Ok, 'fore we get started, read this passage... 2Corinthians 3:12-18. Last week we talked about how a bent toward past sin OR toward legalism can keep us from freedom. We also covered that what our society deems as "freedom" can actually lead us to greater bondage than we've ever experienced.
I LOVE this 2 Corinthians passage!!! I love the comparison between Moses having to veil his face to give the Israelites God's Word and the idea of the heart being veiled. Don't know that story? It's cool. Read it here. It's as though because the people weren't willing to experience God's fullness, their hearts were veiled - they were shrouded from the potential that He had for them, from all they could be in Him.
I think that can be so true for us as women! Read vs.17-18 again "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is FREEDOM. And we, who with UNVEILED faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness..." Do you feel that freedom? Do you feel unveiled? This passage says that when we have Jesus, the veil is taken away! And if our veil is removed we should be radiant reflections of Him. I believe as women, though, sometimes we put the veil back on! We won't be vulnerable, or we won't reach out, won't try, or we are so pressed to push our own agenda... What would it be like if a bride came down the aisle only to leave her veil covering her face? It would feel strange, lack intimacy. The you-may-kiss-the-bride moment would completely lose its awe! There cannot be true intimacy, true relationship, if there is a veil shrouding the other person.
Have you ever seen a radiant woman? Like the glow a lady gets when she's expecting a child. Even women some would consider plain stand out when they are expecting... Or a woman in love... oh they just SHINE don't they? I want to be radiant like that in Christ! We can be!
Into the light...
1. Do you feel radiant in Christ? Why/why not?
2. Does a lack of being vulnerable or an attitude of pride keep you from feeling free and radiant?
3. What would it take for you to remove the veil, to be a radiant life-giver to those around you?
Wielding the Sword...
Read Hebrews 12:1-3. What is hindering you? Can you throw it off? Who should we focus on/look to to give us strength and hope to move toward freedom?
Read 2 Corinthians 4:7. Where does our power come from? How does this relate to vulnerability?
Read Galatians 5:22-26. Our first passage said "where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom" - how can we see evidence that the Holy Spirit is in our lives? What do you think it means to "keep in step" with the Spirit?
Let me know what's on your heart. Leave me a comment, we'll dialogue. Loving and believing in you. Take off the veil; let Jesus radiate through you. The battle is now. Your presence is needed, warrior princess :)
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