Free to Be Me

May16

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“If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36 KJV)

I knew Richard before he surrendered his life to Christ. I hadn’t seen him since then, seven years ago. Then we ran into each other last week, and he said something that really stuck with me.

He said, “I’ve never been so happy in my own skin, as I am since I became a Christian. I never thought it possible that I could become the man I am today.”

That’s quite a testimony of the power of God, but also of another glorious fact. In Christ we are not pressed into a cookie-cutter mold, where we are all the same bland persons. I am to be like Christ in Character. He is my perfect model to which I’m to conform, and from which I recognize my dependence on God’s Grace. Once unshackled, by Jesus, from the iron grip of sin, we are then free to be ourselves, in Christ.

Creation shouts the idea, that God loves diversity, color and flavor. I considered the distinct difference in each of our strands of DNA; no two people have the exact same pattern. Even twins have slightly different variations.

Within the wide parameters of God’s grace is found; supernatural peace, joy unspeakable, and direction. We find purpose for our lives, and love. Freedom to experience life in all of its fullness comes through surrender to Christ. Consequently, I’ve discovered all those things I previously felt the need to hold onto, those things of the flesh that fooled me into thinking they somehow brought happiness or comfort, and those things that seemed fun, were only a cheap imitation of the life God intended for me from the start. In Christ, is found goodness and wholesome vitality; life in it its pure form, created by God for our benefit and enjoyment. Surprisingly, once we conform to Christ’s pattern of godly living, we find it liberating, rather than confining or restrictive.

The Lord calls His children to become the best individuals possible, unique, creative and productive. And when we combine our distinctive talents and exclusive personalities with the body of Christ, we all together become, synergistically, a juggernaut: a wonderfully positive force, bringing light and joy to the world.

I’m happy to be free in Christ to become the best me possible. It’s exciting to see God working in many of my friends as well, creating good, fascinating and loving people, who are each different.

We praise you Lord, for the colorful variety of personalities within your children. May each of our distinctive differences shine, while emulating the character and virtues of Jesus. Father, your thoughts are endless and vast. Praise you for your creative genius and diversity. And thank you for the peace you give, as we eagerly anticipate greater joys ahead in your presence, amen.

Sheldon K Bass

IndianapolisIndiana

Things To Come

May15

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I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all the truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come (John 16:12-13)

 

I was counting the days until my thirteenth birthday and becoming a teenager. I had circled the red-letter day on our kitchen calendar. Mom and Dad would give me a special gift; she would make me a birthday cake and skillfully decorate it with pink frosting rosebuds and maraschino cherries. Best yet, my friends were coming to a boy-girl party in our garage. I could hardly wait.

I admit it; patience is not on my A list. For my thirteenth birthday, I had asked Mom and Dad for a transistor radio. I listened to all my favorite songs on our kitchen table model radio and when riding in our Ford Falcon station wagon. I wanted my own radio that I could carry with me wherever I went. The suspense of waiting for my present until my birthday overwhelmed me.

Mom and Dad left me home alone one day; I succumbed to temptation and began to look in their bedroom for their hiding place for my birthday gift. I do not recall how long my search lasted but vividly remember opening a cedar drawer in their tall chest of drawers and seeing my unwrapped radio. They were giving me exactly what I wanted. I held it in my hands before they intended.

I wanted to see what was coming to me, before my parents meant it to be. People have a tendency to desire a sneak peek into their future. Psychics, mediums and horoscope peddlers make their living or popularity through our weakness and propensity to seek information about our future. We are wise to avoid them and seek the Lord for his guidance.

Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them; I am the LORD your God.

(Leviticus 19:31)

There is wisdom in waiting. I did find my present hidden away in a safe place. It briefly made me happy; yet, disappointment followed. I had a guilty conscience because I had been searching through my parent’s room. The following morning, sitting in my usual place at the kitchen table, I saw before me my radio and a birthday card. I had to act surprised when feeling shame.

Lord, I thank you for revealing to me your truth in a timely way. Your Holy Spirit will always patiently tell me what I need to know on a need to know basis. Forgive me for not waiting and trusting you to do what is best for me. I believe, whatever the future holds, you will be in control and that you care for me.

Pam Ford Davis

Oak Grove, Louisiana