Freedom

Psalm 119:45  I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments.  

Galatians 5:1  So Christ  has truly set us free.  No make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law.  

John 8:31-32  Jesus said to the people who believed in Him, "You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings.  And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."

John 9:36  So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.  

It's funny how in "God's world" freedom means obedience.  Freedom starts with Jesus.  Our freedom comes from Him, and in Him.  But to maintain that freedom we need to walk in His ways.

This was yesterday's God visit theme.  It came in teachings I listened to. And then was reinforced by the daily verse I get on my phone each day.

I have struggled with addiction in one form or another for the past 30 + years.  The same tendencies that had me enslaved to drugs and alcohol send cravings through my mind and body for excess food or coffee.  Paul had his thorn in the flesh that the Lord chose not to remove.  I feel like an addictive personality is mine.  It is there to remind me how much I need God in my life.  Speaking of this thorn, Paul said in 2  Corinthians 12:8-9:   Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away.   Each time He said, "My grace is all you need.  Mu power works best in weakness."  

Something that Joyce Meyer said in her teaching yesterday that really struck a chord was how we (and I really speak for myself here) let something as insignificant as a cookie control us.  As she put it, we let food "boss us around."  And I thought to myself, you know that makes sense.  That's exactly what I do.  Last year I got a bad stomach virus.  I couldn't eat food or drink coffee for a week. And even after that I had no cravings or desires for overeating or coffee.  Yet slowly, but surely I allowed those cravings to come back into my life.  And now, here I am once again fighting them.  It's exhausting.

But it's not what God wants for me.  Or for any of His children.  He may allow certain weaknesses in my life, but that does not mean they should control me.  It is my job to resist and His job to give me strength to do so.  My job to obey the leading of the Holy Spirit, His job to deliver me and sustain me during the pressure to do what is unhealthy or in some cases sinful.  James 4:7  So humble yourselves before God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  It's not easy.  But it is doable!

So this freedom themed day I had yesterday was a refreshing reminder of God's desire for my life. He doesn't want me chained to anything that will cause me harm.  Physically, emotionally, spiritually.  I am so blessed by His care.  The more obedience I exhibit in this, the less and less enslaved I become. And this is in all areas of our lives.  Obedience to Christ sets us free.  It's really just that simple. Whatever area we struggle in, there is deliverance and freedom in the Person of Christ.  I am so grateful for this fact.

Lord, thank You for setting us free at the Cross. Technically, I know that all my weaknesses and sins were left there on Calvary....Help me to walk in that truth.  I am so grateful that You allow weaknesses in my life, so that I can remember the Cross and what it  means for me and so that You can be glorified in any victory that I have.  Lord, I will walk in Your freedom!!

Memorize on or two verses on freedom.  Use them to fight any sin that tries to ensnare you.