Today we’re finishing exploring the Trinity of Love, Justice & Mercy and how Freewill flows through them because of who God is. Today let’s look at Freewill the heart attitude of God, and how it speaks Equality.
Freewill to me, is me exercising my right to choose or decide about a situation, event or thing, with no outside help – it comes from within me.
Father God to Him, is for each one to live heart open, free of all bounds and ties, to take the dive or remove the jenga piece.
My kids favourite song at the moment is ‘Dive’ by Steven Curtis Chapman, have a listen it’s good!
We believe God is love and sovereign right? Yes, then do we agree He would make allowance for the possibility of us choosing something over him? And because He is Love and wants us, that He would honour our choice and still passionately desire, woo, and call us back to His heart! NO greater LOVE.
Let’s take that thought, how are we going to apply that in our parenting or marriage? Do we Trust in the truth that Father God Loves our kids more than we do, and has greater knowledge of who they were created to be and the timing than we do. Within that we allow for the possibility for our kids choosing something over following God… or for our marriage that we allow in our heart for the possibility of our spouse choosing something over following God. Will we still show up and offer grace and love? Ooh that’s deep. But that my friend is us stepping into intimacy through laying down our agenda or reaction when we don’t like the choice made?
A heart attitude of LOVE regardless of the decision made, saying ‘not my will, desires, wants for this loved one, but YOURS God be done here in this one. If you struggle with those words ‘not my will Father, but Yours be done.
Take heart, you’re in great company, those words Jesus cried out in the Garden “Father take this cup of suffering from Me, but not My will be done, but Yours”. Jesus lived that He did nothing without the Father’s say so or seeing the Father do it.
God loves equality, so every person born has the right to choose whether they want a Relationship with Him, this started right back in the Garden of Eden, where 2 trees stood on purpose- Tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil and Tree of LIFE.
One tree draws us to abide by, and be led by rules & law, and one tree draws us to abide in, and be led by love & relationship. Ask the Father which tree is Him?
When we choose, to abide and place something else on the throne instead of Jesus, our hearts live in the tree of knowledge –head.
When we choose to abide and place the triumph of the Cross, wooden tree stump and the empty tomb, on the throne, our hearts live in the tree of life –presence of God, heart encounter.
Remember Papa’s way and heart desire is always for us to be led into greater freedom and abundant life as beloved children of God.. Ruth experienced that.
In the story of Ruth, 2 girls are offered the same invitation– come or stay? They both have equal choice, opportunity to Trust in the Lord and His way, as Proverbs 3:5-6 TPT “Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions.With all your heart rely on Him to guide you, and He will lead you in every decision you make. Become intimate with Him in whatever you do, and He will lead you wherever you go. Don’t think for a moment that you know it all”
So back to the girls, what did they decide? 1 girl dives in, leaving all she knows to follow God and His Way, she’s unshaken in her commitment, 1 girl stays with what she knows and lives from what she knows, she’s also unshaken in her commitment.
Wow, what choice would you make in their shoes? Would you dive in?
Today let’s take this passage and personalise it as a declaration to Father God you Trust in who He is to lead your life.
Then linger here with Holy Spirit as you read it out and let both soak in. During this time invite Him to speak to your heart and be available to Him.
If you’re wondering Hallelujah, the tree of life appears again at the end of the Bible in Revelations 22. When John receives a vision “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, flowing with water clear as crystal, continuously pouring out from the throne of God and of the Lamb.The river was flowing in the middle of the street of the city, and on either side of the river was the Tree of Life, with its twelve kinds of ripe fruit according to each month of the year. The leaves of the Tree of Life are for the healing of the nations”
Yes Jesus, we so want that to live from the Tree of Life.
Challenge Time: Grab your journal, time with the Lord and write what He reveals.
1. Father God would you reveal to me any lies I’m believing keeping me stuck in the Tree of knowledge?
2. Father God would you show me the truths to combat these lies, so I can live in the Tree of Life? (write down what He says)
3. If you want to pick up and live in the Tree of Life maybe pray, Father ‘today I choose to release the lies I’ve been believing (say what they are 1 by 1) and pick up the truths (say what they are 1 by 1) so that I can walk in greater freedom and life as I live in the Tree of Life with You helping me”
4. Do that as many times as God asks you to (don’t rush take your time)
5. Father would you give me what I need to take a step of the diving board so that I can live for You fully? (record what He says you need and thank Him for it)
6. Give Thanks for He is Good Loving and Faithful Father.
Father God, thank You for this incredible series we’ve been journeying full of revelation and keys. We say yes to diving into more of Your Love, and Spirit and as a result living from the Tree of Life. Jesus You are the Way, Truth and Life. We trust You. In Jesus name, Amen.
Craig and Winnie Patten
Itinerate Pastors/Apostolic Leaders
Encounter Ministries
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