Inspired by . . . somewhere in the middle

The pendulum swings. 

As humans, we tend to rush blindly to one end or the other. This is true with most anything and the Law of God is no exception. We either view God's law as the solution and move far to the legalism side or we view it as the problem and move far to antinomianism (anti-law) side. 

Somewhere in the middle, we find freedom.

But we may have to set aside some negative thought processes to get there.

As our Pastor spoke from Romans and Hebrews this past weekend he reminded us that we are not under the law as a means of justification.

Even as I was agreeing with him in my mind he asked the question, "What is your response when the evil one accuses you?"

I don't know about you, friend, but that one hit me dead center.

Why? Because my response is to fumble around in my box of good deeds as I lamely attempt to point out where I haven't failed. The result? The enemy just laughs and heaps further condemnation because he knows that my good deeds will never be enough. They will enslave me as sure as sin itself.

He knows that good deeds offered year after year never bring the worshipper to perfection. (Heb 10:1)

My response reveals that I am still looking for justification through obedience to God's law. I am looking in the wrong place, beloved!

Our justification, being made righteous before God, is achieved through Christ alone. (Rom 5:9; Rom 5:15: 1Cor 1:30; 2Cor 5:21)

When the enemy accuses, our right response is to point to the blood and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. 

All our sins, past, present, and future were forgiven at the cross. 

Period! End of story!

Yet the enemy likes to talk and cajole and stir up doubt. That's when we need to shut him down with the truths of scripture. 

We are justified by Christ alone, covered by the power of His blood.

"It follows that there is now no condemnation for those who are united with Christ Jesus. In Christ Jesus, the life-giving law of the Spirit has set you free from the law of sin and death." Rom 8:1-2

Let us live in that freedom. A life that rejoices to be commanded by the One whom it loves most. One Who is completely trustworthy and true.

Shalom,

Inspired by . . . law and peace

I've had this scripture from Psalm 119 come up several times in my reading this past week. When God does that, I try to pay attention.

We all want peace. We all want to walk through this life without stumbling. [click to tweet]

This promise from God's word tells us how to achieve peace and how to be protected from those things that will cause us to stumble.

But do we really love God's law?  We want to. But it's not easy, is it?
Following His law can be inconvenient and downright painful at times.

We fail repeatedly and we forget about His grace.

The key for me in this verse is in what it instructs us to do: love God's law

Following, and obeying His law will come.

It has to begin with love.

So how do we get there? Loving a set of rules has never come naturally for me. You?

It starts with knowing His law.

We have to know what God's law says. Reading the totality of His word, not just the ten commandments, and letting it speak to your life. God's word is filled with His precepts, direction on how to live.

Psalm 119:45 says, "I walk in freedom wherever I will, because I have studied your precepts."  

Then we have to begin living His law.

Again, this doesn't come naturally. We should daily preach to ourselves the Gospel of grace, for we will fail. But eventually, His law will become ingrained in the habits and responses of our everyday life. Psalm 119:54 says, "Your statutes are the theme of my song throughout my earthly life."

Finally, the path to loving God's law is paved with trust.

Much of the time our lives don't resemble the reality of His promises. We must trust, by faith - - believing that He will do what He says He will do. [click to tweet]

Psalm 145:9 says, "The LORD is good to all, and His mercy is over all that He has made." And Romans 8:32, "He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?"

Knowing, living and trusting will lead to truly loving God's law because these things will lead you to love HIM. Then you will be able to lift your voice with the psalmist and declare:

"Come, listen, all who fear God,

and I shall tell you what He has done

for me;

I lifted up my voice in prayer,

His praise was on my tongue.

If I had cherished evil thoughts,

the Lord would not have listened;

but in truth, God did listen

and paid heed to my plea.

Blessed is God

Who has not withdrawn from me His

love and care." Psalm 66:16-20

Shalom,

Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus