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Condemnation or Conviction?

by Carmen Horne 2 Comments

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

John 8:17 (ESV)

Do you ever wonder the difference between conviction and condemnation? How might that look in real life?

Let’s look at a few of the differences.

Condemnation comes from Satan. It makes us want to run from God.

Condemnation is broad. Yet is also personal. Condemnation rarely addresses specifics. It is used to create feelings of self-loathing. You are a bad person. You are stupid. You are lazy. You will never change. Condemnation is less concerned with our actions and more concerned with us feeling useless and unchangeable—a lost cause.

Condemnation causes despair. Satan is called the Accuser of the Brethren (Revelation 12:10), and he takes his job seriously. In Genesis 3:11, God asks Adam, “Who told you that you were naked?” Adam and Eve felt shame. They wanted to hide. These two had a personal relationship with God. They walked with Him in the garden; however, their Accuser convinced them that they could not trust God. They feel hopeless.

Conviction comes from God.

Conviction speaks in specifics. Conviction says these specific acts you took brought you to this situation, and those actions need to change. Conviction leads us to repentance, not avoidance. The Holy Spirit gives us wisdom on how to change and the power we need to make changes.

Conviction is empowering. The Bible tells us that we can know we are loved by God when He disciplines us. (Proverbs 3:12; Hebrews 12:6; Revelation 3:19; Psalm 94:12) We feel secure in the knowledge that God corrects us and redirects us because of His love.

For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.

2 Corinthians 7:10 (NLT)

Are you struggling with feelings of condemnation? Those feelings are not of God. The Holy Spirit will be specific on what needs to change and then point you in the direction you need to go. There will be peace in the end, not despair. When the Holy Spirit convicts, there is hope.

When we mess up (and we all do), let’s run toward Jesus. Tell Him all about it, ask for His forgiveness, and thank Him for His patience in redirecting us. Jesus loves us and wants us to live an abundant life.

Here is an infographic to help you remember the difference between Conviction and Condemnation. Please get it here: Infographic

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A Prayer of Comfort For Anxious Times

by Carmen Horne 2 Comments

As I type this, we are in our first full day of a national emergency. Who would have thought that the nation would be struggling to maintain toilet paper inventories? 

We are also in a crisis of emotion. Anxiety and fear wait on our porches, and most of us have opened the door wide for them to enter. I resisted the compulsion to turn on our TV this morning. I saw a meme this week that said, “Wash your hands and turn off your tv!”

As I ponder, I wonder how this crisis might be for our good as a people and nation? I am not God (as much as I try to help Him and play jr god), but may I share my thoughts?

A few things I feel confident in declaring

Our nation and our families are facing the challenge of learning essential steps in emergency preparedness, and our hearts are more in tune with the knowledge that we are not in control. Both of these will help in the next challenges we face. And, there will be future challenges.  

It also seems that in times of crisis, we seek conversation with the One we know has sovereign control. This drawing to God is always a good and welcoming experience. We need our Abba Father more than ever, right?

With the Holy Spirit leading, I want to offer you a prayer to build our faith as we take steps to build our supplies and knowledge. 

Heavenly Father,

I look to those in places of power and ask myself — does my help come from them? Lord, my help comes from You. You are the Creator of heaven and earth.  As I turn to You, Lord, the One who never sleeps, I am assured that although I am shaken, I am not overwhelmed. The health and economic challenges I face will not cause me or my family to slip into fear and anxiety. You, Lord, Yourself, watch over us! We gather under Your protective shade. The heat of trials nor the darkness of despair will destroy us. You, Lord, keep us from all harm and protect our life. Based on Your Word, I believe and declare that You, our Sovereign God, will protect us, both now and forever! Amen!

{Based on Psalm 121}

Take a deep breath. We are okay. We will weather this storm under our Father’s umbrella and be wiser and more compassionate. As we love our neighbors, we experience love as God intends. 

Blessings, my friend,

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"Carmen spoke to us from her heart.  She encouraged us be women of faith. Carmen is very genuine in her love of God and people. Her heart for God is evident in her devotion and also the life she leads."

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Deana G.

"Carmen spoke to us from her heart.  She encouraged us be women of faith. Carmen is very genuine in her love of God and people. Her heart for God is evident in her devotion and also the life she leads."
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"Carmen always has a word of encouragement for everyone. She makes you feel good about yourself by just being in her presence. She loves Jesus and wants all to know Jesus; the broken, the wounded, the desperate, the empty and the guilty."
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"It takes a depth of pride to accept our way might not be the best way or the only way...' If Carmen had not already made me a follower of her blog, that one sentence would have had me hooked. It's not always easy to find someone who writes in ways we can relate. Carmen makes me stop and take a deep long look at who I am and where I want to be in my walk with Christ. I trust her to be a truth teller and a peace maker. Not only has she encouraged me so many times, but often my heart is pierced to make a change."

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Carmen Horne, Life Coach
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2016-06-25T01:26:03-05:00

Judy H.

"It takes a depth of pride to accept our way might not be the best way or the only way...' If Carmen had not already made me a follower of her blog, that one sentence would have had me hooked. It's not always easy to find someone who writes in ways we can relate. Carmen makes me stop and take a deep long look at who I am and where I want to be in my walk with Christ. I trust her to be a truth teller and a peace maker. Not only has she encouraged me so many times, but often my heart is pierced to make a change."
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"Carmen writes from her heart and her own life experiences. What she says is always spot on for me. She is a gifted teacher and her love for the Word shows. Carmen is easy to understand and her words always leave me with a deeper understanding of God's love and grace. Her wit and charm make her a joy to listen to. She speaks truth, even when the truth is hard to hear and does it with understanding and compassion."

Karen S.

Carmen Horne, Life Coach
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2016-06-25T01:23:50-05:00

Karen S.

"Carmen writes from her heart and her own life experiences. What she says is always spot on for me. She is a gifted teacher and her love for the Word shows. Carmen is easy to understand and her words always leave me with a deeper understanding of God's love and grace. Her wit and charm make her a joy to listen to. She speaks truth, even when the truth is hard to hear and does it with understanding and compassion."
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"Rarely will you find a woman with such a servant’s heart as Carmen Horne. I have had the pleasure of attending many church events, trips, and girl lunches with Carmen over the past sixteen years. She continues to be one of my favorite mentors whether in North Louisiana or on the beach in Florida, which is probably OUR FAVORITE place! She uses her kind and faithful heart when giving advice or mentoring others. Carmen is truly a light to many and guides you to find the light in yourself no matter how faint it may be. Hebrews 13:7"

Dianne A.

Carmen Horne, Life Coach
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2016-06-25T01:22:56-05:00

Dianne A.

"Rarely will you find a woman with such a servant’s heart as Carmen Horne. I have had the pleasure of attending many church events, trips, and girl lunches with Carmen over the past sixteen years. She continues to be one of my favorite mentors whether in North Louisiana or on the beach in Florida, which is probably OUR FAVORITE place! She uses her kind and faithful heart when giving advice or mentoring others. Carmen is truly a light to many and guides you to find the light in yourself no matter how faint it may be. Hebrews 13:7"
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