I love visiting other churches. Not that I don’t like my church. I love my church. But my role as a pastor on Sundays is that of a chef rather than a guest at a restaurant. Therefore, when I’m traveling and have a chance to visit another church, I love sitting and drinking in what the preacher has to say from the word of God. It is good to sit at the table and eat and enjoy!

But of course the meal has to be prepared well for me to enjoy. And a well prepared meal will always end up focusing on what God has done for us more than what we must do for Him. Having grown up in a culture (and even the church culture) where my self-worth was determined by how hard I have worked, it is such a freeing experience to know that my best is NOT good enough and therefore, I must rely on what Christ has done for me. Therein lies the true freedom. I’m free not because I get to do now whatever I want. I’m free because what I want to do has changed! True freedom comes from wanting what we ought to want – which is God ultimately.

The Apostle Paul boldly proclaimed in front of a bunch of legalistic Jews, “Let it be know to you therefore, brothers, that through this man [Jesus] forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.” Acts 13:38-39

The law of Moses demanded duty. But Christ brought love. That which we love to do will never feel like duty but pleasure. We now live according to God’s superior’s law of love not because we have to but because we want to. If that ‘want to’ is not there in your heart, ask the Lord of miracles to change your heart. I’m praying it for my heart constantly….

Come to the feast of the Lord this Sunday!

PH