Live Free

 You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. ~Romans 6:18

In my First 5 Bible Study we have been studying about exile. One particular exile was when the kingdom of Israel rebel against God so they were taken into captivity by the Assyrians (2 Kings 17:1-23).  The people of God who had been set free from slavery in Egypt were now going back into captivity because they disobeyed God.  They worshipped idols and false Gods.  

This God me thinking.....do I go back into slavery when God has set me free? God has saved me from sin, He has set me free.  So I need to be careful that I am not setting up idols in my life and following the ways of the world.  I can learn from the Israelites and choose blessings over curses.

Another thought was Jesus and His grace and mercy.  The punishment of Israel served the purpose of turning them back to God.  Their are consequences for my sin, but their is also forgiveness because of Jesus.  He paid the price for my sins.  By no means does this mean that I rush into sin, but rather when I fall because I am human I have a Savior who lifts me up and cleans me up.  I want to live in the freedom that Jesus has purchased for me with His life.  I want to walk in obedience and faith with my King.

Lord, thank You for freeing me from sin.  May I be a willing slave to righteousness.  May I be example for others as I follow You.   May I remove any idols that I set up in my life and worship only You.  In Jesus name.  Amen

You can make it

  The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”  ~ 1 Kings 19:11

Elijah was a prophet who reached a breaking point ( 1 Kings 19:3-5)  He wanted God to take his life.  He just done battle with the false prophets of Jezebel and with the Lord's help was victorious. Jezebel wanted to take his life so Elijah ran.  He felt depleted and was in despair.  I have felt this way, depleted and in despair.  A gray cloud envelopes me, but God.  Like God did for Elijah, he does for me.  He meets me where I am at and provides nourishment and strength. (1 Kings 19: 5-8).

God does not condemn me or shame me for my feelings of depression or despair.  He does not make me feel bad for being weary.  Rather He loves me and just tends to my needs.  He tells me me to enter into His presence.  A gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:12).  A softness covers me and I know it is the Lord.  It is here that I can tell Him my troubles and He listens, but He does not let me wallow. He gives me the support I need to defeat the enemy.  He lets me know that I am not alone. ( 1 Kings 19:15-19).

God is good and gracious and His compassion fails not (Lamentations 3:22).  When I feel like I might drown, He reminds me that the water s will not overtake me ( Isaiah 43:2)  It is the Lord who is my strength and sunshine on the cloudy days. Being in His presence gives me strength and covers me in love and I am grateful.

Lord, thank You for examples in Your word that show us how to get through difficult emotions and feelings of weariness.  Thank you for being my strength when I am weak.  Thank You for being my consolation and comfort.  Thank You for being my friend.  In Jesus name Amen.

Grace

 

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. ~Ephesians 2:8-9

Grace is defined as the free gift of undeserved favor.  "It is a virtue that comes from God and it is a state of sanctification that is achieved through divine assistance."   It is because of God alone that I am saved; that I am set apart through faith.  It is not of my own doing.  There is not enough good works in the world to cleanse me like the blood of Jesus.  I can only boast in the Lord and His goodness.  

It is because of His mercy that I am not condemned.  "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,-Romans 8:1.  So when my nerves become irritated by the behaviors of others I have to remember to extend grace.  I am not perfect, just saved by grace.  I have to look at others the way Christ does.  I find that when I do this, I become less irritated and not so easily agitated.  I am walking in the love that Christ lavished on me.  Now I am loving others.  I'm living life Christ's way and not my own.

Lord, I thank You for Your grace and mercy and the gift of salvation.  I thank You that all You require me to do is believe and accept your love.  Your grace and not my works sanctify me.  Help me to remember that when dealing with others.  Help me to continue to extend grace and forgiveness.  Help me to love like You.  In Jesus name.  Amen

No weapon formed

 no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD.~ Isaiah 54:17

The enemy is always seeking to attack and devour us, but we have a promise from God.  No weapon formed against us will prevail(Isaiah 54:17).  This doesn't mean that attacks will not come, but rather they will not be victorious over us.  What a great assurance it is to know that that weapons of the enemy will ultimately fail. We just have to trust God and lean into His ways.

The word also says that we will refute every tongue that accuses you( Isaiah 54;17).  The enemy lies.  He would have us to believe the worst about ourselves.  Telling ourselves that we will never measure up.  Jesus is the only measure we need.  He would have us believe that we are without hope, but the Lord promises us hope -Jeremiah 29:11.  Jesus is our hope and our redeemer.  There is no condemnation in Jesus Christ(Tomans 8:1).  The Lord will vindicate you.  This is the heritage of being His servant.  The Lord will set it all right.  We just have to trust and obey and be still.

So no matter the circumstance, look up to God and trust that He is their fighting for you.  He will bring you victory.  

Lord, thank You for defeating the enemy for us.  Thank You for making it a fixed fight.  Let us remember this when we are going through trials and tribulations.  Let us remember that we have the victory.  In Jesus name.  Amen