Author: Staci Mauney

Comfort in the Pain

Posted on by Staci Mauney

Comfort in the Pain

“May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.” (Ps 119:76)

I heard the screen door open and the mail slot squeak as the mail carrier opened the door to shove the mail through the slot. Lilly barked and charged at the door, grabbing the mail as it came through the slot. She slung the mail across the room and ran head-first into the door as she tried to get to the offender who dared to invade our space. Continue reading “Comfort in the Pain” →

Car Repairs and People Who Care

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ…” Gal 6:2

I put my bag of groceries in the passenger seat and walked around the car. I placed the key in the ignition, turned it, and…nothing. I turned the key off, but it didn’t want to come out. I turned it to the on position again, and still nothing. I took the key out this time, and the radio came on, startling me. On the verge of panic, I took a deep breath and called my dad, who was over 100 miles away. Continue reading “Car Repairs and People Who Care” →

Freedom

Posted on by Staci Mauney

This post was originally published on July 4, 2011.

“They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for ‘people are slaves to whatever has mastered them.’” (2 Peter 2:19)

Freedom is a term that’s tossed around a lot this time of year as we celebrate Independence Day in the United States. But what does true freedom mean? Does it mean that we’re free to do whatever we want, no matter the cost to others?

Society would have us believe that’s true, but true freedom means stripping ourselves of our pride and selfishness. When we believe in Christ, our sins are forgiven, but that doesn’t mean that we’re allowed to do anything we want.

There is a great responsibility that comes along with this freedom. As believers, we’re required to live our lives in such a way that those around us can see Christ’s love through us. However, when we focus on ourselves, we put our own selfish desires first, thinking that we’ll simply ask for forgiveness later.

When we realize that true freedom doesn’t give us the right to demand anything from God, we can turn to God and ask him for forgiveness. When our focus is turned inward, we can’t help those around us because we’re blinded to their needs. But when we begin to understand that being free means we must change our focus, we will begin to put the needs of others first. We will serve God where he wants us, and we’ll show his love to those around us.

Dear Jesus, thank you for the true freedom that’s found only in you. Help me to change my focus from me-centered to others-centered so that those around me can see your presence in my life. Amen.