Thursday, July 27, 2023
God has been pursuing me all of my life, but it was difficult for me to hear him in the legalistic church I grew up in. Their rigid rules to gain favor with God ultimately kept me from growing a personal relationship with him for many years. I was exhausted and beaten down from being told when, what, and how to think and pray—the right way to ask, seek, and search for God. On and on the advice train went, whistling ever so loudly in my thoughts, things like, “Do this so that you will get right with God.”
Years later, in the midst of personal suffering, I woke up. The truth separated itself from the lies, and I came to know God through his Son, Jesus—God’s only plan for our salvation.
John 3:17
God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him (emphasis added).
I finally heard God’s whispers over the loud, clanging noises.
Colossians 2:16-17
16 So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. 17 For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality.
When my ears were finally opened, I immediately understood what he had been saying all along: “I died for you so that you could be saved through me.” He wasn’t telling me to, “Do this so that.” He was telling me that HE did this so that! I found freedom at last!
With this realization, I got down on my knees and cried out to him in joy and gratitude: “My Abba, my Daddy, my Father God—I hear you!”
Last weekend, Pastor Andy told us to work from God’s love not for his love. God has already shown us what he was willing to endure for us. Jesus allowed the nails to be driven into his flesh for our sake. There is no amount of good deeds that we can do or suffering that we can endure to earn God’s love and our salvation.
So what should we do in response to God’s overwhelming love for us? We love him back.
Ephesians 2:9
Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
Questions:
What do you do out of legalism to “get right” with God?
In what circumstances have you believed the lies of the accuser, Satan, when he has told you that you alone can fix a challenge you’ve faced?
Have you listened for and/or heard God’s whispers amongst the loud, clanging noises and lies of the accuser?
Next Steps:
Once you’ve identified some of the instances that you have tried to handle on your own, search for Bible verses that speak to the truth of the situation/s and find God’s promises to you in their regard. Once you’ve found the Bible verses, meditate on them, and memorize them so you can bring these truths to mind the next time Satan lies to you.
Prayer:
Father God, all glory, honor, and praise go to you. You are truth, and through the gift of your Holy Spirit within me, the truth is discerned for me. Through your Son, the visible image of your Word, I know the truth and the truth knows me. Help me to thrive as I live from your love instead of always striving to live for it. Your Word is a lamp to my feet, and the flame of your Holy Spirit is within me. Help me to fan the flame and to never extinguish it. And as I await your return, bring those people into my life for whom you would use me to pursue for your sake. I love you, Abba, as I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Colossians 1:23
But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God’s servant to proclaim it.