Stand for Freedom!

Stand for Freedom! TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “You have been set free from sin...” (Romans 6:18, NIV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria Today in America, we celebrate Independence Day. July 4, 1776 was the day America declared its independence, but the battle for freedom went on until 1783 — seven years later. Even though the people declared their freedom in 1776, they had to stand and fight for many years before the British would accept and recognized the United States of America. In the same way, we have to declare our freedom and be determined to stand against the opposing forces of darkness in our lives. We have to declare our freedom from addiction, poverty, sickness and lack. We have to stand and fight until we fully experience His freedom and the peace that He has promised. Do you know what the early colonists did once they signed the Declaration of Independence? They read it out loud in public. They published it in the newspaper. They spread the word. They continued to declare and celebrate even though they were in the midst of the battle. Today, no matter what battle you may be facing, declare that you are free, stand for freedom, and celebrate your freedom because the victory is on the way! A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father, thank You for setting me free in every area of my life. I declare today that nothing can hold me back. I declare that You have set me free! Thank You for freedom and victory in every area of my life in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Because God Says So

BY RICK WARREN — JULY 4, 2014

“When [Jesus] had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.’” (Luke 5:4-5 NIV)

As a follower of Jesus Christ, he expects you to obey whatever he tells you to do — even if it appears foolish to other people, even if it doesn’t make sense financially, even if you don’t understand it and you’re scared to death.

Luke 5:4-5 says, “When [Jesus] had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets’” (NIV).

Not only did Jesus get in the boat, but suddenly he began giving fishing instructions to professional fishermen.

Notice Peter’s reaction. First, he didn’t argue with Jesus. He didn’t say, “Excuse me, Lord. You’re a carpenter. I’m a fisherman. And those fish aren’t biting! Who are you to tell me how to do my job?”

And, he didn’t hesitate. When Jesus said to launch the boat, he didn’t say, “Why don’t we think about this for a minute? Let’s form a committee and vote on it” or “We’re pretty dirty and tired here, Lord. How about we try again later?”

What did Peter do? He responded to Jesus with unquestioned obedience.

If you will become a because-you-say-so believer, God will bless your life. His instructions do not have to make sense to you; if God says so, you do it, and you trust him in faith.

I don’t know what God’s already told you to do, but I will tell you this: Disobedience always hurts you, because you miss the blessing.

Talk It Over

• Is there something God told you to do that you’re not doing?
• Is there something that keeps you from trusting God’s way is better than yours?
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzzAW_2k0FQ