your welcome sweets......

We need a few things for people to contemplate

1. Describe the relationship bettwen God's Word and freedom


2. Can you recall a situation in which you acted pigheaded toward God?

3. Have you sometimes experienced defeat becasue you refused to calm yourself in the presence of God and trust Him? yes No
(If so share an example if you would like)

Suppose I'll chime in here.

1.
First, I think you need to clarify 'Freedom'. God's word could be considered freedom from this world. I'm going to assume that you mean freedom to do whatever you want. I'll go into that one - then.
The simple fact that God's word exists as a set of morals, beliefs, codes, and laws that we, as Christians, are to follow to attain a closer relationship to him. Just like knowing someone in person to person relationships - You need to get to know their being..What they're all about. You need to understand someone before you can get closer to them. Hence, the need for God's Word. In aspect to freedom - it's simply a contrast. Paul speaks about us being slaves to Sin before Christ entered our lives - but now, as Christians, we were slaves to Righteousness - That righteousness being God himself. Now, I personally hate the idea of using the term Slaves, as it's mentioned only a few chapters later that all under Christ are considered Children of God - A much more fitting title, I think. Freedom gives us the choice to not worry about sin, not understanding the sin we do commit, and doing as we please - Not God's will on earth - and certainly not God's will for our lives. Hence, the need for God's Word - to show us the way.

2.
Many, many times. There were a lot of situations, I remember, where I had an opportunity, facing me right in the eye, and I failed to take it because I was worried about what someone would think of me. I'm pretty sure I'm past that stage in my Christian life, but simple things like not taking advantage of an opportunity that God provides..That's just huge. Another set of times is when I'm faced with sin of my past. Where I blindly followed my own will and developed awful habits off of that - ones that I struggle with to this day. I comfort myself in thoughts that God would forgive me, but the guilt of Sin is huge. Something else I've worked past - And now it's just a matter of beating that temptation down when it surfaces, and focusing my mind on the matters of God, not of myself. Paul mentions something in another one of his epistles, which I can never remember which one - He speaks about capturing thoughts, and dissecting them - on whether or not they're of God, or of Satan, and dealing with them accordingly.

3.
Yes. Often. But I've typed enough, and my hand is beginning to hurt, so I won't divulge.

God morning Deb and to all who wonder by this morning.

Thanks for chiming in casemu.

I will be stopping by later..

I've come to this Christian chat room for comfort in a great time of need for me and my children. I recently lost my husband to cancer at the young age of 49. I am 47 with 2 sons 12 and 18. I never in a million years would have thought I would be a single mom. My husband was the disciplinary and I was the softy, but it was a wonderful marriage cause we were able to work off each other. Now I have to be both, and I'm not sure its working well. My son who just started college informed me that he didn't want to continue. My husband's one wish was for our boys to get there degrees. I told him NO he had to continue, its just hard work and I know he has it in him. I spent the rest of the night crying, not knowing how to handle this situation. Can anyone give me some help!!!!

Love & Light ,,,,, oh the beauty that surrounds us today,,,

Hugs Mom

"This is the day that the Lord has made" What a beautiful day it is here today.

God bless y'all

Lovelylady, LA Mom and Bry - great to see you here.

Lovelylady, I do not have children, but have learnt from my brothers experience after our father died - I was 14 so he was between 15-16 yrs old. It can be difficult for teenage boys to lose their Dad, it is such a tender age. Perhaps he needs some time off from college. Have you spoken with a pastor/youth counsellor and discussed it with him, his reasons for not wanting to carry on with college at the moment?

I have to say I would want a child to continue college also, but I offered that as an option to consider.

Deb,

This is a long post in response to the questions posted so I have split it up a little bit.

11/8/2007 - In response to the questions posed by Feralcat:

1. Describe the relationship between God's Word and freedom

I believe that freedom in Christ liberates us from requirements that have nothing to do with salvation.

In Paul’s letter to the Romans (Romans 14) and Corinthians (1 Corinthians 8), I do not believe that Paul was advocating that we should compromise freedom but rather he was advocating wisdom. He reminds believers who live free not to flaunt nor abuse their freedom. When we know that when someone struggles with an issue, we need to be sensitive and not participate.
Paul’s letter to the Galatians points out that legalism is anything that causes us to think that we must do certain things to put ourselves in a right relationship with God. We do not have to be bound by that type of thinking; Christ makes us right with God. (Gal. 5:1).

Personally, I have never been involved with excessive alcohol use, never smoked or used drugs – I was raised in a pretty strict, conservative environment, but seeing things in black and white can tend to lead one into legalism as a new Christian.

Many of us suffer the weight of guilt and shame over past sin. We can also find ourselves in a state of bondage as a result of trying to live perfect lives. We need to strive to be godly, but godliness does not eliminate sin from our lives; but rather how we deal with the sin in our lives. Romans 8:35-39 reminds us that nothing can separate us from the love of God.

Another form of bondage would be the belief that God will love us more if we perform better. We must not get so wrapped up in ‘works’ that we remove our focus from God. God's blessing, through Christ's grace, is lavished or poured upon us as shown in Ephesians 1:7-8.

In 2 Corinthians 3:6-18 we see that He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant – not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Paul was trained as a Pharisee. Pharisees and other devout Jews combined tradition with scripture resulting in a complex system of legalistic requirements, substituting the letter of the law for the spirit of the law. After becoming a disciple for Christ he realized he was saved by Grace.

We can still do the same things today, if we think that being good, going to church, tithing, living a moral life, and yet neglecting the importance of love, compassion, forgiveness, resulting in losing sight of God’s mercy toward us.

In Exodus 34:29-35 Moses wore a veil after being in the presence of God. Apparently his face shone from the experience, and Moses put on a veil so the people would not be frightened by his appearance. In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians he uses this story to show the difference between God’s words engraved in stone which convict us of our sin and need for redemption, and God’s words engraved in our heart by the Holy Spirit after we have been redeemed by Christ.

Paul himself experienced this veil on his mind when he was persecuting the church. He thought he was obeying the Old Testament scriptures, but instead he was blinded to the truth of the gospel message. Unfortunately, Christians are not exempt from putting a veil over their minds. Jesus can remove this veil from our minds.

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (Verse 17)
When we allow the Lord to have complete control of our life, we discover a new-found liberty. Paul tells us where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. We are promised a freedom – freedom from worry, from anxiety, from fear, from doubt. Jesus is the one who gives us that liberty. When we look to our own weak and foolish nature for help, we find chains. Instead of deliverance, we find problems. Instead of joy, we discover fear. Instead of liberty, we return to captivity. Christ came to see us free. But we must allow the Spirit to minister to us.
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (Verse 18)
The way we are to walk in this new freedom is a process of learning how to allow God’s Spirit to transform us step by step. Christ has removed the veil from our hearts and the Holy Spirit will transform us as we learn to walk by faith.
Christ has called us into liberty..

As John 8:36 promises us, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

1. To summarize what I posted earlier, for me freedom is what is within me as I know I am saved by Grace through Jesus Christ. This is what the bible tells me. No matter what the circumstance, I can still feel freedom in Christ.

2. Can you recall a situation in which you acted pigheaded toward God?

Probably a few, we can all be like little children, no matter our age. Sometimes I have seen myself as a spoilt brat,
but His love and mercy is endless.

3. Have you sometimes experienced defeat because you refused to calm yourself in the presence of God and trust Him? yes No
(If so share an example if you would like)

Yes, but over the years I have learnt that when one remains calm in the midst of a stressful situation, with prayer the situation can very quickly be turned around, or one learns to get through it with grace.

Hi Deb,

I just posted my response to question number 1, to a friend who is still going through somewhat of a difficult time, which stems from some sort of spiritual bondage. hope it helps.
Oh thanks for your nice words, I do notice, just not one for expressing my feelings (the "L.." word). Even my late husband had to inform me of that fact - 2 months after we were married.

Good morning Deb, Bry395, Casemu, LAMOM, lovelylady, and all who visit here this morning.

Running a little behind this morning, but it looks like a lovely day out there, even though it feels a little chilly.

Enjoy everyone.

To many people living large means having nice houses, fancy cars, luxurious vacations but that kind of living often does not bring satisfaction, or true purpose.

Followers of Jesus Christ are to in a different way, as seen in the example of the apostle Paul and of his co-worker Timothy. Paul told the Corinthians, “Our heart is wide open” (2 Cor. 6:11).They gave their affection to the people, just as a father will do towards his own children. Paul requested, “Now in return for the same . . . you also be open” (v.13).

Love through me, Love of God,
There is no Love in me;
O Fire of Love, light Thou the Love
That burns perpetually. —Carmichael

great posts britty.....

My cable is down.....but I wanted yuo to know brit that I have a big long e-mail for lovelylady as soon as I am up and running again. Im at the library right now so I can just let you guys know whats happening.


Love you all

And God Bless

Great Deb, nice to know everything is fine.

Lovelylady, I hope you are feeling a little better about things today. It is not easy what you are going through, but with God's help and friends and family you will get through it, and see what a strong woman of God you can be.

God bless,

Grace

His love has no limit;
His grace has no measure;
His power has no boundary known unto men.
For our of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again!

Annie Johnson Flint (1862-1932)

Good moorning everyone.....Happy Saturday!!!!

BEYOND MEASURE

God knows what the future holds
As we go on our way,
And our Lord hears our every word
Before we even pray.

He watches where the sparrow falls
And where each foot has tread,
He even knows the number
Of the hairs upon each head.

He makes the clouds His chariot
And Heaven is His throne,
He walks upon the wings of wind
Where eagle has not flown.

The Lord is clothed with majesty,
He cloaks Himself with light;
He sits upon the vault of earth
And none can match His might.

The Lord's voice makes the deer to calve
And wilderness to shake,
The Lord's voice hews out flames of fire
And makes the cedars break.

The Lord takes pleasure in His own,
Their praise is His delight;
He hearkens to their every cry
And puts their fears to flight.

He bottles every tear we cry,
So special is His care;
He promised not to leave us,
To go with us everywhere.

Creator of the universe,
The Lord of wisdom knew
He blessed me beyond measure
On the day that He made you!

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you." (Philippians 1:3)

And I thank God for all you guys.

Good morning sweet brit...how are ya love?

I wrote a long lengthy letter to lovelylady.....

I hope she returns