Advancing Encouragement By:
Bishop James Jr. Hairston
1John: 3:22: And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
What are you asking God for today? Have you been in prayer today seeking Gods direction, protection, guidance and all and all help in whatever situation you are facing today? What is it that you stand in need of today? Is it strength you stand in need of or more specific like good health, financial gain, to mend a broken relationship, or maybe a peace of mind? Maybe your particular situation is more serious but whatever it is this passage of scripture should speak to your spirit and empower you to be obedient, too have faith and trust God while you are dealing with your situation. Look at the text, there is a conjunction from what was said prior too this verse that if our heart is not condemning us then we have confidence or boldness toward God. God cannot work with unsure faith or wavering faith but most importantly in this particular passage it is talking about holding condemnation in our hearts and He wants us to be free from condemnation. Holding condemnation in your heart will keep you from your blessings and having what God has for you to accomplish and achieve in your life. Specifically, holding condemnation in this passage is when you know to do what is right and you don’t do it, you condemn yourself. But excitingly there is a cure for condemnation in our hearts and that is by keeping Gods commandments and to do those things that are pleasing in His sight. As simple as that sounds, the word say’s in verse 19, we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. To assure simply means to convince, we are convinced that God is able to do what He says He is going to do for us because we are keeping His commandments, doing those things that are pleasing in his sight, believing on the name of Jesus Christ and loving one another, verse 23. When you are doing these things your heart will not condemn you, your faith will not waver and whatever you ask you will receive it in Jesus Name. Remember this in Matthew 7:8: For every one that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened.
James Jr. Hairston