2021 Daily Devotion - Day 363

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Everybody longs for freedom. But for many people, its pursuit leads to bondage. The greatly loved Bible teacher, Henrietta Mears, knew the secret of true freedom, and she wanted her students to know it, too. With young people in mind, she said:

"A bird is free in the air. Place a bird in the water and he has lost his liberty. A fish is free in the water, but leave him on the sand and he perishes. He is out of his realm. So, young people, the Christian is free when he does the will of God and is obedient to God’s command. This is as natural a realm for God’s child as the water is for the fish, or the air for the bird."

One of the great spiritual battles we face on a consistent basis is the desire to be the god of our lives. Because of our sinful condition, we want to be the ones in charge. However, with our limited ability to understand everything around us, we think we know better than the God who created us as to what is best for us. As a result, we often do things which, over time, either don’t truly satisfy and/or lead to significant problems and setbacks. Just like we put gasoline in our cars, and not diesel fuel, because the manufacturer designed our car that way; we must do the same with God.

John 14:15 ESV
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, it is out of Your love for us that You have given us Your commandments. They are meant to guide our lives according to Your design for the world. While we cannot earn our relationship with You, we can respond to Your salvation in Christ by keeping Your commandments. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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