Live Loved, Free Full - Devotional from Wayne Jacobsen

I got a profile on FB for the first time in about 10 years I think it's been, not sure, to connect with a group discussing a book. Didn't want to connect with friends there, or family either, because I didn't want the constant feed, although now it's a bit different and I could probably do it, and just not look at it, or see the posts if I choose. I can't take the political junk, and cruelty on there. The people I have relationships with I talk to. I don't need to connect there, though it's fun when it's fun. But mostly it hits my yuck meter. The group turned out disappointing, and I left it, and am now only part of a book launching group for a devotional book from Wayne Jacobsen called, Live Loved, Free, Full. Published by Blue Sheep Media. If your looking for a refreshing devotional, this is it. I've read devotionals all my Christian life convinced I needed them. Heads up, you don't. But don't let that stop you on this one. Most of them beat me up, some gave me a sip of water, almost none helped me with my burdens by telling me what new discipline I needed to practice to get better. Many, many were method devotionals, to which I was particularly susceptable. Like planning your life out in 15 min increments. Setting weekly, monthly, yearly, and life goals. Doing spiritual mapping.....ugh....I'm breaking into a sweat. I know Wayne's message fairly well, having listened to him for the past 5-6 years, so I knew this would not be remotely close to any of that, and so wasn't in the least nervous about picking it up. And unlike FB, it does not disappoint. It's so refreshing to read passages and hear a word daily that reflects the Father's love and affection for me, rather than crack the whip over my head, or focus on my weaknesses, which is what I thought God wanted for years. While God does want us to grow, we can't do it by staring at our sins. We do it by receiving His love. It's backdoor, stealth spiritual warfare. Go in a dark room and turn on the light. Where does the darkness go? Light expells darkness. For so long I shoveled darkness trying to get the light in. That kind of warfare, wears you out. The enemy will let you work on your sins 24/7, because he knows, what a sisyphean task it is. But let the Father love you....let his affection flood you with confidence in his care and concern for you, in his utter committment to you, and things start to shift. Relax into that....and watch what happens. Invite him into sin, pain and shame, rather than try to fix them...and see how He answers. So, get your coffee, and watch the sun come up with your Friend, and inhale deeply. He's got you. Be encouraged. Or if your a night owl like me, go watch the sun set and repeat! Your not more spiritual if you get up at sunrise! LOL! And if you want to encourage yourself, and shift your thinking into a place of relaxing into a good Father's care, into love and affection from your creator, so that you have the strength to live this hard life, then get this little book and enjoy. If like me, you've been working hard trying to change, trying to assimulate into the Christian faith, or just change your heart, and are tired, and wondering if it's ever really going to change beyond your outward behavior, I say with Dr. Phil, "how's that working for you?" Give yourself a retreat, and retreat. RELAX. Do you really think He will throw up his hands and say, "that's it! I'm done!" Come on. It might feel like falling off a cliff backward, to relax into his love rather than perform for it, but close your eye's and fall. And be caught.