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

The Balancing Act

Read: Matthew 6:25-34

"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."  - Luke 22:42-43

A child’s spinning top and a seal spinning a ball on its nose have little in common except that both of their performances require balance. This caused me to think about the balance in our lives. Often we find ourselves thrown off center by spinning confusion and instability. Each compartment we meticulously created now slants like the Tower of Pisa and everything falls to one side.

Conditions appear out of control. We get disoriented and feel insecure and fearful. We panic and make poor decisions. We try unsuccessfully to manage the people and events in our life in an attempt to make us feel safe again. But this never helps and usually increases our anxiety by creating frustration in others.

As we keep our eyes on Jesus ~ the author and finisher of our faith ~ feelings of peace replace disheartening panic and uncertainty. We live our lives according to His example. He prayed before beginning each day. He lived in the moment and did not worry about tomorrow. Jesus listened to His Father and followed His will in every word and deed. His focus stayed on God’s kingdom rather than on amassing worldly goods and fame. 

As we walk the tightrope of life, rather than focusing on the details of our circumstances that often spin out of control, we can focus inwardly on the peace that He gives us. Then we focus on the balance God affects in our life as He uses our Spirit-led responses to these circumstances. Life varies like the ocean with a continuous ebb and flow. Trusting God more and striving less gives us a life raft to ride out these storms of life. Faith in God’s faithfulness imparts serenity to our inner core that is consistent regardless of the circumstances (James 1:2-4).

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, teach us to keep our eyes focused on You, so that the Murphy’s Law that controls life on this earth does not cause us to get too discouraged or to lose hope all together. Help us to discern Your will in our circumstances, which You use to bring forth Your fruit in our life. Show us clearly how You are working all things out for our good.  

Thought for the Day:

God’s peace within us displaces fear and uncertainty regardless of our circumstances.