Hang in there girls! I have heard that some of you are feeling guilt and condemnation after reading the last 2 chapters. I guarantee you that this is not Tonia's heart. I shared with you last week a particular illustration. This book to me is like looking at the picture on the puzzle box before dumping out all the pieces. It is a guideline. It is a picture of God's heart. But just like many puzzles, sometimes the pieces get lost or distorted. The pieces of your life are much different than mine. But our goal is the final picture, so we follow the guideline. Not everyone will end up with the same results. Your life will have different twists and turns. I will have obstacles that you will never face and visa versa. Some of you have been through a divorce. And quite honestly one or more of you may be headed in that direction. But how did God want marriage to look? You can't work on something when you don't know what it should look like. How can you remodel a home with no blueprints? Tonia taught on the difference in "logos" and "rhema". God has given us written scripture and has given us great teachings through talented writers (logos). But we serve a God that wants to speak to you specifically about your situation (rhema). Don't put God in a box. He is your God and He want's to speak to you about your life.
Love you all,
Heather
Elimination vs. Moderation
12 years ago
Bethany said...
ReplyDeleteHeather, the other thing to add is that her book is about living an abundant life. God's desire is for us to live an abundant life and that life is ours for the taking! But we are not expected to live a life identical to that described. It does, however give us something we can work towards or look to for guidance!! This book has allowed me to develop a new relationship with the wonderful God I serve!! It's also given me a fresh understanding of His heart! This love and understanding allows HIS desires to become our desires! Our Father loves us so much, and desires nothing but the best for us! Thankfully for me, he is a patient God!
Bethany, I heartily agree that we are not called to live identical lives... our lives in Christ are entirely unique. Our guide is the Word and Spirit of Christ. Everyone's life is hidden with Christ, and we each must find our own. The main reason I wrote the book was to help other women find their own unique life with God, and avoid making Christian clones!
ReplyDeleteLooking back over my life with God, often the most difficult encounters with His Word have led me to the greatest grace and new freedom. Surrender came easier when I lost my fear of going to God with all my reactions, and that surrender brought me more abundant life....always.