Crumbs and Cobwebs - Encouragement Café - Feb. 17, 2014

Crumbs and Cobwebs

Café Menu for Monday, February 17, 2014

Today’s Special is:  The Right to Feel Free

Carefully prepared just for you by your friend, Debbie Giese

Main Ingredient:

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. – Romans 8:1 NIV

Entrée:

The crumbs of my dream from the night before hung around the edges of my day, like cobwebs that I couldn’t reach in an old attic.  No matter where I looked, they lurked in the corners of my peripheral vision, reminding me of who I was . . . an unfaithful wife.  The dream brought memories of days gone by, days filled with secrets and lies, of men who belonged to other women.  Even though this life changed over twelve years ago, my shoulders sagged with the weight of my shame.  I wanted to hide.

The instant replays continued for a few days, sucking the joy out of my life as I considered all the wrongs I had committed, until I woke up one morning and reached for Sarah Young’s Jesus Calling.  I had avoided it for most of the week, feeling too ashamed to approach His throne.  I read, “I speak to you from the depths of your being.  Hear me saying soothing words of Peace, assuring you of My love.  Do not listen to the voices of accusation, for they are not from me.  My Spirit convicts cleanly, without crushing words of shame.”

“Oh God,” I prayed upon reading this, “You are so good to me.  Forgive me for doubting who I am in You.”

Considering myself a solid Christian who is well-versed in Scripture and aware of the constant unseen battles that wage around me, I was surprised to have fallen so easily to the enemy.  With a grateful heart, I humbly approached His throne, thanking God for the fresh start He gave me and for the strength He provides me to live a life that glorifies Him.

Take Out:

Learn to identify the sources of the voices in your head.  The thief – the enemy of our souls, the deceiver – comes to steal and destroy.  There is no hope in his words.  When you hear the hisses of accusations, overrule his voice with that of Jesus’ gentle whispers.  Find Scriptures to remind you that you are forgiven and loved by your Savior.  There is no condemnation for those who belong to Him.

Dessert:

Father God, help us.  Help my sisters who cannot move forward, out of the shadows of their pasts.  Help them to live in the shadow of the cross instead of the shadows of their pasts, living in the fullness of Your truth and grace.  Help them to hold their heads high as Your children.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

© 2012 by Debbie Giese.  All rights reserved.

Do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior?  Pull up a chair… He’s been waiting for you.

Need a refill?  Please join us at the Encouragement Café with Luann and Friends. 

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