Romans 8

Life Through the Spirit

8 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, ² because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you^[a] free from the law of sin and death. ³ For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh,^[b] God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering.^[c]And so he condemned sin in the flesh, ⁴ in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

⁵ Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.⁶ The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. ⁷ The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. ⁸ Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

⁹ You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. ¹⁰ But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life^[d] because of righteousness. ¹¹ And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of^[e] his Spirit who lives in you.

¹² Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. ¹³ For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

¹⁴ For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. ¹⁵ The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.^[f] And by him we cry, “Abba,^[g] Father.”¹⁶ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. ¹⁷ Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Present Suffering and Future Glory

¹⁸ I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. ¹⁹ For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope ²¹ that^[h] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

²² We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. ²³ Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit,groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.²⁴ For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

²⁶ In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. ²⁷ And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[i] have been called according to his purpose. ²⁹ For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. ³⁰ And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified;those he justified, he also glorified.

More Than Conquerors

³¹ What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? ³³ Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. ³⁴ Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. ³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?³⁶ As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
    we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”^[j]

³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,^[k] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹ neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Footnotes:

I Am Still Thirsty

These last few days, I've been sick. It feels like I've swallowed razor blades. Yesterday and today, more like sandpaper. I am not a fan of antibiotics. I know, I'm strange. So, I was actually glad when the worst of it came at the start of the four day weekend. This way I can drink plenty of water and get lots of sleep.

Today, while feeling better....I feel....off. As I look outside, cloudy. Inside (of me), also cloudy.

I sat for a minute to think of what my 'real' problem is.

In addition to the sickness, the clouds and my recent outside attack ....what is my deal?

I thought of the outside attack from yesterday. When people come at me, even if I know deep down that what I/we're doing is truly a God leading, attacks can still shake you up. I know it's important to give it to God and to be open to always re-evaluating your situation. Upon doing that, I was reaffirmed that we were on the right track. So, why was this attack still getting to me? Two things---1)I am still crucifying my flesh, and 2) I'm still thirsty.

What does that mean? Crucifying my flesh?

In my flesh, the 'old' Annie would have stood up and defended....Annie style. A lot of facts, sprinkled with some insults. Come at me with something....I'll give you ten reasons why you wish you hadn't. I would have let out all you thought I didn't know about you and your life. It would have been a 'show' for all to see. I lived for that.

In addition to that, I would have defended our position with facts. Straight. Up. Facts. Emails included.

Instead, God has us silent. He gives us the words He wants us to say, and He shuts us up when He doesn't want us to speak. That means, so many people don't know what is real. Over the years, it's become more natural....but it is not easy. It still requires me crucifying the flesh. Trusting God. Trusting that He knows what He's doing. That He sees all. That He loves me and truly wants what is best for me and my family.

Romans 8 is fantastic!

Those who know me well know I always have a water bottle with me. If I forget it, I almost panic. If I'm close enough to home, I go back to get it. Depending on how long I'll be gone, I may go and buy one. Usually, I can last about an hour. I keep two or three in the fridge at school, just in case....Lucas might need one, a friend might need one....you never know. I have actually given them to friends and Lucas. ;) Water is super important. It's good for your brain, your skin, your muscles, kidneys, bones, keeps you healthy and so on. However, this isn't what I am thirsting for. Jesus and the Word of God is what I need more of.

During the week, I'm on a pretty good schedule. I saturate myself with the Word of God. Weekends? Not so much. Weekends are more, fly by the seat of my pants. I do what I cannot do during the week. It is safe to say, I don't saturate myself even 1/4 of what I do during a 'typical' weekday. That is a problem. During the week, if someone 'comes at me' I KNOW who I am in Christ. I am able to re-evaluate situations and I am super confident that even when I can't see things, God IS working. In the midst of the attack, I can still feel the peace that only God can give.

What a great reminder to me, God is just important on the weekends....His Word is just as important as the water I won't go more than an hour without!

^{John 7:37} On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 

Reaping

Recently, I was confronted by someone. I was questioned, judged and chastened. While I do love this person, I don't really have, nor did I ever have, a 'relationship' with the person. They don't 'know' me or my family. Yet, they felt the need to judge me in regards to a situation, they admitted to not really knowing anything about.

I must say, I deserve it. Not because my current actions and choices are wrong. This is something the 'old Annie' did often and well. Being someone who was and still is, protective of friends and family, I would instantly jump down the throats of others if I didn't think they were being treated well. Even if I didn't really know the whole story.

The difference between the 'new' and 'old' Annie? Now, I seek God and His will first and foremost. I'm obviously not perfect in any way shape or form. I have made mistakes, forgotten and have done a sloppy job. However, in my heart, His will IS what I want. Not my own.

So, when someone feels the need to attack....it's a good opportunity to react in a Godly way. To seek Him first....before I respond.

This is also a very good lesson in 'reaping and sowing.' There were MANY times were I sowed this type of behavior. It only makes sense that I would eventually reap it. :)

Galations 6:7

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.

In this specific situation, the Lord has guided us to remain quiet as of recent. The one thing we are 'allowed' to say, we are and have always, been open to reconciling and beginning anew.

In regards to remaining quiet? He has given us this--

Psalm 135:14

For the Lord will vindicate His people and have compassion on His servants.

In regards to reconciling? He has given us this--

Phillippians 3:13-14

Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Onto The Next!

Did I even use that word correctly? It looks weird.
Shiny.

Just as I was praising God for finally getting into a morning routine....BAM.....change.

Since starting work, I don't have time to get many things done around the house. My desk is disorganized and I needed to come up with a system of some sort.....my time with the Lord, while still done daily, wasn't enough to be filling me up for my day. I have recently been praying that God direct all my steps. I needed His guidance to show me what NEEDED to be done, in what order and without stress. Just this week, I thanked God that he had provided me with a system of sorts. So, in true God form (at least in my life) He decided a week was enough.....and changed things up.

Side note-Shiny
A WONDERFUL woman is leaving Heritage and moving East. She is the hardest working woman I know. While busting her butt, she is encouraging, loving, and NEVER complains. People have made the following comments..."What four people are they going to get to replace you?" "Since I've known her, I have never once seen her sit." "That is the hardest working woman I have ever seen." "She is such a great example of Jesus' love."

Even though I am extremely sad to lose such a wonderful person, I am extremely happy for her, her family, and the opportunity that they have been given. God is AWESOME.

So, her boss approaches me and ask if I want to pick up extra hours, two hours before my current job, and two hours after. I instantly thought, seriously God? I asked her boss if I could pray about it and get back to him. Obviously, he said yes. For the next 24 hours, I prayed to God....and told him of all the reasons I should not accept. :) In true Annie form. However, I asked Him for wisdom and a clear answer. I submitted to Him and acknowledged that He knows best....His will be done, not mine.

The Lord provided me with the questions He wanted me to ask. So, I went to the 'boss' and asked. It turned out, he would just need me in the morning and not the afternoon. Truth be told....the afternoon and not the morning would have been better. The morning was my treasured time with the Lord and when I was able to get the most done. Still, God knows better than I. So, I accepted. Next week in addition to do my least favorite thing as a job, cooking....I will be doing my second least favorite thing, cleaning....getting paid 1/3 of the salary I was making when I quit work to be a stay-at-home mom. God. Is. Hilarious.

I am not depressed. I am not upset. I am not resentful. I love going to work. I love being at work. I am in no way miserable cleaning or cooking while I am there. I have no idea when I will get 'my' things done. I am not stressed. That, my friends, is the wonderful peace and provision of Jesus. I love Him for loving and guiding me.

I can only home I will do 1/3 as good of a job as my friend did in her time there.

How fitting that I would get this verse...right after I posted this. Amen!

Do your work willingly, as though you were serving the Lord himself, and not just your earthly master. In fact, the Lord Christ is the one you are really serving, and you know he will reward you. (COLOSSIANS 3:23, 24 CEV)

FOCUS! :)

While most people are watching the election, I am not. I occasionally look at jsonline or yahoo to quickly see what 'they're' saying. As results come in and things are close, my heart begins to race. That's my cue to stop and pray.

When problems arise, as they often do, it is easy to get caught up in the situation. I find myself focusing more on the problem. Soon, in my eyes, the problem is bigger than God. Lies. Obviously, the enemy wants us to get caught up and confused. Eventually, we've become so consumed with our problem, we're in a haze of sorts. We can't think or see clearly, our situation seems hopeless and we become oppressed and depressed. It is an awful feeling.

The Truth is God is God. Jesus is Jesus. We serve a God, who loved us so much, He came down from Heaven, was spit on, treated like garbage, beaten, bloodied and died a horrific death, for us! THAT is LOVE! We did not 'deserve' to be saved. God loves us so much, He wanted to save us. Amazing.

He cares about our world and ALL the people in it. He didn't just come to die for me.....He did it for everyone. He loves everyone, even those who deny Him.

In life, while there are consequences for the choices we make, good or bad, He is ultimately in control.

So, in life, when I see horrible things happen to people, when tough situations arise in my life, when things seem hopeless.....I pause....I pray. After, the most wonderful thing happens. I can feel God's peace flow through me. My heart steadies and my mood lifts.

I know that there are so many people who don't believe in God, believe in God and not Jesus, or don't even know what to believe. I know it can be a hard thing for so many people. I just wish everyone could experience the joy and love of Christ. That people could then, let that love flow through them, to others.

What a wonderful world THAT would be!

To those who are believers, I encourage you to really focus on God in the midst of confusion. If you'd like me to pray for you, let me know...I would love to! For those who don't believe, I pray for you always....and I don't mean that condescendingly.....I love you so much and want you experience this peace......not a worldly peace......

John 14
“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

To Be or Not To Be

So, my brother Tony and his wife Gina may be moving. The good news is that it might be Johnson Creek...not terribly far. The bad news? Their current home is only about ten minutes away AND has a pool. If you know me at all, you know I LOVE to swim. It is one of my most favorite things to do. I am thankful that my kids also share that love with me. This summer, we were there almost everyday. It was a HUGE blessing because, aside from the chemicals, some occasional toys and other small miscellaneous items, it was free. If it wasn't raining, we were pretty much there. There wasn't a day where I didn't thoroughly enjoy and savor every moment. I would sometimes close my eyes and listen to their conversations, soaking it all in. I loved watching them, laugh, play and make up their own games.

Since I love the water and needed to develop some sort of exercise routine, I decided to combine the two. Every day we would swim, the kids knew that for at least the first 10 or 15 minutes, they needed to stay out of my way so I could swim laps. It's not a 'lap' pool, but I made it work. After my laps, I would use the resistance of the water to do arm, ab and leg strengthening exercises. I lost 30lbs this summer. It. Was. Awesome.

Another bonus? Tony and Gina were kind enough to allow us to bring friends along. We live in a condo. It's a great size for our family and has four levels with decent size bedrooms. While I am thankful for our home, it is not really suitable for entertaining and our yard is painfully small. I LOVED sharing the pool with friends.

While the endless swimming, watching the kids play, exercising and sharing with friends meant more to me than I can explain in words, one of the best things was when Tony and/or Gina would come home from work and visit.(Oh my goodness, I am starting to cry.) It was so nice to see them and spend time with them. Even if just for a little bit. Not only did I enjoy seeing and talking with them, I loved seeing the look of excitement on the kids faces when Tony and/or Gina would show up.

The fleshly part of me wants to try and do everything in my power to 'make' them stay. I know that wouldn't be right. They need to do what's best for them as a family and whatever the will of God is for their lives. I have questioned God...why would he take this wonderful gift away from our family?  I examined my heart. Was the pool 'my god' or was I being to 'showy' with it? I immediately apologized to God and repented, worrying that might be true. He could easily give my brother a steady job in the area. The truth.....while I love (I know, I'm using that word a lot) the pool and all it has to offer our family, God knows best and sees the big picture. That's true no matter what the situation. I know it might seem silly that I'm so attached, but the pool meant more than just swimming everyday.

So, Tony and Gina, whether you move or not, we are so thankful (ok...this crying needs to stop) that you were extremely kind and generous to our family and our friends. Thank you so much for giving us MANY awesome memories to cherish forever. Love you both and I support you in whatever your decision might be.

:)

Blessed Beyond Belief

The Lord continues to amaze me.

This last year has been fantastic. I have been told people can sense a peace in me, and they have noticed how I have been growing as a person. Don't get me wrong, there have been multiple challenges. Through them, I have learned more and more to trust and rely on God and HIS plan for my life.

Proverbs 16:9
In their hearts humans plan their course,
 but the Lord establishes their steps

I like to plan. I like to know ahead of time what plans are. Emotionally, I like to prepare. That is not how God works. Usually, I plan and God does the opposite. That has been very hard to deal with. Through the challenges, I look to God for help. Sometimes, I don't understand, or I don't like the answers He gives. I am determined to follow His plan and not my own....sometimes it takes a bit of convincing. The rewards have been awesome. Our family unit has never been stronger. I am actually more calm than Luke in stressful situations! Crazy, I know!
I had been really sad summer was ending. It was great weather. I LOVE to swim, and the kids and I swam almost everyday. Just as I was starting to get excited for the kids to be in school, so I could catch up on house projects, God stepped in with a new plan. That plan.....lunch lady at Heritage. Yes. A lunch lady! Hilarious. I tried to ignore that call. When it was obvious He wasn't giving up, I moved forward. I honestly thought He was just testing me to see if I would listen. I didn't expect to get the job. It was a very funny day.

I started a little under two weeks ago. I LOVE what I am doing. I love seeing and interacting with the kids. I love the staff. I love my boss. I love that I am constantly moving around. (Which is a funny prayer answer, because I had been telling God I was concerned I wouldn't be as active as I was in the Summer.) I love that on Fridays, I get to hear the worship band playing in chapel, and all of the students singing along. I love listening to the chapel speaker. I love the hours. I love that it's dealing with the high school and middle school kids. I love that I get paid, doing something I love!

God has blessed me, and my family beyond belief. I am so thankful that even when I protest or ignore, He doesn't give up on me, and He loves me.

Thank you, Jesus! :)