Daily Devotional
When Living Includes Liberty
“Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”
James 1:21
September 19, 2023
Ponder This
You’ve got to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. When we get saved, we receive life through the Lord Jesus Christ, but all of us have the graveclothes of the old life. Maybe you are saved, but you hit your thumb with a hammer and those old words come out. Or you’re in a grocery store, and there are some questionable magazines, and your eyes want to go there. And you wonder, “Lord, have I been saved at all?” Yes, if you’ve trusted Jesus, if you have exercised faith in Jesus, then you’re saved. But what you need to do now is initiate freedom in Jesus.
Do you know what the job of the Church is? For one thing, it’s to unwrap the saints. There’re a lot of people who need to be unwrapped. There’re a lot of people who do not have freedom. I want to tell you about Jesus. The One who gives us life gives us liberty.
If you’re still in the graveclothes, you need to be unwrapped. Jesus is not a probation officer; Jesus is our Savior. He will see you through all the way. You might have some hangover sins for a while. But He will save you; the One who gives you life will give you liberty.
- What “graveclothes” are you still wearing?
- How have you experienced freedom in Christ?
Practice This
Talk to another Christian about the graveclothes you may still be wearing. Ask your friend to pray alongside you as you ask the Lord to free you from those things.
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.’”
