Dear Heartstrings family,
I am so glad you could gather here with me today. I hope your journey is full of hope and promise with every step. If you are an American, you celebrated Independence Day with family and fireworks and food. Celebrate freedom joyfully every day.
While I have thought what it means to be free, I could come up with so many things. Like a debt paid off and food on the table. Hope that still beats steadily in my heart and soul. But, how deep does your freedom go and where does it come from? Take time to consider this.
Yes, there are many around the world that suffer great losses, even here in America. Jesus said we would have trouble in this world. Looking into God's Love Letter, I see clearly where true freedom comes from. Regardless of our situations, we can hold fast to the Faithfulness of God. He holds the answers.
John 8:36 says, "So if the Son liberates you, then you are really and unquestionably free."
Are you looking for some important person to set you free from all anxiety, burdens and trouble? Or, maybe you long for more money? Bigger and better things?
No matter where you live or what is happening in your life, I believe the most freeing thing is to know I am free from my sins! John 3:16 and 17 will remind you how much you are loved. The heart of God longs for fellowship with each of us, which cannot happen without the completed work of Christ Jesus on that cross. He rose alive forevermore!
Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages which sin pays is death, but the bountiful free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Praise His matchless name!
Romans 8:2 says, "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has freed me from the law of sin and of death."
Have you ever been so thirsty your tongue felt dry? All you can think about is where you can find a cool glass of water. But it doesn't last for long, does it? Maybe, in fact, for sure... we need some living water. Like fresh bubbling spring water. There is nothing like it! Jesus is our Living Water. Talk about thirst quenching!
Revelation 22:17 has the last word..."The Holy Spirit and the Bride say, Come! and let himw who is listening say, Come! And let everyone come who is thirsty [who is painfully conscious of his need of those things by which the soul is refreshed, supported, and strengthened]; and whoever [earnestly] desires to do it, let him come, take, appropriate, and drink the water of Life without cost." Life Without Cost! Think of that!
When you think of a desperate situation, who is there to help you? Who can you trust with your life? There is only One Who can cut away those chains that bind you. You may be so close to freedom and yet, it doesn't seem to be close enough. I am sure you can think of many situations.
True freedom. Freedom indeed. Galatians 5:1 says, "In this freedom Christ has made us free and completely liberated us; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery which you have once put off."
So, all the details of life...good and bad, we can still be free. Do not let your circumstances become your prison cell. Everyday give thanks to God for all your blessings. If you have to write them down, do it. Only don't let the opportunity pass you by. In doing this, your burdens become lighter, your countenance brighter and you find a happy heart beating with every breath God gives you.
I wish I had more time to share. Every day is a testimony of God's wonderful grace and mercy. Talk about your Freedom with others! Pray for one another and sincerely lay your life on the altar of each day. Submit to God and the devil will flee as your sing praise to the Lord. Believe, trust in, cling to and adhere to the Lord for He is able to keep you in all your ways. For your good and for His glory.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. May the Lord abundantly bless you with freedom indeed! In the matchless name of Jesus Christ our soon coming King, amen.
Abundance is...to be free indeed