceremonial worship of their deities.

Frankincense also has a spiritual use designated by God. In His instructions for Temple service, God told the priests to add the precious oil to sacrifices on the altar to add a pleasing aroma to the offering.

The baby whose birth we celebrate at Christmas “offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God” (Ephesians 5:2 NLT). In this same verse, Apostle Paul exhorts us to follow His example and display Jesus’ self-sacrificing love to people around us.

Myrrh

Myrrh was a rare and expensive commodity at the time Jesus was born. Some estimate its value would have been $4,000 per pound. This tree resin was also used for medicinal purposes, to make expensive perfume, and to anoint bodies for embalming.

When God established the tabernacle as a meeting place with His people, He told Moses to create a mixture of precious spices, including myrrh. He tasked Moses with anointing every part of the tent, the instruments of worship, and even the priests with this oil to set them apart as holy for His service (Exodus 30:22-38).

The gift of myrrh from the magi foreshadowed the death of Jesus on the cross. Jesus’ death paved the Way for us to be set apart from sin, to live for God’s purposes instead of our own. Like the priests of old, God calls us to “proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9 NLT).

Our Gifts for the King

The pagan magi searched for truth, and God led them to the Truth. When they met Jesus, they worshiped and offered their best gifts to Him. In The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, hungry children couldn’t imagine how gold, frankincense, and myrrh would be suitable gifts for a baby. Much to the amusement of the audience, they substituted the ham that was most valuable to their growling tummies in place of the three biblical gifts.

What gifts will you offer to Jesus—your King, your High Priest, and your Savior—this Christmas? (click to share on X)

 

Would you like to add meaning to your Advent season with free resources and 25 Symbols of Christmas: Finding Jesus? Visit my website to download a Christmas journal page to record your heart thoughts. If you have children and would like to read the devotions aloud with them, I offer a coloring page for each day. Also, you can use my Candy Cane Gospel to tell people about Jesus throughout the season. Go deeper with each devotion when you view short daily videos at my YouTube channel. The links are listed below.

I wish you a merry Christmas and pray you know Jesus better than ever by the beginning of the new year.

25 Symbols of Christmas: Finding Jesus: https://mybook.to/yksqv

Free Christmas resources to download:  https://annieyorty.com/books/

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@annieyorty1014

Blog – Perceive God: https://annieyorty.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnieYorty2020

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annieyorty/

X: https://x.com/AnnieYorty

Crosswalk: https://www.crosswalk.com/author/annie-yorty/

From Ignorance to Bliss (Amazon):  https://www.amazon.com/dp/1649498365/ref

Empowering Homeschool Conversations: https://www.spedhomeschool.com/podcast

Ordinary Moms of Extraordinary Kids podcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/ordinarymoms/

 

Bio

Award-winning author Annie Yorty writes and speaks to encourage others to perceive God’s presence in the unexpected twists and turns of life. She has written From Ignorance to Bliss: God’s Heart Revealed through Down Syndrome and a devotional, 25 Symbols of Christmas: Finding Jesus. She also contributes devotions and articles at Crosswalk.com and cohosts Empowering Homeschool Conversations, the authority in homeschooling diverse learners.

Married to her high school sweetheart and living in Pennsylvania, Annie mothers three adult children (one with intellectual disabilities). A lifelong learner, Annie seeks new and eclectic challenges. She gravitates toward anything crafty or creative—except sewing clothes. Sporadically, she works at learning to play the piano and ukulele. Always open to travel adventure, Annie helps organize mission teams that share God’s love around the world. She wishes she had more time to read, crochet, and practice Russian. Amidst the fun, challenges, and chaos, Annie encourages others to look upward with her and perceive God. Annie would love to visit with you at AnnieYorty.com.