– Scripture:

The law always ended up being used as a Band-Aid on sin instead of a deep healing of it. And now what the law code asked for but we couldn’t deliver is accomplished as we, instead of redoubling our own efforts, simply embrace what the Spirit is doing in us.
5–8  Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God’s action in them find that God’s Spirit is in them—living and breathing God! Obsession with self in these matters is a dead end; attention to God leads us out into the open, into a spacious, free life. Focusing on the self is the opposite of focusing on God. Anyone completely absorbed in self ignores God, ends up thinking more about self than God. That person ignores who God is and what he is doing. And God isn’t pleased at being ignored.

                           Romans 8:3–8 MSG

– Reflection:

              The Solution Is Life On God’s Terms

I know you remember your younger selves as I do, thinking that our way was the best way. Then realizing that our parents had also made mistakes and were trying to guide us in the right direction. This is similar to the experience of becoming a Christian. It feels like all the information is being revealed to you, information that you already knew but didn’t fully listen to. It can be overwhelming and make you want to cry, but it’s important to seek understanding and follow the guidance of the spirit. There’s no time for crying now; it’s time to take action and do whatever work needs to be done.

Where do we go from here?

“When we live according to GOD’s terms, everything is plain and simple; not complex in any way. If people need help and you are able to help, then help them. If someone needs prayer, pray with them. If an elderly person’s yard needs cutting, cut the yard – it’s that simple. There isn’t a lot to living GOD’s way. Cut out all the overthinking about what it looks like to others, and who may see you helping someone who may be considered lower than you. If they have an issue with that, then you shouldn’t be around them anyway.”

Our Prayer for Today

“Father, thank you for waking us this morning to continue on the paths you have laid before us. We know that despite the simplicity of our paths, there will be resistance, but we trust that you will remove those obstacles for us. Thank you. Amen.”