Today's Passage - John 8:31-41

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english John 8:31-41   To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."....   The Lord says here, "you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." The Jews at that time still could not understand these words. They thought, "Who says that we have ever been slaves? We have never been slaves of anyone!" Yet, they did not understand that when a person leaves God, he is living in sin, and has become a slave to sin. Whenever we are living in sin, our life will lack true joy and satisfaction.   The enemy often uses very small things to steal the joy and peace from our hearts. I remember one time after a church meeting, I was really joyful because during the meeting God's presence had been with the brothers and sisters in a mighty way. While driving home that evening, the whole family was singing joyfully. Unexpectedly, the car broke down in the middle of the way home. The car wouldn't start no matter what we did. Suddenly, my heart started to get a lot of resentment: "O God, why didn't you watch over me? We were almost home. Why didn't you use your mighty arms to keep this car going until we get home?" Instantly, all the joy from the meeting evaporated! Only because the car had broken down on the road!   At that moment, God's Spirit reminds me, "Why do I allow a small thing to take away God's joy from my heart?" Suddenly I realized: in Christ, we are free! No matter the situation, our hearts are still free, we can still be victorious through the Lord! Hallelujah! Therefore, I told the kids, "Let us praise God, for God is with us!" After that the whole family got out of the car, preparing to walk home. Unexpectedly, soon afterwards another car came by and asked us if we needed a ride. Hallelujah! We did not let the car breaking down on the road affect the joy in our hearts! The enemy often uses the little things in life to steal our peace, joy, and satisfaction. But in reality, the truth can set you free, so that you don't have to live in bondage to sin and emotion. You can have victory over the enemy every day through the Lord!                                Pray with Pastor Tong           Dear Lord, I thank you. Because of you I have the right to victory! No matter how the enemy attacks me, I am more than conquerors through you! May the Holy Spirit help me to stand on the foundation of your word and have victory over the enemy every day! I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!