“Stepping out of the Past” by Stormie OMartian For the first thirty years of my life, I struggled with feeling that I would never be anything more than a failure . It was not until I entirely surrendered my past to the Lord, that I was able to see myself as a child of God created for His purposes and not a dysfunctional mistake. The biggest problem that faced me with regard to moving out of the past was unforgiveness toward my mother for the abuse I suffered at her hands. She was mentally ill and coped with me by locking me in a closet during much of my early childhood. Even though she was verbally and physically abusive as well, the closet is what affected me the most. When I became an adult, I was still locked in a closet, … [Read more...]
Loved by Holley Gerth
God is love…There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear; because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:16,18 Fil Anderson knows what it’s like to live in fear. For years he felt driven to earn God’s approval. That drive took him all the way to the door of a psychiatric unit, where he got his first glimpse of grace. Yet as soon as he left, the old patterns began again. Serving as a pastor only further drained him as he told others about the love of God and yet often felt as if he could never experience it himself. He reflects on this in his book Running on Empty: Contemplative Spirituality for Overachievers. My default nature is set to believe that God’s acceptance, love, … [Read more...]
I Am The Truth
I AM THE TRUTH: the One who came to set you free. As the Holy Spirit controls your mind and actions more fully, you become free in Me. You are increasingly released to become the one I created you to be. This is a work that I do in you as you yield to My Spirit. I can do My best handiwork when you sit in the stillness of My Presence, focusing you entire being on Me. Let My thoughts burst freely upon your consciousness, stimulating abundant Life. I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. As you follow Me , I lead you along paths of newness: ways you have never imagined. Don't worry about what is on the road up ahead. I want you to find your security in knowing Me, the One who died to set you free. Sarah Young "Jesus Calling" John … [Read more...]
When I Am Free
When I Am Free 17 Mar 2011 Lynn Cowell "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another humbly in love." Galatians 5:13 (NIV) “Mom, the dog won’t come! I think she has run away again.” Uggg….This was MY time. Why should I have to take care of the dog? I never wanted her any way! These were the stinky thoughts in my brain at 9:30 one evening after spending the day doing the “have to’s.” I was enjoying my few minutes of “want to’s.” I didn’t want to be interrupted! As I got up off the couch, my daughter asked, “What is wrong?” It felt as though the Holy Spirit Himself was asking me. What is wrong with you? What was wrong with me was … [Read more...]