You are free!

Dear friends,

Enjoy this from my dear friend D. Andrews.

Do not let all kinds of strange teachings lead you into the wrong way. Your hearts should be strengthened by God’s grace, not by obeying rules about foods, which do not help those who obey them. Hebrews 13:9 NCV (New Century Version)

GiG, attempts at self-salvation just like self-promotion guarantees nothing but exhaustion. Stop it! Yet, this again is nothing new. Apparently, some people were teaching that keeping the Old Testament ceremonial laws and rituals (such as not eating certain foods) was important to salvation. But these laws were useless for conquering a person’s evil thoughts and desires (Colossians 2:23). The laws could influence conduct, but they could not change the heart. Lasting changes in conduct begin when the Holy Spirit lives in each person. Here’s the bottom line. Our hearts should be strengthened by God’s grace, not by obeying rules.

“Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 NCV (New Century Version)

GiG, Jesus frees us from our burdens. Are we carrying heavy burdens of (1) sin, (2) excessive demands of those in authority, (3) oppression and persecution, or (4) weariness in the search for God? Oh, if we are, the rest that Jesus promises is love, healing and peace with the Father, not the end of all labor. A relationship with God changes meaningless, wearisome toil into spiritual productivity and purpose.

May we be encouraged to take God at His Word and remember his promise. He said what He meant, and He meant what He said. Let grace happen, for heaven’s sake. Let’s stretch out in the hammock of grace. We can rest! I am ready, are you?

God’s Got It… so we can GROWTH—Wisdom call out to us—heed and hear.

Called to serve and encouraging others to thrive,

DEA: Embracing a Just Be Joyful Life 2020: Laughing, Loving, and Living Life That Extends Far Beyond My Circumstances