Are Some of Us Stuck With Messed Up Mustard Seeds?

Here we are…almost at the end of this study.  I must say, I’m having mixed feelings about this book!  I’m enjoying it very much, but at the same time, it has opened my eyes and caused me to see a few things about myself that I KNEW were there, but I’d denied them for years!  Why?  Because they are UGLY!  That’s the part I’m having trouble with…I think it’s called, “Conviction”!
 

I’ve known, as I’m sure you have, Christians that not only micromanage themselves-and they are miserable, by the way…but they also try to micromanage everyone else around them.  They are self-righteous.  No one can stand them!  In public, they act like they have no sin and are in perfect standing with God.  However, if you read Matthew 23:25, you’ll find that God sees beyond the outward appearance…He sees the heart of the matter!  Take a look…””Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.”  
 
Like Shellie said, “We frustrate the grace of Christ Jesus” when we micromanage our faith!  We discount  His sacrifice for us on the cross.  We count His death as naught.  We, in essence, trample the Blood of Jesus under our feet by trying to cleanse ourselves with good deeds-when He has already taken care of it through His death and resurrection!
 
When we listen to the Enemy, and don’t rely on God’s forgiveness,  we cheat ourselves of an abundant life…the life God promised us through salvation in His Son, Jesus!  
 
Have you ever done something so bad that you felt you couldn’t be forgiven by God?  I have.  Many times!  Conviction from the Holy Spirit should be welcomed, and it is at first…but then you begin to hear another voice which is not of God, that’s when you need to stop listening!  That other voice is an imp named, Condemnation.  He’ll rush right in, and remind you of ALL your sin! -Not just the one you are now asking forgiveness for!   I’ve heard him laugh out loud as he’s said to me, …”You’ll ALWAYS be bound…you’ll NEVER be free!”  When I’ve listened to that voice, I’ve remained in my sins, even though I TRIED to do penance-it wasn’t enough, because I forgot the BLOOD of JESUS is what washes me, and sets me free!   I have nothing to do with it!  I should have listened to the voice of Conviction…IT WILL SET YOU FREE, for IT makes you run to the cross and allow Jesus to wash you in His atoning blood!
 
Have you ever asked someone if they are saved…a born again believer, and they respond, “Well…I hope so!  I don’t always do the right things…so I can’t be sure, but I really hope I am!” ?  They are following a form of Legalism.  They believe they must work for their salvation.  Redeem themselves.  They don’t think the blood of Jesus is enough to atone for their sins.  Living this kind of life makes one tired, unhappy, unfulfilled, joyless, and quite frankly, unfruitful in their spiritual walk-because they don’t depend on the Spirit…they depend on themselves!  “Starving for the sweet grace of Christ.” is how Shellie puts it!
 
I loved Shellie’s example of the DIYR-Do-it-yourself righteousness!  Folks…we CAN”T do-it-ourselves!  We need the Blood of Jesus Christ to do it in us, and for us!
 
It’s good to reflect, and remember what God has brought you out of…but be sure not to linger at that pit too long!  Reflect on…but don’t wallow in your past!  If you stay too long, it will swallow you up in condemnation!
 
For those of you that know me well, you know that my mouth gets the better of me most of the time.  It is my besetting sin!  If I think it…I say it.  I ask for forgiveness at least fifty times a day…or more, for saying something that would have been better left unsaid.  The thing I’ve learned lately regarding this is that I not only need to ask for forgiveness…but I need to ask God to corral my will and bridle my mouth!  ONLY HE can do this…I surly cannot!
 
Shellie talked about, The Sweetest Slavery.   I decided to look up a few verses on the subject…and here is what I found…

Take a look at Exodus 21:5 and 6.

And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free:

Then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an awl; and he shall serve him for ever.

I believe that these verses tell us that if we truly love our Master (God), then we will want to stay with Him forever.  He will make His mark on us,,,folks will see a difference in us and know that we belong to Jesus!

The awl in the ear lobe of the bondservent is a picture that he has chosen to only listen to the words of his Master, and to do his bidding only.

I don’t know about you, but I no longer want to walk my own way…I want people to see a difference in me!  I want God to pour out His Holy Spirit upon me, and use me in a special way!  I want Him to put an awl in my ear…make His presence so obvious that folks will see a change in me.   I want to only listen to the words of my Master-Jesus, and follow His bidding!

Listen to HIM.  Trust HIM to do a good work in you, for you can’t do it on your own.  Let His words get into your mind and your heart…then your hands and your feet will only do His will!
The Holy Spirit cannot use you to your full potential when you are trying to redeem yourself; ONLY HE can redeem!  ONLY HE can wash you clean!
Anita

2 Responses to “Are Some of Us Stuck With Messed Up Mustard Seeds?”

  1. Marie Lovato says:

    Yess and Amen! I’am so greatful for the Love, Grace and Mercy at the cross that Our Father gives us. Daily I repent and ask Father God In Jesus Name Lord Jesus forgive Me for any thoughts actions or deed’s. I know that I am nothing without “Him” Our Lord n Savior and I have a greatful heart and a trusting heart. That is what keeps Me going and in knowing I can share my heart with him with no boundies aswell as Lord you’ve brought this to my attention and I need your help to work on this giving it to him in prayer. Lord Jesus help me through it and let thy will be done not mine. Also if my experiences can help aid someone else and share what God wants Me to share through my life and personal things that Jesus n I have over come ❤ together. I know that I am being obedient and that is all that matter’s even if it bring’s up hard times it does not matter what or how I may look God is doing something n using that for his Glory not mine. I know that I belong to Him now and its not about me. I know that the enemy is defeteted by the word’s of our testimony. I know again that it is not about Me but about my Fathers business and I know the hard road I’ve come. All around us people are hurting and we now have eyes that see and ears that hear we are to be in season and Obedient with Gods prompting and Love And word always reaching out to this lost world. We are to be reaching out to others and turning back returning the love n strength n courage God has given us along our way in his reassurance. Our Heavenly Father is there and we can spend time anytime and that He Loves us so much and we can trust Him. I praise God n Thank Him for His Love…. I know that He’s right there and I just say Father Thank You for Loving Me I know that I’m nothing without YOU… and that he is always loving and guiding and growning our lives and our relationships, heart , body and mind as we pour out to others in our surroundings and where God is leading us to. Also that HIS word never turns back void! That brings Me Great Joy. No matter what I may face I’m not alone and neither are others everything is with Jesus walking hand in hand in Him I am Greatful I belong to Him and for His Love and his precious word he gives us and that peace he is hold our hands as Father loves his Child AmenIn Jesus Name Amen.

  2. Anita says:

    Amen sister! Well said!

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