Freedom From Lies

SCRIPTURE Gal 5:16-18 My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God's Spirit. Then you won't feed the compulsions of selfishness. For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds with a free spirit, just as the free spirit is incompatible with selfishness. These two ways of life are antithetical, so that you cannot live at times one way and at times another way according to how you feel on any given day. Why don't you choose to be led by the Spirit and so escape the erratic compulsions of a law-dominated existence? OBSERVATION From the book "New Day New You": Our soul (mind, will, emotions) would love to run our lives, but the Bible says we are to be led by God's Spirit. We are never instructed to be willpower-led, we are told to be Spirit-led. Willpower and discipline are important and vitally necessary to a successful life, but willpower alone won't be enough. Determination gets you started and keeps you going for awhile, but it is never enough to bring you across the finish line. Zechariah 4:6 (NKJV) says, "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts." What happens if, instead of turning first to willpower in your time of need, you turn to God instead? God releases His power into your willpower and energizes it to bring you across the finish line. Willpower does not get the credit for our success, God does. Jesus said in John 15:5 (AMP), "Apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing." This is one of the most important and most difficult lessons we must learn if we want to enjoy the life Jesus died to give us. APPLICATION Jesus paid an incredible price for me and wants me to rely on the power that came from His death. When I run dry, run to God for power and strength! his power fuels me to do His will! PRAYER Lord thank You for Your Word today. Lord You know my fears and anxiety when it comes to letting go of my time. I know that it stems from my childhood. There is freedom and fun when releasing my time all to You, but in my mind that's not perceived. I know that my perceptions are not the truth, but my actions show that's not what I believe. I need Your help God to enjoy Your fulfilling life. I need You to change my warp thinking to see the truth! In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.