Echoes of life

Romans 8:15

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

I love this verse! Our God is amazing. He is mighty and worthy to be praised, yet he is our father, he is loving, he is kind. He is holy, and yet approachable. 

Fear of what? It says we haven't received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but fear of what. Well it says bondage again to fear so we have been bound to this fear before. But fear of what? Fear of death, and of life. Before we became children of God we were afraid, afraid of death because we knew deep down that death was the end no matter what. But we were also afraid of life, we knew that death was the end so we tried to make this life worthwhile. We worried about our finances, our jobs, every little thing in our life cause us stress b cause we didn't know if it was going to work out. We were bound to our worry and fear, bound with chains that we didn't even know we were wearing. Chains that were so invisible to us we never knew they were there until it was to late. We worried so deep about things so shallow that our lives became nothing more than a dry husk. Our fear wrung all the joy out of our lives and we lived miserable lives full of worry and stress and fear. But that is not how it was intended to be. 

Romans 8:6

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

In the beginning all was perfect. Perfect because that's how God made it. But then we in our ignorance and arrogance decided to change the perfect life that we have lived into a life where death and sin reigned. We became carpal in nature, and in mind. It was that day that our spirits became bound by sin, chained. Till one day on a cross a perfect man, the perfect man, died, not because he deserved to die, but because we did and he loved us to much to let our own mistakes keep us from a life, which he knew, would make our lives so much better. It was that day that our spirits became free from sin, bound no longer to it and everything that came with it. Therefore if our spirits are no longer bound by sin, they are no longer bound by fear. We no longer have anything to fear. Because now we have a hope, a hope that runs deeper than sin, deeper than worry. A hope that plated itself in the deepest places of our heart and freed our spirits from fear and worry. Now we no longer have to bow to fear for we have a new spirit, one that gives us peace and a true life. The westminster shorter cataclysms say that "The chief end of man is to glorify God, and enjoy him forever." But I echo the words of the great man of faith John Piper when he said "The chief end of man is to glorify God by enjoying him forever." One word difference but it's a difference that makes it so much more meaningful. Too many Christians nowadays are full of worry and fear and doubt. Worry about this life, fear that they won't be enough, and doubt that God loves them because they don't say the right words, do the right things. But God doesn't want robotic Christians who all say and do the same thing, he wants changed men and women who he can use to change the world. A fulfilled life, is a life fully lived in him. It says we have received a spirit of adoption whereby we cry aba father. Aba was a term of deep endearment between a father and a son in Jewish culture. It would be the equivalent of a young child crying out daddy nowadays. God is calling us to approach him with child like faith, but at the same time with childlike simplicity, knowing that he is our father and he will always love us. Now am I saying the we can do whatever we want, absolutely not. I want to make this absolutely clear, God has standards but those standards don't come from a heart that wants to put us in submission. They come from a heart truly devoted to our good. He desires a relationship with us, but a relationship goes both ways. He wants to know you but he wants you to know him as well. Not out of fear, but out of love for him. 

Hear the echoes of God calling us to live a life simply devoted to him. A life fulfilled because he has filled it. 

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Hope y'all enjoyed this post. As promised here are this weeks questions. 

What was the most important way you, by God's grace, made last year different from the year before?

What's the most important way you will, by gods grace, make this year different from last year? 

Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

What one thing did you do to improve your prayer life last year? 

What one thing will you do this year to improve your prayer life?

Romans 12:12

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

What single thing did you do last year that will matter most in ten years? In eternity? 

What single thing that you plan to do this year will matter most in ten years? In eternity? 

Romans 8:6

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

(This should be familiar ;)) 

What was the most important decision you made last year?

What is the most important decision you need to make this year? 

James 1:5

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

What part of your life did you simplify most last year, and his did you simplify it?

What part of your life most needs simplifying this year, and how could you simplify it? 

Psalms 116:6

The Lord preserveth the simple:

I was brought low, and he helped me.

What's the most important need you felt burdened to meet last year? 

What's the most important need you feel burdened to meet this year? 

Hebrews 10:35

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.

What habit did you establish last year? 

What habit would you most like to establish this year? 

2 Timothy 2:15

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.