Freedom is a big part of Who God is – and what He wishes for us. Because we are born into a world at war, this freedom is progressive as we engage the imperfect battles we face with regularity.
Jesus brings us freedom in our relationships. The Father showers us with undeserved grace and mercy. The Holy Spirit discloses God to us, and leads us in our spiritual fight of praying and interceding for those we love – and the chaos around us.
Here is a think-through of what is going on inside of me regarding my faith, my hope, and my love. It centers on four questions.
#1 What is going on in my spiritual and personal life?
√ Am I experiencing clarity in my vision/connection with God?
√ How are success, hopefulness, my relationships with others, and closeness with God unfolding right now?
√ In what ways are fear, shame, anger, confusion, stuckness being overcome in my life?
#2 Do I have dissonance and where does it come from?
√ How are my life wounds teaching me or holding me back?
√ Which entanglements (such as lifestyle and destructive heart attachments) are giving me the most challenges?
√ How are selfishness and bad choices for poor vision and undisciplined living consuming my energy and attention?
√ How is fear of failure and dread impacting me (negative self-talk overshadows God talk)?
#3 Let’s clear out the problems!
√ My strategy for breaking my entanglements…what are these and how are they broken?
√ Renouncing and releasing lies I believe…what are they and what do I do?
√ Forgive the offenses of myself and others…how does Jesus help me with this?
√ Confess and bringing any of my sins to the Light…
#4 How do I take back what has been stolen?
√ Receive the forgiveness of God and others…a praying list?
√ Give forgiveness of instances from my past and current story…a praying list?
√ Invite and embrace God’s presence into my personal weaknesses…what are they?
√ Recover my personal vision for my life as God’s valued and forgiven son or daughter…
√ Who is the object of my care and concern? (oppressed, hurting, hopeless, fearful)
#5 What life changes can be pursued which will set me free?
√ Recount what God has done in my heart and soul (journal/memorials)…
√ How am I/do I fill up healed spaces with God substance (my strategy)?
√ What are my valued prizes and how do I keep my eyes fixed here?
All of this is active and cannot be found by spiritual passivity!
We are remaining active along with you,
Dave and Burnadette
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.” – 1 Peter 5:7-11