Independent Thinking

                

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36

             

"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32      

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Happy 4th of July!!!
I'm not sure what my plans are for today considering the on-again, off-again rain and the fact that G has not been napping the way she should, but I do know that it is going to be a good day. I am blessed to live in a country where I have the freedom to openly serve, worship, and love my God. Yes, people can say what they want, but so can I. I was reflecting on a few verses earlier and thought I would share.

John 8:36 is a reminder that through Christ and the salvation that He died to bring us, we jave been set free from an eternity of pain and sorrow. He gave His life that I may freely live mine. In Christ I can be free of worry, free of anxiety, free from fear, etc. Does that mean that I will not experience these things? Of course not. But it does mean that I have someone to turn to who has it all together. Jesus is the beginning and end. My story has been written and my name is in the Book of Life. While I face the pangs of this world, I know that ultimately I am free. I am merely a traveler trying to gain companions that will walk with me on my way to Heaven and ultimately live with me there.

John 8:32 is a reminder that I need to stay in the Word. I need to ensure that I make time for my devotions with God. I need to become more intent on meditating on God's word. Reading the Bible is not enough. I have to apply. In knowing God's word I will know the truth of how I should live. This truth will give me the freedom to live accordingly.

The final verses, 1 Cor. 6:19-20, have struck a major chord with me today. I have mentioned in previous posts how I need to get this remaining baby weight off and find a healthier point of view again. In order to do this, I need to remind myself that I am not only a creation of God...His workmanship...His masterpiece, but I am a temple. I am a place that my Jesus dwells and how am I keeping His home? Not only do I need to keep my heart and mind focused on Christ, but I need to treat my physical body with care. I was bought with a very high price. I can glorify God through the way I care for myself. I have one body to last me all of my days and I need to care for it the way God would have me care for myself. As I continue to work on my prayer life and my intentional time with God, I am also beginning to refocus on the physical aspect.

I bought a gently used treadmill yesterday. With an infant, it is very hard to get in exercise. I live in the middle of no where. I used to walk/jog on our roads, but it is something I consider the best choice with my daughter...even in a stroller. With this treadmill, I can get a good workout in while she naps in the next room. The weather does not determine my availability. I'm really excited about getting started. I'm working on a game plan. I need motivation. The last time I lost a fair amount of weight was a couple of years ago when I was training for 5k races. So...here I go again. I've got my phone apps and I have my treadmill. I am aiming for the Run for Mercy race in Roanoke, VA this October. They have a beautiful mission that is dear to my heart. Please check it out! This is my first race goal. I'm not so much concerned about the weight because I know it will come off as I get going. I just want to feel good and know that when the race comes, I have given my all and done my best.