by Renée Berry
“My old identity has been co-crucified with Messiah and no longer lives; for the nails of his cross crucified me with him. And now the essence of this new life is no longer mine, for the Anointed One lives his life through me—we live in union as one! My new life is empowered by the faith of the Son of God who loves me so much that he gave himself for me, and dispenses his life into mine!
~ Galatians 2:20 The Passion Translation
I noted a post on Facebook not long ago stating, “I’m having a great day!” A little later the same person posted, “Someone just ruined my day!” How is it that we can jump on that proverbial roller coaster of emotions as we go through the day? We so quickly buy into our feelings and are tempted to believe a lie about God (He’s not trustworthy; He’s not loving…fill in your own blank). We are also tempted to believe a lie about self (I am unacceptable; I am better than everybody…fill in your own blank). The temptation is even to believe a lie about others (I need them to meet my love and acceptance needs and I’ll do anything to get those needs met! There’s a blank there, too!). We do this without realizing that we have unwittingly bought into the same lies that Adam and Eve did at The Fall of man.
For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.
~ Genesis 3:5 English Standard Version
In accordance with the plumb line of Scriptural Truth, these lies are based upon a feeling level with no Truth attached. We easily get caught up in emotions if we have Spiritual amnesia (we know the Truth but allow feelings to rule in the moment). This also occurs if we do not know our identity in Christ (who He says He is and who He says we are). Sometimes, we are not Biblically forgiving (releasing the offense, as well as how it made us feel, to The Lord).
Jesus exchanged His Life for ours on the cross. (Galatians 2:20) How do we live that out on a daily basis without being controlled by our feelings? It’s simple, but not easy! Simple? Yes! Invite Jesus In to the hurt, rejection, loneliness, etc. As we give those feelings to Him, we can ask Him what He wants us to have in exchange for what we have given Him. Easy? No! The lies which motivate our flesh (patterns of coping in our own strength) fight the Spirit (Truth) constantly.
For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.
~ Galatians 5:17 English Standard Version
Yielding to Christ in the moment and the act of forgiving is never based upon feelings. It is about receiving the God-given Life of Christ and His finished work on the cross while partaking of His Nature, Attributes, and Characteristics by the choice of our will, not our emotions. Our feelings should catapult us into the lap of Jesus. We can Invite Him In so as not to live by our feelings, but by Truth. The Truth is, He is our Peace, Joy, Grace, Mercy, Love. That is New Covenant living because He is the Fountain of Life.
Would you like to know more about New Covenant Living – the abundant life that Jesus speaks about? At Abundant Grace International, we offer one-on-one Discipleship Counseling, couples counseling, conferences, and further training in understanding the Truths of the New Covenant of Grace.
We are a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, Christ-centered, Biblically-based Discipleship Counseling ministry. We are a part of an international network – Network220.org. For more information, please visit our website abundantgraceintl.org. We invite you to call today for a personal and private meeting with a counselor.
Call 864.270.5531 or click here to contact us.
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Renée Berry
Abundant Grace International
Discipleship Counselor*Life Coach*Teacher*Trainer
Author/Blogger: reneehberry.com
Invite Him In: Jesus in Seasons of Adversity
704-408-8609
We are grateful to receive Renée Berry as a staff member with us at Abundant Grace International. She brings with her Godly wisdom and discernment from many years of experience. We can only marvel as we continue to see our Father supply the need for humble and qualified servants to minister to His people.
