Based on “Wake Up to a Rescue!” by Pastor Beau DiFrenna; 10/9-10/10,
Message #BD115; Daily Devotional #4 - “Break Free”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. (Acts 12:5) We have been so fortunate that we have not had to face this type of persecution in the United States. Freedom is something that every human being longs for and is why our nation has been a beacon of light for so many. We acknowledged at the founding of our nation that God was the basis of it. Even though we have been fortunate enough to live in this land the Lord has given us, many times we battle with bondage of other sorts. We can be in the bondage of pain due to physical problems or carry the burden of wounds left over from emotional anguish. We may even battle things in our minds that are so hard to let go. However, the one prison we need freedom from the most is the bondage of our spiritual condition. Without the Lord’s salvation, spiritually we will never be truly free from the sin that so easily entangles us.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): Whenever I am faced with a circumstance that seems to have me bound and unable to move forward, a song comes to mind about breaking free. Don’t you feel that way sometimes? As a Christ follower, I am reminded that I am already free! Circumstances may come that can make me feel bound, but at just the right time, my Lord will be there to rescue me (Acts12:7). The Lord is no respecter of persons; He will rescue you too! I am reminded though, how often I create my own bondage in trying to figure things out for myself instead of letting go and seeking the Lord to release me. Isn’t that, by definition, a lack of faith? I have to remind myself every day that nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37).
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): If you haven’t accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, that’s the first step you need to take in order to break free from the bondage of sin. Yes, we will battle this sin nature until the Lord takes us home, but Jesus has done the impossible by breaking the chains of sin and death when He died upon that Cross for you and me. You just need to accept that gift, and you will be a child of God! We have been redeemed! Jesus calls us to follow Him (Mark 2:14). If you choose to do so, at the moment you surrender your life to Christ He will become your guide and direct you in your life (Proverbs 20:24). You need not fear; your life is in the palm of His hand. Most importantly, at that moment you are guaranteed eternal life and will be with Him forever (John 5:24). Amen!
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Psalm 91:14-16, Romans 7:21-25
HS
Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673
All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.