We have freedom now, because Christ made us free. So stand strong in that freedom. Don’t go back into slavery again. Galatians 5:1
As July fourth approaches, the word freedom keeps ringing through my mind. Our nation celebrates Independence Day, the day America commemorates being set apart from the British Empire.
Think back for a moment…do you remember the day you were set apart from your old life? For some, you may have a vivid recollection of that moment. It was HUGE because of the life you were living was so contradictory to what God had planned for you, your new life was a drastic and refreshing change. For others, it may have been a quiet awakening because you grew up in church and accepted Christ at a young age. Then, for others, you may have a combination of the two because you’ve rededicated your life before (some may say…a few times). Well, I’m a combo of them all.
I do remember when the decision was made and I invited Jesus into my life. I was at a national Fellowship of Christian Athletes camp, in North Carolina. Joni Eareckson Tada was the guest speaker one evening. Her testimony touched my heart and convicted me. It was that night, in 1980, in the foothills of North Carolina, that I accepted Christ as my personal Savior.
Since then, choices I have made wasn’t always pleasing to God. I can just imagine the grieving countenance on my Heavenly Father’s face. My heart aches just thinking about the ridiculously stupid decisions I made in my late teens and early young adult life. PRAISE GOD FOR FORGIVENESS!
Now, I strive to wake up each day, count my blessings, start my day seeking the face of God before man, praise him through each joy and sorrow, and desire to share His love with others, so that they can experience the freedom, forgiveness, grace, and love that I encounter each day. Praise Him!!
Friend, I pray that you will have freedom NOW. Why? Because Christ made us free. Free from sin and self. Stand strong in your faith in Christ. Your old ways may come knocking, but shut that door…actually slam it and put a lock on it…stand firm in your freedom in Jesus Christ.
Let FREEDOM ring!
Celebrate being set apart from sin and self, and a true dependence on God.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
http://www.joniandfriends.org/jonis-corner/jonis-bio/
