July 6, 2017 - At the first constitutional convention the men who crafted the document that has defined freedom for the last 200 years knew where to draw there wisdom. They were at an impasse in there negotiation of the document when a well respected man in the group who was known for his ability to persuade people with both the written and spoken word, stood up and addressed the group. He requested that the group separate for three days in which they would pray and fast, then come back together and again work on the document. They agreed,and after three days returned together and with the wisdom of God in their hearts. Ben Franklin, George Washington, and the other writers of The Constitution Of The United States penned the document that established the country that became the greatest provider of freedom and liberty that the world has ever known.
You see the founding fathers knew something we seem to have forgotten today; that it is impossible to be free without the help of God. Some people don't even realize that they are slaves to anything. But all of us are slaves to something. Some to work, some to addictions, some to our "things," some to our bodies, and the list goes on. All these things that we allow to bind us up, hold us as slaves. We allow ourselves to be lured into slavery by the bait of "more money, more fun, more pleasure, more fame, and more things" and before we know it we are slaves to those things. The more we struggle on our own to be free the more we become entangled until we give up and just start accepting our circumstances.
But there is good news. We have a redeemer who can set us free. If we trust Him , He promises to rescue us from our chains. Jesus said in John 8:31-32 "If you abide in my word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free."
Here are three things you must do to be set free:
1) Recognize what you are a slave to. In the Alcoholics Anonymous program one of the first steps toward recovery is admitting that you have a problem. Once you realize your bondage you can work on getting out of it. When we confess with our mouth God is faithful to forgive.
2) Abide in His word. Be not only hearers of His word but also doers. Start reading the teachings of Jesus and do what He says.
3) Allow Him to set you free. Quit struggling to free yourself and let God take control of your life. In Jn 8:36 Jesus says "Therefore if the Son makes you free you will be free indeed."
Our freedom in this country was bought with the blood of those who died to insure that we would no longer be a slave to anyone. Our spiritual freedom was paid for with the blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the one who can set you free and get you started on a new life. Trust Him and you will live the life of freedom and independence you have always dreamed of.
I'm Just Sayin
Mike Belgard
