The Lord's House Community Church

Free Indeed!

Scripture:  John 8:31-36 31

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. ³² And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” ³³ They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” ³⁴ Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. ³⁵ And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. ³⁶ Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

Thought: We are blessed every day to enjoy the freedoms that Dr. King fought and died for. However, the greatest One to give us freedom from all bondage is Jesus Christ! Through His death on the cross and resurrection, He gave us freedom from the penalty of sin and new life in Him. He declared in John 8:36 “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” Each of us has things in our life that hold us in bondage, but Jesus has provided a pathway to freedom by believing in Him, living in the truth of His Word and serving Him daily.

Prayer:   Sovereign Lord, I desire to be free indeed; free from the bondage of sin and free to serve you. Teach me to desire to know and live in the truth of your Word so that I can live in true freedom in Christ. Amen.

Free Indeed,

Pastor Joe Jackson

The Strength of Joy!

Scripture:  Nehemiah 8:10b “Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Thought for Today

Some people think of joy as an emotion that is activated by their feelings. Others equate joy with happiness. What does joy mean to you and what role does the second fruit of the spirit play in your daily walk with God?

Numerous scriptures in the Bible describe joy as a virtue that God gives to His people. The joy that God provides is gladness, contentment, rejoicing and peace that is grounded in your faith and in God alone. This joy cannot be found in people, work, money, possessions or even in the church. It is found only in your personal covenant relationship with God.

When I consider strong characteristics that I admire in people, joy is not at the top of the list. However, the scripture says, “the joy of the Lord is your strength”. There is a strength that grows deep in your soul when you choose to live in the Joy of the Lord. It will be your strength of faith, strength of character, and the strength of standing on the promises of God’s Word. So even in the midst of the storms and stresses of life, you can anchor your faith in God and experience the Joy of the Lord. He will fulfill His joy in you and that joy will become your strength.

 How will you know that you have His joy? Despite your circumstances, you will focus on God and His awesome power over any and everything that you face in life. Rather than drowning in sorrow, you will choose to rejoice in God’s goodness, grace and mercy. God’s joy will lift you above all sadness.

Prayer:  Eternal God, you are the source of all joy. Make your joy complete in me today. I declare that

the joy of the Lord is my strength! Amen.

Strengthen by His Joy,

Pastor Joe Jackson