Freedom from Within

 

Those of us, who focus on the natural aspects of our earthly existence, live a very limited life. We live in physical bondage to the flesh, the world and the devil. Bad habits and sinful thoughts caused us to live independently from God. However, those who focus on the spiritual aspects of life here and in eternity, reap the benefits of living by God’s Spirit (Romans 8:5). We still function in this physical world, but we do not focus on things pertaining to the flesh.

Our weapons for spiritual warfare are not carnal, but divinely powerful against speculation and prideful beliefs that were ingrained in us from birth (2 Timothy 2:23). They may become strongholds in us, which come against the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:5). However, by God’s Spirit, we are able to coral our thoughts until they come into submission to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). God’s Spirit makes us a new creation in Christ, by His redemptive work on Calvary’s cross (2 Corinthians 5:17).  

The longer we fellowship with the iniquity in the world, the more it takes a toll on us (2 Peter 2:8). Our spirit is grieved, our emotions are drained, our thoughts are cluttered, and we may even be tempted to join in with the ungodly behavior around us (Matthew 24:12). The only way to survive living in this world is to preserve our faith in God, and our standards of conviction. If we compromise even a little bit, to go along in order to get along, Satan has us right where he wants us.

Jesus destroys the satanic strongholds in our life one by one. He teaches us new habits and turns our negative thinking into acceptable, lovely and pure thoughts (Philippians 4:8). He reveals all the lies, which Satan planted in our subconscious mind, and which formerly controlled our decisions and emotions. This allows us to hear God’s truth about each one of them, so He can replace them with the beauty of His truth (John 8:32).

We live in the world, but we guard against being part of the world (2 Timothy 1:13-14). As God frees us from satanic lies, we are able to live a healthy life apart from the influence of this world. As we surrender all to Him, He enables us to supernaturally accomplish greater works than He did on this earth (John 14:12). He draws us closer to Himself and never lets us go. He is our Savior and Lord, but He is also our fellow heir, brother and friend (Isaiah 43:11; 2 Peter 3:18; Romans 8:17; Hebrews 2:10-18; John 15:12-15).

Prayer:

Father God, You are the most significant person in our life. We want to please You in all things and to bring You glory by our thoughts, words and deeds. Remind us that being unequally yoked in marriage, work and friendships with unbelievers just does not work for Believers (2 Corinthians 6:14). Help us to exist as the pure temple of Your Holy Spirit and to live righteously in the midst of this unrighteous world (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

Thought for the Day:

Light has no fellowship with darkness. - Ephesians 5:11

Eternally Minded

Read: Luke 18:29-30

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

 - Hebrews 11:1

 

As I sat on my lanai, drinking a cup of hot cocoa and reveling in the cool breeze blending with the warm sunshine in southern most Florida, I reflected on the fact that I live so far away from my grandchildren who live in Missouri. I despise the fact that I rarely get to see them. Even when I plan a visit, their schedule and mine do not always coincide. I miss them, and they tell me all the time that they miss me.

I know I cannot live in more than one place at one time; so I petitioned God for some way to change my perspective. I did not want to feel this intense anguish over the great gulf of time and space that separates me from my cherished children. I could not do anything to change the situation; so I put it in God’s capable hands.

True to form, God clearly answered me, “Your grandchildren have Godly parents and you will have your grandchildren and their parents with you throughout eternity. I moved you to the southern tip of Florida, because there are people here who will not be in Heaven, if they do not have your and your husband's influence in their lives.”

My initial response was overwhelming joy at this insightful concept. I felt awed and privileged that my Lord and King would use me in such a way. Yet, in spite of the profound nature of God’s reply, I still struggled with submission to His will. This was yet another area of “self” that I needed to lay down on the brazen altar. I did not want to give up quantity time on this earth with my little munchkins. I longed to be involved in their lives on a daily basis. I did not want to be satisfied with an eternal perspective on this issue. I wanted to be with them now, as well as in eternity.

As I observed my response to God’s words, I realize that yet another level of attachment to this world remained entrenched in my soul. This caused the Holy Spirit to drench me with a double dose of conviction. Here lay in me an added area of carnal-mindedness. After over 40 years of walking with God on an intimate basis, I found one more area of my life still way too attached to this earthly realm. Sure, I have no affection for material possessions, worldly success, or recognition of any kind. Now, however, I realized that part of me is still very much bound to this world ~ the grandma part of me.

God is not as interested in our natural family as He is in our spiritual family. Mark 10:29-30, Luke 18: 29-30, and Matthew 19:29 all share this same concept. Luke 21:16,17 even states that some of our natural friends and family may actually deliver us up for persecution and death. Jesus makes it very clear that we will not always get along with, or be physically close to people in our own friend and family circle, due to our relationship and calling in the Lord. Jesus felt this same distance from His own friends and family; and the servant is not greater than her Lord (John 15:20).

The more I thought about it, therefore; the more spiritual excitement filled my soul. In eternity God will free us from all of these natural barriers and conditions that strap us to this earthly sphere. The moment we are absent from this body, we will be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8) and we will know and be known (1 Corinthians 13:12) for eternity.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I am not happy with this situation. I am struggling with laying down my need to enjoy my own dear grandchildren’s company more often. I rely on You to give me both the desire and the power to live out Your will for me in this earthly realm, regardless of the circumstances in my life (Philippians 2:13).

Thought for the Day:

God’s reality looks nothing like our earthly existence.