Unmasked Faces: Trusting Vs. Pleasing - Living Free - September 3
Unmasked Faces: Trusting Vs. Pleasing
Thursday, September 3, 2020
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Today's Scripture
"And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him." Hebrews 11:6 NLT
Thoughts for Today
Some people believe they can earn their way to heaven by serving in the church. By diligently following church traditions. By giving to the poor and helping people in need. By generally being a "good person." However, the Bible makes it clear that we can never do enough good to earn everlasting life.
But-"When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit." Titus 3:4-5 NLT
There is only one way to heaven: trusting in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Consider this …
Sometimes after people receive Christ as Savior, they slip right back into that "earn his favor" mindset. However, just as that's the wrong path for receiving salvation, it is the wrong path for the Christian life.
The path to true identity (removing the mask) and freedom in Christ is found in trusting God versus pleasing him. We may want to please him so much we find ourselves falling prey to the bondage of self-performance. To please God, we must first trust him. As we trust him, he will guide us and enable us to carry out his plan for us. To become all he has designed us to be.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
Prayer
Father, help me to stop trying to please you by doing the things I think you want. Help me to trust you and keep my eyes on Jesus. Then I know you'll show me what to do.
In Jesus' name …
These thoughts were drawn from … Free to Grow: Overcoming Setbacks and Disappointments by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min. The purpose of this group study is to help people overcome disappointments and setbacks that have arrested or are presently hindering their emotional and spiritual development. The group study will help participants understand how to be set free so that they can grow and become all that God has designed them to be. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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