Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Today concludes our series on spiritual abuse.

·      How do we enjoy gathering with other believers while maintaining the discernment we need to be strong in the face of all kinds of personalities and controlling people who use scripture to manipulate us.

·      Painful circumstances and disappointing expectations of the church I went to had been the teaching in which God used to train me to stop trusting my expectations for my life and embrace his life.

·      The things he’s changed in me, the people he has brought into my life, the way he has provided, and the doors he has opened to share his reality with others has been amazing and freeing.

·      No matter where you are today in searching out a meaningful relationship with a very personable Jesus don’t give up and don’t get your eyes on people….He will guide you in your walk.

·      But the greatest tyranny in our lives is not legalism, tradition nor religious obligation so prevalent in our day. As binding as those things can be, a more powerful enemy holds us captive from the true depths of Father’s life and joy–self!

·      While organized churches promises a dynamic relationship with the Living God, they too often only offer a program of behavioral conformity that leaves many empty, manipulated and disillusioned. Watching God set people free from that bondage is always a joy.

·      Trying to get God to do for us to elevate our own kingdoms only leads to bondage and a feeling of judgment of other believers…as if we have that right… this is called a religious spirit.   Jesus talks to that spirit many times in the gospels.  It is the most destructive spirit in the kingdom of God I believe, because it disguises itself in piety and judgment.

I Peter 4:1-2  (The Message)

“Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think and act like him.  Think of your sufferings as a weaning away from the old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want.”

·      Once you know him as he really is and are secure in how much he loves you, pursuing what he wants everyday will become your greatest joy.

·      The real joy of being God’s child is waking up every day with the simple freedom to join God in what he wants. As Jesus said, he is always working, in our lives and in people around us. He wants to share in the delight of that working, as a Father with his son or daughter.

·      There is no greater freedom than to do so without distorting that with feeling like we have to measure up to someone’s standards and not God’s standards.

·      Ask yourself, do you feel free in your meetings with other believers.  Are you encouraged by the testimonies of what God is doing in the lives of others?  Do you share the word and your lives together and are your insights honored as well as someone else’s gifting?

·      Do you feel controlled and unexcited to go to your choice of gathering, whether in a building or in a home or wherever?

·      Jesus is love and freedom.  He paid it all.  Grow in Him every day so you will know His words and his voice in your own life.  Become strong in Him.  He is alive and well and very active in the world today!