Be Free!

Happy Wednesday, Dear Friends!

As I announced to you last week, I will be posting every Wednesday from now on.

My goal for this blog it twofold:

To encourage you in your walk of faith, and to hear what God is teaching you as well.

Yesterday morning during an especially sweet time of prayer, I stumbled across this passage:

And so God can always point to us as examples of the incredible wealth of his favor and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us through Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:7)

And it got me thinking...am I an example of the wealth of His favor and kindness? Yes, He has offered it to me at a great cost to Himself, but to what extent have I allowed "the power that raised Christ from the dead" to be at work in my life?

Dear friends, it is both our privilege and our responsibility to walk in the freedom Christ has secured for us!

Think about certain areas in your life where things are a little bumpy, or inconsistent. Think about areas where nerves are still exposed or anger easily flares. These are the areas to go after with God!

Instead of biding our time or walking with a limp, let us come boldly into God's presence and truly expect that His mercy will forgive, His grace will make room, and His power will redeem.

Back when I taught aerobics, I had a boss who was an amazing decorator. Her home looked like a page out of a magazine. Whenever her builder had a perspective buyer he would use her home as an example of his handiwork.

She was blessed with a nice structure of a home. But she took it to the next level by filling every room with warm colors, pictures of memorable moments, and furniture that made you want to sit down and read a good book.

Many people have been blessed with a nice home only to allow the cares and chaos of life to take it over and make every room a crowded mess. Obviously, a builder wouldn't be quick to point to their home and say, "Just look at what I have created!"

In the Old Testament we are told of a time when God looked down on mankind and saw such evil and selfishness in their hearts, He became sorry He ever made them.

But the Redeemer has come! And with the power of His ressurection comes the access we need to live life to the fullest.

Ephesians 1 tells us that we have everything we need because we've been blessed with every spiritual blessing in heaven...because we belong to Christ.

Determine to be free. Go after your freedom until you get it! Take hold of all that's been offered you because of the unfathomable love and kindness of Christ.

May your life be one where Jesus and the angels happily point to YOU as an evidence of God's great handiwork. May it please them to raise you up as an example of His redeeming work. May your life be holy and sanctified so that others feel at home in your presence. And may you always nurture and care for the precious gifts God has deposited within you.

Peace to you, my friends.

Let me hear from you..

I'll be back next Wednesday.

Until then, live by faith, and be free.

Comments

[Tami Boesiger]

There is such serenity attached to your words, Susie. You always make me want to sigh. This phrase caught my attention today, "Instead of biding our time or walking with a limp, let us come boldly into God's presence and truly expect that His mercy will forgive, His grace will make room, and His power will redeem." Often I feel unworthy of such mercy. How silly it is not to seek His healing. It is as easy as consistently sitting in His presence. Thanks for reminding me of His healing presence.

[Bonnie Newberg]

Hi Susie,Another great article. I know this is all stuff you are working out in your own life so it is all the more meaningful. You are so much more than just a pretty face or a slick slogan. You are the real deal and I love your writing. Thanks for all the effort you put into this, on top of all that you have on your plate right now. Bless your heart!

[Rebecca Marshaw]

Hi Susie!I was at the Cross Point retreat last weekend. I want to thank you for such a WONDERFUL time. God was with us! Your an inspiration to me! I am 31 with four kids, and time with our Heavenly Father was hard for me to fit into my schedule. But you showed me the importance to making the time for this. I did purchase all three of your books. I cant stop telling our Father how much I love him and how great He is!Thank you Susie for speaking God's love to us!I will pray for you and your family often.

[Susie Larson]

Dear Tami,

I always appreciate your encouraging words! May God continue to provide you with great peace.

Hi, Bonnie,You are one who holds up my arms! I can do more because you are in my corner. I love you, friend.

Dear Rebecca,Thanks for taking the time to post today! We did have a great time together, no?God was wonderfully present and powerfully at work.I pray that you can continue to guard and protect your times with Him.

Be blessed, my friends!