Pastor Jon, I've recently wondered how and why, folks who are called to lead people out of bondage and live, move and thrive in freedom, turn right around and place those same people right back into bondage? I personally believe, it's an issue on both sides. The persons who are assisting in ones breaking free and walking in freedom have pride issues perhaps; are on a "Power trip"? And the ones breaking free, don't seek the only one who can indeed set them free. That would be Jesus Christ alone. Jesus wants all eyes only on Him; no human, only Him. That's where the freedom is. That was a great lesson for me. I'm so thankful He gave me discernment. God Bless you pastor.
In my spiritual journey I begin in a walled castle. Armor of any type wasn’t sufficient protection for my insecurities. I’d say chain mail is a positive progression towards maturity into our goal of total security in Christ.
This is my favorite biblical example of allowing Jesus to be my defender and protector. It works beautifully as long as I remember that I’m an ambassador for him in all I endeavor allowing Him to be my defender. The men were king David’s representatives. That’s all that I ever want to be to Jesus.
“So Hanun seized David’s envoys, shaved off half of each man’s beard, cut off their garments at the buttocks, and sent them away. When David was told about this, he sent messengers to meet the men, for they were greatly humiliated. The king said, “Stay at Jericho till your beards have grown, and then come back.””
2 Samuel 10:4-5 NIV
No matter how badly I’m attacked or humiliated, as a representative of Jesus, I can trust he’s always my defender-
my vindicator. I still experience the humiliation and pain of the rejection, but I can default back into the rest and care of Jesus’ covenant love and protection.
Great read Pastor Jon. I've asked my self this question recently. I drew another boundary. Punches, accusations are like water on a ducks back, they just roll off. Then, I leave the rest to the Lord. “The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent.” Exodus 14: 14. I remember always the instruction He gave me, "Love the Lord your God, with all your heart, soul, and might. Love your neighbor as yourself. Do good to those who would do you harm. Love your enemies". This is impossible to do unless I spend so much time with HIM and in HIM ,that I begin to love like He does; Love who He loves; Forgive like He does; Walk where He does; Speak like He does. Think like He does.
Pastor Jon, I've recently wondered how and why, folks who are called to lead people out of bondage and live, move and thrive in freedom, turn right around and place those same people right back into bondage? I personally believe, it's an issue on both sides. The persons who are assisting in ones breaking free and walking in freedom have pride issues perhaps; are on a "Power trip"? And the ones breaking free, don't seek the only one who can indeed set them free. That would be Jesus Christ alone. Jesus wants all eyes only on Him; no human, only Him. That's where the freedom is. That was a great lesson for me. I'm so thankful He gave me discernment. God Bless you pastor.
In my spiritual journey I begin in a walled castle. Armor of any type wasn’t sufficient protection for my insecurities. I’d say chain mail is a positive progression towards maturity into our goal of total security in Christ.
This is my favorite biblical example of allowing Jesus to be my defender and protector. It works beautifully as long as I remember that I’m an ambassador for him in all I endeavor allowing Him to be my defender. The men were king David’s representatives. That’s all that I ever want to be to Jesus.
“So Hanun seized David’s envoys, shaved off half of each man’s beard, cut off their garments at the buttocks, and sent them away. When David was told about this, he sent messengers to meet the men, for they were greatly humiliated. The king said, “Stay at Jericho till your beards have grown, and then come back.””
2 Samuel 10:4-5 NIV
No matter how badly I’m attacked or humiliated, as a representative of Jesus, I can trust he’s always my defender-
my vindicator. I still experience the humiliation and pain of the rejection, but I can default back into the rest and care of Jesus’ covenant love and protection.
Beautiful David!
Great read Pastor Jon. I've asked my self this question recently. I drew another boundary. Punches, accusations are like water on a ducks back, they just roll off. Then, I leave the rest to the Lord. “The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent.” Exodus 14: 14. I remember always the instruction He gave me, "Love the Lord your God, with all your heart, soul, and might. Love your neighbor as yourself. Do good to those who would do you harm. Love your enemies". This is impossible to do unless I spend so much time with HIM and in HIM ,that I begin to love like He does; Love who He loves; Forgive like He does; Walk where He does; Speak like He does. Think like He does.
Amen Julie!!!