Wednesday, October 27, 2010

How To Avoid Legalism and Religiosity

Have you read Job 20 lately?

Just to refresh your memory, one of Job's friends voices his opinion on the state of Job's condition. Zophar, Job's friend, may be explaining correctly the woes of the wicked, but in Job's case, his comments are entirely misdirected.

It is not uncommon for people to misdirect their comments, or judge a circumstance inappropriately. We do it all the time. We want things to make sense in our world and when people enter our lives with a situation that we don't comprehend, we impose our understanding upon them.

Our interpretation of right and wrong governs how we respond to others, even if we do not have all the facts (though we may think we do - which is rarely the case).

As Christians, we are called to help our brothers and sisters in their walk with God, yet oftentimes our help is misappropriated and becomes more damaging and less helpful. It is like telling someone you will help them up the mountain and then placing a boulder or a mountain goat in their path.
How do we avoid doing this?

Imposing our interpretation of right and wrong is the foundation to legalism and religiosity. We want to avoid falling into this type of bondage.

Letting the Holy Spirit guide our words and actions, sharing the Word in love, with humility, and walking with the person through hardship would be an ideal response.
It is not always easy to do this, and to be very frank, there are times when your "help" is best exercised in your prayer closet. Imposing our understanding of the situation and our idea of the solution must be tempered by the guidance of the Holy Spirit; otherwise, legalism and religiosity rule our heads and our hearts. Stay cognizant of this.

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.~Eph.4:1-3

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Just a reminder to you:

 "...He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Phil.1:6b



Art by Ron DiCianni -The Refiner's Fire http://www.tapestryproductions.com/products/artist/rondicianni/therefinersfire.php

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Help Me With My Unbelief

It is a great thing when God works in your life in ways that surprise you. After weeks and months of being frustrated and confused, trying to exercise patience, God brings all things together in one smooth motion and life makes sense. It is like the veil has been lifted.

You sigh a sigh of relief and you rejoice, giving thanks to God for His goodness.

Looking back, you chastise yourself for doubting and remember the scripture,
"'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"~Mark 9:23-24

Forgive me Lord, help me with my unbelief.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Receive

Be quiet - the Father calls, the Spirit speaks, Jesus draws us nearer - He welcomes us. His death and resurrection allows us to come near. Listen.

For the love of God we are.

Grace and mercy envelop us, and with a grateful heart we come. We respond. We stand before the throne.

On bended knee...prostrate before the King...standing tall, head held high...receive.

Receive the Holy Spirit and all He has for ...you.

Featured Post

They Did Not Realize

Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. ~John 21:4