Day 6: Assumptions and Excuses

John 14:18-21
I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.  Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.  On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.  Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”  

Jesus adds something very important in this passage when He says: "Whoever has My commands and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I too will love them and show Myself to them.”  
"Whoever" implies a condition -- those who love Jesus and those Jesus will love and show himself to. Not just those standing there listening to Jesus speak, but WHOEVER! That means WE will not be left as orphans if we have His commands AND keep them.

The word "and" is often a place where our assumptions can get us into trouble. We understand what Jesus is saying and agree with Him, but we are quick to excuse ourselves when we don’t keep His commands as well as we intend. We need to have the commands AND keep and obey them! Until you let go of your assumptions of obedience and excuses for disobedience, you'll never confess your sin and receive His forgiveness (1 John 1:9). Because the fact is, the only thing that is quicker than Jesus' grace to forgive is your excuse to justify yourself. 

So today, let us confess our assumptions and excuses and receive His forgiveness for all our sin. He will cleanse you from all unrighteousness as Jesus comes not just TO you, but IN you -- assuring you of the Father's love for His adopted child!
 
Prayer Prompts: 

1. Where are you most likely to make excuses when it comes to following Jesus and obeying His commands throughout scripture? 

2. Invite the Holy Spirit to convict you of any assumptions, excuses, or disobedience (whether intentional or unintentional). Confess any sin that comes to mind: 

• things you've done and that you knew were wrong or contrary to God’s word? 
• things you haven't done when God has been calling you to obey Him? 
• thoughts you've had and entertained that are contrary to Jesus' teachings?
• excuses you've made that have kept you from confessing your sin

3. Read 1 John 1:9 and take time to thank Jesus for His forgiveness and cleansing of all unrighteousness. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9