Encouragement . . . for the Journey

Freedom

I praise You Father that You have given us freedom in Christ Jesus.


Freedom from sin that separated us from You, Holy God.
"Jesus answered, "I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6
"Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12


Freedom to walk in all Your ways.
"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught and overflowing with thankfulness." Colossians 2:6-7


Freedom from bondage.
"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release for the prisoners." Isaiah 61:1


Freedom from fear.
"I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4


Freedom from anger.
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:31-32


Freedom from despair.
"to provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of His splendor." Isaiah 61:3


Freedom from an unhealthy lifestyle.
"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 I love what Anne Ortland says, "Your body is the flesh that clothes His presence."


In 2011, may each of us choose to honor our faithful God in what we say, what we see, what we do, what we think, in our attitude, our actions and our desires. "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14

Encouragement . . . for the Journey

MAY THE LOVE DISPLAYED IN CHRIST JESUS


OUR LORD AND SAVIOR,


FILL YOU JOY DURING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON


AND YOUR HEART WITH


IMMEASURABLE BLESSING IN 2011.



"Thanks be unto God for His indescribable gift!" 2 Corinthians 9:15

Encouragement . . . for the Journey

Read this devotion from Chuck Swindoll this morning ~ gives us much food for thought:

A Puritan's Prayer
by Charles R. Swindoll

Some years ago I was given a book of Puritan prayers called The Valley of Vision. I have worn out one copy and had to purchase another. I recommend this volume to you. Read the following prayer from the Puritan's pen slowly (preferably aloud).

O LORD,
I am a shell full of dust,
but animated with an invisible rational soul
and made anew by an unseen power of grace;
Yet l am no rare object of valuable price,
but one that has nothing and is nothing,
although chosen of thee from eternity,
given to Christ, and born again;
I am deeply convinced of the evil and misery of a sinful state,
of the vanity of creatures,
but also of the sufficiency of Christ.
When thou wouldst guide me I control myself,
When thou wouldst be sovereign I rule myself.
When thou wouldst take care of me I suffice myself.
When I should depend on thy providings I supply myself,
When I should submit to thy providence I follow my will,
When I should study, love, honour, trust thee, I serve myself;
I fault and correct thy laws to suit myself,
Instead of thee I look to man's approbation,
and am by nature an idolater.
Lord, it is my chief design to bring my heart back to thee.
Convince me that I cannot be my own god, or make myself happy,
nor my own Christ to restore my joy,
nor my own Spirit to teach, guide, and rule me. . . .
Then take me to the cross and leave me there.

1. Arthur Bennett, ed., The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions (Carlisle, Pa.: The Banner of Truth Trust, © 1975, 1988, 2003).

Reprinted by permission. Day by Day, Charles Swindoll, July 2005, Thomas Nelson, inc., Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved.