Living Free - Sept. 17, 2013

Living Free Every Day®

"He paid with Christ's sacred blood, you know. He died like an unblemished, sacrificial lamb. And this was no afterthought. Even though it has only lately—at the end of the ages—become public knowledge, God always knew he was going to do this for you. It's because of this sacrificed Messiah, whom God then raised from the dead and glorified, that you trust God, that you know you have a future in God." - 1 Peter 1:19-21 MSG. Suggested reading 1 Peter 1:17-23

Thoughts for Today

Jesus knows each of us personally. God knew our need before the world was created and made provision for us to be released from hand-me-downs (dysfunctional behaviors handed down from generation to generation).

Just think … Before the world began, God had a plan to set you free from hand-me-downs. You are more than a number on a computer screen or just another name in a counselor's appointment book. Jesus knows who you are, and he knows your family tree.

Consider this …

Jesus knows you … and he loves you. He has always known your needs and long ago died on the cross so that you could be set free of these things that plague you.

No matter what your childhood environment was. No matter what you have done since then. No matter what deep wounds you carry. Jesus is the answer. He is waiting for you with forgiveness and healing.

How can you make the forgiveness and healing yours? Just choose to begin following Jesus. Talk to him. And ask. Ask for forgiveness for your sins and failures. Ask for healing of the hurts. He is waiting for you with open arms.

Prayer

Father, forgive me for the things I have done wrong. Forgive me for using my childhood as an excuse. Heal me of this tremendous pain. It is so wonderful to realize that you know me personally. That you made provision for me so many years ago when Jesus died for me. I want to be your child and follow Jesus from this point on. In Jesus' name...

These thoughts were drawn from …

Living Free by Jimmy Ray Lee, D. Min. and Dan Strickland, M. Div. This updated version is presented in two parts. It offers information for anyone who either has a life-controlling problem or has a loved one with a life-controlling problem:

Part 1: Learning to Live Free

• Defining Life-Controlling Problems
• Mastered and Trapped by Issues
• Walls of Protection
• Family Influences
• Helping or Harming?

Part 2: Helping Others to Live Free through Small Groups

• The Small Group Strategy
• Effective Facilitation and Communication

Launching a Living Free Ministry