True Freedom From Slavery

True Freedom From Slavery

2 Peter 2: ¹⁷ These people are like dried-up springs, like clouds blown along by a storm; God has reserved a place for them in the deepest darkness. ¹⁸ They make proud and stupid statements, and use immoral bodily lusts to trap those who are just beginning to escape from among people who live in error. ¹⁹ They promise them freedom while they themselves are slaves of destructive habits—for we are slaves of anything that has conquered us. ²⁰ If people have escaped from the corrupting forces of the world through their knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and then are again caught and conquered by them, such people are in worse condition at the end than they were at the beginning. ²¹ It would have been much better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than to know it and then turn away from the sacred command that was given them. ²² What happened to them shows that the proverbs are true: “A dog goes back to what it has vomited” and “A pig that has been washed goes back to roll in the mud.”

 

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After reaching a certain level, I figured people would listen to me. I flaunted my title and expected everyone to align to “my” statements because of the level. Wealth was an easy target to dangle in front of those who desired it. “If you work hard, then you can win an award” was the company line I believed in.

 

• I was a slave to power.
• I was a slave to money.
• I was a slave to being followed and giving “my” advice.

 

Peter concludes his warning to stay away from false teachers. He gives some startling truths regarding enslavement. The false teachers lured people back into destructive habits that people had escaped because of their belief in JESUS, enslaving them and taking away their hope.

 

My Observations:

• GOD is willing to cleanse me daily.
• True freedom is available to me when I follow what CHRIST says.
• There is hope for the addicted, the hopeless and the down-trodden through JESUS.

 

Following humans is okay, but following GOD is the best way to go. I mean, humans, even preachers and missionaries, can have an agenda that can lead to a false teaching of GOD’s love to get his or her lustful way. GOD sees this kind of manipulation and is not pleased with it , at all! Fortunately there is another way.

 

JESUS forgives and is willing to heal those who struggle with something he or she knows is not good for them. HE has faced every type of temptation and cares for you and me. HE, however, wants HIS followers to be wise and to not follow flattering words that may take people away from HIS love. I am glad GOD cares enough for me to guide me away from myself and protect me from those who do not care about HIS precious name.

 

Challenge

• What corrupting forces is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever been worried about something or have you been stuck doing something you know is not good for you?
• Will you reduce following humans who may be manipulating you to get his or her way and seek GOD’s way that can set you free today?

Un-trapped

Un-trapped

James 1: ¹² Happy are those who remain faithful under trials, because when they succeed in passing such a test, they will receive as their reward the life which God has promised to those who love him. ¹³ If we are tempted by such trials, we must not say, “This temptation comes from God.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. ¹⁴ But we are tempted when we are drawn away and trapped by our own evil desires. ¹⁵ Then our evil desires conceive and give birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

 

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Having a mountain of homework made me a bit nervous. But seeing the naked girls had me distracted the rest of the day. The boys locker room was connected to the girls locker room by a double wooden door. Some smart-aleck fashioned a hole between the doors from which we could see. Taking turns, we ogled and commented.

 

• I had work to do, but I could not do it because I was distracted.
• Instead of thinking of solutions for the work I was supposed to be doing I dreamed of ways to beat they guys and get in front of the line.
• My mind was trapped and I got caught by a teacher because I did not notice him standing behind me.

 

James gets rid of the blame game humans play with GOD. He mentions that during difficult times, humans have a tendency towards sin. He tried his best to paint a picture of how acting on our own temptation can cause us to justify our own sin which leaves us trapped.

 

My Observations:

• Temptation comes from the enemy to take me off the path of solutions for GOD.
• Remaining focused to what GOD wants me to do helps me stay out of the traps of my own desires.
• GOD does not tempt me BUT HE does guide me back to HIM if and when I fall.

 

Temptations can be tough. I mean, food, gambling, hoarding, substance and sex are all sticky temptations humans can fall into. When stressful times arise, the temptation can rear its head as a temporary solution. Unfortunately this only brings on more pain and problems. BUT GOD has an answer.

 

JESUS provides a different path. HE not only saved me from the consequences of sin, which is death; he also gave me things to think on to pursue HIS Kingdom. When my mind is focused on what HE wants me to do, I can reduce the pressure of the trial and focus on GOD’s voice. I am glad GOD forgives me when I fall and is willing to pick me up and place me on HIS path.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer explain temptation?
• Have you ever been under pressure and done something regretful?
• Will you take the pressure off yourself by knowing JESUS forgives you if you fall to temptation, so you can hear HIS love enough to choose HIS path versus sin next time?

Truly Free

 

Truly Free

Hebrews 9: ¹⁵ For this reason Christ is the one who arranges a new covenant, so that those who have been called by God may receive the eternal blessings that God has promised. This can be done because there has been a death which sets people free from the wrongs they did while the first covenant was in effect.

 

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Sitting in the classroom, I stared out the window, longing to be outside. When the bell rang, we were released for the day, but destined to return the next and the next and the next. “When will I be free?” I wondered.

 

• It seemed like I would be there forever.
• It seemed like I was serving a sentence.
• It seemed like I was being kept from enjoyment.

 

Paul, the assumed writer, tells everyone about the “new covenant” that was arranged by JESUS. He mentions that JESUS died to set free, those who believe in HIM. HIS death would also cover those who died following the Law.

 

My Observations:

• My definition of freedom is marred by sin.
• My daydreams of what freedom looks like usually do not include GOD.
• Admitting I have wrong in my life can be hard when I have too much pride to do so, therefore I remain in bondage, BUT JESUS sets me free when I admit I need HIM.

 

Worldly freedom can place me in bondage. I mean, when I am free to do as I please, I usually will not choose to follow JESUS. Instead I will justify why I need to get “my” way and try to convince others that “my” way is okay. BUT GOD sees through my false freedom.

 

HE wants me to see that I am trying to live a lie, but will allow me to do so until I can say, “LORD I need you to open my eyes to the lie I am living.” HE is willing to heal the blind and give us freedom from the sins we so easily fall into. I am glad JESUS gives true freedom.

 

Challenge

• What freedom is the writer talking about?
• Have you ever wanted to be “free?”
• Will you examine your definition of “freedom” to see if it aligns with GOD so HE can truly make you free today?

Awake and Sober

Awake and Sober

1 Thessalonians 5: ⁴ But you, friends, are not in the darkness, and the Day should not take you by surprise like a thief. ⁵ All of you are people who belong to the light, who belong to the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. ⁶ So then, we should not be sleeping like the others; we should be awake and sober.

 

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After the discussion about expensive ties, I wanted to fit in, but did not have the money. I found a discount store and bought suits and ties. I got compliments. We all went to lunch. On the way, a homeless person asked us for money. “Sorry, I don’t have anything” was my lie. The others mumbled “Get a job” after we walked away.

 

• I was drunk with trying to fit in with “successful” people.
• I was following darkness by withholding from someone in need.
• I was asleep to serving the Kingdom of GOD.

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy continue the discussion about the “Day of the LORD.” They bring great news that believers will not be surprised by the coming of the LORD. They also explained that believers belong to the “light” and to the “day” and warned everyone to remain “awake and sober,”

 

My Observations

• Living in darkness feels right and acceptable, BUT GOD wants my sins to be brought to light.
• Getting drunk on fame, fortune, power, politics, money, mayhem or substances can hurt me, BUT GOD wants me to sober up to see HE is the answer.
• Falling asleep to hurt, pain, and agony of others can make me experience the terrible side of the “Day of the LORD” BUT GOD rescued me by belief in JESUS an d wants me awake to see HIS people.

 

Awake and sober means something special to GOD. I mean, when life truly gets hard, it is easy t want to fall asleep to all the trouble others are facing. When I go into dark places, I get feel more comfortable getting drunk on what the world has to offer. BUT GOD wants me to remain awake and sober.

 

HE not only wants me to wait on the coming of the LORD, but also be actively pursuing HIS Kingdom when HE returns. Life gets hard and the answer is the LORD. I am glad HE is the Day and the Light to shine on my path.

 

Challenge

• What does “belonging to the day” mean?
• What warning do the writers give?
• Have you ever been asleep about something important or drunk with something not good for you?
• Will you remain awake and sober to see others in need and to see the return of JESUS some day?

Stay Freed

Stay Freed

Colossians 2: ²⁰ You have died with Christ and are set free from the ruling spirits of the universe. Why, then, do you live as though you belonged to this world? Why do you obey such rules as ²¹ “Don't handle this,” “Don't taste that,” “Don't touch the other”? ²² All these refer to things which become useless once they are used; they are only human rules and teachings. ²³ Of course such rules appear to be based on wisdom in their forced worship of angels, and false humility, and severe treatment of the body; but they have no real value in controlling physical passions.

 

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Moving to a new city gave me a chance to start over. I’m going to leave my “old” ways and start fresh, I thought to myself. But after a while, I found myself lonely. I wonder if I should go back to my partying lifestyle, I thought.

 

• I had second thoughts about following CHRIST.
• I justified my thoughts by saying “This is boring.”
• I felt like I needed to return to something familiar than traverse the unknown with JESUS.

 

Paul addressed the problem of people worshiping angels, idols and food. Those who had bee set free by believing in JESUS were considering rules that would put them into a worse situation. These rules were “useless.”

 

My Observations

• When I am feeling lonely, I open myself up to the world’s ways, BUT GOD is always there for me.
• When I want to get ahead in life I am susceptible to deceptive ways, BUT THE HOLY SPIRIT will not let me go to places I should not be.
• When I am too busy or harassed or frightened, I am vulnerable to accepting desperate solutions that put me in much worse situations, BUT GOD is there to pick up my brokenness.

 

Leaving JESUS to follow the world seems quick and easy, but can be detrimental. I mean, once I have been freed from the bondage of sin, I should not return to it, right? Of course not! But that’s what I want to do. I seek the comforts sin brings me and I find myself following the world’s very strong beliefs.

 

After a while, I look just like the world saying “Don’t eat that” or “Don’t handle that.” These rules are not of GOD. HE wants me to remain freed and preach the value of being forgiven. All my sins have been washed away. I have died with CHRIST. I am grateful for the new life HE has given me.

 

Challenge

• What question is the writer posing?
• Have you found yourself following human rules because you were frightened or ambitious or had a moment of weakness?
• Will you focus on the freedom CHRIST has given you so your decisions will not turn out disastrous from a spiritual perspective?

Breaking Old Habits

Breaking Old Habits

Ephesians 4: ¹⁷ In the Lord's name, then, I warn you: do not continue to live like the heathen, whose thoughts are worthless ¹⁸ and whose minds are in the dark. They have no part in the life that God gives, for they are completely ignorant and stubborn. ¹⁹ They have lost all feeling of shame; they give themselves over to vice and do all sorts of indecent things without restraint.

 

²⁰ That was not what you learned about Christ! ²¹ You certainly heard about him, and as his followers you were taught the truth that is in Jesus. ²² So get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to—the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. ²³ Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, ²⁴ and you must put on the new self, which is created in God's likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy.

 

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Scared and shamed, I peeped through the hole in the door of the women’s locker room at school. This made me want the “real thing.” In college I progressed to “the real thing”, but did it under the cover of night. Someone said to me “I saw your car parked overnight in front of a certain dorm.” He was proud of me.

 

• I was no longer shamed.
• I was progressing down a path where I was led by my desires.
• I was ready to defend the dangerous path I was on in an ignorant and stubborn way.

 

Paul is very direct with his words as he addressed a concern with those who had given up on following purity as a means of worshipping GOD. Their lying minds had put them on a path where they were no longer ashamed of their actions, rather they had found a crowd who accepted their deceitful desires.

 

My Observations

• Only GOD can provide a new heart and mind for me.
• When life seems hopeless, I have a new self I can put on that is made by GOD.
• GOD’s likeness is a way of life that I can strive for.

 

Getting rid of old habits is not always easy. I mean, when life’s pressures come knocking on my heart, I want to throw away self-control and indulge in the ways of the world for a moment of pleasure. BUT GOD wants different.

 

HE offers a better way that is full of life. GOD has a life that is full of truth which is upright and holy. HIS path is always right and HIS rewards will never fall away. I gladly surrender my life to GOD, daily.

 

Challenge

• Was the message of the writer shocking to you?
• Is there any part of you that seems to keep you from growing up that you struggle with?
• Will you believe GOD gives you another chance daily because HE is willing to wipe away your sins?
• Will you remain encouraged and ask GOD for HIS help with keeping you on HIS path so you can put on the “new self” as the answer with a new heart and new mind today?

Called to be Free

Called to be Free

Galatians 5: ¹³ As for you, my friends, you were called to be free. But do not let this freedom become an excuse for letting your physical desires control you. Instead, let love make you serve one another. ¹⁴ For the whole Law is summed up in one commandment: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” ¹⁵ But if you act like wild animals, hurting and harming each other, then watch out, or you will completely destroy one another.

 

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Freedom was something rarely preached in the churches I have attended. Come to think of it, I have never heard “freedom” preached, rather lists of things to do. When the lists do not work, then I felt I was in worse bondage than before. I would doubt GOD’s power because the list of “to do’s” was not working.

 

• I wanted freedom but I wanted it “my” way.
• I wanted wealth, power and pleasure as my definition of “freedom.”
• I wanted what I wanted without regards to what someone else needed.

 

Paul reminds everyone that JESUS provided true freedom. HE gave one single command that enables us to fulfill the entire Law: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” There is nothing more “to do.”

 

My Observations

• GOD’s love for me set me free from my sins.
• GOD wants other people to be set free and believe in HIS SON as the only Savior.
• Once I am freed from my sins, I can choose to be part of GOD’s family and serve others with the same love I have for myself.

 

Freedom is confusing. I mean, many preachers would stay away from saying “You are free to sin because JESUS forgave you for all your sins”, but this is a true statement. When I believe in JESUS, eternal death was no longer my path. But something strange happened.

 

GOD then filled me with the HOLY SPIRIT, making sin less desirable. HE then opened my eyes to my “neighbor” and whispers “Serve him or her even though he or she may not look or act like you.” I am grateful I am free to let people choose and I do not have to control their actions, only mine.

 

Challenge

• What “freedom” is the writer speaking of?
• Do you feel like you can let GOD down by your actions or inactions?
• Will you get rid of trying so hard and purely believe that JESUS loves you and be filled up today to simply “be” HIS child today?

Committed

Committed

Galatians 4: ⁸ In the past you did not know God, and so you were slaves of beings who are not gods. ⁹ But now that you know God—or, I should say, now that God knows you—how is it that you want to turn back to those weak and pitiful ruling spirits? Why do you want to become their slaves all over again? ¹⁰ You pay special attention to certain days, months, seasons, and years. ¹¹ I am worried about you! Can it be that all my work for you has been for nothing?

 

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Walking into the tryouts we listened to the orientation. We had run track in high school so we figured that we would try the college level. “You must get up for the 5 AM run, eat breakfast with the team, go to all classes and meet back here for practice followed by study each day.” We looked at each other, laughed and walked away.

 

• I was not committed to that much work.
• I wanted to try a little bit of everything that was supposed to be “good” for me without committing.
• I complained about anything early because I wanted to party late at night.

 

Paul expresses concerns over those who have turned back to the ways they had given up. Some people may have tried to follow JESUS for a little while, but saw the “ruling spirits” controlled comfort and false security, so they dropped JESUS and sought the weak and pitiful.

 

My Observations

• JESUS says to me “Once I will set you free, you are free indeed.”
• JESUS says to me “Remain in ME and I will remain in you.”
• JESUS says to me “I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.”

 

It is so easy to leave JESUS. I mean, the structure of the world pulls us away from thinking of HIM. Whether it is being over-scheduled or ailments or addictions or insecurities that cause us to desire to fit in, we easily trade in what is eternal for something temporary. BUT GOD knows this too.

 

HE knows my weak moments and forgives me anyway. HE sees through plots of the enemy that will distract me away from HIM and provides me with comfort and joy. I am glad GOD cares enough to seek me and know me.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer saying with the words “or, I should say, now that GOD knows you?”
• What do you think was going on with the people who wanted to turn back to something easier?
• Will you commit your life to JESUS little by little so you can grow strong enough to not turn away from HIM so you can bear fruit that will last eternally?

Set Free

Set Free

Galatians 1: From Paul, whose call to be an apostle did not come from human beings or by human means, but from Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from death. ² All the believers who are here join me in sending greetings to the churches of Galatia:

 

³ May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

 

⁴ In order to set us free from this present evil age, Christ gave himself for our sins, in obedience to the will of our God and Father. ⁵ To God be the glory forever and ever! Amen.

 

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“Read the Bible” were the words I did not accept or want to hear. I felt I had fallen too far away from GOD and it seemed like there was no path to return. But the pleasure of sin was no longer working. It was a path to a “dead” end.

 

• I was tired of being a goody, goody so I tried sin and it felt good for a while.
• I soon found out that more things went wrong than right when I followed my own thinking.
• I felt even more lost and had no place to turn.

 

Paul writes a letter to the church of Galatia. He opens the letter with greeting of hope. He wants everyone to have “grace” and “peace” that only comes from the HEAVENLY FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. He knew the people were in bondage to sin.

 

My Observations

• Extreme circumstances seems to make two paths for me, one towards GOD and one away from HIM.
• GOD loves when I choose the right path back to HIM.
• Since the evil of this age is so easy to fall into, GOD made a way out that I never would have chosen, namely JESUS, who is my Savior.

 

Thousands of years ago, the times were labeled as “evil.” But what if the times are getting worse? I mean, what if hope in GOD is disappearing and placed on the waning pursuits of humans? It would seem hopeless and I would turn from one sin to the next trying to be “happy.”

 

Then when I looked at a true follower of JESUS, I would see that he or she was not shaken by the evil times. “What made them keep going?” I asked myself. I surrendered my life back to JESUS and little by little I started to see. HE did not take situations away from me, but protected me through them. I was then set free from the sin I easily fell into. I am grateful for being forgiven.

 

Challenge

• What do you get from the writer’s greeting?
• What action do you see that is needed from you in this passage?
• Will you accept the fact that JESUS took care of all problems you will face and you do not have to “try harder” to please HIM, but simply believe HE gave HIMSELF for you?

True Freedom

 

True Freedom

1 Corinthians 6: ¹² Someone will say, “I am allowed to do anything.” Yes; but not everything is good for you. I could say that I am allowed to do anything, but I am not going to let anything make me its slave. ¹³ Someone else will say, “Food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food.” Yes; but God will put an end to both. The body is not to be used for sexual immorality, but to serve the Lord; and the Lord provides for the body. ¹⁴ God raised the Lord from death, and he will also raise us by his power.

 

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After a string of disturbing news, I felt I had the right to “blow off some steam.” “Come with us to the convention” a few “friends” said. When we arrived, I was amazed. The streets were full of prostitutes, which excited the group I was with even more. I couldn’t do it, even though I was feeling low.

 

There have been times when I turned to sex as the wrong answer to my dilemma.

There have been times when I thought sex would fix the current problems.

There have been times when I fooled myself into thinking sex could bring enough gratification to overcome that trial.

 

Arguments over “what is allowed to do with the body?” are addressed by Paul. He explains that everything is allowed, but not everything is good for you. He talks about addictions, food and sex. These things can enslave a person, taking their minds off of their true purpose.

 

GOD made me for HIS purpose, not mine.

GOD takes care of my wants and needs.

GOD is the only path to true freedom, because it is HIM who provides.

 

“What about this life?” one may ask when it comes to GOD. I mean, we speak about the afterlife and eternal life, but what about the here and now? GOD cares about that too. HE “provides for the body” now and forever more.

 

GOD cares about me and HE cares about my neighbor. HE loves us all and wants me to be part of HIS love. HE made me for HIS purpose and wants me to focus on that. HE provides true freedom that addictions cannot. I am grateful GOD has purpose for me. My body is not “mine” but HIS.

 

Do you think your body is yours to do as you see fit?

Have you been enslaved by food, sex or another addiction?

Will you stop looking at temporary relief and allow GOD to truly set you free so you can live a life of abundance and purpose that only GOD has for you today?

Dirty But Functional

 

Dirty But Functional

Romans 7: ⁴ So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. ⁵ For when we were in the realm of the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death. ⁶ But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.

 

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Snow was coming down in the frigid temperatures. Salt was used to melt the snow on the roads in this region. Blowing winds and a sloppy mess caused my windshield to become so dirty, I used up all of the windshield washer fluid.

 

With a long way to drive, I had to pull over to wipe off the windshield. I opened the trunk and all I had was a dirty grimy towel that I sometimes used to wipe off oily stuff. I found one small corner of the towel that was clean enough to wipe away enough dirt to keep going.

 

• That dirty towel reminds me of the dirty stuff I do.
• That dirty towel was stained so much, that it seemed like it could never be used to clean anything.
• That dirty towel was resurrected from the trunk and was now made useful to make something clean.

 

Paul explains what JESUS did for humanity. He states that those who believe in JESUS have also died to the Law. In other words, the Law shows all humans are guilty and deserve death. All humans sin, which causes other humans to sin. BUT GOD took the dirt away.

 

• GOD saw my sins and cleaned my heart so HE could use me.
• GOD knows my righteousness is like a filthy rag, yet HE placed HIS HOLY SPIRIT in me anyway.
• GOD allowed JESUS to become the filthy, dirty, blamed thing to die just for me and HE raised HIM from the dead, clean, to have all authority.

 

When JESUS was raised from the dead, HE was given all power to clean those who believe in HIM. I mean, the Law no longer holds the sentence of death for me because JESUS freed me from my sins.

 

HE knows I still sin so HE takes the tiny corner of faith I have to wipe off some of the dirt from someone else’s eyes. HE then takes it one step further. HE opens my eyes and that persons’ eyes to see it was HIM that did all the cleaning. I am grateful JESUS can still use a dirty, but functional person like me.

 

• Do you think your sins are too big to be used by GOD?
• Are you being convicted for the sins you did last night or are planning to do today?
• Will you stop thinking you can clean yourself up and allow JESUS to clean your heart so HE can use your dirty story to help someone believe in HIM today?

 

No Longer Rules

 

No Longer Rules

Romans 6: ⁵ For since we have become one with him in dying as he did, in the same way we shall be one with him by being raised to life as he was. ⁶ And we know that our old being has been put to death with Christ on his cross, in order that the power of the sinful self might be destroyed, so that we should no longer be the slaves of sin. ⁷ For when we die, we are set free from the power of sin. ⁸ Since we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. ⁹ For we know that Christ has been raised from death and will never die again—death will no longer rule over him. ¹⁰ And so, because he died, sin has no power over him; and now he lives his life in fellowship with God. ¹¹ In the same way you are to think of yourselves as dead, so far as sin is concerned, but living in fellowship with God through Christ Jesus.

 

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Fearing embarrassment, I did not want to bowl. But when I learned, it was fun. After years of enjoyment, my score got better and better. I entered a tournament and feared the outcome. What if I do poorly? I said to myself. I did better than I expected. While I did not win, I no longer had fear of being in tournaments.

 

• There have been many times when I feared something and it prevented me from trying.
• There have been many times when I failed at something and I feared messing up again.
• There have been many times when I did not want to go through the trouble of trying because I feared I would be criticized, or even ostracized.

 

Paul writes about the gripping hold sin has on people. He refers to sin as a slave owner that provides no freedom. The sin dictates what to do and how to do it. Death was always the prize when the person is owned by sin. BUT JESUS freed humanity by overcoming death.

 

• JESUS died for me so I am no longer owned by my sins.
• JESUS is alive so HIS power over my sins is infinite.
• JESUS enabled me to have fellowship with HIM by facing death for me.

 

Sin makes me make regretful decisions that usually lead to nowhere. I mean, when I make fearful decisions, thinking I am protecting myself, the situation has always turned out bad anyway. To make it worse, I try to be good for a minute, and that effort seems to fail.

 

GOD has already shown me extreme grace, patience and love. HE simply wants me to realize this so I do not have to rely on sin to make my decisions. I can put sin to death and rely on JESUS, who is my Savior.  I am glad HE overcame my sin so I can live in freedom.

 

• Is something holding you back?
• Are you letting fear, doubt and worry lead you?
• Will you allow JESUS to guide you so you can lead a victorious and abundant life, filled with HIS love today?

Just Walk Away

 

Just Walk Away

Romans 6: What shall we say, then? Should we continue to live in sin so that God's grace will increase? ² Certainly not! We have died to sin—how then can we go on living in it? ³ For surely you know that when we were baptized into union with Christ Jesus, we were baptized into union with his death. ⁴ By our baptism, then, we were buried with him and shared his death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from death by the glorious power of the Father, so also we might live a new life.

 

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“Okay Lord, I will follow YOUR ways” I said. I finally meant it this time. After a long time, my life had changed. I was seeing people as I had never seen them before. I saw the hurt and those in need.

 

My life was making a difference. But a “friend” popped up and asked if I wanted to “hit the clubs?” He needed a “wingman” so he could find some to have sex with a willing lady. I did miss the lifestyle. “Maybe this one time.” I thought. It made me want to stop following GOD’s ways.

 

• There have been many times when I wanted to “take a break” from GOD.
• There have been many times when I wanted to “go on vacation” from GOD.
• There have been many times when I wanted to “do a little sin” because a little won’t hurt me, right? Wrong!

 

Paul explains a dilemma that believers in CHRIST face. If I am saved from “all” my sins, then should I keep sinning? Paul explains that we have died to our sins when we believe in CHRIST. Paul then explains that our baptism was a display to show we agree with JESUS’ death and resurrection.

 

• GOD wants me to put “that” sin to death little by little.
• GOD wants me to stop doing “that” sin right now.
• GOD wants me to remove “that” sin as an option.

 

Choosing to follow GOD publicly seems easy, but for those who sin like me, it is a hard choice. I mean, telling everyone I belong to JESUS, but secretly looking at porn didn’t cut it with GOD. I had to put it to death. HE sees “all” sin, small and large. GOD wants me to put the sin to death by focusing in on HIS glorious power. I am glad JESUS gave me a new life of purpose.

 

• Are you struggling with giving up a particular sin?
• Are you focusing on the sin too much?
• Will you forgive yourself by knowing JESUS has forgiven you so you can focus on the purpose HE has for you?
• Will you ask GOD to help you just walk away from certain people who drag you back into the old life today?

Valuing Free

 

Valuing Free

Romans 3: ²¹ But now God's way of putting people right with himself has been revealed. It has nothing to do with law, even though the Law of Moses and the prophets gave their witness to it. ²² God puts people right through their faith in Jesus Christ. God does this to all who believe in Christ, because there is no difference at all: ²³ everyone has sinned and is far away from God's saving presence. ²⁴ But by the free gift of God's grace all are put right with him through Christ Jesus, who sets them free.

 

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“I made this for you” she said as she handed me the hand knit sweater. “Thank you!” I said The sleeveless vest had colors of maroon, yellow and white. I decided to take my school picture in it. I put on my old gold shirt with rust sleeves and smiled greatly. I wore the sweater with blue dotted shirts, green plaid shirts, it never made a difference. It never matched anything but I wore it daily.

 

• There have been many gifts given to me.
• There have been many things I have had that I have valued.
• There have been many valued things I have shared with other people.

 

Paul explains how GOD put people right with HIM. What GOD revealed through the Law and the prophets was only a witness to the real thing. JESUS was born and lived a sinless life after facing every temptation a human could face.

 

HE was murdered for the sins humans did and blamed for those sins. HE was raised from the dead and by believing in the need for HIS salvation, anyone can be freed from eternal pain.

 

• GOD gave me free will to choose HIM.
• GOD gave me a free gift that was extremely valuable to HIM, namely HIS SON had to die.
• GOD gave me freedom from an eternal death through belief in the resurrection of JESUS.

 

Valuing something “free” is sometimes hard to do. I mean, why would someone go through extreme trouble, time, effort or wealth to give me something free? “What’s the catch?” I would ask. No catch, just love.

 

GOD wants me to believe in JESUS and be excited enough to wear HIM on the outside every day even in situations that don’t match, like work or entertainment or social gatherings. I am grateful GOD went through all that trouble just for me.

 

• Are you excited about a gift someone gave you?
• Do you have sentimental value over a free gift?
• Will you value a “free” gift that cost a life, namely JESUS’, by believing you need salvation and have been given the opportunity for freedom today?

Free at Last

Free at Last

Acts 12: ⁵ Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. ⁶ And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. ⁷ Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. ⁸ Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so he did. And he said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.” ⁹ So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. ¹⁰ When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.

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Waking up with no meetings felt strange. No email to check and no phone calls to make was new to me. The elimination of the position I held was now real. All of the things I said I had no time for was brought to mind. I’m not talking about a “to do” list, rather GOD was asking me “Do you have time for ME now?”

• There were times when I just wanted to be free.
• There were times when I didn’t want responsibilities.
• There were times when I dreamed of being on my own schedule.

Peter was heavily guarded and bound with chains between guards. Those who did not believe in the resurrection of JESUS, may have thought this measure of security would prevent any deception from happening. BUT GOD never deceives. HE sent an angel to free Peter.

• GOD wants me to be free indeed.
• GOD wants me to be loosed from strongholds.
• GOD wants me to be lifted out of addictions.

Life has many holes for me to fall into. Desires for more stuff or lust over people, power or positions can cause me to get stuck on things that bind me, never seeing GOD in my daily walk.

GOD wants me to be freed up so I can speak about HIM another day. The pursuit of wealth and pleasure can bind the soul, but the pursuit of GOD’s kingdom frees the spirit. I am grateful JESUS has set me free. I am free indeed.

• Are you stuck in or on something?
• Do you feel locked up and want to be free?
• Will you give your life to JESUS so HE will become your purpose and you will be free, even in the place you want to run away from?