Rev. Ray and Pat Amos
John 8:36
DEVOTION FOR TODAY, January 11, 2020
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
The Rev. Charles Allen told the story of a farm that had been hit by a storm and a tree in the orchard had blown over. When the farmer was asked what he was going to do about it, he replied, “You see it has fruit on the branches. I am going to gather the fruit, and then burn the tree.”
We all have known those experiences, relationships and situations that have been uprooted by sudden storms, circumstances, failures, and sin. The farmer’s words can be very helpful.
First look for fruit that might remain. Second, after we gather the fruit, then burn the tree. God does not intend for us to live forever with rotten trees. We can spend a lifetime living with regrets, sorrow, shame and bitterness. The gospel of Christ offers us the opportunity to be forgiven and to forgive, to put off the old and put on the new.
Often we can find good, even in bad circumstances, if we look for them. The Hymn calls us to “Look for the beautiful, look for the true; look for the beautiful, life’s journey through. Seeking true loveliness, joy you will know, as to the home above onward you go.”
Today is a good day to forget what is behind that needs to be forgotten; and to be set free by the cleansing power of Jesus Christ. Then, we can sing, “I’m free from the fear of tomorrow. I’m free from the guilt of my past. I’ve traded my shackles for a glorious song. I’m free; Praise the Lord, free at last!”
Grace and Peace, Rev Ray
“Link to YouTube Video – I’m Free”
Lyrics:
So long I had searched for life’s meaning,
Enslaved by the world and my greed;
Then the door of the prison was opened by love,
For the ransom was paid – I was free.
Refrain
I’m free from the fear of tomorrow,
I’m free from the guilt of the past;
For I’ve traded my shackles for a glorious song,
I’m Free! Praise the Lord! Free at last!
I’m free from the guilt that I carried,
From that dull empty life I’m set free;
For when I met Jesus, He made me complete,
He forgot how foolish I used to be.
Refrain
I’m free from the fear of tomorrow,
I’m free from the guilt of the past;
For I’ve traded my shackles for a glorious song,
I’m Free! Praise the Lord! Free at last!
I’m free from the fear of tomorrow,
I’m free from the guilt of the past;
For I’ve traded my shackles for a glorious song,
I’m Free! Praise the Lord! Free at last!
I’m Free! Praise the Lord! Free at last!
