One of my favorite things about the Lord is that He wants to speak to us. He is not distant, though many people feel that way. He is alive, revelvant, and awakens His people. He doesn't exist for a "that's what works for you" purpose. He doesn't need us to believe in Him, or follow Him, but is inviting us to have life, and life to the fullest.
If there were ever a people who believed these things, they would be found here in Ecuador. Ana, our ministry contact, an amazing woman of God, took us to her church this past Sunday. It's so evident that these people believe every word the Lord says.
There was no ending of the first service, worship just merged the end of the first to the beginning of the next. The whole congregration, from young ones to the elderly, danced in complete freedom for the things the Lord has done. They danced because it's true, they are truly free. Teenagers were quick to grab our hands and spin us around, then spin us around in the opposite direction.
It was then that the Lord spoke to me very clear. He showed me in that moment that there is great love in showing people they are FREE. These teenagers had such joy in reminding us that we are FREE and that the Lord has done GREAT things, and had little concern about whether we were comfortable or not. They knew there was a reason to dance, because Jesus had broken every chain. Jesus was shouting in that moment of all the freedom He brings and how it's SO worth it to walk in that freedom and have it spill out from your life.
"…where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is FREEDOM." 2 Corinthians 3:17
Jesus, help me to be more concerned about all the rich love and freedom You desire to FREELY give to Your people, then holding those things in, in fear of rejection. May it bring joy to my heart to let people know about the riches of Your love. Thank you that I am FREE. I am FREE from the things of the past and FREE from the weight of my sin. Thank you that complete FREEDOM comes from You alone and is waiting for those who want it.
"For FREEDOM Christ has set us FREE." Galatians 5:1
"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives,
and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year
of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them
a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the
Lord for the display of his splendor." Isaiah 61:1-3
