Jesus’ victory gives me freedom from sin!
Sometimes, however, this freedom is gradual. As I seek Christ and know Him more each day, I learn to walk in line with His victorious nature. I have begun to make choices that align with His heart instead of my old habits. As I do, I find more and more freedom in the resurrection of Christ.
“And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.”
1 John 5:14 NLT
Prayer and trust go hand and hand. If we trust God enough to pray to him, shouldn’t we trust him enough to believe he will answer our prayers the best way he sees fit? Remember that God sees what we cannot. If we truly think about some of the things we have prayed for over the course of our lives we should be grateful God did not say yes to everything we asked.
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Matthew 6:34 NLT.
We naturally worry. But worry does not bring about change – especially worries over things we cannot change.
When we worry, we begin to worship our problem. A worry is a care that has not been “cast” to God.
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”Philippians 1:6 NLT
When you were in school you would have to take regular tests. These tests let the teacher know where you stood on the material you needed to learn. If you were unable to pass these tests, then more assignments and more tests would have to be given.
God also gives tests. His tests show where we are on the road of our personal development. In his mercy, God does not take us where we are not ready to go. He prepares us first to ensure we can handle it spiritually, emotionally, physically and the like.
The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 3:17:
… where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
Paul did not follow Jesus during His earthly ministry. Instead, he spent his days persecuting people who followed Jesus. It wasn’t until years after Jesus’ death and resurrection that Paul was on the road to Damascus and had a supernatural encounter with Jesus that changed his life forever.
What do you consider as your treasure? What is of the most value to you? Jesus Christ said in Luke 12:34,“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Is your treasure the kind that fades or rusts? Can it be easily stolen? If your answer is yes to both questions, then you are saving up the wrong kind of treasure. And your heart might be in the wrong place.
