This Rest Stop derives from two recent opportunities given to me by God's grace: (1) my invocation alongside 9 boys at a boys home fund raiser, and (2) a message by John Lynch that I heard at a national conference for discipleship counselors.
Both opportunities spoke to my heart regarding how we are freed from shame. Whereas guilt results from the regret of doing a sinful act, shame is the regret of having a sinful identity.
Some Christians do not know they have a new righteous identity in Christ and, consequently, are deceived into living in bondage to shame. These Christians are hiding from having genuine relationships with others, just like Adam and Eve after the Fall.
What an amazing opportunity we have to minister to others the miracle and freedom of the Christ-life! Christ by grace has taken our shame upon Himself so that we by faith can take His righteousness upon ourselves! We have this good news to share!
HOPE AND LOVE
Look at the hope in the faces of the boys in the above photo, boys who in their young lives have already experienced much shame.
And be encouraged by the following quotes from John Lynch.
People are captives waiting to be freed!
Everyone is starving for the protection of love.
Learn the art of love.
Learn how to be loved.
The greatest gift you can give someone is a safe place to fail...
...to help them come out of hiding.
What if there were a place so safe where people would be
more loved when they told the worst about themselves?!
The way to break (experience the victory over) the power of sin
is to call out to a trusted friend.
When you put on a mask to hide behind,
only the mask gets loved.
The degree to which I trust you,
is the degree to which I allow you to love me.
Ministry is about wooing the new nature (identity) of a friend
to come out and play with you.
It's more important that nothing is hidden
than it is to "get fixed."
CLOSING
The ministry of Journey in Christ is called to come along side others in genuine trust relationships as God prepares their hearts to receive the truths of their identity in Christ. Our 6 staff members and many ministry partners are witnessing many people come out of hiding into the glorious light of Jesus Christ! We are also training these people to minister this same hope and freedom to others.
Last week, I witnessed a man testify of freedom from the shame of the stronghold of pornography. Also last week, men at the Haven of Rest mission testified of growth in freedom from shame.
Have a grace-full week!
