Do Those Things That Lead to Holiness

If you are a regular follower of this blog, then you will notice a bit of a change for the next 8 weeks. I am serving as a table leader for an 8 week Freedom Workshop. If you'd like to follow along, you can find the resources at the link directly above. Also, I will post here, the daily Bible reading assignment (heartwork) so you can read along. This workshop has been a life changer for me so I'm eager to share it with others. May you be blessed!

BIBLE READING HEARTWORK
Week 1 - Day 3
Romans 6; Psalm 58

Romans 6:20-22

When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right. And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves to God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life.

Lord, for years I didn't understand this freedom I have in you. I didn't really know how to avoid doing what my sinful nature urged me to do. Sure I avoided doing really bad things, or what we humans consider to be really bad. But I didn't truly understand how to walk in step with the Holy Spirit. Now you are teaching me how to do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life.

Like yesterday, I was hearing two voices. One was telling me to put off doing my homeschool lesson planning and do it later this weekend. The other voice was telling me, "Don't put it off; do it now. Don't rest until you do." Proverbs 6:4 Because I was fighting a bit of a headache, I was tempted to believe that the first voice was yours. So I prayed and asked you to show me which voice I should listen to.

Then you reminded me of what the consequences of putting off my lesson planning would be. I'd most likely end up not doing it and then Tuesday I'd be unprepared for school and feeling ashamed for not doing the planning when I needed to.

Suddenly, it became crystal clear to me that the first voice couldn't possibly be yours. It was trying to fascinate me so that it could then assassinate me. I praise you, Lord, for helping me to recognize and expose that other voice. Please continue to help me learn and grow in this.

I know you allowed me to hear that other voice so that I would turn to you, and also to train me. Thank you for helping me to get my lesson planning done. Now I can enjoy the rest of my weekend without that hanging over my head.

You also helped me to ignore the voice of my sinful nature which didn't want to make dinner or do the dishes last night. But the Holy Spirit was prompting me so I did those things. My husband noticed, because usually he or one of the kids makes dinner and the kids always do dishes because it is one of their chores. I was able to tell MyHero that this is what happens when I stop listening to those other voices and listen to yours instead.

My heart is full of praise for you, Lord God!! Please continue to help me do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. I love you, Lord! In Jesus' name, amen.

FREEDOM WORKSHOP VERSES

Psalm 77:1

I cry out to God without holding back.

Psalm 77:1

Psalm 27:8

My heart has heard you say, "Come and talk with me," and my heart responds, "Lord, I am coming."

Psalm 27:8

MEMORY VERSES

Must Receive Christ

John 1:12

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

John 1:12

Must Receive Christ

Must Receive Christ

1 Timothy 2:5

If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

1 Timothy 2:5

Must Receive Christ

Faith Like Abraham

If you are a regular follower of this blog, then you will notice a bit of a change for the next 8 weeks. I am serving as a table leader for an 8 week Freedom Workshop. If you'd like to follow along, you can find the resources at the link directly above. Also, I will post here, the daily Bible reading assignment (heartwork) so you can read along. This workshop has been a life changer for me so I'm eager to share it with others. May you be blessed!

Bible Reading Heartwork
Week 1 - Day 1
Romans 4; Psalm 140

Romans 4:16

So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham's.

Oh Lord, you are so awesome and mighty. Your wisdom is incomparably high above anything we can comprehend! You not only made a way for this sinful person to be able to have fellowship with you, a holy God, but you also paralyzed my sinful nature from the neck down. It no longer has any power over me! It can scream and threaten and accuse but I have no obligation whatsoever to do what it urges me to do. Romans 8:12

Lord, would you help me to have faith like Abraham's? I confess that there are times when my faith falters. I want to have the kind of faith that KNOWS that you bring the dead back to life and create new things out of nothing. Romans 4:17 Lord, teach me to trust you completely and without reserve; to have faith like a small child.

Lord, I want to thank you for providing this portable AC unit until we can get our AC fixed. What a huge blessing this is!

And thank you for allowing me to have a small part in leading K to Jesus last night! I pray that you will strengthen her faith. Give her a firm foundation and deep roots in you. Help her to understand your word as she reads it and help her to have a passion to read your word every morning. In Jesus' name, amen.

FREEDOM WORKSHOP VERSES

Psalm 77:1

I cry out to God without holding back.

Psalm 77:1

Psalm 27:8

My heart has heard you say, "Come and talk with me," and my heart responds, "Lord, I am coming."

Psalm 27:8

MEMORY VERSES

Must Receive Christ

John 1:12

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

John 1:12

Must Receive Christ

Must Receive Christ

1 Timothy 2:5

If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

1 Timothy 2:5

Must Receive Christ

Living in the Spirit

Romans 7:5-6

When we were controlled by our old nature, sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil desires that produced a harvest of sinful deeds, resulting in death. But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit.

Lord, for years, I was mystified about just what it meant to live in the Spirit. I think I am finally understanding what it means. It's all about turning away from the voice of my sinful nature, and instead listening to the Holy Spirit. I can't turn from the voice of my sinful nature without the help of the Holy Spirit.

There is so much freedom with no condemnation in living this way. Even when I fail and end up sinning, there is no condemnation. There is only that feeling of sorrow which compels me to confess my sin and seek forgiveness. And forgiveness is always there waiting for me.

MEMORY VERSES

2 Chronicles 16:9a

The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.

2 Chronicles 16:9a

Philippians 4:6-7

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

I've Been Set Free From the Power of Sin

John 8:34-36

Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free."

Romans 8:15

So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, "Abba, Father."

Romans 6:16

Don't you realize that whatever you choose to obey becomes your master? You can choose sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God and receive his approval.

Jesus, I praise you for setting me free from the power of sin and adopting me! I now have your Spirit in me to help me choose to obey God and not my sinful nature.

I have therefore no obligation whatsoever to do what my sinful nature urges me to do. For if I keep on following it, I will perish. But if through the power of the Holy Spirit, I turn from it and its evil deeds, I will live. For since I am led by the Spirit of God, I am a child of God.

Romans 8:12-14

MEMORY VERSES

James 1:14-15

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. Those desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

James 1:14-15

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

I Can't Throw the Stone

John 8:7

They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, "All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!"

Lord, help me to not be quick to condemn others for their sin. I am just as sinful as anyone. It's only your grace, mercy and continual forgiveness that saves me.

Romans 8:12-14

So, dear brothers and sisters you have no obligation whatsoever to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you keep on following it, you will perish. But if through the power of the Holy Spirit, you turn from it and it's evil deeds, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

As I'm learning to walk in victory and having some success in not doing what my sinful nature urges me to do, don't let me look down on others who are still struggling to learn this.

I can't help thinking of the parable of the proud Pharisee and the repentant tax collector from Luke 18:9-14

Luke 18:14

"I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

Lord, I praise you for pointing this out to me before it becomes a huge issue in my walk. I have looked at others, who I know have heard the Freedom Workshop message, and wondered, "Why aren't they getting this?" Lord, please forgive me for my self-righteous attitude. Next time I'm tempted to do this please remind me of what you just taught me.

Other believers are in process, just like I am. Of course, if I see a brother or sister engaging in blatant, habitual sin, then I need to lovingly and with YOUR words, rebuke them. But not when they are simply stumbling along as they strive to obey you.

I can, however, remind them to run to you. And I can share the truths from Romans 8:12-14 with brothers and sisters in Christ who may not have learned them yet.

I praise you, Jesus, for the changes you are working in me. I want to decrease so you can increase. I want to be more and more like you, who did not condemn the woman, but told her, "Go and sin no more." In Jesus' name, amen.

MEMORY VERSES

James 1:14-15

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. Those desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

James 1:14-15

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

God's Gift

Jeremiah 17:5

This is what the LORD says: "Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts from the LORD."

Hosea 6:6

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

Matthew 19:16

Someone came to Jesus with this question: "Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?"

Jesus, there is absolutely nothing I can do to get to heaven. You were trying to help this man see that he needed a radical life adjustment. He needed to be reborn into a life of service to you. That is the only way any of us can have eternal life.

Matthew 19:21

Jesus told him, "If you want to be perfect, go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.

Ephesians 2:8-10

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

My Shepherd

Genesis 4:17

If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.

Genesis 4:17

Psalm 51:6 (NASB)

Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, and in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom. 

Psalm 51:6 (NASB)

Romans 1:16

I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes - the Jew first and also the Gentile.

Romans 1:16

Psalm 119:129-133

Your laws are wonderful.

No wonder I obey them!

The teaching of your word gives light,

so even the simple can understand.

I pant with expectation,

longing for your commands.

Come and show me your mercy,

as you do for all who love your name.

Guide my steps by your word,

so I will not be overcome by evil.

Genesis 46:33-34

Then he said, "When Pharaoh calls for you and asks you about your occupation, you must tell him, 'We, your servants, have raised livestock all our lives, as our ancestors have always done.' When you tell him this, he will let you live here in the region of Goshen, for the Egyptians despise shepherds."

I know that Egypt is a type of the world. This world despises the Good Shepherd. They don't want anyone telling them how to live their lives. As a result, they end up wandering and lost. They end up getting themselves caught in thickets of their own making. 

It makes me sad that they don't know what they are missing out on. They think that Your laws will be a burden and a drudge to obey. But they are wonderful and I gladly obey them. The teaching of Your Word gives light to my mind so that even in my simpleness and humanness I can understand. I long to know and obey your commands, because in that I find Your mercy. You do this for all who love Your name. You guide my steps by Your Word and prevent me from being overcome by evil.

I Praise You my Shepherd!! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

You Train My Hands for War!

Song of Solomon 2:15

Quick! Catch all the little foxes before they ruin the vineyard of your love, for the grave vines are all in blossom.

Song of Solomon 2:15

1 Peter 2:21-23

This suffering is all part of what God has called you to. Christ, who suffered for you, is your example. Follow in his steps. He never sinned, and He never deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when He was insulted. When He suffered, He did not threaten to get even. He left His case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.

1 Peter 2:21-23

Micah 6:8

No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8

Psalm 144

Vs. 1-2

Praise the LORD, who is my rock.

He trains my hands for war

and gives my fingers skill for battle.

He is my loving ally and my fortress,

my tower of safety, my rescuer.

He is my shield, and I take refuge in him.

He makes the nations submit to me.

LORD, I praise you for you are training me for war! You are teaching me to journal, even though I struggle with doing it as consistently as I should. You are teaching me to cry out to you without holding back. You are teaching me to filter out the other voices, my enemies, and to run to you when I hear them. Lord, you don't just want to protect me, but you want to teach me to live in victory!

V. 11

Save me!

Rescue me from the power of my enemies.

Their mouths are full of lies;

they swear to tell the truth, but they lie instead.

Lord, my enemies, my sinful nature and those other voices, are constantly lying to me. They say things to me that breed defeat, depression and death. Lord, I only want to listen to your voice because you only speak life and peace to me.

V. 15

Yes, joyful are those who live like this!

Joyful indeed are those whose God is the LORD.

AMEN!

Come and Talk With Me

This week's memory verses:
Psalm 27:8
My heart has heard You say, "Come and talk with Me," and my heart responds, "Lord, I am coming."
Psalm 27:8

Psalm 77:1
I cry out to God without holding back.
Psalm 77:1

The one thing I ask of the LORD -- the thing I seek most -- is to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, delighting in the LORD's perfections and meditating in his Temple.
Psalm 27:4

Lord, I want to live in your house (your presence) all the days of my life. I want to delight in your perfections and meditate in your Temple. Lord, I am your Temple. I can delight in your perfections and meditate in your Temple by memorizing your Word and thinking about it.

Lord, I also want to learn how to do temple maintenance rather than baggage maintenance. Help me learn to come to you and tell you everything I am feeling instead of holding it in and stuffing it down. Or even worse, running to tell a friend or posting it on Facebook.

Lord, you want me to share ALL my feelings with you, the good, the bad and the ugly, just as I would with a trusted friend. Indeed, YOU are my most trusted friend!! You will never leave me or share any of my secrets. You can't be infected by my ugly attitudes and thoughts about other people the way a human can. You want to help me get all that disgusting nastiness out so that I can be free. I praise you for that!

My heart has heard you say, "Come and talk with me." My heart responds, "Lord, I am coming."
Psalm 27:8

Triumph Over Sin

This week's memory verses:
Psalm 27:8
My heart has heard You say, "Come and talk with Me," and my heart responds, "Lord, I am coming."
Psalm 27:8

Psalm 77:1
I cry out to God without holding back.
Psalm 77:1

Romans 5

For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:17

I am SO thankful for this astonishing gift from God!! I can live in triumph over sin! I don't have to live in Romans 7:18-24 anymore! I can do more than just survive; I can THRIVE!

So how am I able to do this? By realizing that all my sin begins in my mind. When I start to recognize the voices that are clamoring for my attention, then I can learn to stop listening to the wrong voices and tune in to Jesus' voice instead. Those other voices are usually my sinful nature or messengers from the enemy. All they bring is death. Jesus' voice ALWAYS brings life and peace.

So dear brothers and sisters you have no obligation whatsoever to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you keep on following it, you will perish. But if through the power of the Holy Spirit, you turn from it and it's evil deeds, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.
Romans 8:12-14