September 14

Freedom From…

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”  ––Galatians 5:1, ESV

On this side of heaven, I am not sure any of us can fully appreciate what we have been given as followers of Christ. And I don’t say that with my “shame-thrower” aimed at you. I mean that as a statement of fact: I don’t think our human brains have the capacity to fully comprehend the love the Father has for each of us, or for the things He has given to us. Job understood this; so did Abraham. I mean, I try to be purposeful about giving thanks each day in my morning sit with God, or do a gratitude list at least a couple times per week. But still, it’s an enormous concept to wrap one’s head around!

I don’t know about you, but every once in a while I need a reminder of all the good things the Father has done for me. It’s not like we forget altogether, right? It’s more about the way the difficulties of living in this fallen world can pile up on us, temporarily blocking our view of His full goodness. One method I use to get some context of the Lord’s grace and goodness is to remember what life was like before I accepted Jesus. Summed up in just a word? Rough.

Because of Jesus, we have found freedom from:

Death

 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil.  ––Hebrews 2:14

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” 

––John 11:25-26

Fear

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  ––John 14:27

Sin

When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus. ––Romans 6:10-11, NLT

Sickness and Addiction

And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

–– James 5:15-16

Hopelessness

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.  ––1 Peter 1:3-6, ESV

We have been delivered from a life of sin and death, and that’s Good News to celebrate and share!

Father, thank You for Your goodness and love for me. I am forever grateful for Your mercies, which are new every morning.