Devotion for Wednesday, September 18, 2024

“Therefore I tell you, people will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come” (Matthew 12:31-32).

You are either with the Lord or you are not. Do not ignore the Holy Spirit within you and then expect to be a part of the kingdom. We are not soloists with knowledge but members of the church of God. Yes, we sin and sometimes get pushy. There is no excuse for this. Each of us must come to the place where we realize that we are not alone but dependent upon the Lord for all things. Be guided by the Lord and His goodness so that You may walk in the everlasting and faithful way.

Lord, I confess that I do not fully understand what this means. I believe You are telling me that I must walk under Your direction. You give me grace so that when I am pushy, or even belligerent, You offer forgiveness, but there is a line that should never be crossed. Teach me where that line is and help me to listen to the Holy Spirit so that I never come close to that line. Guard me against apostasy.

Lord Jesus, I need Your help every day. Guard my lips so that I do not speak what will bring harm to Your kingdom. Holy Spirit, open my ears to hear Your directions, for faith comes by hearing. Lord, guide me in all my ways so that I may humbly walk with You, who is and must be the author and finisher of my faith. Keep me close to You always so that I may not cross any line which would imperil others or me because of my actions. Amen.