Last week we had a prayer meeting for missionaries. We met outside, behind the church. I couldn't help but think of the irony in our gathering. Here we were, openly praying for missionaries and unreached people groups, many of which, if caught in the same situation, would be imprisoned or killed. They boldly share the gospel knowing that it puts their lives in danger.
Then, here I am in the U.S. afraid to verbally share the gospel with people I know for fear of some unknown reaction. I feel guilty and a sense of anguish. What's the worst thing that could happen? The person might get angry, walk away, unfriend me? I need to get to where I'm okay with that and no longer fear those things. I keep praying for words and encouragement.
God will guide me so that I may become a 'doer who acts' instead of a 'hearer who forgets.' I just need patience. Everything happens in His time according to His purposes.
But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
James 1:25 ESVJohn MacArthur wrote about this verse that "perfect law...God's revealed, inerrant, sufficient, and comprehensive Word is called "law". The presence of His grace does not mean there is no moral law or code of conduct for believers to obey. Believers are enabled by the Spirit to keep it. liberty. Genuine freedom from sin. As the Holy Spirit applies the principles of Scripture to believer's hearts, they are freed from sin's bondage and enabled to obey God."*
* MacArthur, John (1997). The MacArthur Study Bible, New King James version.
Thomas Nelson, Inc. Nashville, TN.
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Please join me this week in praising our Father in Heaven for this freedom He has given us in Christ Jesus so that we are no longer slaves to our sin. Pray that He gives us the opportunity and encouragement (and words) to share this great news with everyone we meet. Let's also pray that those who do not have this freedom come to know Christ and that those who do profess to know Christ not abuse this freedom as a means to sin. Finally, let's pray that we focus on all of the worldly freedoms we have that others all over the globe can't even imagine.
We should give thanks daily for being born in this time and this place where we can worship and praise our Father without fear of persecution. The restrictions we do face because of the pandemic are no different than the restrictions that people all over the world have dealt with or are dealing with, and these inconveniences are temporary. If the worst thing in our lives right now is having to concede to a few mandates, then we should consider ourselves extremely blessed. Praise the Lord for the countless blessings He bestows on us every single day.
I'll post daily reminders on:
#7thHourPrayerPower #BibleVerses #bible #freedom #liberty
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