Our pastor recently said something that really resonated with me. He made the statement that we should just stop.....
stop going to church.....
stop reading our Bible.....
stop praying.
Now before you begin to wonder what kind of church we're attending, let me explain. His point was that those things were doing us no good in our walk with the Lord, if we're doing them for wrong reasons. I was raised in a very legalistic church. It was a "hell fire and brimstone" church, telling me that one wrong move would send me straight to hell. That type of thinking led me to lead a very fearful life. I wasn't just fearful of my Momma (even if in size I could have taken her down....not that I would take down my Momma, but you understand), but I was fearful of ANYTHING and EVERYTHING that I said and did sending me straight to hell, even though I'd accepted that nudging of the Holy Spirit and asked Jesus into my heart at the age of 11. My whole life seemed to revolve around the legalistic thinking of "If you're really a Christian, you wouldn't fill in the blank." Even until recently, I felt that if I didn't do my devotions EVERY MORNING at around the same time, that God would be angry with me.....
upset with me.....
dislike me.
Well, let me tell you.
The last few weeks have been so peaceful for me.
Have I quit going to church?
No
Have I quit reading my Bible?
No
Have I quit praying?
Definitely NO
But, I've come to realize that when I do those things it's because I WANT to.....
because I NEED to.....
not because I think God's gonna strike me over the head if I don't!
Oh, sweet peace!
There's nothing like it.
And, I've learned another thing.....
"you can teach an old dog new tricks"!!!
(I can't help myself with the old sayings)
Happy Monday, Y'all!!
You are so right and am so happy that you now are at peace and loving the Lord the way He meant for us to. Have a happy day!
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Friend, another great post. Have a beautiful Monday, regardless of the weather, smiles.
ReplyDeleteWow, Deb!!! Did I ever need to hear this!! I wasn't particularly raised in a church as you described, but, when I was saved and especially in these latter years, I've felt that if I didn't tow the line or did something that I shouldn't that an angry God was sitting up there thinking of how to punish me. Even though I would tell you that it is by faith, and not by works that we are saved, I still was going through the motions to keep God happy and me out of trouble. Friend, you hit on a nerve this morning and I will be reading your post several times. I've been reading books on grace lately and I'm beginning to understand God's love. Have a blessed day, my friend!
ReplyDeleteA very good thought. I totally agree that it is so easy to get caught up in the "if I don't do this....this will happen" fear. It's hard to overcome. Good words of encouragement here today.
ReplyDeleteIt is so amazing how we can form our own legalistic thoughts, making things so difficult for us. We fill our backpacks with rocks and load ourselves down, walking so slumped over we can't enjoy our relationship with Him. So glad your throwing your rocks away!!! Have a wonderfully blessed day!! ((hugs))
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog and leaving your sweet comment,Debbie.
ReplyDeleteI truly enjoyed your blog post today, and I agree with each word you said.
Our salvation is my the Grace of God and nothing we can do will or can separate us from His love,after we have excepted His son Jesus Christ as our Savior. We strive to obey out of our love for Him but we do and will make mistakes, at least I do on most days.
I am now your newest follower.
I am so happy for you and the peace you have found in your faith! Our God is merciful and loving, and best of all...forgiving! Hugs.
ReplyDeletewhat nice thoughts. Good for you.
ReplyDeleteHi Deb! You have found the secret of holiness! It's all about love, not fear. As a matter of fact, it says in the bible "Do not be afraid" many, many times. God bless your deep, joyful faith. And for sharing that with us.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Ceil