Tag: Free

HomeTag: Free

10
Jan '19

Free from Frostbite

Posted on Jan 10, 2019 in Devotions | Tags: ,

10
Jan '19
Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. (Psalm 119:35) 
 
On a winter day, my children begged to go sledding. The temperature hovered near zero degrees Fahrenheit. Snowflakes raced by our windows. I thought it over and said yes, but asked them to bundle up, stay together, and come inside after fifteen minutes.
 
Out of love, I created those rules so my children could play freely without suffering frostbite. I think the author of Psalm 119 recognized the same good intent in God as he penned two consecutive verses that might seem contradictory: “So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever. And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts” (vv. 44–45). How is it that the psalmist associated freedom with a spiritually law-abiding life? 
 
Following God’s wise instruction allows us to escape the consequences that come from choices we later wish we could undo. Without the weight of guilt or pain we are freer to enjoy our lives. God doesn’t want to control us with dos and don’ts; rather, His guidelines show that He loves us. 
 
While my kids were sledding, I watched them blast down the hill. I smiled at the sound of their laughter and the sight of their pink cheeks. They were free within the boundaries I’d given them. This compelling paradox is present in our relationship with God—it leads us to say with the psalmist, “Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight” (v. 35). 
 
Dear God, give me a love for Your ways like the psalmist had. I want to worship You with the choices I make every day. Amen. 
 
When I read this devotion I was reminded, obedience flows freely from a heart of love. 
 
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord! 
 
Today’s Reading is 1 Peter 1:15-16 

04
Jul '17

Celebrate Freedom

Posted on Jul 4, 2017 in Devotions | Tags: ,

04
Jul '17

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2)

After being kidnapped, held hostage for thirteen days, and released, New Zealand news cameraman Olaf Wiig, with a broad smile on his face, announced, “I feel more alive now than I have in my entire life.”

For reasons difficult to understand, being freed is more exhilarating than being free.

For those who enjoy freedom every day, Olaf’s joy was a good reminder of how easily we forget how blessed we are. This is also true spiritually. Those of us who have been Christians for a long time often forget what it’s like to be held hostage by sin. We can become complacent and even ungrateful. But then God sends a reminder in the form of a new believer who gives an exuberant testimony of what God has done in his or her life, and once again we see the joy that is ours when we are “free from the law of sin and death” (Rom. 8:2).

If freedom has become boring to you, or if you tend to focus on what you can’t do, consider this: Not only are you no longer a slave to sin, but you are freed to be holy and to enjoy eternal life with Christ Jesus! (6:22).

Celebrate your freedom in Christ by taking the time to thank God for the things you are able and free to do as His servant.

We have so much to be grateful for on this beautiful 4th of July day. As I read this I felt it was a great reminder, let’s take time today to celebrate our freedom and remember how blessed we truly are.

Happy 4th of July!!

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Romans 6:15-23