Free Somehow

 

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty, emancipation from bondage, freedom.  2 Corinthians 3:17

Jesus came to this earth for one reason, to set us free.  This freedom is sometimes misunderstood.  Being free doesn't mean that we are free to do whatever we feel like doing, instead it means that we have been set free from legalism so that we can follow the lead of the Holy Spirit. 

The legalistic mentality is what plagues our current society and it says that everybody has to do exactly the same things, the same way, all of the time.  This conflicts with the Spirit of God who leads us as individuals in unique and creative ways.

Jesus wants us to be free-free from sin, free from being manipulated and controlled, free from trying to be better than others, free from addictions and dependencies, and last but not least, free to be who you are!

Free Somehow

 

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty, emancipation from bondage, freedom.  2 Corinthians 3:17

Jesus came to this earth for one reason, to set us free.  This freedom is sometimes misunderstood.  Being free doesn't mean that we are free to do whatever we feel like doing, instead it means that we have been set free from legalism so that we can follow the lead of the Holy Spirit. 

The legalistic mentality is what plagues our current society and it says that everybody has to do exactly the same things, the same way, all of the time.  This conflicts with the Spirit of God who leads us as individuals in unique and creative ways.

Jesus wants us to be free-free from sin, free from being manipulated and controlled, free from trying to be better than others, free from addictions and dependencies, and last but not least, free to be who you are!

Free Somehow

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty, emancipation from bondage, freedom.  2 Corinthians 3:17

Jesus came to this earth for one reason, to set us free.  This freedom is sometimes misunderstood.  Being free doesn't mean that we are free to do whatever we feel like doing, instead it means that we have been set free from legalism so that we can follow the lead of the Holy Spirit. 

The legalistic mentality is what plagues our current society and it says that everybody has to do exactly the same things, the same way, all of the time.  This conflicts with the Spirit of God who leads us as individuals in unique and creative ways.

Jesus wants us to be free-free from sin, free from being manipulated and controlled, free from trying to be better than others, free from addictions and dependencies, and last but not least, free to be who you are!

Heart of Gold

"Now there was a rich man, and he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, joyously living in splendor every day.  "And a poor man named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores, and longing to be fed with the crumbs which were falling from the rich man's table ; besides, even the dogs were coming and licking his sores. "Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham's bosom ; and the rich man also died and was buried.  "In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom. "And he cried out and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.'  "But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things ; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony.  Luke 16: 19-26

In the above passage from Luke 16, Jesus shared a story of a rich man who lived only for himself, paying no attention to poor man that begged for the crumbs that fell from his table.  The rich man died and was eternally separated from God, while the poor man died and went to heaven.  The rich man was not separated from the Lord because he harmed other people, or overlooked those in need, it was because he spent his life taking care of his himself, but doing nothing for his soul.

The ‘norm’ in our culture is to acquire as many material possessions as we can, satisfying ourselves-focusing on our wants instead of our needs.  I honestly had to re-read this scripture a few times before I discovered the underlying theme.  If we are focused on our self, we are missing the point of our existence.

You see, life is not about us.  However, it’s all about Jesus.  It’s simple and often times overlooked, but those of us who choose to have a relationship with the Lord will live eternally with Him in heaven.  Those who reject Christ will pay the ultimate price-separation from God for all of eternity.  Seek the Lord with all of your heart and soul!

Free Somehow

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty, emancipation from bondage, freedom.  2 Corinthians 3:17

Jesus came to this earth for one reason, to set us free.  This freedom is sometimes misunderstood.  Being free doesn't mean that we are free to do whatever we feel like doing, instead it means that we have been set free from legalism so that we can follow the lead of the Holy Spirit. 

The legalistic mentality is what plagues our current society and it says that everybody has to do exactly the same things, the same way, all of the time.  This conflicts with the Spirit of God who leads us as individuals in unique and creative ways.

Jesus wants us to be free-free from sin, free from being manipulated and controlled, free from trying to be better than others, free from addictions and dependencies, and last but not least, free to be who you are!

Free Somehow

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty, emancipation from bondage, freedom.  2 Corinthians 3:17

Jesus came to this earth for one reason, to set us free.  This freedom is sometimes misunderstood.  Being free doesn't mean that we are free to do whatever we feel like doing, instead it means that we have been set free from legalism so that we can follow the lead of the Holy Spirit. 

The legalistic mentality is what plagues our current society and it says that everybody has to do exactly the same things, the same way, all of the time.  This conflicts with the Spirit of God who leads us as individuals in unique and creative ways.

Jesus wants us to be free-free from sin, free from being manipulated and controlled, free from trying to be better than others, free from addictions and dependencies, and last but not least, free to be who you are!

Give

Freely you have received, freely give.  Matthew 10:8

We all make mistakes from time to time which hurt people inadvertently.  Sometimes nothing is more painstakingly difficult than extending and seeking forgiveness from a loved one, more specifically, a family member.   Forgiveness is the only way to bring genuine healing to a damaged relationship so that both people can move forward together in the relationship.  No wonder the divorce rate is astounding in our country; it’s almost easier to divorce than it is to work through the healing process of forgiveness.

It’s human nature to place the blame on someone else and not seek to repair the relationship, but Jesus gave us all the best example of forgiveness.  As He hung from the cross on the day He was crucified, He spoke the words “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” to the soldiers who had just beaten and flogged Him and were casting lots to divide His garments.  

Forgiveness is the only way to bring restoration and reconciliation back to a broken relationship and we should all extend and ask for forgiveness regardless of who is at fault.

Forgiveness has been given freely to us, so we must be quick to offer it freely to others.