True Freedom

"Jesus said, 'I tell you most solemnly that anyone who chooses a life of sin is trapped in a dead-end life and is, in fact, a slave. A slave is a transient, who can't come and go at will. The Son, though, has an established position, the run of the house. So if the Son sets you free, you are free through and through.'"John 8:34-36 The Message

Pastor Eric did this as his main verses for last Sunday and it was so awesome! He had used the NIV version which is a lot shorter and simpler, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." and that is the main part of the verse that I've been mediating on--if you have been set free, you are free indeed. WOW!

Free from what? Free from addictions? Yes! Free from feelings of hatred and judgement? Yes! Free from thinking that you are not worthy, not acceptable to your Heavenly Father? Yes!

Now, does this mean that you will be free from trials? No. Free from backsliding? No. Free from having any struggles? No. But the difference is that you will NOT be alone. If you truly give yourself and your life to our Heavenly father, He will be there to guide, comfort and sustain. You are NOT a slave to the past or to the future. You are free, free indeed!

The Message version of these verses seem, at least to me, to expound a little more so that I can apply it better to my life. It is wonderful to be "free, through and through." What does that tell you? That you are only 25% free? 50%? 99%? No! You are 100%! Completely!

So, if you have not given yourself 100% to the Lord, why not today? What do you have to lose? Imagine losing the feeling of being chained to a life of slavery and experiencing the cool refreshing wind of freedom blowing through your life. Your Father is waiting--run to Him!

"11 This is a trustworthy saying:

If we die with him,
we will also live with him.
12 If we endure hardship,
we will reign with him.
If we deny him,
he will deny us.
13 If we are unfaithful,
he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny who he is." 2 Timothy 2:11-13 NLT