I was reading in Hebrews 4 this morning and a scripture I knew, I was now reading. I had asked God earlier to give me a scripture to write a devotion on. I did not want this one though.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
I knew this scripture and the Holy Spirit living within me reminds me of it several times a day. I guess that is why he wanted me to write about it, because I am not getting it! That hurts. But it is true.
If you know me very well, you know I am a very transparent man. I bare my sins to other men openly and honestly. I bare them to Michelle too. It will often lead other men to openly share their sins too. We are called to do that in God’s word.
James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
God seeing everything we do and knowing our every thought is difficult to process as a man. Especially a man who calls himself a Christian. That is putting Christ’s name in my description of myself. Think about that for a second. Jesus walks with us and talks with us all day long, no matter where we go and no matter what we are doing.
I thought about this a lot back in 2009 with I was addicted to pornography. He is right here with me, and I am looking at this crap! Do I not have any sense of shame as His child. The conviction of the Holy Spirit living within us is desperately needed, but why is it not enough to stop our actions and thoughts.
A good friend of mine recently told me he was watching an R rated movie and there was some nudity. Instantly he was convicted by the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit spoke to his heart these words, “ if you really loved Me, you wouldn’t do that”. That is a “drop the mic” statement from God. It hit him and me like a ton of bricks and I hope it does you too.
In closing, God sees everything and knows everything, yes even our thoughts. This information alone should cause us to sin waaaaaaay less. Maybe we need to print that verse out and put it on the remote control of our TV? Or on our dash board.
Jesus, thank you for your Holy Spirit. Thank you for the conviction of the Holy Spirit. It is alive and working every moment of every day. Never condemning me but convicting me. Never tossing me in the garbage, but loving me in spite of my short comings. Why do you still love me after 67 years of this. Yes, I am saved and you have prepared a place for me to be with you for eternity, but why would you want someone who can’t seem to take your Word to heart and live it. I don’t understand Jesus how you can still love Jim Everett. I wish I did. Forgiveness is the only answer I can come up with. Thank you Jesus, for forgiving me.
Jim Everett
