Better Than Drano

"Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit,

let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads

or a sentiment in our hearts,

but work out its implications in every detail of our lives.

That means we will not compare ourselves with each other

as if one of us were better and another worse.

We have far more interesting things to do with our lives.

Each of us is an original."

Galatians 5:25

      Imagine the space we'd free up in our heads if we dislodged the compare/contrast machine located behind our eyes. How much room would swell in our hearts if we expelled the jealousy monster and that personal judgment seat?  Ridding ourselves of these thought mongers would also eliminate the extra baggage of self-condemnation and insecurity.  We could breathe freely, live simply, glow brightly and become more godly. We could create, learn and move forward without the chugging noise of shouda-coulda-woulda in the background.     
      Satan clogs our heads and hearts with gunky thought processes to blind and bind us, but Christ died to free us from comparisons. Christ gives us new minds and hearts, eyes and ears.  He didn't die for us to bemoan or proclaim our gifts, brag about or criticize our churches, or even to evaluate our ministers and ministries.  God's unconditional love for us meant death of His only perfect Child.

 "Christ didn’t have any sin. But God made Him become sin for us.

So we can be made right with God because of what Christ has done for us."

2 Corinthians 5:21
  

      No even one more of God's young'uns comes close to perfect, so what possible good does it do to compare ourselves to other believers? However, our unclogged uniqueness allows God's Spirit to flow freely through us, transforming us into people more like Christ. 

"We’re free of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God,
our faces shining with the brightness of His face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like Him." 2 Corinthians 3:18-19

     Lord, unplug the unhealthy thoughts. Blind us to the fuel for contrasts and comparisons.  Keep us pure and clean and focused on thanking and loving You in return for all You've done for us. Open our eyes to how You've made us unique and how You want to use our individuality to glorify You.  Bless Yourself through our submission.

In the Name of Jesus Who became dark sin to bring us into the Light

Sunday, August 7, 2011 - The Open Door

"It is God Who arms me with Strength and makes my way perfect."
 2 Samuel 22:33


"You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; 
the mountains and the hills will burst into song before you, 
and all the trees of the field will clap their hands." 
Isaiah 55:12


"As you hold out the Word of Life -- 
in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing." 
Philippians 2:16


"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. 
In this world you will have trouble. 
But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33


Father, what would happen if we turned ourselves completely over to a life of faith in You? What would change? 
     Peace would erupt from our spirits. Our hearts would release every barbed grudge. Our minds would relax under Your government. Our bodies would heal themselves of untold tensions from the chafing of fear and anxiety on our nervous systems. Joy would give us wings and Your Strength would lift our eyes to see the open doors of our self-made prisons. You would lead us forth in Peace, we would go out in Joy, and we would celebrate Your Victory over all we've allowed to hold us captive. 

     Help our unbelief and make us people of faith. Show us firsthand what can happen if we radically trust You. 
In the Name of Jesus, Who lived the life of perfect faith in You and radically changed the world forever!
Inspired by Live Loved, by Max Lucado
photos by yours truly (occasionally I get lucky with a camera)