Tag: free

Grave Clothes

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” John 11:44

What grave clothes are you still wearing?

What temptations or selfish acts do you still participate with?

What lies still tie your hands?

When we place our faith and trust in Jesus as our Savior, asking Him to forgive our sins, He does.

He cleans us, wiping our slate clean.

But too often that’s all we do with our salvation. We trust Jesus for eternity, but continue wallowing in our filth on earth.

Do you realize it’s possible to be saved, yet sinful? Sanctified, yet selfish? Free, yet bound?

God sent Jesus to restore His relationship with us for now and eternity. Did you catch that? Our saving relationship with Jesus is also for now.

We all understand the later part. Upon our death, we will rise to heaven to spend forever with Jesus. Eternally praising Him. Sounds heavenly, right?

But God has bigger plans than just you. He wants you to show others His goodness right now.

He wants you to show others His forgiveness right now. His mercy, love, and peace right now.

And that’s next to impossible if you are walking around in your grave clothes.

What do I mean by that?

You’re saved, yet you still cling to the bitterness and unforgiveness that has clung to you for so long.

You’re saved, yet you still bow to the lies in your head, deeming you unloved or unworthy.

You’re saved, yet you still allow anger to rule, justifying your actions due to this or that.

You’re saved, yet you continue to live for number one: your self.

You are on the throne of your heart, not God.

The devil knows you are saved. Nothing he can do about your eternity. But he can keep you stuck. Sad. Decaying your beautiful soul as you live in your stinky grave clothes. Literally imprisioned.

A.W. Tozer once said, “Why do we claim on one hand that our sins are gone and on the other act just as though they are not?”

God gives us free will. The choice to choose Him or not.

Delighted you’ve chosen to God. Seriously, it’s wonderful!!

But have you chosen Him with your whole self? Have you given Him your plans? Your time? Your todays and tomorrows?

Do your thoughts match what He says about you?

Do your actions match what He says to do?

Do your words mirror God’s words of life?

Stand up and get dressed. Declare Jesus is Victor over all! Let’s leave those stinky grave clothes in the dust. It’s time for a new wardrobe!

Photos by Deep Doshi, Alex Sheldon, Hanna Morris, & Samuel McGarrigle on Unsplash

Freedom Walk

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. Romans 8:11

Are you as free as you can be?

As Christians, we profess to be free from death, sin, and the grave.

Free from eternal damnation.

And yes, that would be correct.

As a Christian, you have placed your trust in Jesus, and He has paid the penalty for your sin.

So, yes, technically, you are free from all of the above.

But what about freedom as we step upon this earth?

Are you walking as if you are free?

Just because you are free from the penalty of sin, does not mean you are free from its effects.

Do you feel pitiful and ugly when someone ignores you?

Do you feel a rush of anger when someone wrongs you?

Do you feel sarcastic while belittling someone who doesn’t understand you right away?

Do you put others down, lifting yourself up instead?

Do you put your needs first, serving your number one above all else?

Do you refuse to look at life through the lens of another, wanting your way instead?

How are you at listening?

Or, gasp, asking for forgiveness when you are wrong?

How are you at even admitting you are wrong?

Do you help others before asked?

Leave the room better than before you walked in?

When we do not clothe ourselves with the fruits of the spirit, walking as Jesus did, we are not free.

When we jump to satisfy ourselves over others, we are not free.

When we listen to lies in our head, we are not free.

When we become defeated in our many mistakes, we are not free.

Only with the power of God, can we break the chains that bind us.

Speak Jesus’ name over what binds you.

Over your flesh that speaks louder than your spirit.

Cancel the enemy’s assignments and send it to the dry desert.

Ask Jesus to cover you with His wisdom, power, strength, and joy.

And remember, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you.

That, my friends, is freedom.

Photos by Michael Baccin, Rikke Hembre, Anita Austvika, & Olivia Snow on Unsplash

Running Free

Published on by amylinnea2 Comments

But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. Malachi 4:2

Are you running into the freedom God has for you?

Running from the lies you have believed?

Running from the temptations that once held you captive?

Running from the ill reactions you normally exhibit?

Malachi reminds us that when you fear God’s name, when you are His beloved child, He will respond with healing.

Healing your mind.

Healing your will.

Healing your emotions.

When you ask Him to change you, freeing you from nasty ingrained responses, He will.

He promises you will not only be free, but you will run like a wild animal.

Uncontrollably free.

Decide to trust Him.

Read His word, worship, and pray.

And run as you are free.

Smile because you are loved.

Rejoice because you are His.

There is no turning back.

Every time you are tempted to return to the pit, align yourself with God and run free towards Him instead.

Run forward with God, never looking back.

Photos by Malik Skydsgaard, sporlab, & lucas Favre on Unsplash

Living Free

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. 1 Peter 2:16

Do you live as if you are free?

Free from sin, death, and the grave?

Free from past shame, burdens, or guilt?

Free from dwelling in fear?

Free from depressing thoughts arresting your mind?

Free from knowing you must do everything in your own strength?

When you live as a servant of God, the Creator of all things, you must. Live free.

God’s power not only saved you for eternity once your earthly breath ceases, but he saved you to live free today.

And tomorrow. And the next day.

He freed you, breaking off the chains which hold you in captivity.

The captivity of past sin, fear, listening to the devil’s lies, and on and on it goes.

But God did not free you to sin.

God’s freedom does not provide a license for evil.

For doing your own thing under the disguise of God’s way.

For wrapping yourself in selfishness while waiting for God to announce His plans for you.

He did not free us to cover up the evil we find on our own.

He freed us for now. To showcase His power.

Live as Scrooge when he discovered his future could be altered by his changed nature. By his newfound kindness and generosity.

When Scrooge discovered he still had Time, he was beside himself with freedom.

And he was never the same, always remembering the freedom he possessed, which he did not deserve.

The freedom Scrooge found through witnessing his future determined by his selfish choices.

And choosing to be different. To be generous. To live as a person freed from this world’s sin. That’s what Scrooge did.

So, what about you? Remember Whose you are.

Remember Whose power courses through your veins.

And remember Whose witness you are to the world He created.

Live as God’s servant, freed by Himself to be a light in His world for those still dwelling in darkness.

Photos by Gabriel Goller, Anita Austvika, Vladimir Fedotov, & Christian Dubovan on Unsplash