Freedom and Joy
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It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.
Galatians 5:1 (NIV2011)
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Philippians 4:4 (NIV2011)
On Sunday, January 3, I gave a message that I said was the most important message I had ever given. That's a really big claim, but I still can't think of anything I've ever said that's more important than what I said then. I hope you listen to it on our website if you weren't there.
In the picture above you see an eagle soaring on the currents of the wind. Wind and Holy Spirit are the same word in both biblical Greek and Hebrew. It's a picture of the Christian Life . . . .soaring, be carried by God.
The two passages above speak of freedom and of rejoicing. Both verses speak of God in Christ as the source of freedom and joy. That's easy to say and write and to believe cerebrally, isn't it? Not so easy in practice.
My New Year's goal? It is live on the fuel of God's love and provision for me and my loved ones, regardless of circumstances. I am seeking whatever it takes to experience joy and freedom in Christ alone, whether by willful choice or by submissive reception. I seek to live on the fuel of the things of heaven, of the Kingdom of God, not on the temporal highs of this fleeting world.
I want so much to know joy and freedom while I am experiencing the "fellowships of Christ's sufferings (Phil 3:10), when my prayers (seemingly) go unanswered, when the worst is upon me and I don't see the light in the darkness. It is then, we are told in the scriptures, (ex: Psalm 23:1) that the things of heaven are still available to me.
So I am practicing. Faith does not just happen. It takes practice. My current practice entails praying this prayer (below) and allowing it to guide what is happening in my heart and mind as I live out each of my days. It was given to me years ago by a friend and it has now taken hold of my heart.
"I pray that I do not even desire to be secure (in this world),
to be in control (of my life or the lives of others),
nor to be esteemed by men."
Can you imagine making this your prayer as well?
For more: follow on Twitter @jefflampl
This is a regular communication from Christian Life Center.
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If you would like to add, modify, or delete your email address from this list please email us at clcfamily125@gmail.com
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Christian Life Center
125 Saginaw Road, New London Twp., PA 19352 |
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