Enjoy Life

In today’s ever-changing world, I begin my day thanking God for waking me. Unsure of His purpose and exact plan each day, or why everything in the world we live in seems to be immensely chaotic, I do know if God has awakened me for another day, there is a purpose for it. How often do we take a moment to embrace and enjoy the gift of another day before diving into T.V and social media? 

Today verse Psalm 128 say, “God’s blessing goes with his people everywhere, even when they are not in Jerusalem,” in other words the blessing of God is on us even outside of our home. Hallelujah! We often get caught up calculating a successful life in achievements and possessions, forgetting to embrace the literal breath of every moment. 

What if we approached every day with a grateful heart for the breath in our lungs? Instead of striving for what we think will make us happy, can we embrace the joy God offers us in Christ to sustain us? Christ died for us to live life to the full, not to live in fear over what each day will bring. 

Today let’s remember the world will always be in chaos until Christ returns to set it right. Putting our hope in Him allows us to embrace and enjoy life. After all, God promises His plans for us are more than we can ask for or imagine! Live, blessed… because you are! 

“May the LORD bless you from Zion; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. May you live to see your children’s children- peace be on Israel.” – Psalm 128:5-6 NIV 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, help me to embrace and enjoy the life you’ve given me. Father, I know I am not accidentally here! Each day I wake to breathe, you faithfully meet me with purpose. I lift my anxiety and worry to you, today, as I seek to embrace your peace and promises. God, I confess my tendency to condemn, criticize, and compare instead of embracing the peace and blessings you have showered over my life. In Christ’s Name, Amen. 

Reflections 

Like a mirror, when you reflect something, you are exhibiting its likeness. You are displaying its characteristics. the Bible tells us that we should reflect the character and likeness of Christ. We shouldn’t only have His features, like in a mirror, but most importantly – His attitude.

That may sound like a tall order; after all, He was the Son of God. But remember, when we accept Him as our Lord and Saviour, we become sons and daughters of the Most High God. We become empowered by the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead. That means we have the same spirit of humility—the same strength, the same love, and the same power on the inside. We are equipped to follow His example and do what He did. He went around doing good and bringing healing to others – physically, spiritually, and emotionally.

Today, we must let God work on our attitudes and actions. We must open the door and invite Him in. Decide to open every area of your life to Him. Reflect Him and do good everywhere you go!

“Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:]” (Philippians 2:5, AMP)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, right now I invite You to dwell in my thoughts, heart, and attitude. Father, I want to be a true reflector of You. A pure reflection of Your love in everything I do. God, I choose to follow Your example and bring good to others. Help me, in Christ’s name! Amen.

Down But Not Out

In life, we will all face some kind of disappointment or setback. Maybe bad news concerning your health, job, or a relationship not working out – a setback! It’s easy to get discouraged, lose your enthusiasm, or even be tempted to just settle where you are. But if we’re going to be God’s best, we have to have a “bounce-back” mentality.

That means when you get knocked down, you don’t have to stay down. You get back up again. You have to know that every time adversity comes against you, it’s a setup for a comeback. You may have got knocked down, but you haven’t been knocked out! Remember, as a believer, the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives on the inside of you.

Today, there is no challenge too difficult, no obstacle too high, no sickness, no disappointment, no person, nothing that can keep you from your God-given destiny. If you stay in faith and keep a good attitude, you will rise again. God will turn those stumbling blocks into stepping stones, and you’ll move forward into His victory! Hallelujah!

“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again…” (Proverbs 24:16, NIV)

Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for setting me up for success in everything I do for You this year. Father, I choose to trust and rely on You, knowing that Your plans are for my good. Therefore when life knocks me down, when disappointment comes my way, I won’t stay down, but I will bounce back, knowing my best days are up ahead, and I look forward to the blessings You have in store for me, in Jesus’ name! Amen.

God Our Safe Place

Don’t ever doubt it. God works on behalf of those who love Him and honour His name. He is so good to us. We may never fully know, this side of heaven, how very much He has sheltered us from in this life. 

We may not always see it, or feel it, we might forget it’s there at times, or even wonder if God has left us to fend for ourselves in the heat of hard situations of life. But His protection is real. He doesn’t, He can’t, forget us or ignore us. If we belong to Him, His love is too great to leave us on our own. In whatever troubles we face today, God is the place of refuge we can run to, He is our safe place. 

Today, Pressure and stress can seem as stifling as a hot afternoon summer sun. Yet God whispers truth, strong and sure, “Walk in my shadow, up close to my side.  It’s in the safe place that brings confidence; for when we are resting in God’s shadow, we will never face the full heat of our difficulties. He shelters from that pain. His shade, His shadow, diminishes what is felt in the intensity of all the heat. Rest, peace, and calm rise strong, right in the struggling mess of life, and we’re assured, He’s in control. 

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for your presence around me, thank you for your Almighty Shadow. Thank you that you go before me and cover me from behind. Thank you that you are in my midst and that my future is secure in the place you’re preparing for me. God your words bring such hope and comfort. Reminding me of your strength, today may I see glimpses of your glory and blessing along the way as I seek after you. For victory and salvation are found in you alone. In the Mighty Name of Jesus, Christ Amen. 

Breaking Free from the Bondage of Insecurity

Do you know him? He’s as close as a brother, but don’t be fooled because he’s a destructive enemy. he’s here to destroy your faith, confidence, and relationships. He makes you doubt yourself, your dreams, and God’s purpose in your life. He disguises himself as one who wants to help when his main purpose is to put you in bondage and control your thoughts, words, and actions. What’s His name? Insecurity. He’s the closest and most dangerous friend we’ve allowed into our lives, and it is time to say goodbye. 

Today’s verse tells us that truth is the key to unlocking the shackles that insecurity has placed on us; shackles that have stopped us from speaking up, walking with our heads held high, pursuing our dreams, and living with an open and trusting heart. 

Here are 4 truths to remember when you’re feeling insecure: 

1.) You are Accepted 

Insecurity may leave us feeling rejected, However, we know that God has accepted us, not just as friends but as family. In 1 John 3:1 NIV, we are called children of God! that is what we are! So if God accepts us there is no need to worry about who doesn’t. 

2.) You will never be Let Go 

Insecurity makes us want to push others away, however, God holds us tight in His hands. God is not going to let you slip through His fingers. Where others may walk away, God is here to stay. In Romans 8:39 we are reminded that “nothing will separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Hallelujah! 

3.) God will Defend You 

Insecurity makes us defensive and combative, However, God defends us. We don’t have to fight to prove ourselves to others when God has proven who He is in our lives. Let God fight for you. Exodus 14:14 says “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”  

4.) Doors will open doors for you 

Insecurity makes us fearful of missing out, However, God opens doors for us that no man can shut. When we realize God is in control, we don’t have to worry about missing out. Psalm 37:23 says, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.”   

Today, God’s truth will always be, greater than our insecurity. Insecurity may seem a powerful and insurmountable foe, but God’s truth exposes it for the weak imposter it is. May His truth constantly set you free from the bondage of insecurity as you live for Him daily. 

“The truth will set you free.” – John 8:32 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, help me break free from the bondage of insecurity. Father, in the past I confess that I’ve listened to the voice of the enemy more than I’ve listened to your truth. Please help me listen and know that I am loved by you, and I am perfectly made, that I am accepted by You. God, give me your Spirit to help me see when I am listening to lies instead of truth. Help me fix my eyes on you and all you are and have done for me and this world. Thank you, Lord! In Christ’s name. Amen! 

Progress over Perfection

Some of my goals in life are to be spiritually free, transformed mentally, and to learn to walk in love as I continue to grasp just how much I am already loved by God. Seeing this love has enabled me to know what goals to strive for and the goals God desires for me. The more I realize the immenseness of God’s love for me, the more I will make progress on goals that I would like to complete in His name. 

God loves our completed tasks as much as he loves our enthusiasm to work for Him. He is pleased every time that we are taking steps of obedience, not just at the end. Some things will never be completed this side of heaven—like world peace, for instance—but God is pleased when we take steps to live in unity with one other person. 

Today progress toward your goals and progress toward becoming more like Christ is ongoing. There will always be more to do and more ways to grow in character and love. God is pleased when we take steps and when we step out of our comfort zones. It’s a journey and each step will teach us something new and grow our character. God will help us as we seek Him. God gave us good work to do, and He won’t leave us until our progress is complete. 

“For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” (2 Corinthians 3:17-18) 

Let’s Pray  

Yahweh, thank You for making me for good works. Father, You gave me the desire to learn and grow in my ability to love You and my neighbours. Lord help me to make progress on my goals each day and not worry about perfection but focus on my obedience. God remind me regularly that my obedience will always bring fruit even though the conclusion may differ from what I am thinking. Your ways are above my ways. In Christ’s name Amen  

I’ve Never Seen Anything Like This Before!

Is your breakthrough taking longer than you hoped? Have you been praying for a loved one, or maybe you believed that a situation would change for years? Don’t get discouraged. God is going to finish what He started! He is faithful, and He has something unmatched, unparalleled coming your way, breakthroughs, restoration like you haven’t seen before, hallelujah!

God has been good to us, but I believe we’re coming into a time of greater anointing, greater power, and greater victories! The key is that we must stay in agreement with God. We should get up every morning and say, “Father, thank You for Your unprecedented favour. Thank You for the immeasurable, unlimited, surpassing greatness of Your power.” If you keep standing in faith, I believe you’re going to come into more of those days where you stand in utter amazement and say, “wow, God! I’ve never seen anything like this before!”

Today, remember the question that Scripture asks, “is there anything too hard for the Lord?” and the answer is “no”, nothing is impossible when we put our faith and trust in Him. So, keep standing, believing, and hoping because God has something astounding in store for your future. He will finish what He started!

“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I give my heart and my mind to You, so You can finish what You started in me. Father, I trust and believe that You are working on my behalf. God, I will stand strong on Your promises today, knowing that victory is mine, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Developing True Friendships

What Does the Bible Say About Friendship?

I’m so lonely Ray, I hear this over and over. We’re commanded to love each other in the same way God loved us, so I can’t help but think there’s a measure of Jesus in making new friends. As you open your life to new people, maybe it’s time to change acquaintances into true friends. 

Whether your life is overflowing with people, or your day-to-day existence is lonely, there’s room for another real friend. Most of us have more obligations than time, but most of us haven’t mastered managing our priorities. It’s not easy, but if you want to spend time on a relationship, chances are there is something you can change or remove to make room for it—whether it’s one night a month during which you do not binge-watch Netflix so you can hang with a friend. Or spending your coffee break catching up by phone. Or texting something just because you know it will make them laugh. Or occasionally waking up an hour early to exercise together before the rest of your house awakens. It’s worth the potential sacrifices. 

It’s not all about you. Share your own stories and be real—but remember that friendship is a two-way street. A one-sided friendship goes nowhere fast. Instead of wondering what you will get in return, ask yourself what you can offer. It changes the dynamics of the relationship and often results in reciprocal kindness. friendships die because one person resents putting forth all the effort, so decide now to be the person who does most of the work. People are busy, and their lack of communication may not be a rejection, but a normal response to a busy life. Don’t take it personally; try again. When you invest time in your friends, they’ll know they are valuable to you. 

Today in creating true friendship whether romantic or plutonic consider what scripture says, “above all, before all, and through it all—love one another.” It seems obvious and sounds trite, but it is true: love is the answer to nearly any question. In all things, err on the side of love. By doing so, you’ll brighten the life of anyone you’re involved with, and as you practice living the way Jesus taught, you’ll see more of Him in your friends, and they’ll see more of Him in you. 

“This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command… Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.” – John 15:12-15, NLT 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thanks for being my friend. Father, teach me to love others the way you first loved me. As I build friendships with others, let them see You in the extent of my generosity, the authenticity of my kindness, and the depths of my love. God, all those things are only possible through you, the God who abides with me and calls me friend. I love You my friend Christ Amen. 

Look Beyond Friday’s Problems

On this weekend where the focus is on the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, joy – not sorrow – should be our spiritual response. Did you know that it’s God’s will for you to be joyful always? God wants you to be happy and carefree. He wants you to love your life no matter what your circumstances look like. When you have joy during difficult circumstances, it’s evidence that you have faith and trust that God is going to bring you through.

In Christ, Joy is strength. When you have His joy, you can stand strong, no matter who or what wants to crucify you. You might say, “I’m just not a real jovial person. I’m more serious. I never laugh much.” I realise God made us all differently, but you can experience real inward joy, which should externally make you happy and excited. So let yourself laugh and have fun because that’s why Christ came and died. I read where the average child laughs over 200 times a day, but the average adult only laughs 4 times a day. What happened? We’ve allowed the pressures of life, stress, and responsibilities to steal our joy.

Today, on this Spiritual weekend, decide to get your joy back. Decide that you are going to look beyond Friday’s problems, to Sunday’s resurrection and hope, and know that God will see you through. Ask Him every day to fill you with His supernatural peace and joy, so that you can live in Christ’s strength and victory all the days of your life!

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NLT)

Let’s PrayYahweh, I humbly receive Your Word today. Father, this weekend, I choose to open my heart to You and invite You to fill me with Your joy and strength that the resurrection brings. Yahshua, thank You for showing me Your goodness and empowering me with Your grace. I bless You today for Your amazing sacrifice, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

Peace Be Still!

Three years ago, hurricane Dorian destroyed the island of Bahamas killing more than 50 people. It was the worst storm to ever hit the island. Many were homeless, some starving and hundreds were missing. What do you do when the storms of life seem to be raging against you? One time Jesus was with His disciples in a boat out on the sea of Galilee, when they encountered a great storm.

Christ’s disciples were very afraid and were losing hope, but Jesus was asleep in the back of the boat. When the disciples woke Him up to see if He could help them, Jesus got up and simply spoke to the storm, “peace, be still!” And the seas were calm again. When difficult times come, you don’t have to be overwhelmed by the waves of worry or fear. Just as Jesus stood up and spoke to the storm, you have power in your words too. As a believer, the Bible tells us that the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in you.

Today, speak to your storm with authority. God’s miracle-working power is on the inside of you. He’s given you His authority to declare peace over your home, your mind, and your family. Throw unnecessary negatives overboard lest you sink. Remember, no matter what storms may come against you, greater is He that lives on the inside of you, and He’ll empower you to live in victory and peace in every area of your life! Hallelujah!

“Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘peace, be still!’ And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.” (Mark 4:39, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for filling me with Your Holy Spirit, and for giving me Your authority to rebuke the storms in my life. Father, show me what negatives must go in my life that may cause me to sink in the storm. God, I declare Your peace over every area of my life and thank You for working things out for my good, so I won’t be devoured by life’s storms, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

We Will Face Disappointments

In life, we all will face disappointments. Maybe bad news concerning your health, job, or a relationship not working out – a setback! It’s easy to get discouraged, lose your enthusiasm, or even be tempted to just settle where you are. But if we’re going to be God’s best, we must have a “bounce-back” mentality. 

That means when you get knocked down, you don’t have to stay down. You get back up again. You must know that every time adversity comes against you, it’s a setup for a comeback. You may have got knocked down, but you haven’t been knocked out! Remember, as a believer, the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives on inside of you.

Today, there is no challenge too difficult, no obstacle too high, no sickness, no disappointment, no person, nothing that can keep you from your God-given destiny. If you stay in faith and keep a good attitude, you will rise again. God will turn those stumbling blocks into stepping stones, and you’ll move forward into His victory! Hallelujah!

“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again…” (Proverbs 24:16, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for setting me up for success in everything I do for You. Father, I choose to trust and rely on You, knowing that Your plans are for my good. Therefore, when life knocks me down, when disappointment comes my way, I won’t stay down, but I will bounce back, knowing my best days are up ahead, and I look forward to the blessings You have in store for me, in Christ’s name! Amen.

A Better Provision

Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd, finds joy in seeing His diseased sheep progress toward healing.

Jehovah Jireh means “God will provide.” Hallelujah! When the children of Israel were in the desert on the way to the Promised Land, God provided them with manna to eat. That was good. It sustained them for a while, but it wasn’t a permanent solution. Eventually, the manna stopped coming. The people had to move forward, and then God allowed them to have quail. They were so excited. That fed them for a while, but it was also temporary.

God gave the Israelites temporary provision on the way to the Promised Land where they would have permanent provision. The fact that God had something much greater in store for their future is what kept them moving forward. God could have sustained them with manna or quail, but God is a God of increase, a God of better and best. He works in seasons, and He always has something better in store for us.

Today, don’t get stuck in a rut and think that your current situation is going to last forever. Instead, stay open and be willing to change, adjust, make corrections, or try something new as God provides for you. If the “manna” stops coming, as it did for the children of Israel, don’t get upset or disheartened. Remember, God is Jehovah Jireh, He will provide. Just keep moving forward and trusting. Be on the lookout for the new provision God has in store for you!

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

(Philippians 4:19, NKJV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, You alone are the just and faithful God! Father, thank You for always providing for me. Thank You for leading and guiding me. God, I trust that You have better and greater things in store for my future. I will choose to keep my eyes on You, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.

When You Don’t Feel Worthy 

Idle Words

I’m so Glad, God does not weigh our actions and puts our sin on a scale to see if we’re worthy of approaching Him. If our sin level mattered, then no one would ever be worthy. But because of Christ, when God looks at us He sees His Son’s sinless life and innocent sacrifice. Therefore, because of the gospel, we are free to approach God and communicate with Him. 

In scripture when Isaiah was brought before the Lord, he fell down at his unworthiness and could not look at God. Isaiah had no merit to earn God’s favour, but through a gift, God made Isaiah righteous. Just as God removed Isaiah’s guilt with burning coal, He removes our guilt with the blood of His Son. This gift was a one-time gift, and you are made guiltless in God’s eyes. However, since those saved by Christ still live in a fallen world, we will still fall prey to sin. But when we pray for forgiveness, it draws us away from sin and pulls us closer to God. 

Today, don’t let sin keep you from praying. If you haven’t prayed today, or in a while, take 5 minutes and close your eyes – thank God for who He is, who He has made you to be. Ask Him to forgive every sin in your life, especially the sin that has been holding you back from Him. Then realise your worthiness and let His love pour over you and refresh you. 

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace,” – Hebrews 4:16 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, You are worthy of all praise. You have given me life even though I am unworthy and undeserving. You have taken my sin and made me guiltless. At times I don’t feel guiltless, and my shame gets the best of me. You have made me your child and heir, and you have given me the greatest gift anyone could ask for—eternal life. Lord, please grant me mercy. Please grant me your strength to resist sin and spend more time in prayer and praise because in your presence is where I truly belong. In Christ’s name. Amen! 

How Can I Be a Better Christian?

Am I A True Christian?

As a Christian, it is important to know that you are a child of God and that God wants the best for you. Understanding what God expects from you can help you do more with your life. You can be a better Christian. Christianity is a large and diverse faith, which means there are many different ways to be a better Christian. Some people find meaning in the Bible, in prayer, in rituals or even in their relationship with God. But no matter what your beliefs, these are all good things to do. They will make you a better Christian.

There are times when we get so wrapped up in all the things that God allows us to do that we forget to do the things that are most important. We fail to memorize scripture or we fail to pray regularly even though prayer is the very foundation of our faith. What is the best thing about being a Christian? It is the ability to know that the Almighty God created us in His perfect image. We know that He loves us and wants the best for us. He wants us to be strong, healthy and happy. He wants us to be happy in our relationships, be able to serve others and to live a life of peace.

For many believers, the idea of being a better Christian is a rather abstract one. The Christian life is, in fact, one that is not all that easy to describe because it is about the transformation of the heart, mind and soul. Being a better Christian starts with becoming a better Christ-follower.

Read the Bible

God is the ultimate answer to everything we face in life. However, some people do not always believe this is true. We all know that we could probably do a lot better in our lives, but most of us fail to take the first step in making the changes we need to make. The Bible is the most influential book in the world, and it’s actually the most shared book of all time on the Internet. While we can’t all be scholars, we can all learn from the Bible and the principles it teaches. 

Pray

One of the most important things in life is to communicate with God and listen to him in return. Praying is a way to communicate with God. We must also pray. We must pray every day. You can pray in the morning and in the evening, but true Christians pray throughout the day as well. Sometimes, singing praise is a form of prayer. Listening to music on the radio can be a prayer. Talking to God when you are alone or with others is prayer. To become a better Christian, you must increase the number of times you pray and the number of times you listen to Him speaking to you.

Be Humble

We don’t have control over a lot of things that happen to us or around us. We do have control over how we respond to them. To become a better Christian, think about how you respond to situations. Jesus does not want us to be anxious or panicked. When Jesus was hung up on a cross, people mocked and made fun of him. He chose not to respond with anger. He has told us to turn the other cheek and to give our burdens to Him. He also does not want us to judge others. Let go of your stress and humbly ask God for help. Ask God for patience. Ask God for peace.

Be a Regular Member of the Church

The Christian church is called to be a people who are “the church”. We are called to bring people to Jesus Christ and help them experience a new life in Christ. We are called to share the Good News about Jesus Christ with others when we are engaged in them. We are called to be a community of believers. The church is a place for people of all walks of life to come together and be with one another. The church exists to help us grow in our faith, and that means we need regular reminders of its values, its teachings and guidance. A few simple steps to becoming a regular member of the church: 1. Be an “everyday member” of the local church. 2. Share the gospel with others. 3. Study the Bible and other Christian books to learn the Bible’s message. 4. Experience the love and peace of God by participating in the life of the church.

Being a good Christian, or a member of any church, is a huge goal that many of us have. However, there is much more to being a Light for Christ than just attending church and going through the motions. It’s a place where you can meet new friends, take part in meetings and activities, and grow in faith.

God The Healer Of Broken Relationships 

5 Truths about God’s Design for Sex in Marriage

From my own experience, if a husband has an affair, the wife feels hurt and distrusts him. Even if she wants to restore their relationship, trust must also be restored. Sin involves not only violating a command but also betraying a relationship. Not only do we need Jesus Christ to receive the punishment we deserve, but we also need someone to heal our broken relationships. In our sins, we betray God. Genesis says, “The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth.” 

Today, many ask, “Can couples who have endured the pain of betrayal be reconciled?”

Those who survive betrayal and go on to have a loving, trust-filled relationship almost always need someone to help them. Similarly, because we have betrayed God, we need someone to reconcile us to God. The broken relationship between each of us and God can be restored and healed only through the work of Christ. He came to make all things new, including our relationship with God. Jesus, our reconciler, draws us back to God even when we want to run the other way. Hallelujah! 

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. – 2 Corinthians 5:19 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, my reconciler, thank you for the ultimate sacrifice you paid, not only to cover the penalty for my sin but also to reconcile me back to God. Yahshua, without you, we would be alone and broken forever. God, I’m sorry for betraying you. please accept my confession in Christ’s name. Amen. 

Freedom Through Christ

What Would Jesus Pin

All my life I have wanted to be free from bondage and oppression just like Anna. The temple must have been busy the day Mary and Joseph brought Jesus there. They kept bumping into people who were waiting. One of these was a woman named Anna. Anna was devoted to God. She worshipped day and night, fasting and praying. She was one of a group of people who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. 

Redemption can mean paying a price to set someone free. Anna and the people looked forward to redemption because Jerusalem was under siege by the Roman and they wanted freedom. In the New Testament, we learn that others were longing to be free. They were yearning for freedom from religious oppression that burdened them, from sicknesses that plagued them, from spirits that posed them, and from the sin that condemned them. 

Today, although we value our freedom, we often find ourselves trapped, in prison, by debt, in relationships, by scorn, or by circumstances. Sometimes this is because of something we have done. Sometimes it’s a result of what others have done to us. Either way, we long for redemption to be set free. In Christ, Anna the oppressed lady at the temple saw what she was waiting for: the One who could pay the price and set her free. That’s what Christ has done for you receive Him today. 

[Anna] gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. — Luke 2:38 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for the death of Jesus which gives me freedom from my physical and spiritual oppressors. Father, open my eyes, so I can consistently grasp and appreciate your redemption which gives me total freedom in Christ’ name. Amen. 

 

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