Monthly Archives: February 2019

“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:1‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Freedom for:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:22‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.” Ps. 17:15

“”Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭1:18‬ ‭ESV‬‬

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In an encouraging chapter, Paul reminds us to please God.

To often, we make it our aim to please this person or that, or even those people.

We want to have a positive influence on them. We sometimes even that’s our job. Sometimes we think that’s our calling.

Then, when they, or the circumstances around them don’t go as we thought, we’re troubled, or worse, disappointment, in ourselves.

This happens when we have, to differing degrees, allowed our identity to be based on what we do (and who we please). Most of us are guilty of this to one degree or another. Some of us just need to recognize the impact of this underlying thinking on ourselves and our well being.

Who you are IS NOT what you do.

Pleasing people is like a drug. When we experience it, we get a little high. Then more. Then, suddenly, when our efforts don’t produce the desired effect. We become disappointed, and worse, depressed and confused, we question our very purpose.

So, here it is again:

Seek to please God, wherever and whatever circumstances you’re in. If people are pleased, that’s wonderful. If not, so what?

Lasting peace comes from a well cultivated relationship with our loving Heavenly Father.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.””

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭31:6‬ ‭ESV‬‬