Journaling allowed me to overcome the lies of the accuser by Nicholas Webb

I’ll try to preface this briefly for context.

We had a dessert auction fundraiser this Sunday for a youth group trip. Before it began I was rolling around how much to donate the I was reminded to seek Gods guidance by one of those spontaneous thoughts. A number settled in my head shortly after. The auction began and my daughters and I were having fun bidding and buying. By the end we had got close to the number so I just rounded the check up to what I was told. Doing this in “view” of the public had not even crossed my mind. It’s a ministry I am happy to support and the donation was very joyfully given. This morning as I was in my morning Bible reading I get a wave of “You did that for attention didn’t you” and “how proud you must feel”. It was upsetting, I felt condemned by it and was beginning to regret participating. The following journal entry addressed this.

I hear Him say “Good morning My son“ but could not see Him

So I worked my way through the Tabernacle realizing I was emotionally lunging at Him and as I approached the Ark I see Jesus standing there in its place, happy to see me as usual!

Me: Father did I error in my approach to give back to your Kingdom yesterday? I know I missed an opportunity to give you the glory when it presented itself.

Jesus: My son your heart was in the right place. Do not allow the enemy to attack something you gave to Me and darken it in your heart. You sought me for guidance before it began and I saw no ill motives in your heart. I felt only happiness and joy, only you pouring out from the overflow of your heart. Satan tries to twist and pervert everything, to try and take it away from you. Hold steadfast in Me and do not allow him to darken it. Had your motives been for yourself I would have told you but instead you received My joy in your heart. It is not wrong to do right in sight of the public, this is exactly the type of action I call you to take. To lead by example in front of those watching you. If you preach one thing and walk another then your witness and testimony is false. I want you to represent Me in sight of others. It is true that you should praise, worship, and give privately but this speaks largely about the position of your heart in your actions. What motivated you to move.

(He takes me and sits down with me, face to face, my hands in His. Lovingly looking into my eyes.)

Jesus: It is ok, you did well yesterday! Rebuke the enemies attack on your joy and stand firm in Me! Could you have spoken to My glory? Yes of course, notice what you did not do though. You did not take pride in the comments of others, you did not embrace arrogance and that is a step towards Me. Remember for next time to speak to the on lookers “It’s not by my hand but by the hand of my Father”. I love you My son, I am proud of you. I smile when I see you just as you smile at your children.

Two-way Journaling Application

Hearing God's voice is as simple as: 1) quieting myself down (Ps. 62:5), 2) beholding Jesus at my right hand (Acts 2:25), 3) asking for His input and tuning in to flowing thoughts and flowing pictures (Jn. 7:37-39), and 4) journaling out His words and visions (Rev. 1:9-11). These are then tested and they must line up with Scripture (Ps. 1:2) and be affirmed in the hearts of my spiritual advisors (2 Cor. 13:1).

• Lord where have I been hearing the voice of the accuser, and what would You say to correct these lies?