In New York Harbor stands the Statute of Liberty. This world-renowned icon
symbolizes the freedom that American’s cherish and seek to spread to the
oppressed around the globe. Yet even in the “land of the free” many in-
dividuals are held captive by sinful habits and mind-sets.
A country’s liberty usually depends upon military might and governmental
decrees. Howe ver, personal freedom has to do with a decision to protect
the heart, mind, and body from evil influences. In a nation built upon indepen-
dence, we call ourselves “free” as long as we aren’t incarcerated or somehow
prevented from pursuing our interests. But is the man bent upon revenge
“liberated”? Is the woman addicted to painkillers “free”?
The Enemy’s arsenal contains all kinds of temptations that shackle one’s time
and attention. The need to attend to these habits, substances, and attitudes
consumes a person and draws his or her focus away from God. Then, as the
Devil distracts, he also employs one of his greatest deceptions: he convinces
people that their chains don’t really exist. He teaches them how to rationalize
(just a little won’t hurt) and outright deny (I can stop anytime I want).
According to the Bible, men and women are either slaves of God or slaves to
sin. There is no middle ground. The latter serve Satan by feeding their own
selfish impulses. Meanwhile, the slaves of God enjoy true freedom. They
honor the Lord by keeping away from those things that imprison the body,
emotions and thoughts.
THIS IS THE DAY!
Every day that we are given is a precious gift from Almighty God. We
should wake up every morning with a grateful attitude, full of faith and
expectancy for what the Lord has in store. Sure, you may be facing
some challenges in your every day life, or maybe things aren’t going
the way you planned, but remember, each new day is a chance to stand
strong in the midst of adversity and see the faithfulness of God. Every
new day is an opportunity to praise and thank Him; to magnify your
God instead of magnifying your problems. This is the day that the Lord
has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it
Be glad that god has promised
to never leave us or forsake us. Be glad that God has given you a sound,
healthy mind. Rejoice that He is making a way where there seems to be
no way
As you focus on the gift of every day and rejoice in what God
has done in your life, you will begin to experience His increase and
blessing. You’ll rise up higher and set the course to live in victory all
the days of your life
A LITTLE CHURCH HUMOR
A Pastor concluded that his church was in serious financial trouble. While
checking the church storeroom, he discovered several cartons of new Bibles
that had never been opened and distributed. So the next Sunday, he asked for
volunteers from the congregation who would be willing to sell the Bibles for
$10 each going door-to-door to raise the desperately needed money. Jack,
Paul and Louie raised their hands to volunteer for the task. Jack and Paul
were professional salesmen and the Pastor knew that they were capable of
selling the Bibles, but he had serious doubts about Louie, who was a local
farmer and had always kept to himself because he was embarrassed by his
bad speech impediment. But not wanting to discourage Louie, the Pastor
decided to let him give it a try. He sent the three men away with the back
seats of their cars stacked with Bibles. He asked them to meet with him the
next Sunday and report their results.
Anxious to find out how successful they were, the Pastor immediately asked
Jack how he made out selling the Bibles. Proudly handing the Pastor and
envelope Jack replied that he was able to sell 20 Bibles and had collected
$200 on behalf of the church. “Fine job, Jack,” the Pastor said. Turning to
Paul, the Pastor asked him how many Bibles he was able to sell for the church.
Paul smiling confidently replied, “I was able to sell 28 Bibles for the church
and collected $280.” The Pastor said that that was absolutely splendid and
the church was indebted to him and Jack.
Apprehensively, the Pastor turned to Louie and asked if he had managed to
sell any Bibles during the past week. Louis silently offered the Pastor a large
envelope. The Pastor opened it and counted its contents. “What’s this,” the
Pastor exclaimed. “Louie there is $3,200 in here. Are you telling me that you
sold 320 Bibles for the church in just one week?” Louis just nodded. “That’s
impossible” said Jack and Paul. We’re professional salesmen and yet you
have sold 10 times the Bibles we could in just one week. The Pastor agreed.
So they asked Louie to explain.
“I-I-I- re-re-really do-do-don’t kn-kn-know f-f-for sh-sh-sh-sure,” he
stammered. “For crying out loud, Louie, just tell us what you said to them
when they answered the door,” Paul replied. “A-a-a-all I-I-I said wa-wa-was,
w-w-would y-y-you like to b-b-buy th-th-this B-B-Bible f-f-f-for t-t-ten b-b-b-
bucks or wo-wo-would yo-you j-just l-like m-m-me to st-stand h-h-here and
r-r-read it t-to y-y-you?