Leaps and Bounds

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh.
Romans 8:1-3 

Reflect:  When I think of shows like Man vs. Wild and Survivor, shows my husband seems to enjoy, I think, "Why?  What's the point of putting yourself into hostile environments just to prove you can survive?"  But I've been thinking about this weekend's message, and how often we come to crossroads in life where we must change our course of action in order to survive, rather than staying stuck in cycles of destructive behavior.

Picture a wild goat.  He is aware of his surroundings, able to leap and bound over rocky terrain, find food and water sources, and defend himself against hostile animals.  By contrast, his domesticated counterpart sleeps in a barn, chews the grass at his feet, drinks water provided for him, and lacks the vigorous survival skills of his wild cousin.

When we choose to stay stuck in cycles of negative behavior, it's like we've become domesticated.  We're passively repeating old habits of sinful behavior rather than choosing to break free.  It's up to us to change our course.  We can do so with help from others who can show us the way, and help from the Holy Spirit within us.  We can be bound by our bad habits, or leap over them and be free through Jesus.

React:  Have you been living the "easier" way that lacks spiritual health and vitality?  Refuse to repeat bad habits and choose positive change.

Pray:  Lord Jesus, you have given your life so we can be set free from our sins.  Help me to let go of bad habits that entrap me and to follow you into freedom.
 
From a Team of Volunteers from Eastlake Church

In Christ Alone

The Savior is Waiting...

The Savior is waiting to enter your heart
Why don't you let Him come in?
There's nothing in this world to keep you apart
What is your answer to Him?

Chorus:
Time after time
He has waited before
And now He is waiting again
To see if you are willing
To open the door
Oh, how He wants to come in.

If you'll take one step
Toward the Savior, my friend,
You'll find His arms open wide.
Receive Him, and all of your darkness will end
Within your heart He'll abide.

Chorus:
Time after time
He has waited before
And now He is waiting again
To see if you are willing
To open the door
Oh, how He wants to come in.

When You Make a Mistake

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”
1 John 1:9

When we make mistakes in life, there are three main things that we need to do. Number one, ask for forgiveness. Number two, receive God’s mercy. And number three, move forward with your life. Let it go and press ahead. So many people today are still beating themselves down over something they did five years ago. They’ve asked God to forgive them a thousand times, but can’t let it go. They go around living depressed, defeated and feeling unworthy. If that’s you, realize today the price has already been paid. The first time you asked God to forgive you, He forgave you. Now you’ve got to receive God’s mercy and press ahead. That mistake did not change who you are to God. My children have never once gotten up in the morning as an Osteen and then done something wrong and gone to bed that night with a different last name. No matter what they did, they’re still my children. You may have made mistakes today, but because of the blood of Jesus, you are still your Father’s child. You are still the apple of God’s eye. You are still His most prized possession. God may not be pleased with every action, but He is pleased when you receive His forgiveness by faith! 

Father, thank You for the blood of Jesus which cleanses me from all unrighteousness. Thank You for forgiving me and restoring me. I choose to forget the past and move forward into all that You have prepared for me in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

From Today's Word Joel and Victoria