To Be Free

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To Be Free

The Bible is a book  about freedom.     It tells how Adam and Eve lost their freedom  and fell into the bondage  of sin.     It describes  how Israel became enslaved  to Egypt for hundreds of years.     Then it shows  how Israel became physically free — only to become spiritually enslaved  to idolatry  and the following  of all sorts of man-made laws.

Then the promised Savior,  Jesus Christ,  came to set us free  from sin,  death,  and our evil ways.     In John 8:31-32 Jesus says,

If you abide  in My word,  then you are truly disciples  of Mine;  and you shall know the truth,  and the truth shall make you free.

Then He adds  in verse 36,

If therefore  the Son shall make you free,  you shall be free indeed.

The sin  that binds us  really is a downer.     People think they are doing  what they want,  only to find  that they are trapped  into all sorts  of despairing troubles  and evils.     That is a picture  of the world today.     People think they are free  with their pornography,  free sex,  drugs,  thievery,  idolatry,  extortion,  greed,  and every other sort  of sin.     But,  they are actually enslaved  to what will eventually kill them eternally.     They feel burdened,  but don’t struggle  to be free  because they feel it is useless.

The freedom  that God longs  to give us  is a free gift  from God — paid for  with the blood of Jesus Christ.     But,  we do need  to confess our sins,  repent,  and ask  for forgiveness.     If we don’t,  we will remain enslaved  to our pride  and degradation.

All this can be compared  to the freedom people long for  all around the world,  wherever they may live.    Many have died struggling for political freedom  in their country.     Oppressive governments want control over people,  so that only the ruling class can receive the benefits  of money and power.     Sadly,  those oppressive rulers  have no clue  that they themselves are the enslaved  and least free  of all peoples.     In their enslavement  to pride,  greed,  and power,  they are setting themselves up  for eternal judgment.

If everyone  would understand the truth  about the real freedom we have  through faith  in our Lord Jesus Christ,  this would be a much different place  in which to live.     Such freedom is a personal thing  between believers  and the LORD.     It is the freedom all God’s children  will enjoy eternally  in heaven.

We need  to let Jesus be our victory  in the battle  for our souls.     Only then can He give us the freedom and peace  that we long for.     Then we say,  “Hallelujah!     There is victory  in Jesus,  and how marvelously victorious it is!     Thank You,  LORD!”

Love,
Margaret

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A Christian devotional to glorify the LORD of lords and God of gods

 

Pray for our country.

 

This is the day which the LORD has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

 

The word of the LORD is tried;
He is a shield  to all  who take refuge  in Him.
Psalm 18:30

 

Sing for joy in the LORD,  O you righteous ones;
Praise is becoming  to the upright.
Psalm 33:1

How blessed are those  who dwell in Thy house!
They are ever praising Thee.
Psalm 84:4

 

Just as a father has compassion  on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:13

 

Oh give thanks to the LORD,  for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Psalm 107:1

 

Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.
Psalm 105:3

 

Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that
I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12

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