freedom — BLOG — All Things Jesus

Free Worshipper “Breaking down the Barriers Between you and God”

I can remember it like it was yesterday. My friends and I were at a Women’s conference and we were so excited for the worship service going on later that evening. We caught up with some fellow conference goers in the elevator and they told us to “get ready”, that this worship service was like no other and will definitely usher us right into the presence of God. So my first reaction was like okay they are probably over exaggerating, “let’s just see if it’s all that”. We get into the service and the band is playing all of my favorites, “Good Good Father”, “Spirit Break Out”, “Oceans” and so many more. I’m enjoying myself, praising the Lord and clapping but I got this “feeling” that I was not quite doing enough. The Holy Spirit gently nudged me to “go deeper”. So I began to sway side to side, clap a little harder, sing a little louder, I really was not sure what “go deeper” meant so I just did what I knew to do. Then I heard Him say “if you really want to show your love for me, fall on your knees”. I must admit that my immediate reaction was “uh God no, with all of these people around? That’s just what I do when it’s you and I”. So I made my futile attempts at ignoring the Holy Spirit until I was overwhelmed with His presence...

Help! I’m Just Not Good Enough: Understanding God's Grace

In order for me to get at the heart of the matter I had to realize that I didn’t really understand the concept of grace or “justification by faith”. As a Christian this understanding is vital, as it is the very foundation of our faith. I have struggled greatly with the concept of grace because if I can be very candid, I’m an all or nothing type of girl, very “black and white”. I’ve always had this rigid moral compass, either something is wrong or right, either you work for it or you don’t, you’re punished for doing bad and rewarded for doing good, etc. you get the point. Don’t get me wrong, I can demonstrate grace for others and be very understanding but when it comes to myself, I am definitely my own worst critic.

Do I Really Have to Forgive?: Finding Freedom in Forgiveness

Forgiveness isn’t for the person, it’s for you- The second reason we should all forgive is for the mere fact that forgiveness isn't for the person it's for us! Once you forgive, you're essentially saying I am taking on this debt. The word "forgive" in Hebrew is "nasa" which literally means "to lift, carry, or take". Forgiveness is very sacrificial in that way because you're taking the blame and the weight up off of that person for whatever they have done and you are taking it to God and laying it at His feet. The act of forgiveness can be pretty transactional in that way, if you let it. The problem for some lies in the fact that you don't always get anything in return (an apology) and that is okay. John 6:35 “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” God sees all and He won’t let it go unnoticed because you're being obedient to His word! Don’t believe me? Take a look at some scriptures outlining God’s blessings for those who follow through with His Word:

Broken Before the King: Power of Prayer

Prayer for engaged faith: Much like the title suggests, this prayer is where I am encouraging you to pour your heart out and pray to have your faith stretched further than just believing God’s will but doing His will, whatever and wherever that may take you. Go all in! Here is a little piece of what I wrote: Lord I come before You first to give thanks. You are Lord of Lords and King of Kings. You are alpha and omega, You sit on high and You still look low. You are my provider, my protector, my strong tower, my confidant, my refuge, and my strength. Thank You for my life and Your mercies that are new every day. Thank You for Your loving-kindness towards me. Lord I pray to have engaged faith. I pray that I don’t sit around and expect for You to do things You have already given me the power to do. Help me to see where You would have me to step out on faith so that I’ll go. Lead me and I’ll follow. Lord go with me, allow me to experience Your manifest presence before me so that I know I have Your favor and approval. Lord I pray to have a faith like Abraham and go wherever You tell me to go and sacrifice whatever You tell me to sacrifice. Lord help me to have engaged faith like the woman who had no oil (2 Kings 4). Help me to get the empty jars in my life so that You can fill them by my act of faith…