I have a saying, "If you are doing ungodly speech and behavior with less intensity and less frequency then you are growing. Praise God for that growth. If you're anything like me, you probably put too much pressure on yourself to be perfect. When we constantly feel like we are letting God down, we are actually giving glory to the enemy. God never expected us to be perfect! That's why Jesus went to the cross. This sounds like such a simple message but think about how many times you choose to live according to your own abilities and strengths. That is pride. We are called to live in God's grace. It's such a beautiful word filled with so much kindness.
Have you ever gone to church and for months they will talk about what we need to do, what we should be doing, how we are not living up to the standard of God's Word, etc... Then, this special gift shows up one Sunday morning and some guest speaker will simply talk about God's grace. You feel your shoulders relax, a smile forms on your face, you feel this spring of refreshment bubbling up in your spirit and your heart feels loved and happy for the first time in a long time.
Today, have your own service with God. Look up scriptures about his love for you and about His grace. Soak it in and carry it in your heart and mind all day. Memorize the words he speaks over you about his unconditional love. He is the Savior NOT you. Release it all unto him and feel the freedom of living under grace and not legalism. Breath deep, in then out, over and over, play worship songs, dance, sing, relax... Don't worry about ANYTHING but trust him with ALL your concerns. This actually sounds like something we should do often. Giving ourselves a break from it all once in awhile. That's how we think but God actually wants us to live like this everyday.
Why is it so hard for us to feel this freedom? Why is our default to always go back to stress, control, juggling too many things, worrying... Spend time with your friend and Savior and let him speak to you through his Word about this. We should all be growing and changing in ways that please our Lord but not under a cloud of shame. We should be doing it in a Spirit of Joy. Pull away from the world and draw near to God. He is waiting for us with open arms and a heart of pure, tender love.
John 1:16, From his fullness we all received grace upon grace.
2 Timothy 2;1, You therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
Romans 6;4, Sin will not have dominion over you. For you are not under law, but under grace.
Galatians 2:21, I don't reject the grace of God, for if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nothing!
1 Corinthians 15:10, But by the grace of God I am what I am. His grace which was given to me was not futile...
Jeremiah 31:3, ...I have loved you with an everlasting love: I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.
Lamentations 3:22-23, The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases: his mercies never come to an end: they are new every morning: great is his faithfulness.
May we all learn to LIVE IN HIS GRACE and stop trying to earn it. Breath in JOY. In Jesus name. Amen
