Freedom: January 8, 2010

January 8: TODAYS WORD FOR FRIDAY JANUARY 8.

FREEDOM

DEFINITION:

The state of being free; personal liberty or national independence.

SCRIPTURE:

“It is to freedom that you have been called, my brothers. Only be careful that freedom does not become a mere opportunity for your lower nature (the flesh). You should be free to serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13. (Phillips translation)

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Reading God’s Word, the Bible, each day is a privilege that many people around the world do not have. In the Second World War when the Americans arrived in the Philippines, many political prisoners were freed from prison. Among the “crimes” that these people had committed was that of reading the Bible. They had no freedom.

Soon after his release from prison a man came to a missionary in the Philippians and asked if it were true that he could now read his Bible? The missionary pointed to a nearby American flag and said: “So long as you see that flag flying overhead you can read your Bible on the roof of your house and no one will bother you.” That is a great definition of freedom for us.

In 1942 then President of the United States of America said:

“We look forward to a world founded on four essential human freedoms. The first is freedom for every person to worship God in his own way. The second is freedom of speech and expression. The third is freedom from want and finally the freedom from fear.”

The Bible has a lot to share with us about the freedom God has given us that love and serve Him. God first dealt in the Bible about freedom in Genesis (13:10-13). Abraham responded to the leading of God and gave Lot the freedom of choice as to the land that would be his. Lot chose the fertile land of the plains of Jordan and left the desert area of Canaan to Abraham. But as the scriptures tell us, the land that Lot chose caused nothing but problems for Lot while God blessed the land left to Abraham. The reason was very clear. Lot with his freedom chose not to honor and serve God with all his heart, mind and soul. Abraham with his freedom of choice chose to serve God.

We are told to proclaim freedom to the poor in Isaiah 61:1. This is why we often communicate to you in these devotionals the importance of helping the poor in their time of trouble. Also we have spent most of our lives dedicated to helping in mission outreaches that care for the poor. We will assure you that God will bless those that reach out to help the poor.

We are promised freedom from our sins in Romans 6:14. The greatest freedom is that given by God when He lifts our burden of sin. In John 8:32-36 we are told that if we continue in God’s Word --- read the Bible; if you are faithful --- to the Lord and if you live according to God’s teaching that He has given to us --- then --- “We shall know the truth and the truth shall make us free”(verse 36). Jesus is the truth and knowing Him as our Savior sets us free from the consequences of our sin. That is the freedom God has for us that believe in Him.

Finally in 1 Peter 2:16-17 we are admonished as believers to “Live as free men; not however as though your freedom were there to provide a screen for wrongdoing; but live as servants of God, honoring all men, love your brothers and fear God.”

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in Romans 12:2:

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is.”

PRAYER:

Help me and my family to appreciate the freedoms that we have. Thank You for the continued freedom You give us today to read Your Word and to pray openly as a family.