Freedom for our Souls

Today we celebrate the freedom our country received with fireworks, grilling with family and wearing patriotic colors.  Our country provides freedom of speech, religion and outlaws any form of slavery.  We are able to walk out of our home, drive to work, go out to eat for lunch and return home safely to our family.  These privileges occur because men and women fought, fight and continue fighting for you and me.  Many lose their lives to keep us free and so we may rest peacefully at night.

Our country remains free from bondage, yet so many individuals live day to day burdened by a yoke of slavery.  Satan holds their souls captive.  Every step taken corresponds to the lies fed to them throughout the day.  As they leave their home and drive to work, self-doubt, rejection, sorrow and pain fills the baggage they carry.  Some go to lunch and face the fear of food or the obsession with food.  Again, more hurt, lies and self-hatred placed in the baggage.  Upon returning home, the baggage barely fits through the door and the day is not complete. 

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1)

"because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.  For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh," 

(Romans 8:2-3)

Every day let us remember the One who sent His only Son to die on a cross.  Jesus took that baggage we carry to the cross so to erase and wash away every sin, every lie we place inside.  God gave the life of Jesus for us, so we may be free.  Jesus obeyed and even asked His Father to forgive those crucifying him.  

Accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior releases the bondage on your soul.  The chains break, the baggage opens, the tears of joy appear and each step taken then corresponds with the plans God holds for your life.  Without freedom through Him, life remains meaningless.  He forgives us always.  

It is not over my friend.  God continues to fight our battles for us so we may not be burdened again by sin.  The closer we walk with God, the harder Satan tries to place those chains back on our soul.  Satan wants to capture our thoughts and veer us away from God so we begin filling our baggage up again and carrying that load ourselves.  Be alert and careful not to allow this to occur.  Keep His Word on your lips daily, so you may rest peacefully at night. 

God, thank you for today.  Thank You for the freedom given to me through Your Son.  May we celebrate this every day through prayer, thanksgiving and clothing ourselves in You.  May we share this news to all we meet and continue to walk with You.  Be with me to not fill up my baggage again, but take every lie that Satan tries to feed me and speak Truth to me.  Bring that peace I know You provide quickly to my mind.  I love You.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig