The Power to Redeem
October 6
Praise the LORD…who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion…
Psalm 103:2,4
“I was responding to a robbery/assault,” Marc began. “The victim was a known heroin addict…at a known drug house at 3:00am. I figured, this is a drug-involved incident gone bad. But as I questioned him, he told me he’d changed, getting away from everything and everyone that had anything to do with his past involvement in drugs. He assured me that he was working on his marriage, was holding down a job, and they were going to church regularly.
‘This was my old crash pad,’ he explained. ‘I wanted to get the last of my belongings, so I stopped on my way to work this morning.’ Still, part of me doubted his story. Then, in my spirit, God suggested I listen to his story, and give him the benefit of the doubt.
‘When I got there,’ he continued, ‘these three dudes dragged me inside, beat me, and took my cash.’
This sounded like the truth. I decided to investigate further. Realizing the likelihood of getting his stuff back was slim, I silently asked God for any help He was willing to give… When the dust settled we’d recovered everything…including the $50.00 they’d taken during the beating! We even located and identified his three assailants!
I was ready to dismiss the supernatural transformation in this man’s life, and would have, had it not been for God’s intervention. That night God showed me His redeeming power is greater than the deepest, darkest oppression Satan can ever hope to impose on us!”
†
The adage, ‘Once and addict, always an addict’ is one of Satan’s most insidious lies.
Today’s text says there is no one beyond God’s redeeming power. Yet we still label others with their past.
By making these malicious statements, ignorant people utter curse-filled lies over unsuspecting people, unknowingly sanctioning attacks from the enemy on that person (Proverbs 18:21).
We must choose wisely the words we speak over others because their fruit will be born out in the lives of those we speak over. We should never give them a battle they didn’t ask for.
Prayer
“LORD, I believe in the power of Your grace. Teach me to edify and not endanger others when I speak. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”
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