Liberty (Luke 4:18-19)

Good morning ladies,

The word of the day is “liberty.” At this point in Jesus’ ministry he was a pretty popular guy. What is funny is that when he went back to his hometown is when he started to receive some scrutiny. Nevertheless, when Jesus read from the Old Testament scrolls in this instance he deliberately proclaimed the good stuff that God had in store, and left out the vengeance part. Jesus was proclaiming the kingdom and the liberty that comes with it. That particular reading should have encouraged all who heard the words that Jesus said.

“God’s Spirit is on me; he’s chosen me to preach the Message of good news to the poor, Sent me to announce pardon to prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, To set the burdened and battered free, to announce, “This is God’s year to act!”

~Luke 4:18-19

My question is: do you understand the intensity of God's goodness in your life? I hope they were encouraged by the words in this passage and realize that God has good things in store for you. It's when we least expect it that God reminds us of the liberty he gives through his only son. My prayer is that you continue to live in the freedom that God has given you through Christ. Now is the time to act on your faith and show God through your actions that you believe and trust in him.

Praying for you,

Mo

Freedom (1 Corinthians 9:27)

Hey ladies,

The weekend has come and it is time for “freedom.” Awesome job this morning on yet another Fun Friday. A couple of you were having too much fun with inner tubes and lack of coordination concerning the stretch cords. Ahhh, how you make your coaches laugh :) Sooo, with no more practices till Monday, this weekend you are free to do whatever you want. And, being in Cali is the best place in the world to live and do a million things. As Christians, fun and freedom come with responsibility. Each of you are student-athletes and representatives of APU. More importantly, you are representatives of Christ Jesus.

“For though I am free from all people, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more.”

~1 Cor. 9:19

Paul was a pretty knowledgeable and straight-laced guy. He knew both the Jewish law and the new law by which he now lived in Christ. He was constantly on the lookout for opportunities to share his faith with others. And if that meant being a certain way to represent JC, then that is what he did. This did not mean that he was a sell-out in the bad sense of the word. Instead, Paul was so aware of his witness for JC that he was able to adapt in any situation to show others why they should choose to follow Christ. Today’s question is: When others see you are they more drawn to JC for what they see? I pray that as you enjoy the freedom God has given you through Jesus, you are a representation for his name. Have a great weekend.

Praying for you,

mo