Today after calling out to God and pleading for release from what some have called bondage…I tried to rationalize with HIM 😯 as if I could do that! Has the cross truly freed us from death? and then Has it truly freed us from the bondage of sin? I believe the answer is yes on both. My battle is not as much with petty things that have been brought to my attention. My battle is Legalism! Me?!?! I hate legalism! yet somehow my heart has been pulled to be part of this Christian walk that appears to have no blemish. How absurd to me!!?! I do strive to be an overcomer, but I do not strive to appear perfect. That would be lie.
**If you have been under the direct attack of your salvation due to falling down…one thing for you “GET UP”!
II Corinthians 4:7-10 We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. (this whole chapter is totally awesome to me-read it when you get a chance)
Jesus told the angry mob-“who ever is without sin, throw the first stone”…they dropped their stones and left..yet so many teach things that are not scriputral…for an example…do not drink alcohol…nope its not in there…it does say don’t be drunk. Alot of play on words…I don’t drink just because I am not sure I won’t be drunk. Upon coming to Christ we are sealed with HIS spirit, and nothing is getting in, and he is not getting out. If we wait til we are perfect to serve Christ, we will never serve HIM. I believe that is the largest bondage, and all I can say to it is “no thanks”, I am not perfect, and all though I want to be a picture of HIS son to the world around me, I don’t want to be a false picture, and I don’t want to sit down or shut up…I have good news to share and spread with the world…Jesus is alive! HE is real! HE wants you!, HE loves you! HE is reaching out HIS arms to you, come! don’t allow any legalism or Pharisees to stop you…How precious is it to you that the One who can have anything HE chooses…chooses you!
ponderings of a princess... 
This is a touchy subject for me…I’ve written about it lots on my blog. I grew up in a legalistic home. One good side was being kept from the “evils” of the world, but it also caused extreme criticism because you’re always checking out everyone around to be sure they’re “on the right track.”
When my mom was a girl they had very strict rules, her father was a pastor. She hadn’t worn a pair of pants until she got married. She couldn’t have an engagement ring, ears pierced, or make-up because she had not been called to be a Jezebel. Much less drink, smoke, curse, dance, go to the movies, a carnival, the bowling alley or mix swim…
It took years to break free. My old pastor use to say, “I’ve got my list of do’s and don’ts but I’m not sharing it with you…It’s my list, it’s what the Holy Spirit has put on my heart…it’s not scripture, it’s just my personal convictions.” ~Chuck Swindoll
One of my favorite books is Swindoll’s Grace Awakening. I thought it was heretical when I first read it. 😯 😆