Dependence Days

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

Do you ever feel like a slave?
A slave to what??
Bad habits, disorganization, or dare we mention...food?

There are times when we all feel the confinement of slavery. We feel trapped, we feel immovable, we feel STUCK.

July speaks one word to me;
~FREEDOM~

“The free man is the one whose choices have given him the power to stand on his own feet and determine his own life according to the higher light and spirit that are in him. The slave, in the spiritual order, is the man whose choices have destroyed all spontaneity in him and have delivered him over, bound hand and foot, to his own compulsions, idiosyncrasies, and illusions, so that he never does what he really wants to do, but only what he has to do.”
~Thomas Merton

What has you captive, what compulsions, illusions or idiosyncrasies that are destructive would you like to FREE yourself from this summer?

As we find ourselves in the middle of summertime, we have an opportunity to spend some time "freeing" ourselves from all that is hindering us from "running the race with endurance." Christ came to set us free — not free to do whatever we want, as that would only lead us back into following our selfish desires. Rather, we are now free and able to do what was impossible before — to live unselfishly. What an amazing thought that is. Live unselfishly and love it!

While I was preparing this article, I came upon a quote from the book God's Road Map for Life and it just speaks to what being "free" means.

"What a wonderful freedom and wholeness comes from meeting Jesus right where you are and receiving the revelation of who HE is!"

Where do we begin? Sometimes the slave becomes comfortable in this life of slavery and breaking free can be challenging and difficult, but always worth the effort. Begin simply by asking, What would you like to be freed from? What would you like to free your household or your home school from?

Bad Habits? Spend some time in 1 Timothy 4:12 to encourage yourself and your family.

Do you find yourself judgmental or temperamental? Romans 2:1, 3-6 is a great place to look, as well as 1 Samuel 16:7.

Too busy? Not busy enough? Look to Proverbs 6:6 if you are dealing with laziness and to Matthew 11:28-29 if you are feeling burned out. Oh and if you are feeling TOO busy, spend some time in Luke chapter 10 visiting with Jesus and Martha.

Do you find yourself trapped in materialism? Vanity? Meditate on 1 Timothy 6:17-19.

How about worry? Try Matthew 6:25-34.

It is in freedom that we have choice. The choice to become dependent in a month that celebrates our nation's independence. Choose to be dependent on the only source where true freedom will ever be found - God.

As the fireworks and picnics become a memory, let us look at July as a month of recommited dependence!

By spending some time this month looking inward at what has a hold on us, enslaving us and our households, we can begin to move towards freedom in the Word that remain true. He wants to meet us where we are. He wants to help us "strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. " (Hebrews 12:1)

Freedom....we have the choice, we have the freedom to do the right thing, please God and find peace in a chaotic world, or stay bound by the chains that bind us.

Jesus said, "If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36

Freedom and Independence have their place in this world...but a bit more DEPENDENCE in the source of "true freedom" is where we need to focus some energies this summer. I invite you to kick back a bit this summer and spend some time searching out what "enslaves" you. For each of us it is different. Identify those things and turn to Scripture to "free" yourself and your households from what "binds you." I guarantee that these fireworks, fireworks of the heart, will "burst forth" into the new school year.

Father,
Hear the prayer on my heart to be completely "dependent" on You. I know that being independent, means separating myself from Your Will. I want to "run" this race that you have called me to as a wife, mother, and homeschooler. You sent Your Son to earth, to die so that I may live in the freedom that is found ONLY in You. I want to be free from all that hinders me. Father, You know where I fall short. You know what I am a slave to. I humbly ask for Your help in stripping these away. I know that it is in You that peace and freedom live. I want that for my life, I want that for my marriage, I want that for my children, I want that for my home. I want desperately to be free in Christ. Thank You for the gift of freedom. It is a priceless gift that I can not repay, I can only promise to live in love.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen

Lori is a 4 year homeschool mom to 3. Currently a 7th grader, a 5th grader and a 3rd grader. Lori insists that when she was wrestling with the decision to home school, a gentle voice guided her with the words, "you know what you should do." Never looking back, accepting the challenges and rewards and CONSTANTLY clinging to THE ROCK..."No Storm can shake my inmost calm when to this ROCK I'm clinging." Lori hopes to impart peace and inspiration amidst the daily chaos. Be sure to visit her blog at All You Have to Give.