07/05/2023
Let Freedom Ring
What is Truth? Truth makes Freedom. That’s essentially what Jesus said. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall MAKE you Free. John 8:32. I believe that Truth sparked inside of me on January 16, 2023. In such a supernatural way that there was no way I could deny it – have you ever had those moments? Where you are just convinced. Convinced of His Love..? Those moments that you can’t really ever adequately explain to anyone, but you just know it and that you’ll never be the same…
Because here’s the thing. Truth stands alone. It does not require anyone to agree or disagree with it. Merriam-Webster defines truth as ‘the body of real things, events, and facts: actuality, fact’. I define Truth as Christ-Jesus. And Jesus is the reality around us. Why was Adam placed into a garden and not straight into the throne-room described in Revelation? I mean, that’s where I’m seated, right? It’s because Jesus is our families, homes, our children, pets, even the things we own, the things we do, the emotions we feel, and yes, even the thoughts we think…
Then there is Trust. While Truth can stand alone, Trust always requires another. Merriam-Webster defines trust as ‘assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something, one in which confidence is placed’. Proverbs 3:5-6 says “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
And what Jesus is showing me is that I must Trust Him in me. To Trust the thoughts I have and the things that I want to talk about. That what I think and believe matters. What does it mean to be double-minded? Is it when I’m praying for things to get better when I really believe they’re supposed to get worse? Or maybe it’s thinking I’m not worthy of being saved when Jesus clearly thought differently. So, who am I agreeing with..? Jesus told me to love my neighbor as myself, yet religion either overtly taught me or covertly judged me (or both) that there are things about myself that I am not supposed to like and that it didn’t matter why I was thinking or desiring it – it just needed to be shut down. So, I am on a journey of what do I really believe? I believe in Christ. If I know nothing else, I DO KNOW that.
So, if Jesus lives in me 24/7, why is there a division within me of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ thoughts/behaviors. Trying to learn to cultivate the good ones while suppressing the bad..? Not allowing myself to even ask myself WHY I was having that thought or that desire…. I was taught to just shut it down and ponder Jesus. However, Galatians 5:16 Paul tells us that we are to yield to the Holy Spirit, yet here I am trying to resist my thoughts. Sounds like something dueling within me… I truly desire to be single-minded with Christ. Is that even possible? I don’t know, but it’s what I’m asking Him to do in me…
Lastly, I am really good at turning the things I love into chores…. This included my relationship with Jesus for a short bit. Not in my ‘secret/quiet place time’ because that is stronger than it has ever been (for anyone who might be curious), but a chore in the ‘winning souls’ arena, or ‘teaching’, even ‘events’. Setting people free through my own efforts – it was EXHAUSTING. I was literally sacrificing my own family on the altar of a ministry so small, I struggle even calling it that. It didn’t take me long to see that while I was running as fast as I could away from religion – I was still sitting in the very heart of it. Just the busyness and safety that religion offers – is not what I want. I want the real thing. This life I am living feels like the most REAL thing that I have ever experienced.
So, as Faith Hill says – LET FREEDOM RIIIIIINNNNGG……
- WW