God wants us to be free of the bondages

Luke 12:15 (ESV)

And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

I heard this story recently.

Two shopkeepers were bitter rivals. Their stores were directly across the street from each other and they would spend each day keeping track of each other's business. If one of them got a customer, he would smile in triumph at his rival.

One night an angel appeared to one of the shopkeepers in a dream and said, "I will give you anything you ask, but whatever you receive, your competitor will receive twice as much. Do you want to be rich? You can, but he will be twice as much. Do you wish to live a long and healthy life? You can, but his life will be longer and healthier. What is your desire?"

The man thought for a moment, and then said, "Please… blind me in one eye."

I think we are often unaware of the deceptive way the enemy operates in this area of our lives. Is it easier for us to show sympathy when a person is hurting then to truly rejoice when they receive a blessing? That's one surefire way to tell.

God wants us to be free of the bondages that hold us back from doing great things for Him, and many times we don't even know they exist! Let's examine our hearts today. Perhaps we need to do some repenting.

Dear Lord, we thank You that we can be free from the bondage.  Help us do great things for You today. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

We are Free From the Bondage of Sin

The son of a Presbyterian preacher was arrested, charged with treason because he belonged to an organization which had been outlawed by the Government. He was tried, convicted, and sent to the penitentiary. His aged father, eminent for his learning and Christian character, circulated a petition and secured hundreds of signatures, urging President Grant to pardon the boy for the sake of his parents. The father took the petition to Washington, presented it to President Grant, who gave the pardon. The old man received it and hastened to the train. On his arrival at the prison, he was shown the cell where his boy was imprisoned. Standing with his hand upon the grated door he said, "John, I have good news. I have a pardon from President Grant, and you may now go home with me, and see your mother before she dies!" But the son made no response. "Do you understand me, John?" the father continued. "Here's a pardon for you." "I am sorry, Father," said the ungrateful son, "to give you pain, but I cannot accept it. I have decided not to be brought under obligation to this political administration, and I will serve out my time!" The old man's father-heart was almost broken. He fell against the grating, and would have sunk upon the floor if he had not been caught by the friendly hand of the warden. A pardon is offered you from the High Court of Heaven, a pardon written in the blood of Jesus. Will you accept it and go free, or will you reject it and continue under sin's bondage?

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

- Galatians 5:1 (King James Version)

Dear Lord, we thank You that we are no longer in bondage to the sin. We thank You for what you did for us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.