Category Archives: Freedom in Christ

It’s Simple! Just Call His Name!!

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Jesus!!  Jesus!!  Jesus!!

Can’t Breathe???

Don’t feel loved???

You belong…

In His arms!!

Feel alone?

No one cares?

 Just want to get away ?

CALL HIS NAME!!

JESUS!

Your hope has died?

He’ll give your heart all it could ever want!!

And so much more!

Call His Name!

Say it now!

Whisper it!

Or say it loud!

Never doubt!

The love He has for you is so alive!!!

Just Call His Name!!

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Philippians 2:9

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place  

and gave him the name that is above every name,

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.”

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Colossians 3:17

“And whatever you do,

whether in word or deed,

do it all in the Name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

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Acts 2:21

“And everyone who calls  

on the name of the Lord will be saved.

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God grant our requests…

We come You…

In the Name of Your Son…

In the Name of Jesus!

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Amen!!

Come To Your Senses! Get Down! Go Back Home!

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The way up is to get down!

This was our sermon on Sunday!

It’s the cure for…

“Give me!”

“Notice me!”

“Poor me!”

When it really should be…

“Search me!”

“Make me!”

It means…

Total surrender!

To Jesus!!

Two examples…

King Nebuchadnezzar

Daniel 4: 33-37

“Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled.

He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox.

His body was drenched with the dew of heaven

until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle

and his nails like the claws of a bird.

At the end of that time,

I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven,

and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High;

I honored and glorified Him who lives forever.

His dominion is an eternal dominion;

His kingdom endures from generation to generation.

All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing.

He does as He pleases with the powers of Heaven

and the peoples of the earth.

No one can hold back His hand or say to Him:

‘What have you done?’

At the same time that my sanity was restored,

my honor and splendor were returned to me

for the glory of my kingdom.

My advisers and nobles sought me out,

and I was restored to my throne

and became even greater than before.

Now I, Nebuchadnezzar,

praise and exalt and glorify the King of Heaven,

because everything He does is right

and all His ways are just.

And those who walk in pride He is able to humble.

The Prodigal Son

Luke 15:11-24

Jesus continued:

There was a man who had two sons.

The younger one said to his father,

‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’

So he divided his property between them.

Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had,

set off for a distant country

and there squandered his wealth in wild living.

After he had spent everything,

there was a severe famine in that whole country,

and he began to be in need.

So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country,

who sent him to his fields to feed pigs.

He longed to fill his stomach with the pods

that the pigs were eating,

but no one gave him anything.

When he came to his senses, he said,

‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare,

and here I am starving to death!

I will set out and go back to my father and say to him:

Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.

I am no longer worthy to be called your son;

make me like one of your hired servants.’

So he got up and went to his father.

But while he was still a long way off his father saw him

and was filled with compassion for him;

he ran to his son,

threw his arms around him

and kissed him.

The son said to him,

‘Father, I have sinned against Heaven and against you.

I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

But the father said to his servants,

‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him.

Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.

Bring the fattened calf and kill it.

Let’s have a feast and celebrate.

For this son of mine was dead and is alive again;

he was lost and is found.’

So they began to celebrate.”

There’s a downside to being puffed up…
Our inside is empty of the one thing…
Our heart truly needs
We feel invincible…
It’s always all about us!
Let’s love Him like we should…
Like He loves us!
Through bad and good…
And finally figure out where happiness is found!
In the midst of sadness…
  We are closer to Him now…
And that’s the upside of down!
It’s all switched around…
I was lost and now I’m found!
The upside of down!!
He is “more” in our “less…”
He is strength in our weakness…
Don’t go back again
His sunshine ends the rain!!
Don’t return to your old ways…
Don’t be a fair- weather friend!
The upside of tragedies…
Is knowing He’s holding your heart always…
Always!!!
  We may be down…
But find the joy in the pain…
The upside of down!
It’s all switched around…
I was lost and now I’m found!
The upside of down!!
Amen!!

Light Pushes Back Darkness!!

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Josh Wilson’s story behind…

“Pushing Back the Dark”

http://www.joshwilsonmusic.com/posts/07-18-13/story-behind-pushing-back-dark

“I was in seventh grade.

It was five minutes until our Wednesday night youth service,

and I was hiding,

sitting on the cold tile of a bathroom in a dark corner of our church.

They were about to start the worship music,

and I was supposed to be playing guitar.

I told them I was sick and couldn’t go.

I wasn’t sick.  I was scared.

I was scared of what everyone else might think of me.

 

What if I messed up?

 

What if I failed miserably?

 

God had given me a talent and passion for music,

 

but I was afraid to use it.

 

To this day, the darkness of doubt pushes me to avoid my calling.

 

Last year, as I was working on this album (Carry Me),

 

that darkness became tangible

 

as I began to struggle with anxiety and panic attacks.

 

At one point, I thought I might have to quit music altogether.

 

But God promises to never leave or forsake us,

 

and He kept that promise.

 

As he carried me through the rest of the record,

 

I realized that there will always be darkness pushing me to hide.

 

At some point, though, every Christ-follower

 

has to realize that we carry a sacred,

 

burning light that is infinitely more powerful than the lies of the enemy.

 

Your light might seem small,

 

but even the smallest act of love can illuminate the shadows.

 

To every single mother,

 

every missionary,

 

every doctor

 

and poet,

 

every seventh grader who is scared to sing in youth group,

 

every truck driver,

 

politician,

 

and school teacher,

 

anyone who is rich,

 

poor,

 

young

 

or old:

 

someone else desperately needs the light you carry.

 

I think it’s time that we each take that light

 

and start pushing back the dark.

Ultimately, this difficult season has caused me

to rely on God’s strength

to carry me through each day.

I’ve been praying more often and more earnestly,

and I’m thankful that coming to the end of myself

has brought me so close to a

Father and Savior

who loves me and will never leave me.”

Oh, yes, this is so true!!

There are a million reasons not to try!!

When you’re just one candle in the dark…

Where the shadows are scary…

Thinking you don’t have what it takes!!

Do you dare to try to make a change?

Never underestimate the God you follow!

Don’t look back…

Somebody needs the light you have!

Don’t lose heart…

Keep on pushing back the dark!!

Be a shining city on a hill…

Every sinner saved by grace…

Has a purpose and a place!

Sometimes we don’t understand the bigger plan!

Just keep walking on…

To see His Kingdom come!

 Let your lights all shine…

He’s the Light that burns inside your soul…

You’ve got keep shining for the whole world to know…

Even when you feel like you’re too small…

We all need to shine…

Like sunrise through the window…

A symphony crescendo…

Wake up…

Rise from the dead…

Shine like stars…

Pushing back the dark!!

With your lights!

Push back the darkness at every step…

Light pushes back darkness!!

Amen!!

1 John 1:5

“This is the message we have heard from Him

and declare to you:

God is light;

in Him there is no darkness at all.”

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What A Web We Weave…

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The other day…

My husband called me outside on the lanai…

“Come quick!

Bring your camera!

Here’s a shot of a lifetime!!”

At first, I just couldn’t see it!

What was he pointing at???

Then, I moved closer…

And the light shifted…

And suddenly…

I saw this beautiful spider’s web!!!!!!

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It was huge!

Oh, so perfect!

Nice to look at…

But, if I was a tiny, little, helpless fly…

I would be tempted to fly into that web…

Which is soooo attractive to me!

And get hopelessly caught!!

Don’t get caught in a web of the devil’s lies!!

Sin may look beautiful…

Even bring temporary pleasure…

But it’s a death trap!!

Just like this beautiful spider web is…

To the spider’s prey!

The enemy of our soul…

Seeks to steal from us…

Ensnare us…

Entangle us…

Kill us…

And destroy us!!

He uses beautiful counterfeit!

It’s hard to see his tricks!

Let Jesus shine His Light…

At just the right angle…

And you’ll be able to suddenly see…

The devious plans…

The enemy has for you!

John 10:10

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;

I have come that they may have life,

and have it to the full.”

Turn away…

And embrace God’s Plan for your life!!

Jeremiah 29:11

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’

declares the Lord,

‘plans to prosper you

and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.'”

Ahhh…

I love this promise of God!!!

Can You See A Change In Me???

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Oh, Yeah!!

I’ve been Reborn!!

If you see a change in me…

Don’t wonder…

There’s Someone in my life…

A Peace I can’t describe…

 I’ve been Reborn!

I’ve found a whole New Life

And Hope that I can’t hide!!

 Have you ever felt…

A longing

A searching in your soul…

For something more?

But, you don’t know what for…

There’s One who will reach across the distance…

From Heaven to the earth…

Because He loves you…

He loves you!!

A Peace I can’t describe… 

Have you ever felt that something’s missing

Within your soul?

You want something more..

But, you don’t know what for…

There is only One you need

But, you’ve got to Believe

That He loves you!

Enough to give His life!!

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Oh Yeah!!
It’s time for a change!!
Go ahead!
He loves you!!!
 Be Reborn!

Oh, I So Agree!!!

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My Beliefs by Bella Grace

http://walkingonwaterwithgrace.org/graces-walk/my-beliefs/#comment-2117

Check out her entire blog!!

I am a BELIEVER first!

Romans 10:9-13 NIV

9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

I am a CHRISTIAN next!

1 Peter 4:16 NIV

However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

I believe in ONLY ONE GOD!

1 Corinthians 8:6 NIV

yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.

I was called to EVANGELIZE!

Ephesians 4:11-12 NIV

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

I am a MINISTER!

Deuteronomy 18:5 NIV

for the Lord your God has chosen them and their descendants out of all your tribes to stand and minister in the Lord’s name always.

I am an OVERCOMER!

Philippians 4:13 NIV

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

I am a VIRTUOUS WOMAN!

Proverbs 31 NIV

I was called to WORSHIP HIM!

1 Samuel 1:28 NIV

So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there.

I was created to PRAISE HIM!

Psalm 150:6 NIV

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

I LIVE for Him!

John 15:7 NIV

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you

My job is to LOVE!

John 15:12 NIV

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
This is who I am…
Be encouraged. Be inspired. Be who He created you to be.
With Love Always,
Bella Grace

“It’s A Shame!” Is Different Than “It’s A Sin!”

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“Condemning looks”

When it’s not a sin…

Annoy me!!

And it makes me sad to think…

That people need to do that…

Judge others!

Let’s be clear about the two…

Shame

noun

A painful emotion caused by a strong sense of

guilt, embarrassment, unworthiness, or disgrace.

 

Capacity for such a feeling:

(Have you no shame?)

 

One that brings dishonor, disgrace, or condemnation.

A condition of disgrace or dishonor; ignominy.

 

A great disappointment.

 

 Shamed, Sham·ing, Shames

 

tr.v

 

To cause to feel shame; put to shame.

To bring dishonor or disgrace on.

To disgrace by surpassing.

To force by making ashamed:

(He was shamed into making an apology.)

Put To Shame

Idiom

To fill with shame; disgrace.

To outdo thoroughly; surpass:

(Your productivity has put the rest of us to shame.)

 

Sin

 

noun

 

A transgression of a religious or moral law, especially when deliberate.

 

Theology

 

Deliberate disobedience to the known will of God.

A condition of estrangement from God resulting from such disobedience.

Something regarded as being shameful, deplorable, or utterly wrong.

 

Sinned, Sin·ning, Sins

 

intr.v.

 

To violate a religious or moral law.

To commit an offense or violation.

 

James 4:17

 

“If anyone, then,

 

knows the good they ought to do

 

and doesn’t do it,

 

it is sin for them.”

 

Colossians 2:6

 

“So then,

 

just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord,

 

continue to live your lives in Him,”

 

*One on-line answer that I liked to the question:

 

What is the Biblical difference between sin and shame?

 

“‘Sin’ is generally used to describe a wrong doing of some sort,

 

usually ethical, moral, or religious.

 

It’s a known wrong,

 

that people in their respective society shouldn’t do.

 

‘Shame’ is often associated with sin in most cultures,

 

however it is definitely very different.

 

Shame is the emotion

 

associated with either being,

 

or doing, something that others disapprove of.

 

-You can feel shame because you were caught doing something wrong, like stealing.

 

-A child can feel shame when they don’t get picked for the basketball team because they’re not tall enough.

 

-A person can even feel shame for a wrong they’ve done that no one else knows about.

 

Shame is often associated with a conscience,

 

and it has some connections,

 

but shame is not necessarily an indicator that you have done something wrong.

 

The easiest way to define shame is:

 

An emotional sense of disappointment either in oneself or another,

 

caused by failure to meet some given standard, moral or otherwise.”

 

Summary:

 

A sin is an estrangement from God

 

And shame is a feeling of inadequacy or guilt.

 

Romans 6:14

 

For sin shall no longer be your master,

 

because you are not under the law,

 

but under grace.”

Ahhh…

 

Grace!!!

 

Shame or Sin…

 

Neither control me any longer!!

 

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

 

“But He said to me,

 

‘My grace is sufficient for you,

 

for My power is made perfect in weakness.’

 

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses,

 

so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

 

That is why, for Christ’s sake,

 

I delight in weaknesses,

 

in insults,

 

in hardships,

 

in persecutions,

 

in difficulties.

 

For when I am weak,

 

then I am strong.”

 

Don’t feel shame for something that honors God…

 

No matter how weak or foolish it makes you look…

 

In the eyes of unbelievers.

 

That would be misplaced shame!

 

Because the power of Christ…

 

Is perfected in our weaknesses!

 

1 Corinthians 15:34

 

“Come back to your senses as you ought,

 

and stop sinning;

 

for there are some who are ignorant of God—

 

I say this to your shame.”

 

 Only having shame for what dishonors God:

 

Ignorance of God…

 

Sin against God…

 

False beliefs about God…

 

Equals well-placed shame!

 

Consider the difference between:

Not dishonoring God vs Dishonoring God

 

God-Centered vs Self-Centered

This will explains the difference between…

 

Misplaced, or well-placed, shame!

 

If you’re dishonoring God…

 

You’ll feel shame…

 

No matter how strong,

 

Or wise,

 

Or right

 

You are in the eyes of men!

 

Sin is always a proper cause for shame…

 

Sin is behavior that dishonors God.

 

Solution????

Get rid of the unbelief that feeds shame…

 

Through belief in God’s Word…

 

And faith in the promises of God!

 

Read more at: 

http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/sermons/battling-the-unbelief-of-misplaced-shame

 

Romans 9:33

 

“As it is written:

 

‘See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble

 

and a rock that makes them fall,

 

and the one who trusts in Him

 

will never be put to shame.'”

 

http://christianity.about.com/od/faqhelpdesk/f/romans14issues.htm

 

Christians…

Our traditions, rules, and regulations…

 

Are not equal to God’s laws.

 

We can’t base our moral judgments of others…

 

On opinions and personal dislikes…

 

Only on the Word of God!

 

Our relationship with Christ and His Word

 

Regulates our convictions!

 

Romans 14:23

 

“…everything that does not come from faith is sin.”

Let faith…

And your conscience convict you…

And tell you what to do in these matters.

Romans 14:12-13

“So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.

Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another.

Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle

in the way of a brother or sister.”

But how do we decide if something is sin when the Bible is not clear?

According to: 

http://christianity.about.com/od/faqhelpdesk/qt/knowsin.htm

 

“The Bible presents general guidelines to help us judge sin when we are uncertain.

 

Romans 14 is a great place to start.

 

Usually when we’re in doubt over sin,

our first tendency is to ask

if something is bad or wrong.

I’d like to suggest thinking in the opposite direction.

Instead, when you’re trying to determine if something is sin,

ask yourself these questions based on Scripture:

  1. Is this a good thing for me and others? Is this beneficial? Will it draw me closer to God? Will it strengthen my faith and my witness? (1 Corinthians 10:23-24)
  2. The next great question to ask is, will this glorify God? Will God bless this thing and use it for his purposes? Will this be pleasing and honoring to God? (1 Corinthians 6:19–20; 1 Corinthians 10:31)
  3. You can also ask, how will this thing affect my family and friends? Although we may have freedom in Christ in an area, we are never to let our freedom cause a weaker brother to stumble. (Romans 14:21; Romans 15:1) In addition, since the Bible teaches us to submit to those in authority over us (parents, a spouse, a teacher), we can ask, do my parents have a problem with this thing? Am I willing to submit this to those in leadership over me?
  4. Finally, in all things, we are to let our conscience before God convict us of what is right and wrong on matters that are not clear in the Bible. We can ask, do I have freedom in Christ and a clear conscience before the Lord to do whatever is in question? Are my own desire’s submitted to the Lord’s will? (Colossians 3:17; Romans 14:23″

 Something may be a shame, but not a sin!!

Don’t judge!

And don’t cast that condemning look!!

Abandon All For Him!!

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Tired???

Dry???

There’s so much more to life!

A higher calling…

Makes your life count with every breath!

Live with abandon

Give it all…

Every part of your heart to Jesus…

Place it His  Hands…

Drop everything to follow Him…

Hold on!

Don’t look back!!

Abandon the old…

Embrace the new!!!!

2 Corinthians 5:17

“Therefore,

if anyone is in Christ,

the new creation has come:

The old has gone,

the new is here!

Yes!

I’ll live with abandon, Jesus!!

For You!!

It’s Time To…

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“Enjoy Your Freedom” by Holley Gerth

http://holleygerth.com/

photo by n11a11m

photo by n11a11m

For many years, freedom sat like an unopened present on the shelf of my heart. I looked at it a bit suspiciously. From time to time, I’d pick it up and shake it so I could try to figure out what was inside. But I never had the courage to open it.

Then God said it was time. He placed my hands on that box, helped me untie the ribbon, peel back the paper, and lift the lid.

And here’s what freedom looks like to me this summer:

Being able to laugh out loud.

Friends who accept me as I am, mess and all.

Sitting on the back porch watching fireflies.

A nap.

Knowing I can make mistakes and then try again.

Grace spread out like a picnic and God handing me a paper plate.

Freedom given is not complete. It’s only when we receive it, enjoy it, give thanks for it that becomes fully ours.

The fourth of July in America is a day for celebrating freedom–please do.

And let’s also celebrate the freedom God has given us every other day too.

Open the gift and enjoy what has always been yours, friend!

XOXO

Holley

***Now this is a great post! 

Thank you for permission to reblog this, Holley!

Check out Holley’s entire blog!!

“Heart to Heart with Holley”

Best-selling author of You’re Already Amazing

Who also partner’s with DaySpring

What does freedom mean to you???

Open your gift of freedom from God!!

And Enjoy!!!

Amen!

Galatians 3:22

“But the Scriptures declare

that we are all prisoners of sin,

so we receive God’s promise of freedom

only by believing in Jesus Christ.”

Freedom’s Never Free!

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“We will always remember.

We will always be proud.

We will always be prepared,

so we may always be free.”

-Ronald Reagan

“My favorite thing about the United States? 

Lots of Americans, one America.”

  -Val Saintsbury

God Bless America!

Praying you had a blessed 4th of July!

And that you are free indeed!

Standing on a hillside
Where the river meets the sea
White crosses without number
Line the fields of peace
And each one a silent witness
Staring back at me
Every cross a story
Of another place in time
Where young men thought it worthy
To give their life for mine
And for the sake of honor
Left their dreams behind
And for the price they paid
I’m forever in their debt
Their memory will not die
‘Cause I will not forget
I will stand and hold my head up high
I will dedicate my life
To the glory of the ones who had to die
I will live, live what I believe
If for no one else but me
To remember
That freedom’s never free
It was on another hillside
Outside the city gates
The battle lines were drawn
As soldiers took their place
The Father watched in silence
As a cross was raised
With freedom drawing closer
He took His final breath
He drank our cup of guilt
And took the sting from death
Heaven’s Finest Soldier
Clothed in human flesh
And for the price He paid
I’m forever in His debt
The cross will never die
‘Cause I will not forget
I will stand and hold my head up high
I will dedicate my life
To the glory of the One who had to die
I will live, live what I believe
If for no one else but me
I will remember that
Freedom’s Never Free
I will walk free
I will stay free
I will live free
I will die free!

John 8:36

“So if the Son sets you free,

you will be free indeed.”

Psalm 119:45

“I will walk in freedom,   

for I have devoted myself

to your commandments.”

2 Corinthians 3:17

“Now the Lord is the Spirit,

and where the Spirit of the Lord is,

there is freedom.”

“Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant

and the rule of law under God

is acknowledged.”

-Ronald Reagan

 “If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God,

then we will be a nation gone under.”

-Ronald Reagan

Amen!