Enslaved to Him #319

John 8:31-36 (NASB)

The Truth Will Make You Free

31 So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” 33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never yet been enslaved to anyone; how is it that You say, ‘You will become free’?”

34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. 36 So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.

You likely have never been to prison, maybe you have. If you think about what feelings would gender the greatest fear would likely be loosing your freedom. You cannot do what you want, go where you want, see those you want to see and experience life aside from a barred room. Jesus taught the disciples to remain in the Word because it would make true disciples of their lives. The result of being His disciple is freedom. If you are controlled by sin then you are not free. The Hebrews bragged about never having been enslaved. Although the statement was not correct; Jesus knew the true lose of freedom did not come from being a slave of another person. He knew that true freedom was a relationship with God broken by sin.

The Son of God, Jesus Himself, would set you free from the law, from self, fear, insecurity, insignificance, failure, and a host of other things that may be biding you to a life of bondage. It is Jesus that sets you free through His life, death, and resurrection.

So if the Son sets you free you shall be free indeed. Why not given that which enslaves you to Him.

___________________Today's personal note from Dennis

Greetings from Starbucks in beautiful Tempe, AZ

This will be short. Hopefully you can understand that right now we are really busy in preparation. I have a new oncologist who has been able to set me up with a Doctor who is considered the # 1 doctor in the area of carcinoid tumors and neuroendocrine tumors in the USA. Since my cancer has spread to the lymph system and likely to the bone; something needs done immediately. 

In an amazing turn of events I am to be in Lexington, KY at the Markey Cancer Center; a part of the University of Kentucky medical school. The first meeting is a consult with Dr. Wolin on December 5, 2014. After that we will know more about the facts and pertinent information in order to pray more specifically. After receiving counsel here from Godly people we feel we should at least go this first time. The decision will then be made about the actual treatment. 

The oncologist here says that because of the current rapid growth of the tumors it is necessary for me to do something quickly. He says without treatment I can only expect another year of life. The treatments themselves could also bring about an early death or work as hoped and give me more time. That is the reason for praying for wisdom. Join Sandy and me as we pray and prepare. 

I have more tests being run here before we go to KY. Pray that they will be helpful for treatment. I spend most time in some type of pain; from severe to tolerable. 

Sorry I don't have a way of sitting down with each of you and explaining more in detail. I so appreciate your prayers. The Encourager may be sporadic for a while; so please bare with me. 

I love you all and am so thankful for your concern. 

Blessings on you this week.  ~ DGW