Celebrate
Freedom
Today's
Scripture:
You
have been set free from sin…
Romans 6:18, NIV.
Romans 6:18, NIV.
Today's
Word:
Today
in America, we celebrate Independence Day. July 4, 1776 was the day America
declared their 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
recognize 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 and
celebrate your freedom because victory is on the way!
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.
***
God’s Creativity in Plain Sight
13 hours ago
by Rick Warren
“The basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is!” (Romans 1:19 MSG)
The Bible says we can learn a lot about God by simply looking at nature. In Romans 1:20, the apostle Paul says, “Since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse” (NIV).
In other words, you can learn a lot about God simply by taking a walk.
When I look at nature, the first thing I see is that God likes variety. Have you ever noticed that? God loves diversity. He doesn’t want everything exactly alike. God gets bored with sameness, and that’s one reason there’s nobody else in the entire world like you.
When I look at nature, I easily see that God is powerful. Have you ever seen a volcano? How about an earthquake or a tidal wave? You can see God’s power in the tides and in the winds. Only a powerful God could create such powerful things.
Nature also shows me that God is creative. Look at how the leaves change and glow with color in the fall. Look at the beauty of a butterfly’s wings. I’ve driven through the Painted Desert dozens of times, and I am still in awe of God’s creativity.
When I look at nature, I also know God is organized. The whole earth is an ecosystem. And it’s all delicately balanced.
Consider how intricately God has designed our own bodies — hundreds of pieces linked to work perfectly together so they can do the awesome miracle of maintaining life!
The Bible says, “The basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is!” (Romans 1:19 MSG)
Open your eyes this week, and look at the evidence all around you that reveals who God is. It is in plain sight!
Talk About It
The Bible says we can learn a lot about God by simply looking at nature. In Romans 1:20, the apostle Paul says, “Since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse” (NIV).
In other words, you can learn a lot about God simply by taking a walk.
When I look at nature, the first thing I see is that God likes variety. Have you ever noticed that? God loves diversity. He doesn’t want everything exactly alike. God gets bored with sameness, and that’s one reason there’s nobody else in the entire world like you.
When I look at nature, I easily see that God is powerful. Have you ever seen a volcano? How about an earthquake or a tidal wave? You can see God’s power in the tides and in the winds. Only a powerful God could create such powerful things.
Nature also shows me that God is creative. Look at how the leaves change and glow with color in the fall. Look at the beauty of a butterfly’s wings. I’ve driven through the Painted Desert dozens of times, and I am still in awe of God’s creativity.
When I look at nature, I also know God is organized. The whole earth is an ecosystem. And it’s all delicately balanced.
Consider how intricately God has designed our own bodies — hundreds of pieces linked to work perfectly together so they can do the awesome miracle of maintaining life!
The Bible says, “The basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is!” (Romans 1:19 MSG)
Open your eyes this week, and look at the evidence all around you that reveals who God is. It is in plain sight!
Talk About It
- What is something new that you learn today about God’s creativity?
- What is something new that you learn today about the character of God by looking at creation?
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