Today’s guest blog comes from Joanne Ellison. Joanne is the founder of Joanne Ellison//Drawing Near to God Ministries. She is a popular Bible teacher and speaks regularly at both conferences and churches. She hosts a weekly community Bible study incorporating worship, Word and ministry drawing 250+ men and women from across the spectrum of church backgrounds.
“THE SPIRIT BRINGS LIBERTY”
Paul writes in his letter to the Corinthian church that “The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” I have been thinking about this passage lately. Can’t seem to get it out of my mind. Think about the opposite. Where the Spirit is not there is no freedom. So I guess we better find out where the Spirit is and run after Him. Is that the way it works?
Running After the Spirit
Paul tells us that the Lord is the Spirit so that helps us a bit. We have to run after the Lord to have true freedom. But the real question behind all of this is: “How do we do that?” It might be helpful though to first look at the things that we do run after.
Pursuit of Happiness
Funny thing how the things that we think will bring us happiness and ultimate freedom never seem to do so. I love clothes—bright colors, fashion and glitz. So there was a time that I enjoyed shopping so much it would make my day. The problem was that at the end of the pursuit and acquisition of my purchase, my temporary happiness and satisfaction ended. It is easy to look in my closet and see clothes that haven’t been worn in quite awhile. I used to watch a lot of television shows; could hardly wait until they came on at night. The next day I would regret the waste of time. Not that enjoying clothes or television is a bad thing, but the truth is that it did not bring me happiness or freedom.
Pursuing Liberty
Freedom comes to us when we pursue the Lord; when our one obsession is in knowing Him. Paul describes Moses who had to wear a veil so that the people could not see the fading glory of God. But on this side of the cross we as believers with unveiled faces, reflecting God’s glory, are being are transformed by the freedom He brings.
Power of Prayer
This weekend I attended a conference. I went on a mission to pursue Christ and grow in the power of the Holy Spirit. Remembering Paul’s words that where the Spirit is there is freedom, I sought prayer. The Holy Spirit revealed an area of my life where I was stuck; where fear and intimidation had taken hold. Running after the Lord brings liberty and where the Spirit is you can be sure that freedom is sure to follow. Consider asking the Holy Spirit where you are in bondage and then pursue the Lord. He is always faithful to set the captives free.
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