Humankind was designed to have a free reign over life on Planet Earth. But the question is: What are we free to do?
READ OBADIAH Make notes, if you’d like, of what stands out for you. Feel free to use the “Leave a Comment” box below to also write some of your thoughts.
A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
On August 23rd 2009, Mark and I were wondering down a boardwalk on the east coast of America when we heard the Newsboys song I Am Free. It was only three weeks after our only son Michael passed away and the song was being sung by a girl in the beach town music hall. I wrote about that moment in my first book Breadcrumbs in the Storm. But the question is: Are we free? And, if so, what are we free to do?
In a vision written more than 25 centuries ago, Obadiah, in today’s chapter, tells us that we’re not free to step out in pride. The trouble with pride is that it deceives us. [v3] We’re not free from our Maker’s hand of discipline. [v4,8] We’re not free from humans who’ll “sin against us”. [v5] We’re not free to think that we’ll never be caught up in a war. [v6,7,9] We’re not free to treat others wrongly, or stand aloof watching them being destroyed without help. [v10-11] We’re not free to gloat over their misfortunes, nor gain from their demise. [v12-13] And we’re certainly not free to stand at the crossroads and cut them down in their retreat. [v14]
Though I am not free today to do any of the above (even insidiously, “under the radar”, or in my thought-life, regardless of how I feel about people around me, family members, or those in my workplace), my Maker has however, specifically created me to have a free reign in life under Him[a] – free to run, free to dance, and free to live for Him…
Read More? CLICK to follow “23 August – Additional Notes”
But what about your thoughts – can you tell me what today’s “breadcrumb” is? Leave a note in the “Comments” box below to tell me what you think of today’s chapter.
Finding it hard to speak directly with the One who set you free? The rest of this webpage uses Jesus’ own prayer to help…[b]
THE LORD’S PRAYER:
1. Praise: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come! Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven …”
Before Your “mercy seat” I’ll celebrate and give thanks, and praise You, Lord God of Creation! [1 Chronicles 16:4]
2. Ask: “…Give us today our daily bread…”
The World: God GRACE on the Maldives[c]
Your Country: Gospel Education Institutions
Yourself: Faithfulness with your Talents[d]
Your concerns for today
I pray, Lord, that humankind in every place will pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger and dissension. [1 Timothy 2:8]
3. Admit: “…Forgive us our sin as we forgive those who sin against us…”
Now then, I pray that if I’ve found favour in Your sight, Father God, let me know Your ways that I may know You, so that I may find favour in Your sight. Consider too, the whole nation of Your people. [Exodus 33:13]
4. Protect: “…Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.”
May Your favour, Lord my God, be upon me and confirm for me the work of my hands. Yes, give permanence to the work of my hands! [Psalm 90:17]
“For Yours Lord is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory now and forever. Amen!”
When questioned, tested, tricked or in His hour of great need, Jesus spoke what was previously written in God’s Word.[e] So, the final section on this page is about memorizing the script through 10 topics. Following these will help you learn 52 portions from the bible in a year! THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: Prayer
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9]
[a] Genesis 1:26-28a
[b] Matthew 6:5-15
[c] http://www.operationworld.org/country/mald/owtext.html
[d] Matthew 25:14-30
[e] Matthew 4:4,6,7,10; 11:10; 21:13; and 26:24,31