From the Edges – Morning Devotional – Convicting – Convicted

From the Edges – Morning Devotions

Pastor Calvin Cook – June 13, 2024

Convicting – Conviction

Scripture focus John 16:7-11 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

I recently had a conversation with someone who was very complimentary and a follower of these morning devotions. They had  subscribed to receive the devotions in their email through the blog where these devotions are posted. I noticed a couple of weeks ago they had unsubscribed. When I recently was in conversation, I casually mentioned that I noticed they had unsubscribed, thinking it was by accident. The person responded  “No it wasn’t by accident, I don’t read your devotions any longer because it makes me mad.” I was caught a little off guard and tried to explain that I was sorry, but that each day I write, I pray to be under conviction of the Holy Spirit to share my heart.” Their response was “and I am under conviction to not read”.  OK then, we move on. But the conversation still sticks and though I still hurt, I feel the need to follow through with the conviction of the Holy Spirit to speak this morning about conviction.

From my heart, from the beginning of my writing, I never meant to do harm! But to share, from my heart the journey I am on knowing there will be times that I wonder, stray, and sin. There will be times that these words might offend while at the same time bringing comfort to another, we are all in a different place.  The one place that we all must be in together is the center of God’s heart and will. When ever we leave this center, are distracted by other ideas, even when the conviction of the Holy Spirit seems great, the place we must remain with all of our energy is at the center of God’s will.

In teaching from the Moody Bible Institute the following is shared: “Conviction of the Holy Spirit is the process by which the Holy Spirit shows us our sin and our need for salvation. It is also the assurance of our righteousness in Christ. Conviction is meant to lead us to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is the agent of salvation who applies the gospel to our hearts” (** see scripture references below).

Here we begin to understand the Holy Spirit’s role in our life and the presence of the Holy Spirit to be one of conviction. Easily described, it is that voice of God that speaks many different directions to us. Two of the most powerful directions that I hear is “Go for it” or “Run from it”.  Unfortunately, in my life and probably if you would be honest in yours, we have not listened enough to the direction “Run from it”.  Many times, we run from or remove ourselves from that which convicts us and draws us closer to heart of God. In public displays of conviction, it brings the haughty, mighty, and proud down and hopefully humbles for all to see the need of God.

This morning and every day, I am praying with all my heart that all of us receive the conviction of the Holy Spirit speaking into our lives words that draw us fully into the conviction, salvation, redemption and transformation that we all so desperately need. Where, who and what you are will depend upon receiving the Holy Spirit that is offered to all believers. But once again it is something we have to receive.

 **John 14:26;  Romans 8:14;  Romans 8:26 Ephesians 4:30;  1 Corinthians 2:10-14;  1 Corinthians 12:11 Acts 8:29;  Acts 15:28