JESUS SPEAKS

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave to sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8: 31 – 36)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Many today are living in bondage to some manner of sin; often a form of addiction that destroys families and drives individuals into extreme suffering. Without God there is little hope. But with God, all things are possible. Only those who choose to follow Christ will experience genuine freedom from the devastation of sin.

As the story goes, at an open-air Gospel meeting a preacher asked for testimonies. While this was going on a skeptic was passing by just when the testimony of a saved alcoholic was being given. He stopped to listen. The former alcoholic was talking about how Jesus had performed a miracle and saved his poor soul. The skeptic scoffed; making a few remarks to those standing near him. He said, “It’s nothing more than a dream, religion saving a man in this manner, just a mere dream, and nothing more.” However, among the listeners there was a little girl about ten years old. She had known the misery of a drunkard’s home. Having heard the skeptic’s remark, she approached him and said: “Please Sir, if it is only a dream, please don’t wake him—that is my daddy!”

Those who desire to know genuine freedom will follow Jesus Christ. Only He can remove addictions, heal the mind, and transform the soul. No matter how difficult the struggle might seem, or how large the obstacle might appear, He is able to overcome and to conquer; His power is immeasurable. May we always place our faith and trust in the Lord of all creation.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we trust in Your ability to transform our lives. If we have never accepted Your Son as our Savior, may our hearts succumb to Your precious will. May all those who are reading this experience the power of Your Holy Spirit. Through Your strength might we all discover the truth that sets men free. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!