“Our Daily Bread”     http://odb.org

The Daily Devotions of Greg Laurie    http://www.harvest.org/devotional   

Written by  Patricia Raybon “Our Daily Bread” @  http://odb.org

Original post @ https://odb.org/US/2021/01/27/free-at-last   [Click on this link and listen to the audio version of this at the top, including

the prayer at the end]

January 27

Free at Last

If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

John 8:36

Today’s Scripture & Insight:

John 8:31–36

Twenty long years passed before British journalist John McCarthy—a five-year hostage during Lebanon’s grueling civil war—met the man who negotiated his release. When McCarthy finally met U.N. envoy Giandomenico Picco, McCarthy simply said, “Thank you for my freedom!” His heartfelt words carried great weight because Picco had risked his own life during dangerous negotiations to secure freedom for McCarthy and others.

We as believers can relate to such hard-won freedom. Jesus gave up His life—enduring death on a Roman cross—to secure spiritual freedom for all people, including each of us. Now as His children, we know “it is for freedom that Christ has set us free,” the apostle Paul boldly declared (Galatians 5:1).

The gospel of John also teaches of freedom in Christ, noting, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).

But free in what ways? In Jesus, we experience freedom not only from sin and its hold on us but also from guilt, shame, worry, Satan’s lies, superstitions, false teaching, and eternal death. No longer hostages, we have freedom to show love to enemies, walk in kindness, live with hope, and love our neighbors. As we follow the Holy Spirit’s leading, we can forgive as we’ve been forgiven.

For all of this, let’s thank God today. Then let’s love so others will know the power of His freedom too.

By:  Patricia Raybon

Reflect & Pray

What spiritual chains still hold you hostage? As you release those chains to God, what words can you use to thank Him for setting you free?

Dear liberating God, thank You for my freedom—for setting me free from spiritual death and releasing me to love.

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P.S. (from bruce) When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth for this most important days writing, about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

You say you are a “born again” believer…  BUT are you “ON FIRE” for the Lord ??  If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/

Picture credit: https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832&sxsrf=ALeKk01GoYcOCBkT_7QrLxE5LcYcXPsxTQ:1611926496773&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=image+john+8:36&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjyvPmRnsHuAhW7ElkFHdnhDucQjJkEegQIBBAB&biw=1375&bih=920#imgrc=ylWzFJZBtyxZLM