Focus

As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God, however that may take place.

---

Read

John 8:31-38 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” They answered him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean by saying, ‘You will be made free’?”

Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not have a permanent place in the household; the son has a place there forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are descendants of Abraham; yet you look for an opportunity to kill me, because there is no place in you for my word. I declare what I have seen in the Father’s presence; as for you, you should do what you have heard from the Father.”

---

Reflect

Jesus uses such powerful words that many were convinced, and professed to believe in him. He encouraged them to attend his teaching, rely on his promises, and obey his commands, and resist all temptations to evil. In doing, they would be true disciples; and by the teaching of his word and Spirit, they would learn where their hope and strength lay. Christ spoke of spiritual liberty; but carnal hearts feel no other grievances than those that attack the body, and bring trouble in their daily lives. Jesus tells them of the freedom they will experience but they take it wrong. They say they are “free men” but Jesus is telling them they are slaves to sin. Christ in the gospel offers us freedom, he has power to do this, and those whom Christ makes free are really so. But often we see persons disputing about liberty of every kind, while they are slaves to sin.

I was lost but not I am found. You have heard that before, yet many feel that that phrase is not akin to them. ‘I’m not lost they say’, but in the real sense of the word and world, they are lost. How many times have you lost your way? We all have from time to time, and then we wake up realizing that we are not walking in the path of Jesus Christ. We let the world guide us away from our spiritual walk. We fail to pray, read our Bible, worship, and walk the path of Christ. You do, I do; we all do. Let’s be honest with yourself and repent and be a disciple of Christ, that what? “Live the teaching of Christ, then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

---

Pray

God, your grace is amazing.  You found me before I even knew I was lost.  You have broken the chains of sin that entangled me and I have freedom in following your ways. Amen

Go with God!