T oday, take your life back by taking your thoughts back. Don't allow the enemy to have access any longer. Instead, meditate on the Word of God daily and allow His truth to sink down deep into your spirit. Let His truth make you free.

Wednesday in the Fifth Week of Lent

Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92, 95

Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56

J ohn 8:31-42 Jesus then said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, (32) and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." (33) They answered him, "We are descendants of Abraham, and have never been in bondage to any one. How is it that you say, `You will be made free'?" (34) Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, every one who commits sin is a slave to sin. (35) The slave does not continue in the house for ever; the son continues for ever. (36) So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. (37) I know that you are descendants of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me, because my word finds no place in you. (38) I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father." (39) They answered him, "Abraham is our father." Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would do what Abraham did, (40) but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth which I heard from God; this is not what Abraham did. (41) You do what your father did." They said to him, "We were not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God." (42) Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I proceeded and came forth from God; I came not of my own accord, but he sent me.

Meditation by Nancy Shirley

T he readings today present a contrast between the first reading reflecting a steadfast belief and actions congruent with such a belief and gospel where the actions seem incongruent with the claims.  It is clear that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had a strong, powerful faith in God.  I wonder if my faith could withstand such a challenge?  We are challenged everyday to walk, not in a furnace, but rather a path that follows the teaching of Jesus.  How often do I allow my feet to wonder off that path and be burned in the process?  In contrast to the steadfast belief evident in the first reading, the crowds in the gospel struggle to understand the words of Jesus in explaining being set free – free from the slavery of sin. They are focused on a fragile earthly freedom. How often do I remain focused on earthly foibles and “forget” the bigger picture?

Both readings presented challenges to me as I ponder my actions – are they always congruent with what I claim to believe and who I claim to be?   I’d love to answer an unequivocal yes – but that would not always be the case – hopefully I’m moving to more yeses than nos.  Perhaps, the best part of having a loving God in my life is the fact that even with such feet of clay; I do always know I’m loved.  I know that sometimes I’m slower to forgive my self than the forgiveness and grace I have from my Father. Yet, I’m always willing to sing “Glory and praise for ever” as I bathe in the abundant blessings in my life.

As you know (since I frequently include a verse or two), I love Christian music.  It has been my very conscious choice to keep my car radio turned to a Christian station.  As my companion on the ride to work and home, I’m filled with wonderful music and lyrics that I not only understand, but can also embrace. The positive, uplifting music fills my car and my soul.  Frequently throughout the day, certain tunes play in my head and I gratefully hum them.  I believe this gives me a much more positive attitude as I reach work and home.  I feel fortified for the day with my morning drive concert and better able to put the day in proper perspective with the drive home concert.  One recent discovery for me is a new arrangement of Amazing Grace. 

While any version of Amazing Grace will easily fill my soul with gratitude and my eyes with tears, this particular one goes back to some of John Newton’s original words for the final verse and adds in a refrain throughout the song that fits well with the message in today’s gospel.  I offer this in closing as we prepare for Easter in these last weeks of Lent.  My hope is that you have a similar reaction to mine – each time I hear this I want to throw my arms up high and praise the Lord in humble thanksgiving.

                        My chains are gone,

                        I’ve been set free

                        My God, my Savior has ransomed me

                        And like a flood His mercy reigns

                            Unending love, amazing grace.

Amazing Grace (My chains are gone) – Chris Tomlin

Supplementary Reading

Take Your Life Back

. . . take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ ---- 2 Corinthians 10:5

Do you ever feel like things in your life are out of control? Usually that happens when we allow our circumstances to dictate our thoughts and attitudes. You might say, "Well, Joel, the economy is wreaking havoc on my business." Or "This relationship is just too far gone." But I say, today is the day to take your life back! We live in this natural realm, but as believers, we are not limited by this natural realm. We can tap into God's supernatural power, but it starts by making every thought line up with the Word of God.

Today, take your life back by taking your thoughts back. Don't allow the enemy to have access any longer. Instead, meditate on the Word of God daily and allow His truth to sink down deep into your spirit. Let His truth make you free.

Today, as you take captive every thought and boldly declare His promises over your life, you are setting yourself up for victory. You are positioning yourself to partake of every spiritual blessing He has in store for you!

Heavenly Father, thank You for empowering me to live in victory today. I choose to take my life back by taking captive every thought and submitting it to You. Help me live a life that is pleasing to You, Jesus, today and every day. In Jesus' Name, Amen. ---Joel Osteen