Sunday, January 07, 2007

Up, up, and away!

I want to let you know that I'll be away for ten days, until the 18th. One thing I hate about a holiday like this is missing you and the blogging that has become such an important part of my life. I'll be thinking of you all. I have a list with all of you on it, and will pray for you. And, if possible, I may be able to do some blogging where I'm going.

But I did promise that I was going to deal with one more question about faith: What is the difference between living by the faith and living by faith?

Living by the faith suggests living by a set of rules, dictated by religion. We might think that belief in God depends on us following those rules. Often people will follow the rules because they think it will make God love them.

Living by faith is to follow his rules because we know he loves us and that makes us want to please him. Living by faith does not change what we do, but it changes how we do it.
Living by faith is to have a relationship with God. It is to trust him. It is to release the grip we have on our own will and following his will. His will is revealed to us as we pray and read his Word.

My favorite Bible verses - ones that have given me tremendous peace over the years of struggle I've dealt with, are these words from Jesus:

"Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

When I took on Jesus' yoke, I found freedom. He showed me a way to live that has given me joy. Through following him, I found a purpose for my life. I love the work I do.

10 comments:

Bleeding Heart said...

Thank you for this post:) Thank you for being you:)

Anonymous said...

Enjoy your time away! We'll all be here when you return! :)

Anonymous said...

I know you're having fun away...but I miss you and your amazingly insightful posts and your sweet comments. :)

bipolar_girl said...

Enjoy the trip, Marja! Don't be away too ong, though. We miss you already.

Anonymous said...

I hope you have a terrific time off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will miss you and your brilliant insights.

Anonymous said...

Hi Marja
I went to Bipolar and Me--and enjoyed your post about faith and bipolar and wanted to drop by. I will be by again. http://www.gipolar.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

hope your holiday is going well. i've prayed for you and your book.

Anonymous said...

faith is hard because it means you are blindly entering into something not being able to see the outcome thats why people struggle with faith so much.
Everyone wants to know the ending right at the start great blog on faith

Anonymous said...

ok you're home now so show your face:)
we miss you marja!!!!! we do do do!!
I am anxious to hear about your trip.

marja said...

Thank you all for your kind wishes. It feels good to know that you miss me when I'm gone.

Thank you, Misha, for your prayers for the book. It IS coming together.

Jumpinginpuddles: That's the beautiful thing about faith, it's believing so much that you could allow yourself to let go, knowing that Someone loving and trustworthy will catch you if you fall.

Sarah, I've missed you too. Now we're both back...things are as they should be. (I don't really like being away very much.)