A New Creation

The old has gone the new has come... 2 Cor 5:17

Is this the recipe for freedom? Yesterday I was resisting something the Lord wanted me to do because I dont feel like I am "right for the job"and feel like I have botched it in the past. I don't want to experience the battle of fighting my fear. But He keeps pressing my heart.

This is such a weight sometimes. My fears and limitations that seem to crop up so...naturally. Old (natural) nature gone. New (spirit) nature here. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free, do not be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. This is a command. DO NOT. Must mean Jesus is able to help me with the 'do not'.

So, everytime I submit myself to those fears and limitations, I am in sin. But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin. Romans 14:23 Seems I have a faith problem.

Faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see. Hebrews 11:1

Without faith it is impossible to please God, for anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

It seems the idol I need to smash is me. Self-reliance. Fear comes from looking at my own inabilities and limitations. Fear of failure, fear of rejection or ridicule. I must see myself in the shadow of the Almighty and filled with His Spirit. I must rely on Him for every breath and every word and every step I take. Keep my eyes fixed on Him.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:24,25

Me dead...Him alive...I walk by faith not by sight. I have died to the old nature I live by the Spirit.

So-practical steps to live free from the old. Trust and obey.
I recall the man who wanted healing for his son so badly, and Jesus said "if you believe..." and the man replied, "I believe, Lord help my unbelief!"

Here is where it's at: I need to ask Jesus for the faith and trust that He will give it to me. Then when He presses something on my heart that He wants me to do that makes me fearful, I will go ahead and allow Him to remove my fears. I must be sure that He will do it through me(what I hope for) and certain that He is faithful to perform what He has promised (certain of what I do not see).

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phillipians 4:13

A step of faith. One step puts in motion His freedom. I am able to overcome my fear by faith.

Lord, give me the faith to do your will. In Jesus' name and for your glory. Amen

Rest in the Lord

I wonder if anyone else finds themselves trying too hard. I mean living in their own strength. It is my default mode. If I wander in my heart, or mind from the Lord, it is because I am relying on me again.....

Today my husband was off work and he likes to talk through his plans with me (I just sit down and make a list, so I don't understand this need) So I find myself feeling impatient and, instead of just giving myself to listening and allowing the Lord to minister to him through me. I am sitting there thinking I have "whatever" to do...As if "whatever" is more important. Then I feel anxious to move on to "whatever" when it is not nearly as important as the ministry to my husband that the Lord has called me to. UGH!

This week I have been feeling the weight of things instead of resting in the Lord. I am so sorry. It isn't pleasant and I am forsaking the peace and rest He has so generously given me. Am I doubting His love? Am I too focused on the tasks or the people and not on Jesus? It's time for me to leave my Martha mentality and sit like Mary. What is odd is I have spent time in His Word, and praying, but I wonder if I haven't made the right connection...much like my time with my husband, maybe I wasn't really listening with my heart.

O Lord, make me more like you! Thank you for the daily power washing in your cleansing blood. Grace free and forever. Praise you, Jesus!!