Jim is a church sower, public but unassuming, thinker, mentor, teacher, older brother in the faith, motivated by redemption, foe of tyrants, friend of the dispossessed, retired attorney, entrepreneur, private pilot, and so-so bass fisherman.
Marianne is a second grade teacher in a Title 1 public school, private but strong, heart, skilled counselor, knows deep intimacy with God, a comfort to others in the Lord, wise, motivated by mercy but has strong resolve, gardener, and has been a bridge to healing for many.
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Amen to this!!!
Great! I encounter those who think authority is something we put on like armor, and then go around attacking things (and people). Perhaps I’m missing something, but it seems the quiet confidence we have in our position in Christ is the ultimate defense…not our cleverness or getting it just right.
I especially liked a scene from Piercing the Darkness by Peretti where the angels and demons were perched in the church watching the people pray, quite oblivious to the spiritual forces, but powerful nevertheless.
Walking in His authority… hmmm… if we comprhend the grace of God, and understand what he has actually accomplished on our behalf, and it is our intention to be doing his work and his will in the earth… then it might not be too hard to simply proceed as though we walk in His authority until he corrects us or turns us in another direction.
I do know that when He says something, either now by the spirit of God, or in scripture by the spirit of God, then my action taken on the basis of what he said, and considering what he really intended, and considering the response of real love, is under His authority.
Please do not worrry too much about being offensive in this… we have a good path to follow where many have been offended before us. Worry more about offending the Holy Spirit by rejecting his work in order to not be offensive to people… just saying…