Freedom to Choose

Every day, we have a choice—to go our own way or to follow Jesus. Neither way is easy.

Following Jesus means giving up what I want for what God wants.

It’s letting go of any control I think I have over my life and accepting God’s plan for my life. Even when I don’t know what the plan is.

To follow Jesus means I place my trust in Him, and not in myself.

It’s a struggle, though, because I’m selfish and stubborn, emotional and quick-tempered, and I like to be in control.

So, how do I let go of all that I am, and put my unwavering trust in God when I can’t see what’s ahead, and where I am right now is not so great? How?

Through Him.

I make the choice to follow Him, and then I ask for, and accept, His strength, His peace, and His love.

Every. Single. Day.

But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8 NLT

With my choice to trust God comes stability. God is the same today as He was yesterday, and will be tomorrow. He is my energy source. My foundation.

When I trust God, He keeps me grounded in Him. He gives me life.

But there is still the other choice—to go it alone, trusting myself and not following Jesus.

It means I live in my own strength; I’m in control of my life.

That’s the lie the enemy tells me.

But, being in control is an illusion. Life moves at a quick pace and temptation swirls around me. 

My strength and energy run dry.

I lean on others, but they are as emotional and ever-changing as I am.

There’s nothing solid to stand on. And life spins out of control.

This is what the Lord says: “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness, in an uninhabited salty land.” Jeremiah 17:5-6 NLT

Two choices. Neither easy.

But…

When I choose to follow Jesus and put my trust in Him, He enables me to trust Him more. I continue to grow in Him.

In the good times, God is there to celebrate with me. To cheer me on.

And through the trials, God is there to support me. He holds me up when the ground crumbles beneath me.

He strengthens me to keep going, and comforts me when all feels lost.

His love for me never changes.

Nor does His love for you.

But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. Jeremiah 17:7 NLT

Thank you for joining me here today for the last chapter “Our Choice…Choosing Freedom Each Day” in our study of Finally Free by Kim Tabor. If you’d like to read the previous weeks, click on Finally Free label on the right hand side of the screen.

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with Winsome Wednesday, WholeHearted Home, Thought Provoking Thursday, Faith Filled Friday, and The Weekend Brew.

Finally Free Online Study - Week 6

Welcome! This is the last week in our study of Finally Free by Kim Tabor. If you've been reading along, thank you for traveling this journey with me. I hope it's been a blessing in your life.

Have a wonderful week!
In Christ,
Laura

Week 6: Feb. 10 - Feb. 16, 2013

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.” John 15:16a

Monday/Tuesday – Read Chapter 5 “Our Choice…Choosing Freedom Each Day”

During the week –

Spend time in prayer and consider the study question and thoughts at the end of the chapter. (pg. 105)

Visit Laura Rath ~ Journey in Faith

What did you think of this study? Has it helped you in an area of your life?

Equipped Through Scripture

Welcome! If you’re reading Finally Free by Kim Tabor with us, we are in Chapter 4 “Empowerment…Becoming All God Intends Us To Be.”

My post is a little different today. There are certain things I need to remind myself of on a regular basis. So, I’m writing to myself and finding Scripture to cling to.

God works in wonderful ways…maybe this will bless you, as well.

It’s not about me. It’s about Him.

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:13

It’s not about what I can do. It’s about what He will do through me.

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall. Psalm 18:29

When I think I don’t have what it takes, He says that, through Him, I do have what it takes.

…may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. Hebrews 13:21

When I’m sure I can’t go on, He carries me while I rest.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

For I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing. Jeremiah 31:25

When I tell Him I can’t do this anymore! He says Yes, you can, I’m here.

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Isaiah 43:2

When I’m trying to trust Him, He strengthens me so that my trust will grow.

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31        

When I complain This is too hard! He encourages me.

Then David continued, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” 1 Chronicles 28:20

When I cry, God, I’m scared! He reminds me that He is with me always.

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you. Deuteronomy 31:8

What reminders do you need from Scripture? Will you leave a comment and share one?

In Christ,

Laura                              

All Scripture verses are from the New Living Translation.

Linking up with Winsome Wednesday, WholeHearted Home, Thought Provoking Thursday, Faith Filled Friday, and Spiritual Sundays.

Finally Free Online Study - Week 5

Have a great week!

In Christ,
Laura

Week 5: Feb. 3 - Feb. 9, 2013

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

Monday/Tuesday – Read Chapter 4 “Empowerment…Becoming All God Intends Us To Be”

During the week –

Consider this:

            God not only sees who we are right now, He knows who we can be through Him.

What does that mean to you? Spend some time with God this week. Are you open to letting Him make changes so that you can experience all God has planned for you?

Visit Laura Rath ~ Journey in Faith

Finding Joy in Life

Welcome! This week we are in Chapter 3, “Enjoyment…Enjoying God and Life” in our study of Finally Free by Kim Tabor.

I’ve been thinking about what it means to enjoy life and started to write about it, when I realized I was basically rewriting a previous post.

So, instead of trying to rework it, I’ve decided to share the original post…

Joy and Happiness (First posted on January 6, 2012)

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. (James 1:2-4 NLT)

My natural question is – How can I be happy when trouble comes my way? Whether through my own actions or those of another, how can I be joyful through unemployment, illness, loss of a loved one, divorce, and so many other issues we deal with today?

I have spent quite a bit of time thinking about joy and happiness over the past couple of years, and I think it comes down to this... Joy and happiness are not the same.

Joy comes from knowing the Lord and having a personal relationship with Him.

Joy is not dependent on our circumstances or the people in our life. It is the deep feeling of contentment in knowing Christ walks beside us every day – through trials, disappointments, and sorrows.

Happiness is dependent on others and life around us. Happiness can be temporary. When things are going well, I feel happy. When life throws me a curve ball, my happiness turns to disappointment, frustration, anger, and sadness.

Life changing situations that cause me unhappiness are the very times my faith and relationship with God can grow deeper and stronger through my dependence on Him.

I can be happy and joyful at the same time, but when something or someone makes me unhappy in my everyday life, my joy still comes from knowing God won’t ever leave me.

His love and desire for a relationship with me is forever, no matter what. He stays and gets me through the unhappiness.

He can use any situation, happy or otherwise, to prepare me for what He has planned for my future. The knowledge that God wants to refine me and prepare me for the future brings me joy and hope.

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Philippians 4:4 NLT

What does it mean to you to enjoy life?

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with Winsome Wednesday, Thought Provoking Thursday, Faith Filled Friday, and The Weekend Brew.

Finally Free Online Study - Week 4

Have a wonderful week!

In Christ,
Laura

Week 4: Jan. 27 - Feb. 2, 2013

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Monday/Tuesday – Read Chapter 3 “Enjoyment…Enjoying God and Life”

During the week –

Consider this:

o   Do you find enjoyment in the daily journey or do you see it just as a way to get where you want to be?

o   Do you enjoy God and spending time with Him?

Spend time this week getting to know God. As you spend time in prayer and Scripture, you may want to journal what God is showing you.

Visit Laura Rath ~ Journey in Faith

God Wants to Heal Your Heart

Thank you for joining me here today. If you are following our Finally Free online study, we are in Chapter 2 this week, “Restoration…Embracing Healing and Wholeness.”

The world we live in is a mean and hurtful place, with hearts breaking every day.

It’s not what God intended when He first created Adam and Eve, but it is our reality.

God doesn’t want us to live with our broken hearts, however. He knows what unforgiveness does to us—

the poison it leaks, 

the scars it creates,

and the way it haunts us in reliving it over and over.

I think it is part of the reason He tells us to forgive others.

Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive. Luke 17:4 NLT

Here’s where I get stuck…

How do I forgive when there is no apology, no request for forgiveness, and no visible remorse?

I struggle with pretending everything is okay when I’m hurt and left to get over it on my own.

When there is an apology and forgiveness, there is closure. Whatever happened can rest in the past.

But when there is no closure, I keep replaying it over and over in my head, feeling the pain again and again.

I try to let it go, but I’m human. I feel hurt and angry, and the lack of remorse only makes it worse.

I can’t do it—I can’t forgive on my own.

But with God I can. He knows my pain, and when I invite Him in, He will begin to heal the pain and diffuse the anger.

I have to ask Him (often again and again) to change my heart and help me forgive, even when the other person doesn’t know or care about my forgiveness.  

The anger creeps back in…why is it my heart that needs to be changed?!?

Because I’m the one hurting and broken, and I don’t want to be. I want to be healed and not continue to carry it with me.

Lord, I need your help. I know I need to forgive, but I’m hurt and angry. I want to scream it’s not fair! But I need to let you deal with it. I want to forgive and move on. But I can’t do it without you. Please help me to forgive, even when there is no apology and no closure. Thank you for your comfort and healing. Amen.

Forgiveness is a powerful path to healing.

And God is ready and willing to walk down that path with me…

leading me when I can’t see where I’m going…

keeping me on the path when I want to stray…

and giving me a gentle push from behind when I’m ready to quit.

I don’t know what pain and hurts you may be dealing with, but is it a wound that keeps cracking open?

There is plenty of room on the forgiving path to healing, if you’d like to join me on it.

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:12-13 NLT

In Christ,
Laura

Linking up with WholeHearted Home, Winsome Wednesday, Thought Provoking Thursday, and Faith Filled Friday.

Finally Free Online Study - Week 3

Welcome! This week, we are in Chapter 2 “Restoration…Embracing Healing and Wholeness” in our study of Finally Free by Kim Tabor.

After reading the chapter this morning, I read this on the T.D. Jakes Ministries Facebook Page, and I couldn't believe how well it goes with this week's reading.

"Whoever has your ear affects your thoughts!"

All I could think was, who am I listening to...God or the enemy?!?

God's truth vs. the enemy's lies...

Who are you listening to?

In Christ,

Laura

Week 3: Jan. 20 - Jan. 26, 2013

In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free.” Psalm 118:5

Monday/Tuesday – Read Chapter 2 “Restoration…Embracing Healing and Wholeness”

During the week –

Consider this:

-      What does being transformed by God mean to you?

-      What lies need to be replaced with God’s Truth for you?

-      Where do you see God’s healing in your life?

Record Scripture verses that speak God’s Truth to you, and journal how His Truth changes how you see yourself.

Spend time in prayer…ask God to show you how His Truth is life changing.

Visit Laura Rath ~ Journey in Faith

Distractions and Focus

All week, I’ve thought about this chapter on focus (Chapter 1 in Finally Free by Kim Tabor), and yet all week, I’ve been distracted.

Too many things are competing for my attention…

Illness and exhaustion

Back pain and heating pads

Issues and arguments

Everyday responsibilities

Disappointment

Stress

…and I’m struggling to keep my eyes on Jesus.

But even while I’ve been overwhelmed, and not even sure of what to pray, God has ways of bringing my attention—my focus—back to Him and His goodness.

A perfectly timed message from a friend asking how I was and what she could pray for…was just what I needed.

New writing opportunities to consider…giving me something else to think about.

Someone putting this quote by Sarah Young in front of me…

“You are surrounded by a sea of problems, but you are face to Face with Me, your Peace. As long as you focus on Me, you are safe. If you gaze too long at the myriad problems around you, you will sink under the weight of your burdens. When you start to sink, simply call out ‘Help me, Jesus!’ and I will lift you up.” ~Sarah Young, Jesus Calling

…the reminder I needed at just the right time.

I don’t know where your focus is or what distractions you are facing, but is He trying to pull your attention back to Jesus too?

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with Winsome Wednesday, Thought Provoking Thursday, WholeHearted Home, Leaving a Legacy, Faith Filled Friday, and The Weekend Brew.

Finally Free Online Study - Week 2

Have a blessed week!
In Christ,
Laura

Week 2: Jan. 13 - Jan. 19, 2013

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18

Monday/Tuesday – Read Chapter 1 “Focus…Seeing with Spiritual Eyes”

During the week –
Consider this:  Where are your eyes focused? Where do you want them to be focused?

What grabbed you from Chapter 1? Journal your thoughts and Scripture you want to   remember.

Spend time in prayer…ask God to guide you in focusing your eyes on Him.

Visit Laura Rath ~ Journey in Faith

What Holds You Back?

Here we are in week one of our Finally Free online study and it seems appropriate to make a confession.

Even though this is the 7th study I’ve hosted here, I get nervous and have moments of panic before each and every study.

I hesitate and question if I should commit myself to another study…even though I’ve already planned it all out.

Questions swirl in my mind as I get a little light-headed…

Who am I to lead anyone?

What if my mind goes blank (again) and I have nothing to write?

What will others think of me?

Worry and fear…it’s enough to make me say Forget it, I can’t do this.

I could do that. In fact, I almost did. Before the first study ever took place, I started to ignore God’s lead. I was going to let fear keep me from moving forward.

But running in the opposite direction from where God is leading is not a good place to be.

What is it that holds you back?

Whether we know it or not, most of us have something….

Doubt – I can’t be a good mom like she is.

Worry – How will I ever get out of this financial mess?

The Past – How can God forgive me for the way I used to live? I can’t forgive myself.

Fear – What if they don’t like me? What if I never get married and have a family?

Addictions – It’s taken everything I have, and I still can’t break the hold it has on me.

Maybe for you it’s something completely different.

God didn’t intend for us to live bound by these burdens.

No, that’s the enemy’s work. Satan wants us to continue carrying this baggage with us. He encourages it, telling us these loads are ours to carry.

But Christ says, “Bring them to me. Lay them at the foot of the cross where I’ve already gone to free you from these very burdens.” (ref. Matt. 11:28)

Jesus died and rose again, conquering sin and death to free us from this bondage. And yet, we struggle to let Him change us—to change our lives.

What is it that keeps you from experiencing all God has planned for you? Is it time to take it to the cross?

My light-headedness has cleared now, but I know I’ll feel it again.

Each time, I remind myself…if He wants me to do this, then I can do it. Not because of who I am, but because of who He is.

Maybe you’ve tried to hand it over to Him, but you’re discouraged because you’re still struggling with it. I know that feeling.

Sometimes it takes giving it to Him over and over. Not because He won’t take it, but because we tend to take it back.

Make a conscious effort to give it to Jesus and leave it with Him. Do it again and again, every day, until you feel the weight on you easing.

He will take as much as you will give Him.

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with Winsome Wednesday, WholeHearted Home, Thought Provoking Thursday, and Faith Filled Friday.

Finally Free Online Study - Week 1

Welcome to week 1 of our online study of Finally Free...Living Free & Loving Life by Kim Tabor.

What a great way to start the new year! We currently have 27 women (representing 16 states and 2 countries) signed up to study God's Word together!

Whether you are participating in the study or not, please know that I am glad to have you visit. Schedules are busy and I'm honored that you would spend a few minutes here with me.

Below is the suggested reading schedule for this week. Look for posts related to each week's reading toward the end of the week.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding the study.

Have a great week!
In Christ,
Laura

Week 1: Jan. 6 - Jan. 12, 2013

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1 NIV

Monday/Tuesday – Read the Introduction “My Story.”

During the week –

*Consider this:

-What baggage from the past do you carry with you? Think about it throughout the week. You don’t have to tell anyone (or write it in the comments) so be honest with yourself.

-Are there behaviors (either known or not realized until now) continued because of the past?

*Journal your thoughts throughout the week. What from the introduction has stayed with you all week?

*Spend time in prayer…ask God to show you any lies the enemy is telling you, and ask Him to remind you of His Truth.

*Visit Laura Rath ~ Journey in Faith

Coming in 2013

Welcome and Happy New Year! (a few days early)

There is a lot in store here to start off 2013, and I’ve been busy getting ready. Here is some of what you can expect…

God-sized Dreams

I’m so pleased to be a part of author and speaker Holley Gerth’s God-sized Dream Team.

Each week, our encouraging team of 99 women will be writing about dreams—those audacious ones that make you a little nauseous in an excited and terrified way.

The dreams God plants in your heart…not for you to accomplish alone, but with Him walking along side you.

The dreams that seem impossible without Him—the God-sized dreams.

Do you have one—a dream in your heart?

Maybe you’re not even sure where it came from or when it started. God’s been planting it there, just for you. The size of the dream doesn’t matter. He carefully plans each dream personally for us, and in His time the dream unfolds.

Maybe now is the time for your dream...

If you’re wondering where to start, let me direct you to Holley’s blog where she’s been introducing us to God-sized dreams.

God-sized Dreams by Holley Gerth

Meet Your God-sized Dream Team

How Will 2013 Be Different for You? {It Really Can Be} by Holley Gerth

What gift does God have for you in 2013 {and what will you give Him too}?

To help and encourage us to take that first small step toward our God-sized dreams this year, Holley’s e-book releases on January 1!

The Do What You Can Plan: 21 Days to Making Any Area of Your Life Better         

Finally Free by Kim Tabor

What’s a better way to start 2013 than with a new online Bible study?

John 8:36 says, “If the Son sets you free, you are truly free.”

So many don’t know about the freedom God has given us. While others of us know, but still live in bondage to fear, addictions, the past, and so many other issues that hold us back from all God offers. During this study we will journey with Kim Tabor to lasting freedom.

This 6-week study starts on Jan. 6, with only one chapter to read per week.

For more information, click here: Finally Free. 

One Word 2013

I’m looking forward to sharing my One Word for 2013 with you soon.

Last year was the first year I decided to focus on one word throughout 2012. Instead of making New Year’s resolutions, the idea is to choose a word to focus on all year, keeping it in front of you every day.

My word was Trust. You can read about my year of complete and unquestioning trust in God here…Trust—My One Word 2012.

It’s not too late! Care to join me in choosing One Word for 2013?

Along with these new adventures, you can still find me monthly at 5 Minutes for Faith, and as a guest contributor for Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.

Last, but certainly not least, I’m happy to be hosting The Sunday Community this weekend for my friend Deidra Riggs at Jumping Tandem! Join me to link up a photo, Scripture, and a few brief words of inspiration.

May you see God’s blessings all around you as we move into 2013!

In Christ,

Laura

Linking with Word Filled Wednesday, Thought Provoking Thursday, Faith Filled Friday, and Sharing His Beauty.

Finally Free Online Bible Study Starts Jan. 6

Plans are under way to start 2013 with a new online Bible study!

Finally Free…Living Free & Loving Life

by Kim Tabor

This 6-week study begins on January 6, 2013.

For more information on the study, click on the 2013 Studies tab.

To sign up for the Finally Free online study, send an e-mail to: laurajrath@gmail.com with your name and e-mail address, as well as your city and state. By signing up you will receive the weekly reading schedule via email.

Trusting, studying, and growing in God’s Word together!

In Christ,

Laura