Entries Tagged with "Freedom"
Want Freedom? Be Real
Last week, God gave me the opportunity to go to Table Rock Freedom Center in Branson, MO. It is a 12 month Christ-centered residential program for "women overcoming life controlling issues." In other words, addictions.
It is tempting to think about people in those situations as "troubled" or "having problems." And that that somehow makes them different.
Actually, I did find them different. They are honest.
Something New
by Jennifer O. White
I love a good mystery. My favorite shows all have an element of mystery. This weekend, my hero husband and I experienced the new Angelina Jolie movie, Salt. It was a Jason Bourne, action packed, what’s going to happen next movie. I was guessing ‘til the very end.
Come to think of it, I like new. I try new recipes, new restaurants and talk to new people! (Yes I am one of those people.) But there have been a few mysteries I have not appreciated. Moving away from all of our family and friends was the biggest. I cried for almost five years every time the subject came up. The cost was too high. And instead of a good future, all I could see was a wall with fear, panic and the word “NO” grafitti’d all over it!
Thankfully His still small voice broke thru the noise. I was waiting for Beth Moore’s Believing God Bible study to begin and I had the following encounter with God.
Run for Your Life!

Strong temptations that lead us to destructive behavior do not require kindness.
I spent years trying to approach dangerous people in my life with kindness and patience. I mistakenly thought that people who were tempting me to sin should see the beautiful, sweet fragrance of Christ in me as I gently resisted. I could maintain my witness and they would be persuaded to respond to Christ. Uh … no! It didn’t work that way even one time.
My kindness just encouraged them to keep coming at me. While trying to maintain the relationship for Jesus’ sake, I would end up caught in sin with them. Right motives. Wrong approach.
What Exactly is Forgiveness?

True forgiveness like God forgives, is not natural or do-able without Him. It is a deep and emotionally complex choice that must be spiritually empowered. When we choose it, the result is indescribable freedom and blessing.
This description of forgiveness has helped me so much! I pray it helps you. It is from "Be Transformed" by Scope Ministries.
Forgiveness is not:
ignoring/disregarding the wrong done
tolerating the person
excusing the person
