Spiritual Freedom

Spiritual Freedom

by | May 31, 2016 | Romans

Spiritual Freedom | One Verse: A Journey through the Bible.

From the time we toddle around as two year olds, we enter a world of rules. Regulations that are meant to steer us away from perceived danger. But if we’re not careful we can grow up living bound by regulations with freedom nowhere to be found. Before Jesus descended to earth, the way people connected with god was through laws and regulations. People were on a journey to make atonement for every sin they committed in an attempt to sanctify their lives and be right with God.

Despite striving towards righteousness in the law, the regulations weren’t providing a meaningful relationship with God. In Romans 7:10 Paul writes that the law that was supposed to bring life actually brought spiritual death. There was no spiritual freedom in the bounds of the law, just exhaustive rules and regulations.

Romans 10:4 “For Christ has already accomplished the purpose for which the law was given. As a result, all who believe in him are made right with God.”

Today we no longer have to be bound by the law. We don’t have to earn a rightful status or check off a list of sacrifices to find righteousness. At the point of surrender in salvation we are made right with God.

Following laws doesn’t lead to a relationship full of joy with the Lord, but rather makes way for legalism much like we see in the faith of the Pharisees. When we chase rules, we lose sight of God’s grace and mercy provided to us on the cross.

As you review the laws binding you, consider these questions:

1.  What regulations am I putting on my faith?
2. What does it look like to live in spiritual freedom?
3. What is something I can change this week to walk away from rules and towards spiritual freedom?

As Paul writes “the message is very close at hand it is on your lips and in your heart”. Encourage someone today in the grace that God has extended. Share the spiritual freedom that we find in Jesus.

Step by Step

Step by Step

by | Apr 23, 2016 | Proverbs

The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way? Proverbs 20:24

Around a year old, most children learn to walk. It’s a simple task: put one foot in front of another. From wobbly baby steps to toddling two year olds, we quickly work our way towards a run. Before we know it all we are headed through life in a dead sprint.

Running from checkpoint to checkpoint, we treat life like a race. Graduation, job, married, kids, promotion. We plan out our future and count down the days until the next checkpoint. But at some point, sprinting gets exhausting.

As we strive towards the finish line, Frustration flows when everything doesn’t go as planned. When things don’t move the pace we desire we succumb to stress, encountering anxiety and enduring exhaustion. The issue is that our plan isn’t the same pace as God’s plan.

God doesn’t operate in our perfectly crafted timeline. In our impatience and hastiness, we miss our purpose in the present. We were ready to do big things yesterday, but God desires to mold our character for tomorrow. With time He shapes us, trains us and prepares us.

We don’t fully understand everything that God has along the way, but His promises remain. He is faithful – we just have to slow down and find our footing by following him. Through the dark unknown he will be the light that leads. With each step in His presence, he guides us towards experiencing the fullness of His purpose for us.

As you find your timeline, consider these questions:

1. Are you sprinting through life instead of trusting in the Lord to guide your footsteps?

2. What is distracting me from running the race with God?

3. What is one thing you can do to help refocus your plans towards God?

Today return to the simplicity of walking with the Lord. For this exact moment you were created. May you walk in assurance that the God of the Universe has you right where you need to be.

Step-by-step | One Verse