Rules

August 6th – Colossians 2:16

Colossians 2:16

Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.”

As Christian’s growing in the Lord, each of us are different places in our spiritual walk. That’s why Paul urges us not to let others judge us based based on religious observances, festivals, or dietary rules. Because these are external practices that don’t define our spiritual worth or connection with God. While rituals and rules can provide structure and guidance in our faith journey, they aren’t to become the source of our identity or salvation. Instead, our focus should be on a personal relationship with Jesus. Because it’s through Christ, that we find true freedom and fulfillment, transcending the limitations of any man made rituals and rules. Embracing His teachings and embodying His love in our actions is what truly matters in our faith. For it leads us to a deeper understanding of God’s purpose for our lives. While others may judge us, God both looks at and knows our hearts. (Sam. 16:7, Rom. 8:27) And as long as we are striving to walk closer with Him each day, it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks!

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July 15th – Galatians 2:4

Galatians 2:4

The gospel as told in the Word of God is perfect and complete. Yet many try distort it’s message of freedom through the blood of Jesus Christ. They add, take away, and twist the scriptures to fit their worldly agendas. They mandate ungodly rules and rituals needed to obtain salvation, forgiveness, and blessings. And Paul says be alert, for they are everywhere. These “false brethren” don’t come with signs, bells, and whistles, announcing their arrival. Instead they slowly sneak their false doctrine into our hearts and minds, leading us back into the very bondage Jesus gave His blood to free us from. So to defend ourselves, we need to spend time daily in the Word of God. We need to know it’s truths and stand on it’s promises. For it is our greatest shield against attacks from all enemies both outside and within.

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July 12th – Psalm 119:45

Psalm 119:45

Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Ours is a government of liberty, by, through, and under the law. No man is above it, and no man is below it.” We all want freedom. We want be able to live our lives in our own manner by our own choosing. Yet the irony is that to be free, we need laws to our guarantee that freedom. And the same goes for the Law of God. Far from just being a set of rules designed to take away our fun or liberties, God’s Law sets us free. Free to be who God created us to be. Free to live our best lives, no longer in bondage to sin. And free to live in willing obedience to God. Obedience not to attain salvation by works, but to serve and please our loving Father, who gave us His Law because He knows and wants what is best for us. And walking in obedience frees us from feelings of fear and dread, and let’s us live joyfully in God’s wide open space of grace, peace, and love.

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July 10th – Romans 8:26

Romans 8:26

Many mistakenly label Christianity as a religion. But religion is defined as “belief in a deity, expressed in conduct and ritual”, meaning it is based on a list of rules. And Christianity is based on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus died to give us freedom from religion with it’s unattainable do’s and don’ts. He doesn’t want us trapped in rituals and prewritten prayers. Instead He wants to hear from our hearts. God longs for conversations with His children about our deepest desires, hurts, and needs. He is interested in every part of our lives both big and small. And when we can’t put into words the deep groaning of our hearts, the Holy Spirit carries our petitions to our loving Father in heaven. He pleads to God on our behalf’s, and intercedes for us according to the will of God. We never have to be afraid to come before our Creator. Because our Lord seeks those who worship Him not in rules and rituals, “in the Spirit and in truth”. (John 4:24)

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