By Min. Teja S.

“I can do nothing on my own. I judge as God tells me. Therefore, my judgment is just, because I carry out the will of the one who sent me, not my own will.”

(John 5:30 NLT)

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love the Fourth of July. We celebrate America’s independence with waving flags, smoking grills, and all the fun outdoor activities that the weather will allow. This is a perfect example of how the world’s systems and ways of doing things is so often the complete opposite of God’s way of doing things.

While we are celebrating our independence as a nation this month, let’s also celebrate our dependence on Christ as His children. Our complete dependence on Jesus is probably not something that most Christians even think about, let alone celebrate. But, we have to make a concerted effort to reprogram ourselves, because we cannot do anything successfully without the inclusion of Jesus Christ.

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 NLT)

Most of us grow up being trained, groomed, and encouraged to be independent men and women. We are taught that we need to complete a certain level of schooling, get a good job, move out of our parent’s homes, and become productive Christian citizens in an ever changing society. This is all good! But, it then makes it difficult sometimes, after we begin really walking with Christ, to then learn to become completely dependent all over again.

After years of striving to move forward in life, get things done, and not wait on others to make things happen for us, it can become quite difficult to learn to wait on, lean on, and depend on God. Some people have been so conditioned by the ways of their upbringing that when they hear someone say, “I’m just waiting on God for guidance and direction before I make a move,” they automatically think that this person is making excuses for not moving forward, taking action, making a commitment or a decision.

I’m not saying that God doesn’t want us to work hard; He absolutely does. He wants us to be productive, hardworking initiative takers in many situations. But, Jesus also wants us to do these things with an understanding that we are to be completely dependent upon Him and not our own skills, talents, or abilities for the successful outcome of everything we do.

“Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.”

(Proverbs 16:3 NLT)

To read the full article go to: http://bottledtearsinheaven.wordpress.com/2014/07/