Daily Power #185

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Gal. 5:1)

If you watch fireworks today, let them remind you of the source of your greatest liberty.

We celebrate our country’s freedom today, but if you’re following Jesus, then every day should be your Independence Day. All those yucky things you’ve done in the past have been washed away. You’re no longer held captive by your sin and selfishness. You’re a new person, a child of God who is becoming more and more like Christ every day.

And that’s nothing you did for yourself. You’re saved by grace, through faith and not by works. By the grace of God and by believing that what Jesus did on the cross was enough, you’re set free. He ransomed you with his death, paying your penalty for you, an overwhelming debt that you could never pay yourself.

You’re not made right with God by going to church. You’re not made right with God by being a church member. You’re not made right with God by giving money. You’re not made right with God by helping little old ladies cross the street. You’re not made right with God by being a nice person. You’re not made right with God by getting rid of bad stuff. You’re not made right with God by refusing to gossip about the other moms in the school carpool. You’re not made right with God by being a religious person.

You’re made right with God by grace through faith.

You’ve been set free from the burden of sin.

Power Lift

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of salvation and the freedom I have through Christ. Today help me to overcome any struggle by remembering the source of my freedom.