Freedom Found by Laying Burdens Down

In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness. - Titus 2:7

In the post “Freedom is Found”, the dominant theme is the importance of maintaining integrity. Freedom is found when we are honest with ourselves and lay our burdens down at the Cross.

Because of Cross, there is a freedom. A freedom that helps us live, give, and love. A freedom that will speak and teach; laying out a clear path that others can follow.

This day with God, Ask Him to examine your heart and mind. Freedom will be found if you lay your burdens down at the Cross. Just be honest with yourself as pointed out in this song: If We’re Honest – Francesca Battistelli.

Index of devotionals

Stepping Ahead Steadily Towards Victory

In the post Developing the Right Attitude, the people still did not get it. They were thirsty in the Desert of Sin and complained to Moses; even ready to stone him but Moses prayed and God told him to hit a rock with his rod and when he did, water came gushing out for them to drink.

Later in the passage, we are told how they overcame their enemy in war. Moses lifted his hands toward God and as long as his hands were above his head showing total dependence on God, the Israelites were victorious.

Each of us face trials in life. There may be times when projects are due, bills are due, or for a business … payroll must be met. Many go into panic mode, but followers of Christ have developed a different attitude.

Followers of Christ just keep stepping ahead steadily towards the victory because they have developed the right attitude; the attitude of “been there, done that” and constantly relying on God’s guidance. The challenges in life are handled victoriously on a regular bases because of their faith.

Followers of Christ know that the King of Glory; Jesus laying down His life for our freedom brings victory into each of our lives. Here’s a video that inspires this thought: This is Amazing Grace – Phil Wickham.

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. - Colossians 2:8

Index of devotionals

People We Enjoy Being Around

What is it about some people that make us want to be around them? One trait is that they see others as being important with unique skills. They never underestimate potential in others.

Are there stories you have heard or experienced of people who attract crowds? Maybe it’s a friend, a teacher, or a family member. My Grandfather was a High School principal for many years and at his funeral were many former students that had gone through his school. He had the ability to see value in people and they all wanted to pay their respects.

Photo Credit

http://www.123rf.com/photo_6960926_friends-eating-pizza.html

The Foundation for a Better Life has a website. On this website at this link, I read story of an athlete who threw a winning pass to win a football game. Afterwards, he went with some friends to get pizza and they saw the nerdish team manager fall off his bike. Everyone laughed except the great athlete who then invited the team manager to come with them for some pizza. Let us all strive to be like the athlete and throw some winning passes at life by seeing some good in everyone.

I will always remember my friend Gregg who took me in and introduced me to everyone when my parents moved back to their hometown. He died in 2006 after a hard fought two year long battle with cancer and at his funeral, the church was filled with people he had touched in the same way he had touched me.

A few years ago, I remember seeing a commercial of a regional fast food restaurant chain called Whataburger. A guy in this commercial is enjoying breakfast and then looks at his watch only to realize he is late for work. Then he hurriedly buys some extra goodies to carry to work and share with his co-workers. Being late for work doesn’t make you look bad to the boss when you bring breakfast. Instead, he remembers you as the one who brought breakfast.

Every day, we have an opportunity to bring something that others can enjoy. We don’t have to bring breakfast every day; just bring yourself with a smile and an attitude that everyone is important with unique skills to offer.

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What Will be Your Story?

After dinner, Annie went out on the back porch. It was a Saturday evening and darkness had started to set over the Delaware sky. Her mom noticed that Annie was looking up at the stars so she went out to take a look. Annie’s Mom had always loved to star-gaze and had recently noticed that her daughter had this same passion so she had taught Annie the constellations. Annie’s Dad was finishing up dinner. Later he would meet with his business manager about a major project in his shipbuilding business.

Several years went by and Annie was home for Christmas. She was taking a few weeks away from traveling and dabbling in photography to think about her future. She decides to go out on that same back porch she used to go as a child to look up at the Delaware sky. She had graduated from Wellesley College recently where she studied physics and was contemplating reentering college to specialize in astronomy at Radcliffe College.

A few more years went by before Annie got word that she had been appointed to the staff at Harvard College Observatory to record, classify and catalog stars based on temperatures. Five years later, this would lead to the publishing of a catalog of 1,122 southern stars. In 1910, her system was adapted by observatories worldwide. Annie Jump Cannon’s system of star classification groups stars into categories labeled O, B, A, F, G, K and M (known by the mnemonic, “Oh, Be a Fine Girl, Kiss Me”)

She later compiled the Henry Draper Catalogue which was published by the Harvard Observatory between 1918 and 1924. The catalogue lists the spectral types, magnitudes, and positions of 225,300 stars and continues to be used internationally by astronomers.

This story is just one of many great stories found when we look into the lives of people that have made a difference. You see, Annie set in motion the tremendous discoveries that are being made today. Just recently, astronomers have found a new planet in a different solar system that may be Earth’s twin; capable of supporting life. They study the brightness of stars and notice a planet because its orbit crosses in front of the star and causes it to dim. Here’s a link: New Planets Discovered.

What will be your story? Right now, you may know of something that no one else could possibly know about. My hope is that this video will inspire you to give some thought to what great discovery you might make in the future: Giants Awakening - Vision for Success.

You may be like Annie’s mom and give a child a dream or you may be like Annie, looking to make new discoveries. Reflect on these thoughts each day and be thankful for the opportunity to reach for the stars in whatever you do.

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This Day With God