THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24
38 Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 39 and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.
Acts 13:38-39 (ESV)
A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT: GOD’S POWER TO FREE US
One bleak day in February 1832, Samuel Francis Smith, a young theological student sat in his room at Andover Seminary. He was going over a sheaf of German songs for children, given him by a friend, and composer Lowell Mason. As he hummed over one after another, one struck his fancy. The words were patriotic, but they did not appeal to him. He decided to write his own words. On a scrap of paper he tapped out the rhythm of the music as he began to write: My country, tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing: Land where my fathers died, Land of the pilgrims’ pride, From every mountainside, Let freedom ring. This has become our hymn of freedom. (Source Unknown).
These words of “America” echo one of our most prized possessions as Americans, freedom! In Acts 13:38-39, the Apostle Paul is celebrating spiritual freedom, which is one of the most prized possessions of Christians. Our American forefathers were able to fight for political freedom. However, we are not able to fight for spiritual freedom. No one has enough personal power to defeat the power of sin. Only Jesus has the power to defeat sin and He did.
Reflection
In the sermon, Cole worded it this way, “Our will power is no match for sin’s power, but sin’s power bows to God’s power.” How have you been reminded lately of your own limited will power? How have you been reminded lately of God’s unlimited power?
Praise/Prayer
Praise God for the sweet liberty you have found in Christ. Ask God to help you walk in His grace and His power on a daily basis.
