Day 2- Kicking and Screaming

“Our freedom is the freedom to “serve one another in love.” It is possible to do so, because the Holy Spirit enables us to act in ways that are contrary to the natural impulses of our sinful nature. Walking by the Spirit, we are released from the old master that produces hatred, jealousy, fits of rage, envy, and such. We are released to be loving, patient, kind, faithful and good.” – Lawrence O. Richards

I really wanted that extra piece of pizza last night. Friday nights are family night at our house. It is the one night we allow “junk” food—if you consider an artesian pizza with feta cheese and spinach junk.

All six of us look forward to Friday night the whole week. We pick a movie, plan our pizza and make sure there is dessert. Of course this Friday night fell on my half day. I normally eat 3 pieces of pizza on family night. Last night I was supposed to eat 1 and 1 1/2….have you ever tried to do that? Well it wasn’t easy and I ended up just eating the 2 whole pieces. I did eat the homemade brownies my daughters made, less than ½ of my normal portion (no, my normal portion is not half of the pan!).

Have you noticed yet that the flesh kicks and screams when you have to discipline it? Today is a liquid day, which means you can eat one solid meal and the rest should be liquids—vegetable juices, drinkable yogurts, protein drinks, broths, etc.

In my Bible study today,I finished up the chapter on laying aside hindrances and the last part was exactly what I needed. It was about fixing my eyes on Jesus.

“Jesus exemplified freedom all of His life. He never allowed anyone or anything to hinder His accomplishing the will of His Father. Sure of His identity and mission, He lived, ministered, and served confidently and securely.” –C. Heald

Are you secure in your identity? Do you know what your mission is?

I pray you are using these next 58 days to lay aside hindrances and allow your freedom in Christ to secure your identity. Believe that you are a daughter of the King and your freedom was bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ—Be FREE! Don’t live like the Israelites who were freed from their slavery in Egypt, but preferred slavery to satisfy their appetite. You have the power to lay aside all the weights that are hindering you from achieving your goal. Throw them aside my friend; it’s the only way to run!

“Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and let us RUN!” –Hebrews 12:1