Pursuit Of His Presence Day 124

1 John 3:21-24 

21 And, beloved, if our consciences (our hearts) do not accuse us [if they do not make us feel guilty and condemn us], we have confidence (complete assurance and boldness) before God,

22 And we receive from Him whatever we ask, because we [watchfully] obey His orders [observe His suggestions and injunctions, follow His plan for us] and [habitually] practice what is pleasing to Him.

23 And this is His order (His command, His injunction): that we should believe in (put our faith and trust in and adhere to and rely on) the name of His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and that we should love one another, just as He has commanded us.

24 All who keep His commandments [who obey His orders and follow His plan, live and continue to live, to stay and] abide in Him, and He in them. [They let Christ be a home to them and they are the home of Christ.] And by this we know and understand and have the proof that He [really] lives and makes His home in us: by the [Holy] Spirit Whom He has given us.

 

Devotional

Rich Rewards

by Gloria Copeland

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14
Holiness is living unto God. Unlike the world’s way of living, holiness isn’t easy. You can’t just coast along doing what everyone else is doing and be holy. It takes determination. It takes effort. It takes submitting yourself to God when, naturally speaking, you might want to do something else.
But the rewards are tremendous.
Hebrews says that without holiness, no man shall see the Lord. Does that mean if you’re holy, you will see Him? Yes!
Jesus Himself said, “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him” (John 14:21).
In other words, if you live the way I’m talking about right now—doing things that are pleasing to God—Jesus will reveal Himself to you. He can become so real to you through the Word, that it will be as if He’s standing right in front of you. You can be closer to Him than you are to your best friend.
That, in itself, would be reason enough to live a holy lifestyle. But the Bible promises even more rewards!
According to 1 John 5:18, the devil can’t touch you. Can you imagine what life would be like if the devil couldn’t touch you? Well, that’s the way God wants your life to be. He wants you so free that Satan can’t hurt you in any way.
First John 3:21 says that if our hearts condemn us not, then we have confidence before God.
Do you know why so many people’s prayers fail to be answered? It’s not because God doesn’t do His part. It’s because the people had no confidence when they went before God in prayer. They couldn’t ask in faith because their hearts condemned them.
Deep inside, you know whether or not you’re giving God top priority—whether or not you’re living a holy lifestyle. Make a decision today to be holy. Make a decision to live unto God. The rewards will be rich.
Speak the Word
“I follow peace with all men, and holiness, and I shall see the Lord.” —Hebrews 12:14
Need prayer? Call 817-852-6000. We’re here for you, 24/7!
Also, visit www.kcm.org/youversion to receive a free gift from Kenneth and Gloria Copeland.