Last night, I felt led to visit a church our family attended many years ago. I’d been wrestling with some relational conflict during the week—something that’s not common for me—and was at a loss for how to engage the situation spiritually. My hands felt tied. As believers, we have the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, but sometimes it’s hard to know how to access that power.
As I was sitting in the car preparing to go in, I almost drove away. My heart was heavy. I didn’t want to be around people. Lies and falsehood were swirling all around, making it hard for me to concentrate or believe that there was a way out. After all, how could a lean church service on a Saturday night help with the intricate difficulties of this battle?
At that moment, I felt Spirit-led to look up a specific Scripture passage at home later and go inside anyway as a way to help clothe myself in Christ and defend against the darkness of these lies. It turns out that the team was wrapping up a five-part series, and this last sermon was centered around the very Scripture passage God had just placed on my heart in the car. I couldn’t believe it. My body was trembling, in a good way. There were tears. “You will know the truth,” said the pastor, “and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). He challenged us to walk with our heads held high as children of God. He prayed boldly that we would be delivered from the things that have kept us bound for too long and, instead, walk in a spirit of complete freedom.
According to today’s passages, we see that “the truth” is the teaching of Jesus. It sets us free as we continue to live in obedient response to Christ and His Word. Walking into conflict without God’s Word is like walking onto a battlefield without a weapon. We can’t protect ourselves without it. It amazes me that the same Jesus who spoke these words to the first-century Jewish people also intercedes for us here in 2022 on ordinary Saturday evenings.
Friends, if you find yourself in a place of trouble, have courage. We’re told that God’s faithful love is what guides us, and we live by His truth (Psalm 26:3). He sees us! He is intimately aware of our struggles and wants us to find victory and healing in Him. “Stand firm, then, and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1).
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67 thoughts on "The Son Sets You Free"
This is very applicable in so many area of our lives
Reading today’s reading, today specifically, literal minutes after crying to God to hear his voice and to feel peace in my spirit accepting that I am perfectly loved and forgiven above every mistake really shows how intentional He is when his children earnestly seek to him with all their hearts. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness and mercies, thank you for strength to walk away from my sinful nature as a human. May His name be forever glorified!
Amen
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Lord you are good!
So very thankful that I am free.
Michele, I am with you. Seeing Jesus allows me to have better relationships because it wrecks the shame.
Yes, so thankful for this freedom through Christ! I am no longer in bondage!
Yes, so thankful for
Our friend’s father has been in the ICU on a ventilator for weeks. Our friend is not a believer, but I have been praying for his dad to recover, and to heal so quickly it would surprise everyone in the family and draw them to God. Last night he was taken off the ventilator and was talking! Praise Jesus! Continuing to pray for God to speak into my friend’s heart.
I needed this! I’m also in a relational conflict and needed the reminder to lean into God instead of myself. I wish the conflict was abnormal, but it seems to be a vicious cycle. At times I can’t tell if God is telling me to stay committed and patient or that I keep trying to make things better. I’m learning to pray and continue to be the best Christ- centered me! I have to allow His faithful love to guide me. ❤
Stand firm and know He is God. I just love that! All SRT sisters and brothers your in my prayers.
This is the exact thing that was in my head reading this too!
I loved todays reading! Jesus is so AWESOME the Lord our God seeks His glory! So should we. Boy he deserves it!
“Whoever keeps my word will never see death”. This is the solution verse for me today. Recently I found myself also in some relational conflicts, both from church environment and within family, though subtle at first but I could sense something simmering. My heart grew heavy and I felt stuck, I was in the dark as to why all these happened. And truly the solutions were already packed in the Bible. Forgive them as they knew not what they were doing. Children of the light can see their path clearer, at least compared to those in darkness of anger/hatred/self-centeredness. So I followed the word. Though it took 1.5 year long for the conflict to subside, but the outcome I believe has led to life. I am still praying. Praise Jesus. No death for those who follow God’s teachings! He can revive a dead situation.
I continue to be thankful for She Reads Truth. I have desire as to open my Bible everyday and this is helping me be consistent. As I meditate on today’s reading, I am praying over areas that I am bound in and committing to Standing firm.
I needed this today after the weekend I had. It’s so reassuring to know God, Christ and the Holy Spirit are there for me and all I have to do is ask or call out.
Sisters prayers are needed my way. Some of you may have already read this yesterday. I found out Saturday while working that Finley, the little girl I care for, is positive for COVID. So what I’ve been thinking are persistent allergy symptoms may in fact be in part something else. Finley’s mom, Monica has had a cough also that she can’t get rid of. Finley’s dad, Chad and sister, Kyla, so far are asymptomatic.
I’ve spent an hour Saturday, yesterday and an hour today making phone calls let people know the situation. I had to retrace my steps on Friday. WOW!! But people have been so understanding and willing to help — I have prescriptions to pick up and they are willing to open the drive up window so I can get them; I have laundry at the laundromat and after calling them they said they will set it outside the door when I pull up and I can put the payment in an envelope and slide it through the door. God is soooo good!
Thank you for all the prayers you do send out.
Sisters be blessed and let us stand strong for Christ!!!!
Sorry for the long post.
Who the Son sets free, oh is free indeed! I’m a child of God! Yes I am!
I think this is a great song to share with all the comments! I love it, by Newsboys- Stand! Amen. We will stand, proud as Christians, no matter what shall come!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQmmS7HbhkE
Praying God makes it clear, K O!
Walking in freedom is sadly so hard. I get stuck and pushed by the weight of others emotionally!
I have been offered a job in another town, closer to family and in a location I believe I’d enjoy, but financially it seems harder to move there. I’ve got a house where I currently am I bought just less than a year ago, but this opportunity may not come again. I’m so unsure of what to do. I’d covet your prayers for direction. I can’t imagine saying no to this opportunity yet, it would be such a change. Oh lord please give me peace and direction.
Walking in freedom is sadly so hard. I get stuck and pushed by the weight of others emotionally!
Churchmouse I feel the same way. I have major trust issues from my upbringing and I tend to bring that to how I see God sometimes. Luckily He has shown me how trustworthy He really is. Brooke P still praying for you. Rhonda J praying for Brayden. Julie Roberson praying for your daughter. Continued prayers for our little one and my peace of mind would be much appreciated!
Sara Legace what wonderful news! Praying for you!
Walking into conflict without God’s word is like walking onto a battlefield without a weapon. This hit close to home this morning as I’m trying to fight a personal relationship battle on my own. Thankful for the reminder once again of whose I am and that I’m no longer a slave to sin – that I have the weapon I need right at my fingertips.
God has always been there. Jesus was with God when He created everything. Jesus knows us before we were born. This gives me such great comfort. Thank you Jesus for always being, always knowing, and always walking with me! Amen!
I loved how at the end of John 8, Jesus responds to the Jews by saying “…Before Abraham was, I am.” For some reason that stuck out to me. It’s like God was reminding me that we are to be focused on God alone. Abraham was a great leader to so many, and the simplicity of Jesus saying, before Abraham was who he is known to be now, I knew him. God knows us and loves us & He has from the beginning.
As I read the verses this morning, I thought of who’s birthday we celebrate today, Dr. Martin Luther King.
@Heidi I really appreciate your comments today, especially in light of Martin Luther King day. I like to think there is a special gathering in Heaven today of all the people who have been the hands and feet of Christ over the last two centuries advocating and teaching Jesus’s message of us all being loved and created in God’s image. May we all be open to the ways God shows us to spread His light and love to ourselves and others!
To put this passage in context, in the previous verses in John 8 Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” He said that the Father testifies about Him. He accused the Pharisees of not knowing Him or the Father. He said that He was from above and that He would be lifted up and He always does what pleases the Father. Then, John said in verse 30, “As he was saying these things, many believed in him.”
Now we go to today’s passage, where it opens with, “Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him.” John wants us to see this section as Jesus reasoning with those who has supposedly BELIEVED IN HIM! Jesus starts with, “If you continue in my word, you really are my disciples.” So, apparently, John and Jesus want us to know that there are some who “believe” who really aren’t His disciples. What’s the distinguishing factor of a true disciple? The ones who continue in His word, who then know the truth and are set free by the truth. The rest of this passage is a contrast between the truth of the Father and the lies of the enemy. The truth of the Father sets us free. If we listen to the lies of the enemy, we do not stand in the truth and we CANNOT listen to His word (v. 43). The defining factor emphasized again in verse 47 is that the one who is from God listens to God’s words. This is how we know if we believe—do we listen to and continue in God’s word?
What a great start to a Monday ❤️ Praise God that His mercies are new every morning and for the freedom we have in Christ.
“What you are doing are the works of your father”
Wow.. chills! God orchestrates things perfectly.. and all of us should praise him for that! God always puts things in the right place. We shouldn’t care about our own glory.. no matter how much American society tries to tell us we should.. our lives should be dedicated to GOD only!
17 But thank God that, although you used to be slaves of sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching to which you were handed over, 18 and having been set free from sin, you became enslaved to righteousness. – Romans 6:17-18 It is so freeing for me to read in scripture about how we too used to walk in the ways of the world, full of disobedience and sin BUT GOD has redeemed us BUT GOD has saved us BUT GOD who is rich in mercy has given us a new and abundant life. Thank GOD He has saved us all from our past and ways we used to live.
When my fears threaten to create doubts, I remember this question by Jesus: “… why don’t you believe Me?”
I too can relate, Munchkin. Jesus had excellent boundaries. It’s all throughout scripture. Even the final act of the cross was not submitting to abuse. It was completing his mission on Earth and what a mission it was and continues to be! Jesus loved by such wonderful example. I am in total love with my Christ!!!
I love how Jesus just calls out the Jewish men questioning them. What are times in my life I need to be called out? But the question is – do I listen? I love the supplemental readings today talking about God testing us and what we want to become enslaved to. Praying that I can be guided to enslavement in righteousness.
I love in the Podcast for week 3 “ We are no longer in bondage to sin but are BONDED with Christ in righteousness.” ❤️
I loved in the podcast. “We are no longer in bondage to sin, but Bonded to Christ in righteousness
@Julie – what a praise! I have been praying for my neighbors for years – what a joy it would be to see them walk through the doors of my church! Praying for your neighbors – that they will return, that they will ponder what they heard and call on Jesus to save them, and that you will have an open door of opportunity to speak the truth of the gospel to them. Have a blessed Monday!
Asking for prayer for a beloved daughter. Jesus knows her need. I pray that she will know The Truth and HE will set her free from all the chains that bind her. I covet all of your prayers!
So much in these scriptures and the gist of a lot of it for me is this: stop trying to make Jesus, his way, his direction, his values fit into the (mis)understandings and “theology” we’ve created for ourselves. And- for the US anyway- people have really demonstrated themselves these past couple years especially, to be American Christians, instead of Christians, who are also Americans. The fact is, the true teachings and examples of Christ don’t totally line up with policy from either side, so we “gently reshape” JESUS to fit into what we’ve decided he means/is. As one amazing pastor put it relatively recently- let’s keep in mind that God doesn’t stand to salute when the National anthem plays. Jesus? Is Jesus. His ways? Are THE ways- no edited needed from me. And the second I change his intention, or take his words out of context to fit my personal or political needs, I am absolutely no different than these Pharisees we read and (kinda) judge in these passages.
He is absolute truth. His examples are 100% truth. If I’m struggling with how that truth fits into my belief system, the struggle isn’t because of him- it’s an enormous red flag that I need to reevaluate what I claim as my theology- and then decide if I’m more interested in being the savior in the story, or allowing him to be. Do I want my life to fully be guided by/lived through HIM, or do I prefer he adjust himself and fit into MY life when I need him to?
What a beautiful testimony you shared a little with us @ JenniferlovesJesus! I always love the words you write, truly poetic and touching.
Praying for all the requests thus far, and those today. Prayer truly changes everything, our circumstances, our outlook, and our recovery and regeneration. Sometimes we can see it, but God is ALWAYS working and we must hold fast. I got to speak with my dear grandson that is struggling with emotional and verbal abuse in the home It has been since he was little, and now being 13 he is processing it all and acting out. It became a volatile situation. But bless his heart, he has such a sweet spirit and he knows he is loved and valued by us, and if I can keep feeding Jesus into his vunerable little soul. Dear Lord, our Keeper and Savior, please guide Brayden to look to YOU, and to know he is loved by YOU, YOU see him, YOU know him, and YOU love him. HE knows us too, each one of us. The trouble may remain, the situation seems never-ending, BUT GOD, He is a god of glory, turning ashes into beauty.
The Unfolding Podcast had a good episode this past week of this very thing! Give it a listen! The podcast are great God stories! He is doing miracles everywhere, all the time! But we don’t hear about them on the tv, lol. Have a great Monday She’s! -R
One of the things that stood out to me was that Jesus rationally tried to explain to the people that He was the son of God. That they did not have to be a slave to sin. But once they started throwing rocks at Him, he left. They weren’t going to listen and He would try again, but at that moment, it was not the time. How many times have I not listed to when I needed to get out of a dangerous situation? How many times have I stayed long passed when I needed to leave? I was once in an emotionally abusive relationship and stayed because I didn’t want to be alone. But when something is starting to get dangerous to your wellbeing, you need to leave.
Jennifer, I’m so thankful for this vivid word picture, and your prayers. Unlike Bailey, I’ve lived in a prison of my own making, built by a lifetime of shame and relational conflict. This sin has wrecked my life, but now seeing Jesus for who He really is has wrecked my shame. Trusting obedience will lead to restoration, or peace. Nicole K., praying with you for courage to walk forward with true vision by the light of the Word and the Spirit.
“Walking into conflict without God’s Word is like walking onto a battlefield without a weapon. … He sees us! He is intimately aware of our struggles and wants us to find victory and healing in Him.”
Thank you, Bailey Gillespie, for sharing your heart and the encouragement you got from that experience! Prayers for the ‘relational conflict’ that drove you to that church!
May we all be able to distinguish the Truth from the lies that are all around us. Prayers for all requests mentioned here and any unspoken prayers as well. Praying for all afftected by Izzy. We are ok in our part of SC. Just beautiful snow with a middle layer of ice.
Jennifer, I’m so thankful for this vivid word picture, and your prayers. Unlike Bailey, I’ve lived in a prison of my own making, built by a lifetime of shame and relational conflict. This sin has wrecked my life, but now seeing Jesus for who He really is has wrecked my shame. Nicole K., praying with you for courage to walk forward with true vision by the light of the word
Congratulations! May God protection surround you and your child through the pregnancy and always. What a miracle and awesome blessing is motherhood.
So thankful for this beautiful word picture of becoming truly free and for your prayers. Unlike Bailey, the shame of relational conflict has felt like a lifelong prison to me, but it’s time to break
Amen
I’m in PA too, not too far from Allentown. ❄️
But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:17,31-32
The key is obedience from the heart. I can know truth and yes it sets me free, but I must choose to walk in that freedom. I remember when I moved into a cell that had a window. I could see the freedom, yet I was still in chains. I studied the Word. I went to church. Yet I was not free. Each time a trial came, my sentence remained. And then the worst trial came and I was in rubble. That dusty place of destruction which was once my home, gave way to Jesus. Where once there were visiting hours, I now abided with Him. The wrecking ball of life finally leveled all I had tried to build. This standard of teaching had been kept at arms length. Yet when I held the truth in my heart and became obedient, I was finally and all the way free. The hardest battles have been fought on this side of freedom with Yeshua, my warrior King who waited for my heart to turn completely to Him. Amazing grace. Prayers lifted for all the She’s and may the truth set you free. Amen.
This was so timely as I am struggling recently with a chain I thought had been broken. Asking for prayers of courage and vision for moving forward.
His Truth sets us free.
Uff— this devotional goes to the heart of the last 6 months of 2021 for me. I’ve always felt that I am not prepared to confront those who offend my faith or talk to someone about Jesus because I’ve always felt that I was not equipped to do so. By the past 6 months, there’s been a growing craving to not just pray, but also learn and understand the Word. Which is why I’ve loved doing these devotionals. I’m not fully equipped, but I am way more equipped than I was 6 months ago. I want to be a light warrior for Jesus against the darkness. And my prayer is that we all continue to go deeper in the Word so that we can be equipped to share his Gospel, especially with the unbelievers or skeptics. Wishing everyone a wonderful week.
@KRISTEN – thank you for sharing your story. So beautiful to hear how God is working.
@JULIE A – I have some neighbors we want to come to church with us, so we keep loving them and inviting on occasion. May God grant the desires of your heart for your neighbors and soften them towards Him.
These verses ring true to a struggle that has been ongoing. I think I have gotten stuck in the work of life and self. The truth of the gospel is that it’s been done, and there’s nothing I can do. Like @KELLY (NEO) said “[God] sees us! He is intimately aware of our struggles and wants us to find victory and healing in Him.”
IN HIM – no fortitude, determination, will-power, grit, and so forth of our own will give us freedom. Only surrender and obedience to the truth of Christ will. ❤️
I want to live in that freedom! Freedom from striving. Freedom to live as I have been designed. Loved by God. Loving Him, enamored by Him. Loving others. Not weighed down by the weight of worldly worries and things. Free to seek God’s heart!
In John 8:54, Jesus said, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing.” …. What a great reminder of humility today.
I know tormenting thoughts. I have believed lies. I didn’t grow up knowing God’s Word, even though I went to ccd clas and mass. As I said before, I was invited to go to a new church on the day we buried our daughter which was a Friday. That Sunday is when I started to hear about God’s Word. I longed to hear God’s Word to help me and guide me, but the thoughts kept coming. I still didn’t understand Truth in the Word. I’d been reading my Bible, attending services, listening to messages for years. One counselor said that I know about God but don’t know Him. This was a few years back. I have to admit that was true. I would believe for others but not for me. Again, I still didn’t understand. Thankfully, by God’s grace, I am starting to understand the power of God, the beauty of Jesus, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. I want to be free indeed! I would appreciate prayers if possible. Prayers for you all today!
@ Arina, you are welcome. God bless!
We will know the truth and be set free! What wonderful news to hear over and over!
Thank you ladies for all the prayers, my nephew seems to be doing much better. I’m praying through the requests I see here. I hope everyone has a great day. It is very snowy here in Pennsylvania.
“[God] sees us! He is intimately aware of our struggles and wants us to find victory and healing in Him.”
IN HIM – no fortitude, determination, will-power, grit, and so forth of our own will give us freedom. Only surrender and obedience to the truth of Christ will.
DOROTHY – praying for Finley and her family. That little one has been through so much. May the Lord grant her a full recovery from COVID. How did Angie’s surgery go?
BRENDA – how is your nephew?
JULIE GANUCHEAU – any updates on Cannon?
EMILY DAFOE – did your husband get the resaults from his colonoscopy?
TAMMY HICKS – what happened with your septic system?
EMMA ELLIOTT – praying the Lord brings you comfort today.
“The truth will set you free.” Later, Jesus calls Himselft the Truth. He will set us free. Free from the law and its commands we aren’t able to fulfill. Free from our bondage to sin. In the power of the Holy Spirit we can serve God rather than unrighteousness. Who the Son sets free is free indeed.
Praying for all the requests mentioned over the weekend.
Kristen – thank you so much for your gift!
Praying
Just what I needed ♥️
Yesterday at church I was surprised to see my next door neighbours there for the first time! I didn’t invite them, they were just curious! As far as I know, they aren’t yet believers, but I’ve always had an inkling there was something there. They knew I went to church and must have seen the bible verse on my wall, so surely they would have told me if they were also believers. When we sang Way Maker, the line “Even when I don’t see it, you’re working” struck me. God has been working on their hearts, unbeknownst to me. I have prayed for opportunities to share my faith with my neighbours, and then forgot about them again for a while, but God has been working in them and answering that occasional prayer. Please pray that they come back to church, we can talk about what we believe together, and they come to saving faith if they haven’t already.
Thank you Bailey for this!
Your testimony had me smiling!
God is so so good, He absolutely sees us, where ever we are at, scary, yet so wonderfully wonder filled…!
Your obiedience @Bailey, to the prompting so on point, too.
Hang with Jesus, and you will know the truth and the truth will (always) set you free!
BUT GOD..
Amen!
HAPPY MONDAY wrapped in warming love, hugs and prayers this chilly day..❤
Prayers and requests being lifted up as I go through comments, a little late, but prayers are never wasted, right? ❤