July 4th, 2011

“Because you have satisfied me, God, I promise to do everything you say. I beg you from the bottom of my heart: smile, be gracious to me just as you promised. When I took a long, careful look at your ways, I got my feet back on the trail you blazed.” Ps. 119:57-59 The Message

Freedom is living in God’s presence without having to look back in fear. God has an eternal supply of His satisfying love to pour over you today. More often than not we find Jesus meeting us in the unlivable and unlovable places in our hearts. It happens at the strangest moments .. at least unplanned on our part but not on His. It is strange that your “Freedom” is found on a Cross. You didn’t fight for it. In fact .. it is your defeats large and small .. seen and unseen .. that turned your world upside down when Jesus freed you to live a life you could never find on your own. God is gracious .. grace-filled.. and grace-filling in every area of your life in turmoil .. unsettled .. shamed .. angry .. selfish .. trapped .. afraid .. bitter .. worn out .. broken .. and un-whole. And God smiles when you “ask” for His help. He loves it when you live your life looking in His direction. You’ve got the Freedom not to walk His trail .. but that only leads to false trails that never satisfy what you’re really living for. Real freedom is living in the knowledge that God’s love fills the earth. It’s not head knowledge. It’s a changed heart. What trail are you going to walk today? It only takes a moment …

“Your love, God, fills the earth! Train me to live by your counsel.” Ps. 119:64 The Message

Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent to Nail-Scarred Freedom Walkers following Jesus and friends of Priority One. (ken@priorityone.org)