Serious Wednesday

Hey guys!  Today I’m taking my cue from John Acuff (ala Stuff Christians Like) and designating Wednesdays as “Serious Wednesday”.  Don’t worry, it’s still going to be positive:)

Incidentally, it is also my personal holiday, “Gypsy Wednesday”!  You celebrate by wearing scarves, flowy skirts, and dangly earrings.  Gypsy Wednesday has three theme songs:

1. Gypsy by Fleetwood Mac
2. Gypsy by Shakira (her hips don’t lie)
3. Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves by Cher

Buuuuuuuut…back to Serious Wednesday.  Last night, I was doing my quiet time (aka reading my Bible and praying…it’s not like I was just sitting quietly in my room doing nothing!  Dumb phrase:) and I was reading Romans 8.  I settled in at verses 31 through 35a.  Here it is:

“What then shall we say to these things?  If God is for us, who can be against us?  He who did not spare his own Son buy gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?  Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect?  It is God who justifies.  Who is to condemn?  Christ Jesus is the one who died – more than that, who was raised – who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?”

This is the central theme of the gospel message, but one that I (and a ton of other people) still struggle with.  It basically says, “Hey!  You did nothing except come to Jesus.  But He did all they heavy lifting.  But you get to enjoy aaaaall the benefits of his sacrifice.  AND, when you mess up (because you will), NO ONE CAN CONDEMN YOU!  Not even yourself.  Not even the evil one.

Seems almost too good to be true, huh?  But that’s our God!  Gracious and compassion, slow to anger and rich in love.  He’s so good to us!

The next time you feel condemned, read this verse and sit in it.  IT IS TRUE.  And remember, your feelings of guilt do not change your standing with God.  Your standing is incredible with Him!  So let’s not listen to the condemnation or fear (which has to do with punishment).  Let’s gratefully accept our place as children of God and co-heirs with Christ, and never look back!

I love you friends!

Chelsea

P.S.  I fully expect some Gypsy Wednesday pictures!