Freedom
Are you free today? Does freedom reign in your life?
No, not the type of freedom that says “have it your way, do as you please, how you please, when you please, where you please and be your own boss please.” That’s more for corporate America.
Today, we are talking about the freedom that allows you to move and run freely without restrictions, strongholds or bondage; the state of NOT being imprisoned or enslaved. This is the type of freedom that enables you to serve others. …Total FREEDOM.
Galatians 5:13 says, you were called to freedom! To be free means to serve and help others.
Earlier this month of March, 2015, my loving parents celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary! Yea, that’s a big deal and a huge accomplishment! Needless to say it took a lot of commitment, understanding, love and serving the other to reach this pinnacle of 50 years. My parents have always been the great example in my life. They have taught a life filled with Christ is a life worth living. A life with Christ is freedom. Simply priceless!
It is no coincidence the number 50 represents jubilee and deliverance. If you have both then you have freedom. We are expecting breakthroughs, deliverance and freedom this year. And so can you!
So again, the question remains, are you free?
All of us have packed around some stinky garbage; garbage that interferes with our freedom. Try running while carrying a garbage bag. I promise you will run slower. You will not run as free. So, let’s toss this garbage where it belongs; in the garbage! 
- Negative Circumstances
Family trouble, medical diagnosis, finances, car trouble, and betrayal – All of these and many others can cause you to focus on the negative circumstances. These are traps designed to keep you tied up and locked up.
2 Corinthians 4:18 says this, “So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.”
- Fear
Fear of – not being good enough, others are better than me, this is too big for me, I can’t handle it and I am not up to the task. These are traps designed to keep you tied up and locked up.
2 Timothy 1:7 says this, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
- Failure
What if I fail, what if I am mocked, what if I look bad, stumble and fall, what if I don’t complete the task? These are traps designed to keep you tied up and locked up.
Proverbs 24:16 says this, “The godly may fall seven times, but they will get up again…”
- Relational Strife
Relational strife caused by gossip, egos, grumblers, complainers, liars, cheaters and misunderstandings. These are traps designed to keep you tied up and locked up.
Hebrews 12:14-15 says this, “Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.”
- Weariness
Are burdens, stress, anxiety dragging you down?… not enough rest?… doing too much on your own? These are traps designed to keep you tied up and locked up.
Galatians 6:9 says this, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”
- Hopelessness
Nothing ever seems to work out; it’s the same ole thing over and over again. There is no way to complete the task; all is lost. These are traps designed to keep you tied up and locked up.
Hebrews 6:19-20 says this, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf.
Amazing! This last verse in particular defines our freedom! Imagine Jesus as your forerunner. He is running ahead clearing the path of all garbage, negative circumstances, fear, failure, strife, weariness and hopelessness!
Remember Galatians 5:13 has called you to freedom. Break free today! Shake it off! You are free! To God be the glory!
Let’s run our race with endurance… Focusing on Jesus, THE CHAMPION of our Faith Run
