Legalism vs Discipline... written by Leeland

*This is a great devotion from the group Leeland. They are one of my favorites! They have a great blog on their website http://www.leelandonline.com/. Check it out!

Legalism vs Discipline

1 Cor. 9:26-27 " So I do not run aimlessly, I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."

Legalism is doing a list of good things in order to get in right relationship with God (which stands opposed to the true Gospel). Discipline, on the other hand, is doing those same things because you're already in relationship with God. Legalism seeks redemption. Discipline should be the hallmark of the truly redeemed. When we are rooted in the knowledge of God's grace, we are then free to run this race. So that's where we start. The routines or exercises we do aren't out of our effort to win (we've already won) but to FINISH!

We have a generation of people who start but don't finish. The reason they fall out of the race isn't because they don't love God, but it's because they lack discipline. Setting Godly standards in our lives is okay because the Holy Spirit helps us live up to those standards!

If the goals aren't there, then we're setting ourselves up to run aimlessly and ineffectively. And the end result is quitting because we're burnt out, even though we had good intentions. Your intentions don't mean any thing if your actions oppose them.

In a generation that's running around chasing their tails, let's set a different standard. Once again, we're not going for a life of dead legalism. You have to know that God loves you! And this is our motivation for excellence in life.

*If you'd like to learn more from or about Leeland... visit them at http://www.leelandonline.com.

I'd heard many of Leeland's songs on the radio and even heard them performed as special music at church. But it wasn't until I had seen them in concert, The Exit Concert with Raul Ries, that I was totally hooked. The heart they have for God is undeniable. They aren't just a group who sings christian music... they are a group of christains who are out to win souls for the Lord. Refreshing. And to wrap it up... here's a video of one of my favorite Leeland songs. Count Me In. :)





Thanks for reading and God bless!
Mary Ann  :)

Living In The Overlap by Steve Schaefer

Steve Schaefer describes the "Overlap" as the time between Jesus' first arrival here on earth and His second coming. He explains how the Kingdom of God consists of 'already' and 'not yet'. Does that sound complicated? No worries... the author does a great job of explaining just what that means in our daily lives.

The first two chapters, which is part one of the book, cover the Old Testament Predictions and their New Testament Fulfillment's. A lot of good information laid out plain and simple. Easy to understand. He includes in the book a fold-out diagram called The Kingdom Dartboard, which by the way, is available for download on his website, http://www.livingintheoverlap.com/.

Part two of the book deals with daily living. Issues such as Loving Others, Praying for Healing, Walking by Faith, Working Together as a Body, and Being Used by God are addressed in these next chapters. He uses examples from his own life that makes it more personal.

It's an easy book to read. Not overly technical... if that's the word I'm looking for. Some books that deal with a particular subject seem to go way over my head. But not this one. Don't get me wrong... there are more than enough scriptures and references to back it up, over 40 pages of End Notes and Recommended Reading in the back of the book. I just appreciate how he writes as if he's talking to me and not standing in front of a classroom.

I've seen a few new books that deal with living a 'real' christian life. Not just labeling yourself a christian, but living like you believe what God says. If living what you believe is of interest to you... then you will want to read this book. I know I will be referring back to it again and again. It's given me something to think about. 

*Thank you, Glass Road Productions, for providing me with a copy of this book and allowing me to be a part of your review program! :)

Thanks for reading and God bless!
Mary Ann :)

eFile For FREE Through IRS.gov

It's tax time again...

Weather you're expecting a refund or have to pay... you might as well save money on filing. The IRS offers FreeFile for those who qualify. Just go to the IRS Website and follow the directions.

Seems that most people I know qualify for free service so you may too... and you get to choose from a list of trusted companies like TurboTax and H&R Block. You might find your favorite company on the list.

BUT... it's very important that you enter these sites from the IRS Website. If you enter any other way, you won't get the service for free.

I've been using FreeFile for years and it's saved me a lot of money. Now you can save too!

And that it my tip of the day! :)

Thanks for reading and God bless!
Mary Ann :)