A Note from Nancy…
Hello ,
We as Americans just finished celebrating, “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” in the “land of the free,” and yet many are not experiencing the true freedom that God has designed for us from the beginning of time. For many, freedom has become, “I can do what I want, when I want, how I want.” That is the freedom of the world, but there is even greater freedom for believers.
When Jesus revealed himself as the Messiah, He said that He had come to Earth to “proclaim freedom” (Luke 4:18). And on another occasion, He said, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). Jesus was not setting us free to do whatever we wanted; He was freeing us to do what we were created to do; walk in relationship with God and bring glory to Him. When we live for His glory and not our own, we will experience freedom that will set us free indeed!
As long as we are in sin, fear, doubt, and unbelief, we are under the power and control of darkness. We definitely can’t be free unless we first realize we are bound, and come into the knowledge of a Savior. When we repent and receive God’s forgiveness, then we can choose to be free. The closer we are tethered to God, the more freedom we will experience. What is it or who is it that is keeping you from being free?
Felénon, in his book of letters called “Let Go”, explained freedom in Christ better than anyone that I have read. He writes:”Happy is he who is a free man, but only the Son of God can make us really free. There is not a person in the world who can be allowed to hinder us from doing the will of God. If we allow the world to hinder us, then our professed freedom is only a word. And we will be as easily captured as a bird whose leg is tied to the ground. He might seem to be free. If the string is delicate enough, you might not even see it. And if it long enough, the bird might be able to do a little flying. But, nevertheless, he is a prisoner. I hope you see what I am trying to say. Because the freedom that I covet for you to enjoy is far more valuable than all you are fearful of losing.”
Scripture says that we shall know the truth; Jesus is the Truth. Then, as our intimacy with Jesus grows, we learn to trust, submit and obey Him. Guilt disappears in light of the cross, and our minds are renewed. Godly character develops. And then true freedom is ours. Jesus said in John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.”
I am thankful for all of you who are faithful to our ministry. Because of your prayers, offers to help out in our office and your financial support, we can continue reaching hundreds of students every year. Please keep praying and giving to us in any way you can. You are making a huge difference in our ministry. Every dollar we raise makes a difference. Please join us in this effort. Click here to donate.
Please continue to pray for us. We have much to do in continuing to build partnerships with those ministries and churches that God is bringing to us. It is an exciting time for us. I believe that when Christian ministries and churches come together and share with one another, God will bless the Church and those who will grow in an authentic relationship with Jesus.
“Go out into the hedges and highways and compel them to come so that my house will be filled” (Luke 14:23).
Thank you so much.
Blessings and much love!
Nancy