Tuesday, March 24, 2009

GOING DEEPER

I recently started reading Beth Moore's book "Breaking Free." I've got my seatbelt on for this one. While I chose the book "for someone else" (quote-unquote) I have a feeling God has a lot to show me "for me."

Here's a few quotes from Beth Moore in the book...
"I want it [the message of this book] to pull at your life so powerfully that the bondage of mediocre discipleship will never again be acceptable."
"A Christian is held captive by anything that hinders the abundant and effective Spirit-filled life God planned for him or her."
"I was the worst kind of captive: a prisoner unaware."
"God wants to do in your life what your mind has never conceived."

Recently Renee R. posted a song on FaceBook that has had a powerful affect on my life by Matthew West called "The Motions." What a song!?! Here are some of the words..."This might hurt/I don't want to go through the motions/Your all consuming passion/what if I had given you everything?/just ok is not enough." Here's the link...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaHmiFaX_pk.

Kevin C. twitted this quote earlier today..."The difference between where you are & where God wants you to be may be the painful decision you refuse to make." - Craig Groeschel

Seems like there is a similar message God is giving me from several sources. What if I had given everything? What in my life is keeping me from the abundant and effective Spirit-filled life God has planned for me? Just ok is not enough. I want to be different. I want to be where God wants me to be. I'm going deeper with God!!

Thursday, March 5, 2009

SO MANY RULES

I've been reading in Leviticus the last few days. God's really laying down the law. All I'm saying is I'm glad to be bought and paid for and freed from the law. I said this to Terry: "There's so many rules in Levitcus. Did you know we wouldn't be able to eat shrimp if we were under the law?" His response: "Aren't you glad you aren't Jewish?" Being Jewish has nothing to do with it. It's all about Jesus! I'm glad I'm not lost.

Hebrews 7:11 "The people were given the law concerning the system of priests from the tribe of Levi, but they could not be made perfect through that system. So there was a need for another priest to come..." (NCV)

Hebrews 7:26-27 "Jesus is the kind of high priest we need. He is holy, sinless, pure, not influenced by sinners, and He is raised above the heavens. He is not like the other priests who had to offer sacrifices every day, first for their own sins, and then for the sins of the people. Christ offered His sacrifice only once and for all time when He offered himself." (NCV)

Man, forget all those rules I can't follow anyway. Too many! Just give me Jesus!! Free to follow Him with the power of the Holy Spirit. Not on my own power. I'd end up back in bondage but with the forgiveness of Jesus and help of the Holy Spirit, I can live for Him according to His Word and the guidance of the Spirit to the best of my ability.

Lord, help me to serve you with freedom in a way that brings honor to you!! Thank you for being willing to pay that sacrifice for me. Knowing me as you do, you know I'm hopeless but with the gift of Your Spirit, my life CAN honor You!