Freedom

         

Falling Down in Life is Inevitable, Getting up & Living in Freedom is Optional

If your 1^st reaction to hearing about the fall from graces of an acquaintance is “Wow, thank God I’m not that messed up”, you’re not alone.  Its human nature to compare sins & look for someone who we feel has done more “wrong” than we have.  Makes us feel a little better about ourselves…. We may think … we’re not so bad after all. 

It is wonderful to see Christian sisters who don’t wag their tongues and act outraged & appalled when hearing about another sister stumbling.  They instead offer encouragement & compassion, rolling up their sleeves & wading into the muck to meet them at their low point.

Imagine if Jesus had looked down on us sinful, prideful people and said, nah… I don’t feel like getting involved in their mess.  Instead, he lovingly & willingly left his throne and stepped right down into our world.  I kind of liken it to someone telling me to go release those pigs from their pen.  In order to do so, I have to wade into a pig pen in all of its mess & stink, knowing that the pigs may or may not welcome & accept me.  In fact, they might even attack me… say what…  Don’t they know I came to help set them free??

If you are the person who has fallen short of the mark, take heart.  Jesus loves you.

Life might knock you down, but keep on getting up.

He has removed your sins as far as the East is from the West. 

Psalm 103:12

We all are capable of making poor choices.  Through these choices we learn & grow. They are also opportunities for those who have been through this to encourage and love on those going through it now.  Offer them Hope.  Share how you were able to overcome and show them the Freedom you have gained by receiving Jesus’ gift of forgiveness.

With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ's being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death. 

Romans 8:1-2 The Message

 Are you the type of friend that draws closer to someone in need rather than recoil at the sin & confessions of personal struggles?  Is there a sister out there that could use your encouragement, wisdom & love to enable herself to be set free?

 With this being 4^th of July weekend, what a perfect time to be thankful for all of the freedoms we have been given.  Many of these freedoms are the result of others’ sacrifice. 

Here’s a little Toby Mac for you to enjoy. Click on the YouTube link below to listen.

http://youtu.be/hqeXuWrI7QY

Many Blessings,

Missy