Daily Devotional
Experience Freedom and Truth in the New Year!
“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.’”
John 8:31-32
January 1, 2024
Ponder This
When you believe in Jesus and you continue in the Word, you know the truth and you become liberated. Many today believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and are going to Heaven. But you are not a liberated person because you have never really absorbed the truth. You have never taken to the truth; you’ve never taken time to buy the truth. Do you know the word in that sentence that is key? Disciple. Do you know another word kin to disciple? Discipline. People don’t like discipline because they want to be free. They see truth and discipline as restrictive.
I read a quote somewhere. I don’t know who said it, but it stuck in my heart. “He who is a slave to the compass is the master of the oceans; the rest have to sail close to the shore.” The compass is what the ancient mariners used to guide their ships. That restriction gives them freedom and mastery of so much more than they could decipher on their own. Truth liberates you. Truth makes you free.
- What are some guiding principles you want to take into this new year?
- What is the difference between hearing the truth and absorbing the truth?
Practice This
Spend time writing down some verses from God’s Word and consider how these truths apply to your life.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
