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

Heard & Saved

As for me, I will call upon God,

And the Lord  shall save me.

17 Evening and morning and at noon

I will pray, and cry aloud,

  And He shall hear my voice. Ps 55:16-17 (NKJV)

 

 

Sometimes I come up with ideas to fix my situation.  Some days I want to be carnal; abandon waiting on God and make it happen for myself.  At times, I look around and it seems to be working out for others to have it their way.  But like the psalmist in this passage, I always come back to, "As for me, I will call upon God." To be honest, I do not remember how to do it any other way!  I pray without even thinking sometimes.  (Not that that is necessarily a good thing. But I have literally caught myself praying for an FSU ballgame play that is prerecorded!)

 

I may have a long way to go in my Christian walk, but one thing I know to be true- I cannot make it without Him.  I am not smart enough to figure out the best path.  I need the Lord and his  resources.  I need His wisdom and direction.  I need His intervention.

 

I love the way that this reads as a desperate plea, but at the same time, it is a very faith-filled appeal.  The psalmist is calling, praying and crying.  Meanwhile God is saving and hearing.  Each one of us has our part.  When we try to play God's part, it never turns out well.  But when we learn to cry out for His help, expecting to be heard and saved, we loose the supernatural to work in our situation.

 

When we are over our head, it doesn't really matter if we are over our head by 1 foot or 100, if we are having to trust in Him to save us, we might as well believe for the big things!  Pray around the clock.  Ask Him to meet your need.  Call out for deliverance from all that oppresses you.  And once you do, believe that He is hearing and that He has already activated the processes to loose your chains!

 

 

Dear Lord, I am over my head.  I need you to step in and help me.  I cannot handle this on my own.  I need you and I believe that you heard me, answer and save me.   In Jesus' Name. Amen.

 

Sherri