The Christian message is one of freedom, not restriction. Christ broke the chains of legalism, of the weight of sin, and changed cultural mores forever, especially for women. In a day when cancel culture is the byword, Jesus was indeed a waymaker, a force of change, and indeed brought us into a relationship with the King of the universe in a very personal relationship way. We are no longer slaves to sin, but are free, free indeed, with an abundant life not possible before His coming, His teachings, His sacrifice, and surely, His resurrection.
MY PSALM 336 FREEDOM
Dear Heavenly Father, Lord of All,
We rejoice as we read the words of Paul this day:
“Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom[1]!”
Because of Jesus’ love for us,
Because of His sacrifice,
We live in a loving relationship with Him.
No longer is there fear of being separated
From Your Presence, from Your influence in our lives,
Since, through Jesus and the Holy Spirit,
You live in us and we know Your Presence.
We are blessed to live this side of the Cross,
For we know our iniquities are now far from us
When we confess our sins and repent,
Since Jesus has atoned for our transgressions,
We know the freedom of cleansing.
We are power-washed in the blood of Jesus
And are cleansed from within.
Thank You for that freedom.
We are blessed to live as Your heirs,
Heirs of salvation through the work of Jesus.
You have called us Your sons and daughters,
Heirs to the kingdom, Yours for eternity.
No longer do we fear death’s destruction.
No longer do we tremble at the thought of judgment,
For You have provided a way for salvation.
Thank You for that freedom.
You have taught us
To live in peace with our brothers and sisters.
You provide guidance for forgiveness,
And give us strength to forgive.
You teach us to love others as ourselves,
Because we first love You, Who first loves us.
Give us the confidence
That comes with being vulnerable with others,
For wishing their good over our own,
For releasing pride and self-serving
To better the world in Your Name and for Your sake.
Thank You for that freedom.
You have given us a sense of peace and calm
We so lacked before. You bear our burdens
And lighten our load. We cast our cares on You.
We do not have to earn our salvation or Your Presence,
For You give it freely to us, although its price was heavy,
Even the agonizing death of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
Yet, in His resurrection, You provide us a way to heaven,
And peace that passes all human understanding.
Thank You for that freedom.
You have given us freedom from want,
For You are all that we need.
We no longer need to strive in this lifetime
But are satisfied and gratified by what You provide.
We know all good things come from Your hand,
And in thanksgiving, we are satisfied with our state.
For we know that we have riches beyond compare
In the gift of Jesus Christ and the relationship we have
With the Lord of the Universe. All is well.
Thank You for that freedom.
You have given us the joy of recognizing that all is well.
In Jesus’ resurrection
You conquered our last enemy, death.
We were doomed to think this life is the end of all
Without Jesus.
You have given us Your Word which tells of heaven,
You have told us about Your New Kingdom,
Where beauty, peace, and Your Glory will reign,
And where we will one day spend eternity.
Thank You for that freedom.
We have a purpose, to live for Your glory
And to praise You forever.
No longer do Your people need to be concerned
About our place in this world,
For we now live for You and Your praise and glory.
Let us to everything in Your Name.
Let us be a sweet fragrance
Of Your love as we meet others.
Let us be strong to finish the race to Your honor,
And let us be part of Your cloud of witnesses
To share Your message with others.
Thank You for that freedom
And the joy of being Yours
While life endures and hereafter.
In Jesus’ Precious Name and for Your Glory. Amen.
[1] 2 Corinthians 3: 17
A career teacher, with forty years of teaching language arts/English, Betty Jackson enjoys wordsmithing, writing, and reading as a vocation and avocation.Retirement is her "age of frosting," a chance to pursue postponed hobbies with gusto. She especially sends kudos to the Space Coast Writers Guild members for their encouragement and advice. Her five books, It's a God Thing!, Job Loss: What's Next? A Step by Step Action Plan, and Bless You Bouquets: A Memoir, And God Chose Joseph: A Christmas Story, and Rocking Chair Porch: Summers at Grandma's are available at Amazon.com. Ms. Jackson is available to speak to local groups and to offer her books at discount for fundraising purposes at her discretion. She and her husband soon celebrate their 47th anniversary, and have lived in New York, New Jersey, Iowa, and now the paradise of Palm Bay, Florida. Their two grown children and daughter-in-love, all orchestra musicians, and our beautiful granddaughters Kaley and Emily live nearby. Hobbies, and probably future topics on her blog: gardening, symphonic music (especially supporting the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra as a volunteer and proud parent of a violinist, a cellist, and an oboist), singing, book clubs, and co-teaching a weekly small-group Bible study for seniors. She volunteers and substitute teaches at Covenant Christian School, and serves as a board member of the Best Yet Set senior group at church. Foundationally, she daily enjoys God's divine appointments called Godincidences, which show God's providence and loving kindness.