The Price of Freedom

God will not look you over for medals, degrees or diplomas but for scars.

-Elbert Hubbard

“If the Spirit of God has stirred you (emotion / desire), make as many things inevitable as possible, let the consequences be what they will.” Oswald Chambers -My Utmost for His Highest, March 22

Just imagine pursing your hearts dersires with the reckless abandonment. I'm not talking about quiting your job and buying a Harley and driving across America. I'm speaking of the desires God placed on your heart when he created you. The desires for His kingdom. You know the ones...the ones that make you come alive! You know the saying...The glory of God is man fully alive.

Can you conceive the notion of talking with God through out the day, everyday. Asking him about the little things and decision. Inviting him into you daily activities. Living in the strength of Christ and only being concerned about what He thinks of you! It's inevitable you will be in His presence if you are a believer. Why wait to walk with Him!

When the storm comes

It seems that more than often God allows a storm or two to disrupt our busy schedules and lives. Might it be that He simply wants to refocus our attention from the urgent to the important?

In my life He seems to pursue me like a jealous lover, that doesn't like to be ignored. I like that! God uses hardship lately to discipline me like any father does. The book of Hebrews talks about it in chapter 12.

The storms that blow into my life are always at a bad time and are painful. The enemy is always trying to use them as an opportunity to disrupt, discourage and disappoint. Trying to get me to agree to some lie about myself, family or even Gods heart. The enemy is as constant as a rip tide. Looking to carry me away from the safety of Gods embrace by taking me away with seemly urgent matters. I find myself exhausted by the struggle to keep my head above water. I even forget that God is always with me even while consumed in the storms surges.

When I look back at the scriptures God has given me books of examples of men and women that endure every kind of storm, yet remain faithful. They remained grounded in their faith in God. Whether it be Moses, Joseph, David, Samuel or Abraham, all of them examples not exceptions. Most of these guys were knuckle heads but they trusted the heart of God in all situations. Praise God for hope!

Many of the examples did not receive what had been promised or expected for their faith. "God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect." Hebrews 12:40 So something to think about is that just because God allows a storm to raise up in our life and we respond correctly and faithfully, we don't always get what we want. Hopefully we get what He wants.

What we do get is the chance to live Life in relationship with Christ. And that is what we were created for! That is why the enemy will oppose any and all moves toward Life. The joy is to live Life and get to say, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7