By Ruth Farmer:
Bible Verses:
Psalm 119:45 “I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments.”
2 Cor 3:17 “For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
Earlier in January I had read a devotional regarding picking a word to focus on in January and that particular devotional has continually been nagging at my mind. You know when you read something and then you keep going back to it and mulling it over, thinking about it and how it relates to you and your life. Well, portions of this devotion I read are below with my additional comments then you can also mull it over and see where God is nudging you and speaking to you-
“I have tried the New Year Resolutions that focus on outward behaviors, like losing weight, spending more time in the Word, giving habits, etc. Then one year my pastor asked us to pick a word to be our personal theme for the year. I have found much more peace, joy, and freedom in focusing on a word for the year rather than only outward behaviors. In the past I’ve focused on being open-handed, finding more grace, obtaining patience, as well as building spiritual relationships. This year I will focus on living in freedom.My family loves theme parks. We probably hit at least half a dozen different theme parks each year. Recently as I was sitting in church, I heard my pastor point out that all these theme parks have a fence surrounding it. However, once you are in the park, you never notice this fence because you are in the midst of enjoying great things. Often in our faith, we focus on the do’s and don’ts in life or that instead of the theme park we’ve been given freely, the Kingdom Living in the Fruit of the Spirit.Evil will often entice us to the edge of that fence and make us think that we are missing out on something on the other side. There will be times of temptation and long-suffering that can be used to make our boundaries, faith, and grace stronger. But we’ve been assured that when we endure the test we find freedom in the Spirit and we can rest in the promises of the great things in His Kingdom.”
So FREEDOM has been the word I have been and will try to focus on this year. This word brings up all kinds of thoughts but for this month I have been thinking about that theme park and the freedom we have and enjoy when we go to a theme park. What fun and relaxation we can have! It can also be very exhausting and frustrating too – waiting in line, spending hours walking to various parts of the park, plus not always having water or food that is your immediate choice.
If you go beyond this thought process – there is an extreme amount of work that has to be done so each individual can have a safe experience too from maintenance workers, ride attendants, vendor workers, etc. not to mention someone overseeing all of these workers and their tasks that need accomplished. Each one of them needs to fulfill their particular task or there could be an unsafe location in the park! Don’t you think our church is the same way? We have such FREEDOM living as one of God’s children BUT it can be exhausting and frustrating at times too! Sometimes I go right to God with my opinions (yes I have!). We each have a task to do within the church. You have been gifted and have a special one just for you. No one else can fulfill it either! Think you can’t do the task – well, God will equip you! Just ask him!
As many know, last year I was convicted and challenged. I hadn’t been singing as much and was convicted that I wasn’t using this gift that God had given me either. So then I visited with Pastor Kimberly and mentioned I would volunteer to sing in worship once and awhile. Since then I have shared this gift a couple of times – remember I said gift! I don’t have a lot of talent but God has given me a gift of love of music and some singing ability which He asks me to share. I might mention how the word Freedom has played into this as there is such a freeing feeling after I have shared. I feel I have been used for His glory.
Back to the theme park – where are you in that theme park? Are you going for a day of enjoyment or are you a worker within the park? We need a combination of both I think. We must share what God has gifted us with and also enjoy others’ God-given gifts that they are sharing. Take some time to ponder for yourself these questions: Are you sharing what God has gifted you with? Are you enjoying and thanking others for sharing their God-given gifts? If not, ask for God’s guidance and assurance so you can enjoy some FREEDOM this month and beyond as one of God’s children.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic.
Your sister in Christ, Ruth Farmer
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