Someone is always "declaring their independence" around here--so we celebrate the Fourth of July alot! But one day during spring break, the "Freedom Fighters" and three of their friends surrounded the lamppost in the front yard. One of the "fighters" lost the fight, and ended up taped to the lamppost from ankles to neck. A delightful sight to the tricksters, until one of them informed Mom--and an immediate de-taping took place under her supervision. So much for spring break, and one grateful son, happy to be free at last!
Sweet liberty--whether at the lamppost, the Land of Liberty, or the Cross of Jesus Christ! If you are bound today, in any way, meet me at the Lord's Lamppost--the shining Light of Calvary's Cross--you're free to join me there!!
A Helping Word...or Two!
Free to Love!...Remember Joseph in Bible days? Sold by his jealous brothers, thrown in a pit, chained as slave then prisoner, and finally elevated to high office in Egypt. His hungry brothers bow before him, and he has a choice: free to hate, free to love. He chooses love, and the hungry brothers live, ever grateful for his lovingkindness.
The choice is yours! You can hold on to the pain, or you can surrender. Hurtful, cruel, unkind memories will bind you in self-destruction, anger, and hatred--of yourself, and everyone around you. That's no way to live! But He, the Great Liberator, encourages you to DO something about it--not in your own strength (can't--cause you're all tied up!), but in His! Believe God's Word, "I can do all things through Christ, who strengtheneth me (Phillipians 4:13 KUV)." Believe Him, and be set free!
Free to Laugh!...Remember Peter in Bible days? Fear, denial, shame had tied him in knots. He wept bitterly. Then one day after the Resurrection, Jesus confronts Peter. He has a choice - free to live in regret; free to live in joy. He chooses joy, and serves His Master with gladness the remainder of his life.
The choice is yours! You are in bondage to the diary of past sins--failures, weakness, and shame. Christ, the Great Liberator, says, "There is, therefore, now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus...For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free fro the law of sin and death (Romans 8: 1,2 (KJV)." Believe Him, and be set free!
Free to Live!...Remember Lazarus in Bible days? Death had bound him in grave clothes for eternity. He lay lifeless. Then one day, the Resurrection and the Life commands the chains of death to fall off. "Lazarus, come forth," Christ shouts, and Lazarus does just that. Must have been pretty amazed and shook up, don't you think? He chooses to obey that Voice of freedom, and he rises to life, and a happy reunion with his loved ones.
The choice is yours! You may go through the motions of life, but inside you are dead--your wounded spirit and depressed soul have just given up. You are numb to feelings of love, hope, emotions--high or low. You're a walking corpse, bound and lifeless. Christ, the Great Liberator, says, "(Put your name here!), come forth!" He commands you to arise out of your self-made tomb, into the freedom of Jesus Christ. Believe Him, and live!
Back to the Lamppost! Joey was tied up by the tricksters, but not for long. Mom came to the rescue. And you may be "tied up" by Satan, but not for long. He is a defeated foe. The Triumphant One, the true Liberator, is waiting to rescue you today! He is greater than any bondage that may have you tied to your lamppost today! Remember, "...greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4 (KJV)."
And that's just a word...or two, from my heart to yours!
His Healing Word
"If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed (John 8:36 KJV)."
