Yesterday America celebrated our Independence Day and there was no better way to celebrate it than by going to church. In the sermon, Pastor John, reminded us that as Christians we celebrate an Independence that is even more important than the independence that we celebrate as a nation.
When Jesus died on the cross, He freed us from a certain death and eternity in Hell. When He shed His blood for us, Jesus gave us freedom from sin, IF we will confess, repent and transform our lives through Him.
There is no freedom if you don’t have Jesus! Even when life gets chaotic and horrible things happen in the world, I still have a certain peace knowing that God is still present, God is still working in the mess, and lives can be transformed in the storm. I know that I can be joyful always because I am saved by the blood of Jesus and I WILL be in the presence of my Messiah one day. No matter what happens on this earth, I can look forward to an eternal life in heaven and that is only because of the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross for us. He CHOSE to die for us! You better believe that it was a choice that Jesus made. He did not have to obey the Father. He had free will just as we do, but He CHOSE LOVE. He chose to overlook the hate of those who were beating Him. He chose to love those who killed Him. He forgave those who would trample upon the lives of others.
JESUS CHOSE LOVE!!!
He had every right to turn His back on humanity. God had every right to change His mind and let us all burn in Hell. But, He did not turn His back or change His mind. HE CHOSE LOVE!!!
CHALLENGE:
When someone comes against you, choose love instead of hate. When someone causes you pain, choose love instead of revenge. When someone beats you down physically, emotionally, mentally or verbally choose to love them instead of living a life of anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness. It never does any good to wallow in anger and hurt. Jesus didn’t wallow. He CHOSE to love those who hung Him on the cross to die a horrible horrible death. Choose to forgive. Choose to pray for your enemies as Jesus did.
CHOOSE LOVE!!!
