Day 21

Your relationship with Jesus is far more than fire insurance or a get out of jail free card. It is not a trump card that you pull out whenever you realize that you are wrong. Instead, a vibrant and growing relationship with Jesus leads you away from sinful desires and replaces them with a desire to be more like Him.
We miss the fullness of God's plan for our lives when we continue to allow our emotions and fleshly desires to lead us. Choose today to replace the old ways of life with God's pattern for your life! When you do that, you will be able to experience the favor and freedom that are only found through Him!

Declare Today - "I will live in freedom by letting go of my sinful desires and choosing God's plan for my life."

Written by Jason Boll

1 Peter 2:16 NIV
Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.

Galatians 5:13-14 NIV
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Joshua 24:14-15 NIV
“Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Day 20

When we invited Jesus into our hearts, we experienced a divine encounter. We knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that God was real and sent His Son Jesus to die for us so we could come into a relationship with Him. We believed wholeheartedly in the promise that we will live forever in heaven with the resurrected King. At that moment, we felt a direct connection to God.

Yet over time, we may have wavered in our faith journey. Hurts, misunderstandings and circumstances could have caused distance between God and us. Or, maybe we've had to deal with sin issues—which always create separation from God.

While our salvation is secure, the degrees of spiritual separation vary for each of us. Depending on where you rate yourself on the spectrum between near-to-God and far-from-God impacts how you approach God and His Word.

Sadly, too often, we become cynical as we become "seasoned in life." We lose passion, and we reduce our need for God as we rely on ourselves for stability and security. Inevitably, the more self-sustaining and distrustful we become, the less intimate is our relationship with our Savior.

After the prodigal son left his family, pursued a worldly lifestyle and utterly failed, he had nowhere to go but home. He felt worthless along the way, but from a distance his father saw him and was full of compassion. He ran to his son, wrapped his arms around him and kissed him. Despite the son's regretful account of events, the father announced a celebration because his son was home.

Our Heavenly Father withholds the same compassion—His banner over us is love, and He invites us to enter His presence with freedom and confidence. No matter what we've done, our confidence rests in Christ, who cancels all of our degrees of separation so that we can experience true freedom and a direct connection with our Heavenly Father.

Declare Today - "Nothing can separate me from God’s love!"

Written by Angie Dearolf

Luke 15:20 NIV
So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

Romans 8:38-39 NIV
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,
neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ephesians 3:12 NIV
In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

Day 19:

Individualism is not freedom; it is bondage to self. Individualism is a self-imposed prison. If my capacity to experience anything like peace was limited to my own expression, my own understanding, or my own interpretation of life and what it meant to be free, I would be lost. I cannot free me from me; therefore, I am not free.

But grace. Grace is the key that opens the door to all that God has for us; chief among them is freedom. God calls you to himself and commands you to follow him so that, by grace, he may free you from you. God calls you to himself and commands you to follow him so that, by grace, he may set you free from your sinful nature.  

God is not robbing you of liberty but is leading you to the only place where freedom can be found. We assume there is liberty in our individualism, but God has not created us to be separate from him. Adam and Eve were with him in the garden. Sin separated them and removed them from his presence. Jesus bridges that gap and brings us back into right standing.

Living for ourselves—that is, working to rule our little worlds independently—can never work. Life is only ever found when we put ourselves in the hands of our Creator and cast ourselves on his amazing grace.

Are you truly free? What is it you need to be set free from today? Anxiety? Anger? Addiction? Jesus brings you freedom from your base nature. Freedom from your old wants. Freedom from your broken heart and your wounded self. If the Son sets you free, you are truly free. So, walk in it. Leave the baggage of your old self behind and run in the new you that you are becoming through grace.

Declare Today - "Looking ahead (and not behind me), I will walk in grace to experience true freedom."

Written by Josh Blackmun

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Titus 2:11-12 NIV
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,

Isaiah 64:8 NIV
Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.

John 8:36 NIV
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Day 18:

It is a profound, life-altering truth that freedom is gained only by accepting limitations. A river with no banks is a swamp. A highway without traffic rules is a demolition derby. A country without an orderly government is neither a country nor a safe place to live.

The notion that freedom is the absence of boundaries is a lie. In its worse form, it says that God’s laws are burdensome, style-cramping, fun-draining, fulfillment-limiting barriers. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Think about it. The discipline of practice produces freedom to play beautiful music. Devotion to training enables athletic achievement. Dedication to scholarship makes it possible to teach. Commitment to scientific learning produces discoveries that enrich us all. Saving money leads to freedom from debt.

The author of Psalm 119 has discovered the truth of this deep principle. Living by God’s precepts produces freedom. Living apart from them, Jesus tells us, is the easy and broad road to a bad end.

Our choice is never between freedom and limits but only among which limitations we want. Living within God’s limits will lead you to a wide place of freedom. Living apart from His limits will take you down an ever-narrowing path where there is no freedom at all at the end.

Jesus said He came to give us a rich and free life. If the Son sets you free, you will be truly free (John 8:36). Free to do what? Free to follow Him from joy today toward joy forever.

Is God asking you to accept a new discipline in your life? To live more closely to His principles? Embrace His call to life and find increasing freedom.


Declare Today - "I choose to live a disciplined life, to experience an eternity of freedom."


Written by Derek Weidman

Psalm 119:45 NIV:
I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.

1 Peter 2:6 NIV:
For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”

John 8:36 NIV:
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Day 17:

God doesn't want us to simply survive, He wants us to thrive. We are to be leaders and be examples in this life by living life without restraints. Let’s stop focusing on what we don’t have. Let’s stop the complaining and negativity. Our world is not paradise. One day, we will live in paradise where everything will be perfect. Until then, let’s take God at His Word and live life free from excuses, limitations and anything else that might be holding us back. We are free to live the life that Jesus purchased for us though the cross. He has taken away all of our perceived limitations. We are truly free indeed.
 
Declare Today - "I will look at the world through eyes of faith today and proclaim only the goodness of God."
 
Written by Eric Gerber - Freedom Life Church
 
Galatians 5:1 NIV
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 3:22 NIV
But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.

Day 16:

A few years ago, I experienced a few unexpected health complications. An unknown ovarian cyst ruptured and following emergency surgery pneumonia developed. Within a few days I had a pleural effusion, or fluid build-up around my lung. Breathing was incredibly difficult and painful. Deep breaths were impossible and shallow breaths just hurt. I was limited in all activities and just walking a few steps felt suffocating. It was a miserable, scary time. Surgery was the only way to fix the problem.
 
As I recovered from surgery I felt such immense relief that I could finally breathe again. I began to walk and move around again. I could eat, talk and laugh again. I had a new freedom from the limitations of extreme discomfort. I went from struggling to live, to being full of life and it changed everything.

"The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." 2 Corinthians 3:17
When we experience the freedom and life that only God can give, we move from struggling to thriving. He sets us free from the restraints and limitations that hold us back from breathing fully of His freedom. We can dream new dreams and live in a new purpose. His freedom opens doors that only He can open. The book of Mark tells the story of a paralyzed man who was brought to Jesus by his friends. His situation seemed hopeless. His dreams were limited because of his inabilities. His only hope was Jesus.

The house Jesus was preaching in was so packed full of people that the friends lowered the man to Jesus through a hole in the roof. He spoke life into the man and the man breathed fully of God’s forgiveness and healing. In an instant, a life that was limited immediately had a new story and a new purpose. He experienced true freedom which enabled him to look beyond himself and to live fully alive.

Bring your limitations, empty dreams and disappointments to Jesus. Breathe fully of His amazing freedom which overflows with grace, mercy, healing and forgiveness. His life in you changes everything!
 
Declare Today - "I give my struggles to God, and I will walk in the limitless freedom He offers me."
 
Written by Michele Masteller - Freedom Life Church
 
Mark 2:1-12 NIV
A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”
 
2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
 

Day 15:

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7

During my growing up years, we had many different dogs. One dog in particular was very unique. It was part German shepherd and part wolf. Of course we named him Bear! One of the few responsibilities that I was given in our home was to feed the dog each evening. He was an outside dog so I would go to his house, which was a few dozen yards from ours, to take him carry-out. I was Uber Eats before its time.
It wasn’t a problem for me until it started getting darker sooner. We lived in the country and it was very dark. I was scared of getting attacked by a bear (not the dog) or something worse. Before going out, I would ask my mom to stand at the kitchen window to watch over me. I ran as fast as I could to accomplish the task and back into the safety of our home. As I went, I would look back over my shoulder to make sure that she was there. As long as I could see her, I knew that she was watching over me and that I was safe, strong and secure.
Thinking back over those moments, it seems a bit silly. Why was I so full of fear? I felt completely paralyzed unless someone was watching over me! Truth is, I still feel that way today. Life can be scary and a spirit of fear can still try to come over me! When it does, I remind myself that God is always watching over me and Jesus is with me by His Spirit. I can live in freedom.  

Declare Today - "God is always watching over me so I will not fear. I will walk in freedom!"
 
Written by Sam Masteller - Freedom Life Church

Psalms 121:5-8 NIV
The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Isaiah 41:10 NIV
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

John 8:36 NIV
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Matthew 28:20 NIV
…and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Day 14:

Do you remember when you first believed in Jesus? That moment where you realized that you were a sinner in need of a Savior; when you gave him access into your life? It was at that moment where the flood gates of grace opened up, and God, in His love and mercy, saved you from the depths of hell and adopted you into His family. As a son or daughter of God, your authority flows from who you are. It is nothing that you could ever do for yourself, but it is entirely reliant on God's never-ending grace in your life!

Declare Today - "I will walk-in divine favor because I am a son or daughter of God!"
 
Written by Jason Boll - Freedom Life Church
 
Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.

2 Timothy 1:9 NIV
He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time…

John 1:12 NIV
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—
 
2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

Day 13:

If you were ever accused of a crime, chances are high that you would want nothing less than the best defense attorney. It is likely that you would pay a large sum of money for a lawyer who would stand on your behalf and protect you from accusations, slander, and misjudgment. The Bible says that the Lord is our mighty defender and He covers us with His favor as a shield. Shields are defense mechanisms that are used in battle to block attacks. God's favor is protection when the enemy comes against us.
When we walk with God, we don't have to walk in fear and we don't have to rely on our own strength. We can trust in His sovereignty to be just and loving toward us, and we can trust in His power to overcome any of Satan's schemes. There is no need to grasp for evidence or bear the burden of proof; simply claim the blood of the Lamb over your life. Forego arguments and rest knowing that God is your defender.
His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9). You will experience the best possible outcome in your situation when you make surrender your strategy. You don't have to fight when you walk in favor.
 
Declare Today - "I surrender to you, God. I rest within the protection of your favor."
 
Written by Angie Dearolf - Freedom Life Church

Psalms 5:12 NIV
Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
 
Deuteronomy 32:4 NIV
He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.
 
Psalms 32:7 NIV
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
 
Isaiah 55:9 NIV
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Day 12:

There is power in a declaration. The words that come out of our mouths (all of them) carry weight. Words are an asset to be leveraged, not wasted. Words reflect the status of our hearts, which in turn is a reflection of our conviction. What words are coming out of your mouth today related to your relationships? What words are coming out of your mouth today related to your profession, your workplace, your health, your finances?
You and I will spend our lives toiling, working, building, teaching, creating ... it is the work of our hands. Today, let us declare God's favor over that work in Jesus’ name. BUT let's also surrender that work to the Lord and follow His prompting accordingly.
The scripture says, "May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us." This is a declaration of favor specifically in reference to our work, which we see this in the next part of the verse: "establish the work of our hands for us." Today we declare favor specifically over our work and we ask God to bless the work of our hands. More than that, we surrender our roles to him and ask that he lead us ... "yes, establish the work of our hands."
For the educator that means we are asking God to help us make a difference in the lives of our students. For the contractor that means we are building with excellence to the highest standard and at a fair price to our customers. To the retiree that might mean we are on mission to make a difference by focusing our full attention on discipling and leading people to Jesus.
Today we simultaneously declare favor and surrender the work of our hands to the Lord. And if you are not satisfied with your role, cry out to God. Declare his favor and ask him to establish the work of your hands.
 
Declare Today - "The favor of the Lord rests upon me, and he establishes the work of my hands."
 
Written by Josh Blackmun - Freedom Life Church
 
Psalms 90:17 NIV
May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.
 
Proverbs 16:9 NIV
Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.
 
Colossians 3:23 NIV
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…
 

Day 11:

The Lord God is the source of every perfect and good gift that man can receive in this life. God never promises us that we will avoid the hard season in this life, but what He does promise is that His grace will be sufficient for whatever we may face on our journey. When we open our hearts to God’s wisdom and favor, everything else in our life is impacted. Not only will He reenergize our spiritual life, but there will be a transformation of our health, finances, and relationships as well.
This is why David could boldly say, “Those who seek the LORD lack no good thing” (Psalm 34:10). The only need we have is a “seek the Lord” need!
To David, this was more than a nice theory. Because he had drawn near to the Lord as his Good Shepherd, he lacked nothing (Psalm 23:1). And he was so confident of God’s ongoing favor in his life that he proclaimed, “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (v. 6). David experienced this same kind of favor when the prophet Samuel sought God’s direction on who Israel’s next king should be (1 Samuel 16). Samuel knew the king was to be chosen from among the sons of Jesse, and so the sons were paraded before the prophet to see which one was the Lord’s choice. Samuel must have been puzzled when none of the seven oldest sons met with God’s approval, so he told Jesse: “The LORD has not chosen these…Are these all the sons you have?” (vs. 10-11)
No one had thought to invite David to this important gathering. He was the youngest son, and he was out tending his father’s sheep. But while everyone else was looking at factors like age and rank, God was looking for a man after His heart who would fulfill His purposes. God was looking for a person He could show His favor.
Perhaps today, you feel like you’re just taking care of some smelly old sheep in a forgotten place. But tomorrow, your royalty may be revealed! God’s favor often shines the brightest amid dark days. I’m convinced that a great harvest of favor is coming to your life as you sow seeds of faith, expectancy, and obedience.
 
Declare Today - "I will walk in the favor of God and He withholds no good thing from me!"
 
Written by Derek Weidman - Freedom Life Church
 
Psalms 84:11 NIV
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lordbestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
 
Psalms 34:10 NIV
The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lordlack no good thing.
 
Isaiah 58:11 NIV
The Lordwill guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
 

Day 10:

The Old Testament Hebrew word use for 'favor' defines it as pleasure, delight, goodwill, and acceptance. Isn't that an encouraging thought; to picture yourself being surrounded with a shield of God’s pleasure, delight, goodwill and acceptance? The shield the Bible is talking about here is one that completely surrounds you, kind of like being inside of a tank. God loved us so much that He sent His Son Jesus to pay the price for our sins so that we can be made right before God. If you have committed your life to Jesus, you can be confident today that you are being surrounded with a shield of favor. God’s favor enables you to walk around in Godly confidence knowing that you are loved and accepted by the Almighty. Because you are now His child, you have an incredible inheritance awaiting you in heaven. Let’s thank God for His favor today.
 
Declare Today - "I thank you, God, for your favor that surrounds me."
 
Written by Eric Gerber - Freedom Life Church
 
Psalms 5:12 NIV
Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
 
Psalms 125:2 NIV
As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore.
 
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NIV
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

Day 9:

I am the mom of 5 kids, and I love it. When our babies were little, I knew I had to get good and Godly wisdom and advice on how to raise them. While I’m not a perfect mom, I can say that taking the time to listen and learn impacted my parenting for the good. It was an incredible investment that produced amazing results and great relationships with each of my kids.
 
A heart that is willing to accept wisdom and correction is a heart prepared to recognize and step into favor.
 
In Queen Esther's story, we see that before she was queen, Esther was placed in the care of Hegai. For one year, he was in full control of her diet, beauty treatments, royal instruction, and even her wardrobe. This was a requirement for any woman to come into the king’s presence. Hegai desired to present Esther to the king as perfectly as possible.
 
Once her year of preparation was complete and she was scheduled to go to the king, the Bible says that Esther wanted to take with her only what Hegai suggested. She fully relied on the wisdom and instruction of someone closer to the king, and as a result she was favored and chosen to be queen.
 
Sometimes favor happens one decision at a time. Positioning yourself to heed wisdom elevates you to new levels. Queen Esther received favor and her role positioned her to become a voice which saved the Jews in the kingdom from total annihilation.
 
Experience favor by surrounding yourself with godly wisdom and counsel. Decide which voices you will allow to speak to your destiny. Teach your heart to love wisdom and you will find yourself walking in the divine favor of God.
 
Declare Today - "God is positioning me for His plans and purposes. I will listen and trust in Him!"
 
Written by Michele Masteller - Freedom Life Church

Esther 2:8-9 NIV

When the king’s order and edict had been proclaimed, many young women were brought to the citadel of Susa and put under the care of Hegai. Esther also was taken to the king’s palace and entrusted to Hegai, who had charge of the harem. She pleased him and won his favor. Immediately he provided her with her beauty treatments and special food. He assigned to her seven female attendants selected from the king’s palace and moved her and her attendants into the best place in the harem.

Proverbs 2:2-5 NIV

…turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.
 
Luke 2:52 NIV
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

Day 8:

“For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5

What is favor? Simply put, favor is supernatural provision and special treatment given as a gift from God. The Bible teaches us that God’s favor is not just for moments in life, but for the entirety of our lives. It is not something that we walk into; it is something that we walk in. When we become followers of Jesus, we experience God’s favor, impacting every area of our lives—> Spiritually, Physically, Emotionally, Financially & Relationally.

Over these last few years, my wife experienced some medical challenges that required two different surgeries totaling more than $200,000. I was concerned because we do not have traditional health insurance. There are several things for which I would be personally liable. I wasn’t sure how it was going to work out in the natural. The bills were overwhelming, and fear tried to grip my heart as I imagined bankruptcy, losing our home, and other thoughts the enemy had placed in my mind. I had to remind myself that God was in control and that His favor was over every area of my life, including my finances. I made the phone calls for financial aid and diligently sought the help that I needed. Reminded of God’s favor over my life, I prayed a $200,000 prayer. Here’s what I know: a moment of favor is worth a lifetime of labor. I did what I could in the natural and trusted God for the supernatural. It took some time and effort, but at the end of the day, the bills were completely satisfied.

Maybe today, you’re not facing $200,000 in debt that you can’t afford. Perhaps it’s a challenge with a child or a co-worker that’s acting like one! Maybe it’s difficulty in your marriage or your health. Whatever it may be, know today that if you are a born-again Christian, you walk in favor. Expect God to show up and show off his goodness and mercy. I want to encourage you in a moment to pray a big prayer found in the Old Testament. There aren’t many details given about the man who prayed this prayer. What we do know is his name, which was Jabez, and that he believed. He prayed a big prayer to a big God, and He experienced big provision. You could say that he walked in favor. If God did it for Jabez, if he has done it for me, I know that he can do it for you as well! You are favored. You are walking in favor, and you’re about to walk into favor. Believe and receive today!

Pray - “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain."

Declare Today - "God’s favor is for every area of my life! In Jesus' name, I will walk in favor today!"

Written by Sam Masteller - Freedom Life Church
 
1 Chronicles 4:10 NIV
Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.

Psalms 30:5 NIV
For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

Day 7:

“I have come to share the message of Jubilee, for the time of God’s great acceptance has begun.”
Jesus' death on the cross bought a divine exchange for you and me. Because of Jesus' death, we can exchange death for life, sickness for health, loneliness for a relationship, rejection for acceptance, poverty for prosperity, defeat for victory, punishment for peace, and bondage for freedom. Jubilee is no longer reserved for once every 50 years; instead, we now receive this amazing blessing of grace through a daily relationship with God. As the year of Jubilee, this gift that Jesus purchased for you and me is not dependent on us being good enough, but it is because of the goodness of God!

Declare Today - "This is my year of Jubilee because of the Divine Exchange that Jesus purchased for me."

Written by Jason Boll - Freedom Life Church

Ephesians 2:1-10 NIV
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Luke 4:16-19 NIV
He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Day 6:

“... and to preach to prisoners, ‘You are set free!’...”

Freeze Tag is one of my favorite schoolyard games. Maybe you've played it too, and you can recall that one person is designated as "it," and he or she has the power to "freeze" anyone he or she touches—meaning that if you are tagged, you must remain still. The "tagger" chases and freezes as many people as possible, while individuals who are free are tagging those who are frozen to "un-freeze" them. It's a great game!

Similar to Freeze Tag, we who carry the Spirit of the Lord have the ability to set people free by the power of the Holy Spirit and "un-freeze" them.

You don't have to look far to see people trapped in bondage. Addiction, depression, unforgiveness, negativity, fear, sickness, and insecurity have frozen countless individuals. Their past imprisons them, and they are held captive by self-diminishing thoughts and disappointments. These individuals are sadly missing out on the freedom available to them through Jesus, and their future is bleak.

They need to know that there is so much more that God has to offer them in this life! He sent His Son to pay the penalty for our sins so we can live in relationship with Him—without condemnation and shame. God loves us unconditionally, and there is nothing we can do to cause Him to love us more, and there is nothing we can do to cause Him to love us less. We are enough, and we can break free from what's holding us back when we surrender our will, accept the free gift of grace, and choose to live God's Way.

As Believers, we are anointed to share this message of freedom that has the power to break chains! It's an extraordinary privilege not only to be able to live in freedom but to have the ability to un-freeze people from where they are and introduce them to the freedom that God offers. This doesn't happen by our own means, but by the power of the Holy Spirit working through us.

We can be the difference-makers! We're not responsible for the miracle, but we can create opportunities for the Holy Spirit to move. When we speak truth and life, we can set people free!

Declare Today - "I am free and I am called to lead others to freedom through Christ."

Written by Angie Dearolf - Freedom Life Church

Galatians 5:13 NIV
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
 
Luke 4:16-19 NIV
He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Day 5:

“... and new eyes for the blind ...”

Close your eyes for a moment. Go ahead. Close them.
Now keep reading this. You can't, can you? If you are reading this, currently, it is because your eyes are open. Likewise, Jesus has come to open your spiritual eyes that you might understand the things of the Spirit.

Today on Day 5 of this 21-day journey, we go back to Luke chapter 4, where we find Jesus again in the Synagogue (in the church amongst the religious leaders) reading a prophecy from Isaiah that he was, in fact, the fulfillment.

The Bible says in Luke 4:17-18 that "...they handed him the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and read where it is written..." “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, and he has anointed me to be hope for the poor, freedom for the brokenhearted, and new eyes for the blind..." Luke 4:18

New eyes for the blind. One might assume the text here refers to a miraculous healing from blindness, which it is, but not from physical blindness; it's from spiritual blindness. You see, the Greek word for "eyes" in Luke 4:18 is translated "looking up to heaven." As such, the context here for "new eyes for the blind" is somewhat different than physical healing, although Jesus did that too.

Afterward, as Jesus walked down the street, he noticed a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Teacher, whose sin caused this guy’s blindness, his own, or the sin of his parents?” Jesus answered, “Neither. It happened to him so that you could watch him experience God’s miracle. Then Jesus spat on the ground and made some clay with his saliva. Then he anointed the blind man’s eyes with the clay. And he said to the blind man, “Now go and wash the clay from your eyes in the ritual pool of Siloam.” So he went and washed his face, and as he came back, he could see for the first time in his life!" John 9:1-3, 6-7

Why does God move? Why does he heal? Why is the power of sin is broken? Why can we call ourselves free, forgiven, healed, favored, and blessed? It is for God's glory, not our gain. Today Jesus wants to open your spiritual eyes and open your heart and mind to his might and power. He wants to deliver you from the shackles of sin and set you free.

The point of the miraculous move of God in our lives is not in the gift but in the glory. You and I are blind to spiritual truths all around us. By the grace of God, we've been given an opportunity to have that blindness lifted. While we benefit, our benefit is not the point; the point is to bring glory to God and, in doing so, lead others to the same revelation.

Jesus said in John 9:4-5, “While I am with you, it is daytime, and we must do the works of God who sent me while the light shines. For there is coming a dark night when no one will be able to work. As long as I am with you my life is the light that pierces the world’s darkness.”

Not only are we blind to spiritual truths, but we are surrounded by "the world's darkness." We know that our lives, redeemed and renewed, light up the world (Matthew 5:14-16). Your spiritual eyes have been opened so that you will give glory to your Father in heaven and lead others out of blindness to the same miraculous truth - to God be the Glory.

Declare Today - "I will give glory to God my Father and lead others out of blindness and into the truth of Jesus Christ."

Written by Josh Blackmun - Freedom Life Church

John 9:1-7 NIV
As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,”said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam”. So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.

Matthew 5:14-16 NIV
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Luke 4:16-19 NIV
He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Day 4

“... freedom for the brokenhearted ...”

The ultimate concept associated with Jubilee was that of forgiveness and restoration. The Jewish people had their debts forgiven and lands restored to the condition that God had given them on first entering the land. Our text scripture today gives us a beautiful preview of what Jesus was going to accomplish. He came to usher in the year of Jubilee, not only offering forgiveness for sin and also restoring to us everything which the Father had planned. Jesus came to bring good news to the poor, release the captive and those blind to sin, and to set the oppressed free.

He went on to describe the poor a few chapters later in the Sermon on the Mount when He said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for yours is the kingdom of God.” He showed that this Scripture went far beyond financial poverty or what we often think of as "poor." The poor went to the heart, the spirit, those downcast and brokenhearted.

Jesus came to proclaim that captives will be set free. His listeners didn’t need to wait long to see examples of the release of those held prisoner to sin. The day He read this Scripture, He went to another community and delivered many from evil spirits and sickness. He hung out with those that fit these descriptions and delivered them one by one as they came to Him.

Jesus, the friend of sinners, puzzled the religious leaders of the day. They oppressed the people with their laws and procedures. There were rituals for everything and judgments handed down for even the smallest infractions. Shame and guilt were piled high by those in authority. However, Jesus brought freedom. You might even say He carried a banner of liberty and freedom wherever He went. This banner of freedom included within it deliverance and forgiveness.

All of us fit one or more of the descriptions in our text today. Jesus has and continues to wave His banner of freedom, deliverance, and forgiveness over you. He wants to wave it over those who are still poor, imprisoned, blind, and oppressed. Wave His banner high in your life so others can see the banner and run to it and find Jesus. They too can take up the banner of freedom because this is the time of the Lord’s favor.

Declare Today - “God has waved His banner over me, and my broken heart is restored! I will walk in freedom today.”

Written by Derek Weidman - Freedom Life Church

Isaiah 49:9 NIV
…to say to the captives, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Be free!’ “They will feed beside the roads and find pasture on every barren hill.

Romans 8:2 NIV
…because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

Luke 4:16-19 NIV
He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Day 3:

“... and he has anointed me to be hope for the poor...”

Hope is firm assurance, even when everything around us seems to be hopeless. As we build our lives on the first foundation of Jesus, we set ourselves on an immovable rock that cannot be shaken. Our faith is anchored in God's Word and we can remain full of hope—regardless of our circumstances—that He who has overcome the world will be true to His Word. God will provide for our needs; God will heal us; God will restore our relationships; God will make a way in the wasteland; God will bring forth streams in the desert places. He is a miracle-working God and there is power in His name! Those who place their hope in Him will not be put to shame.
Get your hopes up today! Raise the level of expectation in your sphere of influence today! Your future is bright and God is leading us to a better tomorrow!

Declare Today - "I am confident because Jesus gives me hope that all things will work for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose."

Written by Eric Gerber - Freedom Life Church
 
Jeremiah 15:13 NIV
Your wealth and your treasures I will give as plunder, without charge, because of all your sins throughout your country.
 
Proverbs 23:18 NIV
There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
 
Romans 8:28 NIV
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
 
Romans 15:13 NIV
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
 
Luke 4:16-19 NIV
He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Day 2:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me...”

I love going on dates with my husband. One of the things we love to do is go to dinner at our favorite Italian restaurant and order the same meal. Every. Single. Time. It’s delicious, and best of all I don’t have to cook it! However, after eating this garlic laden deliciousness, we inevitably leave the restaurant carrying the unmistakable odor of garlic. We certainly affect the air around us.
The Bible has many examples of men and women where this happened:

• Samson - The Spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he struck down 1000 Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey.
• David - The Spirit of the Lord came upon David when Samuel anointed him to be the king of Israel.
• Mary - The Spirit of the Lord came upon Mary and empowered her to carry the Messiah.
• Simeon - The Spirit of the Lord came upon Simeon in the temple as he held the infant Jesus and prophesied and proclaimed who Jesus was.

When the Spirit of the Lord is upon us, we carry the unmistakable "aroma" of the presence of God. He is really God with a real desire to have a real relationship with you. His Spirit marks us and sets us apart. When His presence permeates our lives, everything around us changes. Just as getting a whiff of garlic on a person lets you know they had a well-seasoned dinner, we change the atmosphere around us by Who we carry.

When the Spirit of the Lord is upon us, we can’t enter a room without it being influenced. Whether we’re among coworkers in the workplace, shopping at the grocery store, posting on social media, or just being home with our family, His presence is too powerful not to change us and affect those around us.

When the Spirit of the Lord is upon us, we experience Him powerfully in our lives. In each of the Biblical examples given above, the Spirit coming upon these individuals preceded a significant life change that impacts not only that person but also the world around them.

Declare Today - “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. I will experience His freedom in this year of Jubilee and allow the influence of His presence to go beyond me to reach those around me.”

Written by Michele Masteller - Freedom Life Church

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

2 Corinthians 3:2-3 NIV
You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
 
Luke 4:16-19 NIV
He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Day 1:

“He unrolled the scroll and read where it is written,...”

When you unroll the scroll (so to speak) and read the Bible, you discover not only who God is, but who you are in Christ. In the Old Testament under the old agreement, the 50th year was of great importance. It was known as the ‘year of Jubilee.’ During that period of time and in that year, the people of Israel experienced freedom. This freedom included all of their debts being canceled, slaves and prisoners were released and all property went back to its original owners. Their bondage was broken. It was a year of rest and celebration! Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience! No matter what had happened in their lives leading up to that moment, because of Jubilee, they would experience divine favor and freedom.

In the New Testament, under the new agreement, we don’t have to wait for a specific period of time to experience our Jubilee! Because of Jesus' death on a cross and resurrection, the power of sin is broken, we are free, forgiven, healed, favored, and blessed! He relieves us of all our spiritual debts and slavery to sin. The year of Jubilee is a symbolic reminder of the redemption and restoration we NOW have in Christ. When Jesus unrolled the scroll and read the scriptures he was announcing that HE was our Jubilee! Because of Jesus, this is not just your year of Jubilee, it is your invitation to live a Jubilee life!

Declare Today - “Because of Jesus, these are my banner years and I will live the Jubilee life full of favor and freedom! My debt of sin is erased, I am set free and my life is restored!”

Written by Sam Masteller - Freedom Life Church
 
Luke 4:16-19 NIV
He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Leviticus 25:9 NIV
Then have the trumpet sounded everywhere on the tenth day of the seventh month; on the Day of Atonement sound the trumpet throughout your land.

Romans 8:2 NIV
…because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

Colossians 2:13-14 NIV
When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.

Hebrews 4:9-10 NIV
 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.