Prisoner Exchange

Every once in a while, we hear of a prisoner exchange. It could be the result of hostage negotiations or some political situation. The end results of these exchanges we don’t hear much about. History does record one prisoner exchange with eternal consequences. Barabbas was held in a Roman prison for murder and insurrection. Jesus was innocent of any crime or wrongdoing. But the Jewish leaders prevailed upon the Roman authorities to release Barabbas and to crucify Jesus.

Luke 23:18-20 says, “But they all cried out together, ‘Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas,’ a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, but they kept shouting, ‘Crucify, crucify him!'” Jesus was crucified and the guilty man, Barabbas, was set free. Jesus was sacrificed so that we, though also guilty, can be set free. A completely innocent Jesus died so that He could conquer death through His resurrection. His resurrection ensures that we might be granted eternal life through faith in Jesus, while also walking in freedom today.

What Are You Reading?

Reading provides innumerable benefits. It trains our minds and increases our knowledge. I read a lot of articles and books. Some offer thoughtful help, but many are useless and misleading. Where can we go to find trustworthy truth that benefits mind, body, and soul?

Psalm 1:1-2 says, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.” Fall in love with God’s Word and focus your mind on it. This is the way to reject walking in unwise counsel, staying on the path of evil, and abiding with those who reject God. God’s Word is truth. His Word provides light and power for life.

Limited Guarantee

We often buy things that offer a limited guarantee. The guarantee is only effective if certain conditions are active. Unfortunately, we do the same thing with love. We give love only when love is returned in certain ways. If the other person is not meeting our needs, then we withhold love. Fortunately, God does not offer limited love.

Psalm 86:5 says, “For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.” God is always good and is always g oing good. He love for those who trust Him abounds and is steadfast, never changing, and always working the best for us.

Confidence Properly Placed

We build confidence in a variety of ways. Once we gain experience doing something, we become confident that we can do it again. Then, with more experience, we gain even more confidence. Effective training also gives us assurance that we are doing things properly and effectively. A good word from a trusted source can also increase our confidence. Building confidence in these ways is well and good for learned skills and behaviors. But, possessing the ability to unselfishly do real and lasting good comes from another source.

II Corinthians 3:5-6 says, “Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” The Holy Spirit gives us power to do good and minister to the needs of others. We should recognize that we do not have this power in ourselves, but we should also never doubt that God makes us sufficient to do the things that produce life and blessings.

Hiding Place

As kids, we often played the game called “Hide and Seek”. The objective was to hide so that the person who was “it” could not find you. If successful, the “it” person would have to give up and call out that you were free. Sometimes, trouble come at us too frequently and too loudly, so that we want to find a hiding place. We want this hiding place to protect us through the storms of life, so that we can emerge successfully and strongly.

Psalm 32:7 says, “You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah.” Troubles will come. However, God promises to be a safe place for us. He will deliver us securely through our troubles and preserve our blessings and hope. By resting in His strong arms, we become stronger as He preserves us through the storms of life.