I think most of us know the "Globetrotters" or "Trotamundos" as was translated into our native languages. They're not just a basketball team... They are incredible athletes that are characterized by a very relaxed style of playing, fun and full of stunts. It is quite a show to see them play. Here's a video, and be advised that the background song is NOT Christian and I don't approve it... I don't even understand everything it says... LOL.
What has always capture my attention the most is that, while giving quite a show while playing with incredible freedom and sticky, without violating the rules of the game. In other words, their freedom is not based on the absence of rules, but in perfect understanding and management of them.
Yesterday was the celebration of the 236th anniversary of the Independence of the United States. Regardless of the country, I'm always intrigued by these celebrations. A group of people with high ideals and high sense of morality and good living, gives their life for a nation to be freed from the oppressive yoke of a nation or foreign power. However, how easy we enslave us, even though "free" and celebrating Independence Day... from whatever... independence in adulthood... independence of a relationship through a break-up... independence of a marriage through a divorce... independence from pain through a bad habit... We have misunderstood freedom and we have defined it as the absence of rules, or abiding commonly accepted rules, changing them for a list of self-created rules based on our convenience... or rather called "open minded".
A large number of our family gathered yesterday at Crane Beach in Northshore. A beautiful beach, white sand, the sun beautiful, the ¿frozen water?... Well... When you get a perfect beach let me know... LOL. The view was beautiful, but my mind kept meditating on "freedom"... What is freedom?... What we have to be free from?... Why we long for freedom, if eventually everybody ends losing it by getting married, by becoming a parent, working in an educational institution? Then God spoke to me:
"You're in a place where people are drinking alcohol... but you have decided not to drink. You are surrounded by unbelievers... but you have decided to believe in me. You are surrounded by women in extremely provocative swimsuits... but you have decided that your sight will bounce to other places to respect your wife, take care of your mind and heart. You are surrounded by people reading books... but you have decided to read MY book, the Bible. You are surrounded by people living in concubinage... but you have decided to start a family with your wife Yokasta... You are happy, full, relaxed, you're having fun... Freedom is being able to do everything, but choosing to do what I say is right." It was and still is a very special moment for me. I felt very affirmed by my Heavenly Father.
In the same way that the "Globetrotters" or "Trotamundos" enjoy the blessing of basketball and sports, without the need to violate the rules... They know the rules and have developed a playing style that honors the rules and honor the creator of the rules, honoring them as athletes, honoring their families with good lives as a result of their work and honor the world with super fun shows... Everybody wins ...
Being a disciple of Jesus can be just as fun and enjoyable. Just as in our decisions, Christian's true freedom is the union of our decisions, the redemptive sacrifice of Christ, the presence of the Holy Spirit and knowledge of the Word of God.
17 The Lord and the Spirit are one and the same, and the Lord’s Spirit sets us free. 18 So our faces are not covered. They show the bright glory of the Lord, as the Lord’s Spirit makes us more and more like our glorious Lord.
31 Jesus told the people who had faith in him, “If you keep on obeying what I have said, you truly are my disciples.32 You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Decide to embrace the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus. Understand that you can't win your entrance. Live in gratitude. Invite the presence of the Holy Spirit to be your guide. Read, memorize, know and study the Word of God... In the convergence of these factors, God will provide you with creative ways to live a Holy life and you'll be able to please Him in all your ways.
Happy Independence Day ... Be free... free from you... free from comparisons... free from sin... Be free today... truly free.
JUST SAYING!!!
God bless you,
Pastor D
David Pimentel
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