Truth and Freedom

Greetings,
Very interesting evening...I would even say penetrating at times. Things were kind simple and sweet at the beginning. After a few songs and the sweet Presence of God settled in upon us I read a little from Luke 1 about "carrying a vision" and not letting anything cause us to abort it. I felt I was supposed to just mention that passage and anything else would be as He would direct. Then, I led a couple of good 'ol "jumpin'" tunes that typically get the cobwebs blown out of everyone. It was after that ended (and the cobwebs seemed to stay in place) the Lord began to speak to my heart about the place (that evening) being a house of freedom to those who will release their addictions, their hangups, etc. and receive. As I said before, very penetrating at times.

I would like to take the thought of freedom just one step further. Freedom is only freedom when it has boudaries and rules. Freedom and lawlessness do not run the same track. Jesus said in John 8:31,32 (to those Jews who believed Him), "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.'' Disciples are those who have embraced not just the Master, but the Master's cause. The same thing the Master embraces the disciple embraces.

Truth. Truth to the core of our being. No shadows or hidden corners allowed. He desires truth "in the inner parts" (Psalm 51:6). "Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill? He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart;" Psalm 15:1,2. Truth is very hard on that which is "flesh". Our spirit, the hidden man of the heart, hungers for truth; but our flesh rebels against it. The flesh only desires to take the easy steps, the easy way. Given the choice, our flesh will never side completely with Truth. At best, it will seek a compromise. However, without truth we will not be embracing that which our Master has already embraced. And, without that connection we will not know freedom as He has stated.

Think about it for a second. By embracing and protecting something in our life that may conflict with Truth, whatever that may be, it keeps you and I from embracing truth. We may say we're His disciples but if we don't embrace TRUTH we are settling for something else. Seems real at times. But imagine what it costs in the long run.

Instead of arguing with this person or the other one about what Jesus meant about knowing the truth and freedom, let's just simply have a heart to run after and EMBRACE whatever Jesus embraces. Amen!

One other thing...here is a word from the Lord given later on in the service last night. Encouraging, challenging, penetrating...because of His desire for TRUTH "in the inward parts"

Pastor Jan

word from the Lord:

“Is the lumberjack overwhelmed when he confronts the forest of towering oaks? No, he sees what will come forth from his labor: a rocking chair, a cradle, a table, a home. His eye is on the finished product, and tree by tree, branch by branch, he labors, considering not the weightiness of the task, but rather looking to the end result.

“And so I, when I look at your heart, do not see a forest of sin. I see the work of glory that will emerge beneath the axe of My Spirit. I will transform your oak of sin into a table fit for the King, fit for Me to dwell at and partake and of gracious and holy fellowship with you. My axe is laid at the root of your sin, not to harm you or to bring you to wounding, but to release you to what I have for you.

“Do you not yearn to be what I have created you to be? Behold, I come to you in great love, seeking to bring forth My image in your life. Do not shrink back. Let the freedom I offer be taken up by your own hand. No other can choose [for you], [no other] can receive your freedom. What I offer is free. Freely receive.

“Freely receive.

“Freely receive.

“For I purpose a work of perfect love in your life. Do not draw back. The labor of My hands will profit you much. Lean in.

“Lean in.

“Receive.”