4.29.2013

My Obedience


   
Obedience...we take our dogs to training, we read books on how to train our kids, if only our employees would always do what they are suppose to… We desire obedience in others but strain and make excuses for our self. 

   The Lord has really been hammering me this past couple months about obedience in my life. I am not in any gross sin, but I am in sin because I have not been obedient in the little things. The Lord knows...our thoughts, the intents of our heart, everything...so my prayer has been “Lord fill me again with your Spirit & give me Your heart & mind so that I might be obedient!” And you know what...He is faithful and is working it into my life!

  Here is something I picked up from a friend's blog. It is a good reminder and I have it posted on my desktop to read every time I open my computer.
1. Confess all known sin.
2. Deal with and get rid of anything ‘doubtful’ in your life.
3. Be ready to obey the Holy Spirit instantly.
4. Confess Christ publicly.

His name is Bill Holdridge and here are a some links to his writings; In the Word, Bill's Blog, Cross Connection Network.

    So let’s pray for obedience in our lives and then walk in it. AMEN!?
I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father.  2 John 1:4

4.22.2013

FREEDOM IN CHRIST



These past two months have had us close to home. As a result I have had the blessing of being involved with two ladies Bible studies. We are going through the book of Galatians inductively verse by verse. The main theme of Galatians is the comparison of Grace and The Law. Paul is passionate and even righteously angry about the men who have come in and are trying to draw these new believers into or back under the law. He wants them to understand that the freedom they have received through Christ’s death is true freedom; freedom from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:1-2).

   He even goes as far as to say that if anyone perverts the gospel of grace they are cursed! This is strong language which reflects the seriousness of this issue. God wants us to be free to find our own way in Him. Free to live each day by grace and not by acts. The law says I must do certain things but God just wants me to be with Him and learn to obey Him. This is grace; not what I do but who I am in Christ!


   What I love about studying inductively is that we must always bring the Scriptures down to personal, daily application. This is where real, long term life change comes in. So, as I am looking into this epistle, I see time and again how I too set up a law for myself. I bring myself back under my own law. One that God never intended for me. I think that I must perform a certain way in order to keep God’s favor or attention. I then want to place others under my law, asking them to perform in certain ways as well.

   So I must take inventory regularly and ask myself, “Have I set up any laws that God did not intend? Am I trying to please God in my flesh? Am I looking to please others?” I believe we set up boundaries, a fence line, in our own lives as a way of feeling safe. Then we think we are free because we have rules to keep us safe. However, what I am beginning to understand is that if I build a fence then I remove the daily need to cling to Christ for safety and wisdom. I might feel comfortable but I will miss the depth of a relationship founded upon need. So I am determined to tear the fence down and keep it down. To abide in and cling to my one and only safe place; Jesus Christ!
Free because of Jesus!

 Brooke