Free Indeed

Scripture
John 8:31-32 So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “ If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.

Observation
Jesus says to those who believe, 'keep my word, and in doing that, you will truly be a Christ follower', a disciple of Jesus. You will know the truth of God's Word!  Jesus is the way the truth and the life - no one can come to the Father except through Jesus.  I will know the TRUTH, Jesus Himself, and in knowing Him, I will be made free!  Free to walk with Him and learn of Him and obey His commands, free from the jaws of distress, free from the snare of sin, free to love, free to choose life instead of death.  

Application
It's not 'what I know but Who I know' that sets me free!   I will continue to read & study God's Word because I'm committed to growing in my relationship with God - to be a life long learner, but I also realize I need an intimate devotional relationship with Jesus Christ the Son of God!  As I walk with God, my heart's desire is to listen & obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit in my life that will glorify Jesus.  

Prayer
Father, I believe!  Your yoke is easy and burden light - I willingly come and follow You, and partake of the good things You have prepared for me and for those who love You.  You have captured my heart with Your great love, forgiveness, peace, comfort, and grace!  You have set me free!  I am free indeed! Thank You Lord.  

Job 36:16 “He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food.

Better Things

Scripture
Hebrews 6:9b -12 Beloved friends, we are confident that you are meant for better things, things that come with salvation.  For God is not unjust.  He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.  Our great desire is that you keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true.  Then you not become spiritually dull and indifferent.  Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God's promises because of their faith and endurance.

Observation
Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior!  Our wonderful gift from God for salvation and eternal life!  But wait!  There is more!  God has more for us - it's a marvelous and necessary beginning to first receive Jesus into our hearts; but while we live, we are called to love God with all of our hearts and to serve and minister His life and love to others!  
God will not forget our 'labors' of love and hard work for Him.  He sees us! He is with us!  He is just and good!  
What makes us spiritually dull and indifferent?  Hardened to the needs of others?  What makes us stop loving people?  God desires better things for us that comes from a love relationship with Him.  Serving, loving, caring are what keeps us 'sharp' and alert to the Holy Spirit's promptings to care for others with faith and endurance.  

Application
My desire is to keep loving and serving God and His people as long as I have breath!  I hear the warning through the word to guard my heart!  Don't become dull and indifferent by losing touch with people.  We need each other!  Stay connected to God and allow Him to soften areas of my heart that have become insensitive and hard.  Stay the course, don't quit!

Prayer
O Father!  I am narrow minded and so selfish.  Please forgive me.  I withdraw into my 'cave' and sometimes sulk and feel sorry for myself when I serve and no one acknowledges what I do or how hard I have worked.  Pity party.  But Lord, it's Your approval and love I long for, and You've already given me that!  You see my labors, You see what I do - and Lord I thank You for reminding me that everything I do to love and serve in Your Name pleases You.  You will not forget it.  My hope is in You!  I will follow You!  Thank You for the privilege to serve Your people.  Thank You for the people I serve with!  Pour me out Lord.  In Jesus Name, A-men.

'Attitude Adjuster'

Scripture
Philippians 3:15  Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you.

Observation
If we are mature and growing in the things of God, take a view of these things:  forgetting the past and pressing forward to reach the goal.  God will make it clear and give us right thinking when our mindset is not in alignment with God's.  He will reveal to us if we have a 'different' attitude that needs His touch.

Application
God is my attitude adjuster.  If I yield, surrender, let go of the familiar ways that are contrary to what God Word says in the Bible, the Holy Spirit is able to correct my attitudes and show me His way, His will, His plan but I must be willing to change.

Prayer
Father, I am willing. Please change me! Lord I am weak in so many areas.  I turn to You in my weakness that You will show Yourself strong in my life.  I am a  'cracked' pot, a broken vessel, that You alone can fix.  May Your light and glory shine as You reveal areas of my life that are in need of correction,  in Jesus Name, A-men. 

Drawing by Chris Stringfellow of Draper, UT