All Expense Paid

 

It was the summer I turned 19.  I was newly married and finally had my dream job- I worked for the State of Florida!  (OK, so ultimately not so dreamy, but at the time a BIG deal.) I remember being amazed that although I had just been hired full time, I would get a day off for free!  Memorial day weekend- a chance to barbeque, sleep in and shop!

It wasn't until yesterday, quite a few years later, that I realized... that day off was not free.  It was paid for by the blood of men and women who sacrificed to make America free.  It was a day of soberness and reflection, paid for with blood.  Wow.  I had totally missed it.

But just as quickly as thought came, revelation sprang in my Spirit.   I live everyday free.  Free from the penalty of my sin.  Free from spiritual oppression.  Free from bondage.  Free from darkness.  Brought to me by... the blood of my Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

I've heard it said that 'freedom isn't free'.  Nothing in life really is.  Every bit of it was bought and paid for by someone.  Free salad with an entrée?  Nah.  The price is included in the cost of everything else.  Free local park? Nope.  Paid for by tax dollars, or grants, also created with tax dollars.  No matter how free it is someone- somewhere- paid the bill.

Today if I choose to live in bondage, it is my choice.  My way has been purchased.  All expense paid departure is set aside for me.  All I have to do is believe and receive.

"If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."  Rom. 10:9

Do you want to be free today?  If so, join me in prayer.

Dear Lord, I realize that I am in bondage due to my sin.  I believe that you are the Son of God, that you died for my sins and was raised from the dead.  I believe you paid the price to purchase my freedom and now I ask you to come in my heart, wash me and set me free.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

 

 

 

If you prayed that with me, I encourage you to tell a Christian and let them pray and rejoice with you!  Find a Bible believing church and become a part of regular worship, Bible study and growth.  There you will receive the tools you need to make the most of your freedom!  Congratulations!  You just made the best decision you will ever make!

© Sherri Evans Ministries 2017. All rights reserved. Used by permission. For booking schedule and information: sherrievans@sherrievansministries.com

The Cost of Freedom

 

"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

 

Yesterday we celebrated Independence Day in America.  It is a day to celebrate with cook-outs, swimming, fireworks, parades and  fun.  It is a day to remember the birth of our country and the men who fought valiantly to make it free.  It is a day  to remember the men and women who gave of themselves to keep our freedom.  It is often said "freedom isn't free."  That is actually a very profound truth.  Because for some, our freedom cost everything.

 

As Christians, the same holds true.  Our freedom in Christ is not free.  We do not pay for it.  But He paid everything for it.  He gave His position in heaven to come down and walk among men- to be reviled, spit on, beaten and murdered.  He gave up a lot personally when He accepted the weight of sin, on his sinless sacrifice.  He endured the separation from the Father that the sin brought. 

 

Yes, Jesus rose from the dead!  Praise His Name!  Yes, He is now seated at the right hand of the Father where He deserves to be.  But don't forget - never forget- the price He paid to purchase our freedom.

 

I thank God to live in America, a land presently free.  Let us continue to pray, stand and believe that we will remain free.  But know this:  the Word of God, the Church of God, is not bound.  Everything else may pass away and fail, but we are steadfast on the foundation of Jesus, the Christ, the Son of the Living God!

 

Thank you, Jesus, for purchasing my freedom with your precious blood.  Thank you for the privilege to live in America.  Please God, have mercy on our nation and let us once again be gathered "Under God."   In Jesus' Name. Amen.

 

Sherri