“…where the Spirit of the LORD is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17, ESV) - Freedom: “eleutheria” = liberty, freedom (from “eleutheros” = free, not a slave, not under restraint) (Strongs Exhaustive Concordance) Freedom. Liberation. Independence. In America, we are blessed with the freedom of religion, freedom to vote for our leaders, freedom to choose to live where we want to live, eat where we want to eat, work where we want to work. Yet, even here, in the “land of the free,” we are still slaves…slaves to sin. To greed and pride. To anger and judgement. To vanity and comparison. To fear and worry. To shame and past regrets. True and complete freedom… Freedom from worry. Not a slave to addiction. Not bound by shame. …will only be found where the Spirit of the LORD is. - Lord: “kurios” = Lord, master (exercising full rights) (Strongs Exhaustive Concordance) When we invite God to be the Lord over our lives – giving Him authority over our decisions, our actions, and our dreams – every chain will be broken, every prison door will be open. We will no longer be ruled by sin and slaves to sin. (Romans 6:6) We will be a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Living by faith in the Son of God, Jesus Christ. (Galatians 2:20) No matter what happens in our life, we will know His unfailing love for us. No matter what the world says about us, we will know our identity is in Christ. Giving our Heavenly Father authority is not moving backward, trading one bondage for another. It is stepping forward, trusting Him with our future. Knowing Who He was in the past – Creator and Father, Healer and Counselor, King and Savior, Protector and Defender – is still Who He is today. And Who He will always be tomorrow. In this world, there will be struggles. (John 16:33) Every day will not be perfect. But with Him – His guidance, His help, His encouragement, His wisdom, His strength, His patience, His protection – we will find peace. With Him as LORD of our life, in His rightful place over every decision and dream, we will finally find true freedom. “He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains. Let them give thanks to the LORD for His unfailing love…” (Psalm 107:14-15a, NIV)
~Jess
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