“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:36 (NIV).
When we speak of slavery, many people are revolted, because of the way the system used to exploit those who were under captivity. A slave is ever bonded to serve his master and has no other obligations other than pleasing him. Slaves would serve under a heavy rod and yet would not be paid for their services.
Fortunately, this horrible practice was abolished in 1833 in England; in the US in 1864; until it was completely declared by virtually all nations as illegal. Yes, there are still places where human beings are owned and tasked to do jobs for their owners for free, but the practice is most rare to find nowadays and prohibited under international law.
But while slavery was long abolished, yet, fact is, there are also other forms of slavery that have since substituted and are still with us today. Have you realized that someone could be a slave to money, his job, a car, or some fanciful possession? In this case the person lives to serve that thing which is taking his entire pre occupation. Just like with slavery, the person, has no other life but serving that thing which is his sole object in life.
One of the privileges we have attained in the Christian life, is freedom. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Galatians, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Gal 5:6). Paul had observed that in spite of their new found freedom in Christ, certain believers were getting trapped into all sorts of laws, living as though Christ had never set them free!
It is a sad thing when someone who has been set free returns to his gallows in spite of the price and sacrifices it took to set him free. As believers we ought always be conscious of this freedom and live to avoid all sorts of entanglements which can lock us back into slavery. As Psalm 119:45, says, “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts”
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, creator of heaven and earth, I want to thank you for the freedom I have in you, which was bought by the precious blood of your son Jesus Christ, and today I pray to walk in that freedom!
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03/05/2024 - 04/05/2024 All day“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10)
Every now and then one could be gripped with fear because of certain events sweeping before one’s life journey. It could be the finances that are stretched and incomes are no longer certain. Perhaps it is one’s job under threat. Perhaps it is a dreaded health report card. There could be fear about outcome of a matter under judgment and what it might mean to one’s future.
Fear has been elsewhere described as “an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm.” Every life will experience fear at one point. Whenever we are faced with fear it is natural to look for something to grasp on. Sometimes we run for shelter wherever we can find. Perhaps we might seek out a friend for quiet confidence.
But there are those situations when there is no shelter in sight. There are also those cases where those we thought would understand our situation once we share our pain return only hurting and critical feedback. In such moments we might then turn and look within ourselves only to find the energy has all been sapped by this gnawing fear. We feel down and the urge to rise and move on all gone!
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10) the word of God through prophet Isaiah assures us. But why? It is because the Lord has been there. He himself was faced with fear before his crucifixion but He looked to God.
Charles Spurgeon once wrote when faced with fear always remember, “Nothing is too hard for Him. He can find a way where there is no way. He can give us the idea that will make all the difference.” Psalm 91:2, says, “I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” So, when faced with fear, look to God to strengthen you. By looking to Him, the Lord will encourage and lift up your spirit, and make a way out of nowhere!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I surrender to you any fear that is in me for I know by looking up to you, you will always make a way out of nowhere, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
