I am free

Thank you for allowing me some time away as I've not written since the middle of last week.  Since that time God has spoken in so many awesome ways and has continued to teach me so much about the vision that He has placed on my and The Community.  

Last night was full for me.  I had been gone almost a week and needed to get somethings done.  I mowed the grass (confession, yes I mowed on Sunday).  The song on my iPhone that caught my attention was the Newsboys' "I Am Free".  Here are some of those lyrics:

Through You the blind will see, Through You the mute will sing, Through You the dead will rise, Through You our hearts will praise, Through You the darkness flees, Through You my heart screams I am free ... I am free

Chorus: I am free to run, I am free to dance, I am free to live for You, I am free

Through You the kingdom comes, Through You the battle's won, Through You I'm not afraid, Through You the price is paid, Through You there's victory, Because of You my heart Sings I am free, I am free ... Who the Son sets free is free indeed.

Coming back to my mind were some of the events of the past few days that have reminded me of the freedom that only comes through knowing Jesus:

- I was able to meet one of my heroes.  That is Matthew Barnett who is the founder of the Los Angeles Dream Center.

- I was able to pray for some people I had never met before and learn much from them.

- I was able to listen in on a conversation about some of the things God is doing around the world.

- I was able to visit the Baton Rouge Dream Center that Healing Place Church started and runs.

- I was able to meet, pray with and help a man who recently became homeless in our community.  Please pray for James.

- I was able to pray with a man in our church, Tick Osborne, as he asked Jesus into his heart.

- I was able to stop and spend a little time listening to God, and God reenforced my heart for The Community Dream Center.

Each one of those is cool.  One is awesome (Tick receiving Jesus).  But all of them remind me that JESUS is what life is all about.  JESUS is what I want my life to lead toward.  In big ways I am free to do just that.  He has freed me by forgiving my sin.  He has freed me by giving me purpose in life.  He has freed me by allowing me to help others find God's forgiveness, help and purpose.  Think about it.

Galatians 5:13 (NASB) --- For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

John 8:36 (NLT) --- So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.

Ephesians 1:7 (NLT) --- He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.

Thank God that I am free.  You are free to live a life of purpose that can and will make a difference for eternity.  That is why I will shout ... I AM FREE (click NOW to hear the song)

[+] Please Pray

Kathy Motsch's father passed away this afternoon in Ohio (write Randy & Kathy at 89 Lakeview Ln, Bassett, VA 24055).  Also pray for the following: Frances Johnson is in our local hospital ICU having heart tests and having fluid removed (her address is 2631 John Baker Rd., Fieldale, VA 24089).  James Taylor's mother is at DUKE and was to have surgery today.  Diane Stoneman has been having major health problems, has had tests and needs healing as well as peace (write Lonnie & Diane at 260 Primrose Dr., Bassett, VA 24055.  JoAnn Norman is having another test tomorrow on one of the arteries in her neck.  Kim Osborne, one of the newest members of The Community, is preparing for most tests on the vessels in her brain.

[+] E-DEVOTIONS: written by Michael Harrison, lead Pastor, The Community Fellowship;  reason to encourage you to follow Jesus; archived at Michael's blog, http://e-devotion.blogspot.com ;  subscribe, unsubscribe or contact  mharrison@thecommunityfellowship.org.