In light of the day’s reading, pause to reflect on the specific areas you long to see made new and how Jesus’s ministry calls us to join in that restoration. Let these shape your prayers today.
Like our Day 5 reading on judgment and salvation, the picture of new creation in our own lives includes undoing and restoration. Some things in our thoughts, affections, and actions must be judged and set aside or put to death so we can actively be transformed.
After you’ve read, spend some time in prayer about how you can live in obedience to Christ because of the freedom He provides. Comment/share with the community anything that stood out to you or encouraged you from the reading or your time in prayer.
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70 thoughts on "Release and Freedom"
lord, help me not to be a slave to my sin. I fall short in every aspect God and I am terrified to hurt people I love by being honest about my sin, I want to experience your freedom and I need to trust you.
“.. for once you were in darkness, but now walk in light.”
So amazing of a passage to read today. I loved it. For sin no longer can restrain us in the shadows of darkness for God has shined his light of Grace on us and we are made new and cleansed of our sins.
I can’t use enough words to describe how unbelievable thankful and grateful I am of Jesus Christ sacrifice on the cross for our sins. It’s such an overwhelming love that it is unfathomable to us. This Bible study has had me so excited for the next day readings.
Ephesians 4:29-32 spoke to me tonight. I have been angry and hurt by the way someone treated me, and it was even more upsetting because this person appeared to be a Christian. I had the “opportunity” recently to share my experience with several coworkers, revealing what this person had done, and causing them to judge him based on my experience. But I realize I went too far and spread bitterness and malice, rather than spreading forgiveness and Christ’s love. My reaction and desire for revenge was very human…but God calls us to be higher, to be different from the world, and to put these behaviors away.
The words that hit me the most was stop telling lies. Sometimes I over exaggerate something I’m telling. I don’t even know why I’m doing it honestly, and it just happens so fast. My prayers this morning is that I ask the Holy Spirit to help me not do that. That I need to think about my words and make sure that I am saying the right thing. I think because I can’t remember sometimes, those areas need to be filled with something. The truth is I can say I don’t remember how something happened, or what was said. I have freedom in Christ to do that.
I have found that when I put my focus fully on Christ and learning more about Him and delving even deeper into His Word, the things that are most sinful in my life seem to just naturally take a break. Or in other words, I don’t find the time for the sin, when focusing my full attention on Jesus and Scripture.
That being said, we are still told to “live in the world”, (albeit to “not BE OF the world”) and cannot shirk responsibility and obligations in the day to day. But remembering the quiet time I had in the morning, allows me a better chance at conquering the world (and family life) with a smile and not as much grumbling.
So I must consider myself dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
“Sin has no dolinion over me because of God’s grace.”
Self-Love really came to mind for some reason. But more in an improvement way. I feel like I should walk in love like Christ has taught us to. I feel like loving our neighbors as we want to be loved ourselves, and to treat others even better than we are treated. That yes, we should practice self-love, but that self-love should include loving and treating other people better than you treat yourself. It should include time with our Lord asking for guidance, it should include self-improvement, and it should include leaving people in a better attitude and spaces in better shape than when we entered it if possible. To reflect out what you want to see in you. To surround yourself in the love Jesus taught us to see in God.
For all of our single sisters… I listened to the podcast today. Kanita’s opening really addresses this, and I think it is very encouraging. Check it out sweet sisters!
In my journey towards new creation in Christ, I’ve come to understand the importance of both undoing and restoration. It’s not just about adding new things to my life; it’s also about letting go of old patterns and behaviors that don’t align with God’s will.
I’ve realized that some things in my thoughts, affections, and actions need to be judged and set aside or put to death so that I can actively be transformed. This process starts with repentance—a turning away from sin and a renunciation of anything that separates me from God.
I’m learning to put to death the deeds of the flesh and to crucify my sinful nature with its passions and desires. It’s a deliberate choice to reject sinful patterns and behaviors, allowing them to be crucified with Christ so that they no longer have power over me.
As I actively participate in this process, I invite the Holy Spirit to work within me, bringing about transformation and renewal. I’m cooperating with God as He reshapes my thoughts, affections, and actions according to His truth and righteousness, conforming me more closely to the image of Christ.
Through this journey of undoing and restoration, I’m experiencing God’s redemption and restoration in my life. He’s bringing beauty out of ashes, healing out of brokenness, and wholeness out of fragmentation. I’m becoming more like Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit and grounded in God’s grace and truth.
I feel like the Lord is telling me to let go of the idea that I am in control. This false sense of control is making me feel anxious all the time. I want to live in a place where I know that God is in control, and that he is good. I know this will bring the peace I have been searching for.
I was really struck by the verses in Romans, particularly verses 14-16. “Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its desires. And do not offer any parts of it to sin as weapons of unrighteousness. But as those who are alive from the dead, offer yourselves to God and all the parts of yourself to God as weapons for righteousness. For sin will not rule over you, because you are not under the law but under grace.”
“I have control over what I do with my own body. Christ’s death and the power of God’s spirit gives me that control. Those who are saved can only sin by choosing to do so.” (bibleref.com)
My prayer is, “Lord, today use all of me for righteousness. You have brought me from death into life. I am a new creation. Help me to walk in the power of Your love in all I think, say, and do.
God has been working in my heart, to show me where I sin against others — judging them harshly and not examining my own behavior and comments that create friction. Jesus, show me more of you and let the Holy Spirit soften my proud heart. Of all sin, I find pride to be the most difficult to identify. It has a way of hiding behind other behaviors. Lord open the eyes of my heart to see my own prideful actions.
powerful outlining the principles of unity, growth, and transformation in the Christian life. shifts from the doctrinal truths established to the practical implications of these truths, emphasizing the need for a worthy walk, unity, maturity, and renewed living. We have to take off old self for new self in power of life in Christ. Grace on all believers … no more anger, bitterness, stealing, gossip, malice, falsehood… instead strive to be righteous and holy, good Christian conduct, new guidelines, compassion, forgiving, worthy, walk in unity, maturity and renewed living.
It’s hard in a fallen world to walk a Christian life but it’s worth all the glory in the end. Keep striving for righteousness, love , kindness, compassion one day at a time.
For me it’s hard not to judge especially when it comes to hurting children … it’s something I pray for the Holy Spirit to interpret my thoughts of judgement to letting God Judge not me.
Wonderful comments today. Prayers going up for all the requests. Have a blessed day all. ❤️
I pray that I would walk in obedience and listen and hear the voice of the Spirit. May I become more like Jesus everyday…I want to Know Him and be known by Him…know Him and the power of His resurrection!
LYNNE FROM ALABAMA – I am so sorry for the doctor’s use of a timeline! Also, sorry for the silly smiley face as I had not read that before my post! My brother in law cared for my sister for 5 years. I know you will give your all to care for Jack and I hope you write down the comments/prayers/songs that give you encouragement and keep them handy for when your spirit needs a boost (along with God’s Word, of course!) since we can’t be with you physically. Big hugs and love!!!
And a hug for Jack from me! ❤❤❤
Who do I need to forgive? What instance/thing in my life needs to be put to death ? What does sex mean for me? Am I consistent in my righteousness? What fears are holding me back from handing over to God? All questions I am asking myself. To Him my sins are released
Empty arguments caught my attention this morning. I was reminded of Eve arguing with the serpent in the garden and how we often find ourselves arguing with people who don’t believe as we do. Just something to ponder!
Also, the old vs the new: Vines Expository said this:
“… the creation of the “new man” (4:23, 24). The “new man” is not a renovation of the “old man.” Instead, it is a creation of a new person in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17).
Even so, the new creation of a new nature produces several results. Jesus changes the way we think (Eph. 4:23). To be renewed is to be spiritually transformed (Rom. 12:1, 2; 2 Cor. 4:16; Col. 3:9, 10). Also, the person has a change of actions (Eph. 4:24–32). The new nature seeks to be led by the Spirit rather than grieving the Spirit.”
Also, Mark 2:21-22 says,
“21 No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. Otherwise, the new patch pulls away from the old cloth, and a worse tear is made. 22 And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost as well as the skins. No, new wine is put into fresh wineskins.”
A warning to us not to try to merge the NEW with the OLD!
WALK stood out to me, too, Searching!
Praying for each concern on each heart and for strength to face whatever comes your way. ❤
SEARCHING ❤
LYNNE FROM ALABAMA ❤ ☺
I have to go back and read all comments now, but posting this now since it is my third attempt today! ☺☺☺
Oh how I love to read the comments, and say an amen or prayer after each! This day of the study is SO full of truth and goodness, and you all had such great insight and sharing your struggles, and clarifying different scriptures. I am putting a study together for jail ministry on Wed, started last night (yikes), but I prayed the Lord would download some good “meat” for what the ladies need. I could have used a past lesson plan since our leader is out of town, but I felt the girls needed to learn the “Armor of God” since many only recently turned their life to Jesus! And much of the scripture today coincided with my lesson plan…and then you all have so many good nuggets and practical use…I am overflowing with assurance this is what they need to hear! (And of course share that WE ALL need to work through this!) Putting on our new clothing, and letting it change us! If you could pray that God leads me to be a good steward of His Word. I am not a teacher, But God..I love Jesus and what I have experienced with His love! “let me tell you about my Jesus..!”
Our additional group, to be a baby group of SRT for additional sharing, can be found at facebook dot com slash groups slash srtshes
I wanted to make sure it was only us and no people trying to advertise or join random groups so I made a question to answer the bible study you are in…but then it wanted multiple choice, so I had to think of other trickery, lol questions…that are clever, (laughy face!) It is lovely to put faces on our lovely sisters!!
Words to live by as a Christian. Gwineth may God lead you today & always.
Amen!
Be imitators of God as God’s beloved children. And walk in love as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.
If I would just focus on this, what a difference I could make. This is my prayer today!
This goes along with my comment.
Matthew 7:1-2 Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.
I need to consider the relationship between myself and others. To remove the plank out of my own eye before even considering the speck in someone else’s. To be careful with this. They may not find the same value in life as I. I cannot expect godly behavior from someone that does not know God.
Worry can drive us to use our critical spirit and use it on others. I was worried for years. Worried about my son’s life. How long it was going to be. Worried about finances. This helped me to have insight into my critical thinking.
MICHELLE PARTIRE No offense taken!
@Annie I just typed out She Reads Truth and it popped up on my Facebook.
Wow! Such awesome scriptures this morning!!! SO much in them and SO much depth to them!!! I highlighted almost every verse!! ❤️
Have a BLESSED day dear ladies!!!
…And definitely fill me in on if there’s a FB page or group!! Would LOVE to be a part of that!!
Here are my notes:
Ephesians 4:20-32
*Jesus is Truth. Let us speak TRUTH to each other without being afraid!! Show us how/when to communicate and how to be angry [insert emotion] and NOT sin!! There is a lot of depth to this!! Give us understanding and compassion and help us to NOT give the enemy any room or opportunity, let us NO longer let him steal/destroy!! Let us be HONEST, allowing God to strip us from everything and anything that isn’t of or from Him!! Don’t let anything come out of us that isn’t pointing and encouraging others towards God!! Let us be kind and compassionate just as God is with us!! Let us be transformed and renewed!! Layer by layer (there is so much DEPTH to ALL of this) may we be made new!! New creations for the New Heaven!! Amen. And thank You Father!!
**as a side note: renewing of the mind always makes me think of the Matrix movies!! We need to want to search for the truth, and when we find it or it gets revealed to us.. we need to accept it and be willing to do whatever it takes to be set free and live FULLY in that freedom!!
Ephesians 5:1-21
*Be imitators of God, is what stands out to me here.. paying careful attention to how we are walking, living and thinking… are we constantly & continuously submitting ourselves to Him and His Way? ALL of this brings in a strong accountability and calls me up to a Higher existence with repentance and humility leading the way!!
..I love the encouragement to NOT let ourselves partner with darkness or be deceived by it!! And the reminder that we partner with darkness every time we choose, idolize or submit to anything that isn’t God!! If that’s not re-aligning or convicting I don’t know what is!! I also love the analogy of light and how it exposes things, both good and bad!! God is THE Light!! So let us wake up, arise and walk with Him in His Light!! Let us acknowledge, praise and HONOR Him in ALL things!! Amen.
**another thing that really stood out to me was “understand what the Lord’s will is” (vs 17) …that’s a LOT said right there!! Makes me stop and reflect.. Am I tapped into the Source? Am I understanding and following through with His will and what He is asking of me? LOTS to take in here!! Wash me in these words and revelations Father and help me to live out the depths You are showing me!! Amen.
Romans 6:5-14
*dead to sin.. ALIVE, freed & united with Christ!! May it be so Father!! I give EVERYTHING to You!!! Use it for Your glory!!! Amen.
Romans 6:23
*Yes! Let us remember this always, in everything we do!! Thank You Father, Amen.
Romans 6:12-14 “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, so that your obey its desires. And do not offer any parts of it to sin as weapons for unrighteousness. But as those who are alive from the dead, offer yourselves to God, and all the parts of yourselves to God as weapons for righteousness. For sin will not rule over you, because you are not under the law but under grace.” Thank you Jesus for that sweet grace poured over me each day, so undeserved. Michelle Patrie, thank you for your words this morning and prayer. I added a AMEN, it spoke to me. Lynne from Alabama, dear sister, I hope each day that you can find some light in a beautiful memory that will give you the strength you need to meet Jack’s needs. It is a difficult road. Thinking of the closeness of the Lord and the prayer, “Footprints”.
Fabi, prayers for you also. So much sharing today and I added a lot of Amens! Thank you all.
I was able to find the FB group listed under: SRT SHE”S (note it’s a quote not an apostrophe)
Hi Kari! I still cannot find it. Do you think I would have to be a friend of one of the members before I could see it?
I just went to Groups and searched for srtshes and it came right up
I need to let Christ shine in me. Fill me with Your Light, Lord.
“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine…”
Today I am reminded that even though at salvation I became a new creation in Christ, there is still “work” to do on my part. (Ephesains 4:22-24) I must continue the work God began by putting off my old self (which can be daily corrupted) and be made new in the attitude of my mind and put on the new self…It all starts in the mind – and then it makes it’s way to my heart. The sins of the mind are so easy to get away with because others can’t see them. We can even fool ourselves into thinking we’re “good to go”, but in reality we are not…and God always sees.
I am embarrassed to say out loud, that I struggle with jealousy. I have been saved for so many years & in full time ministry for 30 years and counting. God has grown me in SO many ways, but I can’t seem to put this sin to death! And it’s not jealousy over material things (well, not for the most part anyway) but jealousy over someone getting to spend more time than me, with someone I love or someone who always seems to say just the right thing, or over one who has a more spiritual attitude over something than I do – and the list goes on. I pray & pray that I will overcome this sin, and so I share it so you will pray for me and with me. I’m so sick of being jealous. I want my mind to be renewed, so that my first initial reaction is not a feeling of jealousy – but one of love, understanding and thanksgiving. I am so thankful for this “safe place” here at SRT with my sisters that I feel I can share and not be judged. Will you pray with me, please.
@Lynn from Alabama – you are continuously on my heart & mind. I will be praying for you as you go through this time of transition of preparing to let go of your husband and place him fully into God’s hands. I pray that when the time comes for his home going, that it will be peaceful and that he will not suffer. God bless you as you care for Jack, the love of your life, 24/7. May God give you physical, spiritual and mental strength.
@thebestisyettocome – praying that all will go well tomorrow as you go to court – may God work in the heart of the judge, that he will rule in your favor and also that your trust in your heavenly Father will grow greater and greater.
@Taylor – praise the Lord your mom tested negative! Continued prayers for your dad and for your cousin Logan. Praying that his platelets will come up and that he can go home soon.
@Gwenith52 – praying for you in your struggle and that your belief and faith will grow and grow.
Thank you sisters for being here! Hope to “meet” lots of you on the new FaceBook page started by @Rhonda J. – thanks again! Have a blessed day, as Tina says – wrapped in love!
Praying for you Sharon. I think we all have that one vice that we feel we can’t overcome. God is definitely not finished with us yet.
Can someone explain how to find the FB group again? I tried searching SRT She’s and am not finding it…I hardly ever get on FB anymore but would love to connect more with you all.
Lord God,
Please be near to each woman on here who asked for prayer and is in need. Help us all to look for you in our circumstances and trust You when we are struggling to see You. Help us to walk in the ways of Your Word, not in our own understanding. Heal those who are hurting, be near to the broken, and cover those who are struggling to be still and know You alone are God. Lord, thank you for your grace and peace. You promise to give us peace when we make our requests known to you (Philippians 4:6-7). Lord, forgive us for our iniquity and help us to walk according to Your ways. Guide us and shield us from the lies of the enemy. May our faith be a shield that extinguishes the fiery darts of the evil one. Give us tender hearts toward those who harm us or do wrong. Help us in our unbelief. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.
Thinking of Gwineth52, Taylor, Lynne from Alabama, and everyone else who shared this morning…
❤️
@Traci G, your sharing today remind me of my friend Brenna. I love her dearly and sometimes she can be kind and loving. But she often says things that are blunt and hard to bear, without consideration of the impact of her words. Sometimes, she lacks a filter. I have seen the Lord slowly teach her to be more gentle, the past three years, I think I am a part of that because I tend to overthink about the feelings of others (even as I type this, I pray this isn’t offensive to you or anyone). Still more work to be done on her, despite the small changes I’ve seen God make. Still more healing needed for her heart. Take heart, God is the sanctifier and He will do His will at His pace, as you are willing and able to receive it. We are all being sanctified. Your strength may be my struggle, and vice versa. God sees and knows what is best. It is a blessing to be made aware of it – and as you did, invite God into it, this morning. You are a blessing to us, Traci G. ❤️
@Rhonda J- beautiful to see God’s hand in your life, blessing your ministries! ❤️
God bless everyone of you ladies. The Lord show us His great love and mercy, so that we can share it with others. ❤️
The title for today “Release and Freedom” has been a theme of how I talk about how I want to be rid of anxiety. I have struggled with anxiety for years and know that God is actively working. I have prayed for the release from anxiety so I can walk in the freedom Jesus has purchased for me. I have seen A LOT of progress and know God is still actively working in me (and through me).
Thank You Jesus! Thank You for seeing me and thank You for already working to make me new, even here on earth.
Verses that stood out to me today:
Ephesians 4:28 Let the thief no longer steal. Instead, he is to do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need.
This verse sticks out to me because it says to do honest work so that you have something to share with others in need. To me the Lord is speaking here saying that you/we/I will be taken care of when we do honest work – it is not even mentioned because it is already understood that He will always take care of us. Instead, it mentions that we will have something to share with others in need. How beautiful.
Others that stood out to me:
Ephesians 4:29 No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.
I need to work on how I speak to others and myself. Words have so much power and I am letting unkindness come from me. Praying for strength to control my tongue and thoughts.
Romans 6:13 And do not offer any parts of it [your body]to sin as weapons for unrighteousness. But as those who are alive from the dead, offer yourselves to God, and all the parts of yourselves to God as weapons for righteousness.
Your/my body as a “weapon” for righteousness is interesting imagery. It makes me think of using my body and life as a part of God’s army in the fight against the devil. The Lord has secured our victory over sin, death, shame, evil – we/I only need to participate by following His will and releasing the power sin tries to take in my life.
Thank You Jesus for Your word and for today. Bless all my fellow She’s. You hear each of their prayers and I ask that You answer in accordance with Your will and that You remain close to each of us throughout our day.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
❤
@LAURA DIANNE Thank you for sharing the healing the Lord did in your heart and marriage!
The Lord is really trying to tell me something between the podcast I listen to, my devotionals, and just life in general. A family member was trying to get my goat last night by trying to discount my faith, and saying that the whole point of Christianity wasn’t true. I don’t know if he really believes it or was just trying to get me mad (I’m thinking the latter, but who knows). I had to leave the room, because I was afraid I would say something I would regret. I told a good Christian friend who told me to pray for him, and God would take care of it. So I give it to God, because I know my flesh is very angry.
Good Morning Shes.
Wide awake wrestling with family issue that has me deciding & un-deciding these past several hours. Reading & re-reading Romans, Chapter 5, verses 8-10:
“For once you were full of darkness,
but now you have light from the Lord.
So live as people of Light!
For this light within you produces
only what is good & right & true.
Carefully determine what pleases the Lord”.
Sitting here pleading with God, petitioning God, praying to God that as the sun rises where I live, a certain peace will prevail.
Asking Him to end the back & forth tension of my own creation. Seeking the “release & freedom” only He can provide.
Lord Father, please renew my attitude & direct my actions in the hours & days ahead. Help me cast off fear. Help me cleave to Your word. Help me receive Grace & give Grace. Help me, as in Romans 12.2, be transformed by the renewing of my mind. Finding Your perfect will for my life.
My sisters in Christ, please pray with me. Hear my belief & unbelief & support me as I struggle. Remind me there is freedom in the release.
Thanks be to God
Ephesians 5:1-2 Therefore, be imitators of God as dearly loved children, 2 and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. Vs. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 for the fruit of the light consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth.
It’s kind of a joke, but my husband will say “that’s my wife”. It’s because I just tell it like it is. That can be bad and it can be good. I don’t have a tendency to tell someone what they want to hear because what good does that do them. But then again, it comes across harsh. I’m careful how I say things, but I’m sure people don’t like it. I sometimes wish I could be more like the wonderful full of love kind of girl. The one you see at church that is always positive and upbeat. That seems to float on air. Maybe it’s because I was given a terribly hard diagnosis for my son when I was only 27. Then I divorced. My life wasn’t easy. I didn’t have time to float…but now I do and I can’t seem to figure out how.
God please please change me to be more like the floaty women. The kindhearted ones. Guard my mouth. Let me speak in love. It seems like the biggest feat to accomplish with this tattered broken heart, but I know only you can change me.
When it’s hard to forgive, I can’t help but be reminded of my own sweet forgiveness and redemption made possible by the blood of Jesus! Oh what a Savior!
I never knew I had a forgiveness problem until I had to forgive someone for something really big. When my husband confessed his affair to me, I was cut so deeply to the core of my soul, I just couldn’t believe he could do such a thing to me. I started by thinking of all the ways I had been so faithful to him, putting up with his crazy work and travel schedule and taking care of all the house stuff, the kids, all by myself AND working a full-time teaching job. I was so mad at him. If I’m honest, I hated him. And I daresay, I thought I was so underserving of this treatment that it made my anger even worse towards him. It was a process. But God…wow…it took a long time for Him to get through to me how unworthy I was of HIS forgiveness, yet He gave it to me freely. In order for me to fully forgive my husband, God had to bring me to my knees and humble me and gently reveal to me my own shortcomings, my own sin, my own faults. Not necessarily as they related to my marriage (although they were there) but just the sins that lingered in my heart, that I didn’t want to let go of because I loved them. It made me think of the Lord of the Rings where Gollum has the ring and calls it his “precious.” My sins were “my precious.” I secretly loved them and didn’t see anything wrong with them. As God revealed them to me, and showed me that He forgave ME and HE certainly didn’t deserve the treatment I was giving Him (just like I thought I didn’t deserve the treatment from my husband), healing of my heart happened and eventually forgiveness came. It was a long process (my heart was proud and it took time for God to get through to me). But what a “precious” lesson I learned and one that has helped me to grow in my maturity as a Christ-follower and as a human being on this Earth in the “not yet” time that we live in.
❤️
I pray I can walk in the way of love today (Eph 5:2). So thankful that we live under grace and not under the law. The entire chapter of Romans 6 is just great.
Thankfully my mom tested negative for COVID today and is returning to work! My dad is still positive. My cousin’s platelets are coming up but he is still in the hospital for the foreseeable future.
Praying everyone has a good start to their week <3
Everyday is a gift from God.
The days lining up with the month are almost over, and they won’t stop lining up with the year until this book ends. -My notes for today
I love that we can rely on the Lord to renew our minds and make us more like him. Lord, I surrender to your work in my life today. Please pour your spirit into my very being. I love you, Lord!
Would appreciate prayers for tomorrow. I am a foster mom and we have court. Prayers for the protection of the little people I have in my care. And also for approval on my request to travel. But most of all that I would just trust the Lord and rest in him. I know God is in control, and I want to trust him more!
Praying right now THEBESTISYETTOCOME.
Good morning, sweet SRT sisters! I am up very early today (much earlier than I wish to be). My mind is so full of details that I need to take care of as we move toward Jack going home to be with Jesus. Only God knows when that will be but the doctor feels like it will be in the next six months or so. I wasn’t prepared to hear that. I pray that I can be the best caregiver ever for this man who has been the love of my life for the past 24 years.
I’m sorry that I haven’t contributed to this study. I’m usually a pretty deep thinker (lol) but my mind is otherwise occupied right now. I do have some thoughts on forgiveness however. If our precious Lord can forgive us as vile as we are, how dare us not forgive others. Bitterness only hurts us and never the person that we refuse to forgive. I pray that we can all let go of the hurts that others have caused us and give it to the Lord.
I am praying for all of your needs every day.
Thank you CEE GEE for mentioning Every Praise yesterday! I love that song and singing it at this early hour brought a smile to my face and joy to my heart! ❤️
Praying for you and your family LYNNE. May
Jack’s last days be without suffering. But again, doctors are often wrong on timelines.
Peace and strength to you.
Lord, renew my mind. Purify my heart and my tongue. Let me only speak grace.
You know, when my partner of 17 years left me for another, a year after our daughter died I was angry inside, but never showed it to the children. At night I would struggle to fall asleep because of the thoughts that would go through my mind! Thoughts of wanting to disgrace the woman who had led him astray. I once thought of going to the town where she lived and putting up posters with pictures of her with the caption ‘Home wrecker’ under her name..
The things we think of when hurt and broken..
BUT GOD..
Over time, removed my anger through His love, removed my thoughts of doing the woman harm, through character assassination, and robbing her of life to the full, however that looks like. It was not my place to use harmful words to make another feel as I did, whether caused by her or not…
I learnt through God’s love and holding of me and my heart, that I was the one in need of saving from myself and not necessarily the woman, I believed was causing me pain, to be honest, I also learnt that she was living her life whilst I put myself in the prison of self pity and bitterness inside..
BUT GOD..
His free gift of eternal life in union with Christ Jesus, truly saved me.. gave me Hope for a future, not devoid of the pain or hurt of the past, but a new me, prepared to see His goodness in my brokeness, my hurt, my lack..
He was my waymaker in the darkness that covered my heart. He released me from my self imposed bondage, and gave me a freedom that filled me with Thanksgiving and Hope.
In the name of Jesus, may I always give thanks for everything to God the Father..
AMEN..
Blessings dear hearts. sending love and hugs as always, covered in prayers.. requested or otherwise. ❤️
❤️
Wow! @Tina – the prison of self pity and bitterness – powerful words.
All of the Scriptures spoke to me today and I am reminded to put aside my old self as I was made new in Christ. One of the changes I’m working on right now is physically walking more, and today’s Scriptures highlighted for me the need to walk more spiritually as well – Walk in love as Christ has also loved us; walk as children of light; walk carefully, not as fools but wise. And paying attention to my attitude – Eph 4:32 be kind, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. A work in progress …
KELLY (NEO) ❤️ “walk in step with Jesus”
ARLENE – praise that your anxiety is less
RHONDA J – praise for decisions for salvation and baptism. Praying for Tracy, and her friends and family.
MUNCHKIN- good to see you, praying for best solution to church/work situation
CEE GEE ❤️ loved your prayers this weekend! Thank you
ADRIENNE – praying for relief of insomnia, ability to forgive.
GAYLE CRAIK – praying
MARTHA HIX ❤️
LYNNE FROM AL, LINDA IN NC, NANCY S, GRAMSIESUE – praying for each of you as you care for your husbands this week.
I am praying for a renewed mind and spirit. For old desires and habits to be taken away. To put right things and thoughts first.
Agree with KELLY (NEO). The daily battle between the sanctification by Christ and the still present sinful desires is a real struggle. Even reading the list of sins to avoid, I start pointing the finger and thinking of others who need to read the list, then realize it’s for me too. My pride, my anger (usually over thinking I’m right…pride again), my misplaced time, money, and thoughts (idolatry). They are daily struggles. My church just finished a 3 week fast (any type of fast you wanted to choose, selecting specific foods or social media, or some like the Daniel fast). As I come out of this time of intentional reliance on God and pushing my fleshy desires down, I don’t want to fall back into old patterns and habits. Holy Spirit, guide and nudge me every moment of the day! Convict my heart when I start to stray.
❤️
I’m seeing this morning that judging someone who comes across as legalistic is no better than how judgmental they seem. Yes @kelly (neo) already/not yet is a regular battle.
Ephesians 4:23! “Taught to be made new in the attitude of my mind”. I was taught to be made new in the attitude of my mind. God, I give my brilliant, messy, complicated mind to you. Find the thoughts & lies that don’t suit you and replace them with your truth! So much so that my perspectives shifts, my eyes are open to your leading and guidance, and that I will walk in purpose and step with your spirit. Hearts soft to obey every word. Amen.
loved this translation and your praywr…what translation has that version of 4:23 in it?
I need to clean up the cursing that is left and watch my judging words.
Oh yes, Aimee. I feel the same.
Ugh, the tension of the “already/not yet” for this journey. I live in obedience to Christ because of I am no longer a slave to the sin nature. The freedom Jesus provides is already done. Yet the “flesh” often seems to win the day. Sigh.
Hope you all walk in step with Jesus today.
When we receive Christ as our Lord we die to sin. Our “new self” should eagerly turn away from all fleshly desires. I am thankful perfection is not required. I am grateful for grace.
Can you say, “insomnia”?!?!?! Ugh!!!
Ephesians 4:24… I love that I can put on His righteousness because I was created according to His likeness. Sweet!
I needed the reminder to be kind and compassionate and forgiving. My youngest son hurt my feelings yesterday. (I think tone of text messages can be just dumb.) I know he didn’t mean to sound the way he did. The forgiveness piece is punching me in the face right now..
Ugh I am working on it.