“FREEDOM!”

July 23, 2O24

And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters” (Genesis 1:2).

From the beginning of time, we see biblical evidence that God was always on the move. So, why shouldn’t we be? For we are created in the image of God. He moved upon the face of the waters and brought order in the midst of void and darkness. God wants us to have order in our lives and to move and have freedom and not to get stuck in a rut!

A rut is defined as a “groove in which something runs; the same old, same old thing; a continual routine; a track worn by a wheel or by habitual passage; a groove that prohibits progress.” A standard definition of stagnant is “not advancing or developing; stale; long disuse; a standing body of water; not flowing in a stream.” Quench not the Holy Spirit (rivers of living water), but allow God to flow through you. 

Someone said, “A rut is a grave with an end open on one side.” Think about that statement. For some people, they never arise or get free from it, and it eventually becomes their graves. God has validated your value greater than just an old tire stuck in the mud with your wheels spinning… moving nowhere.

Why do we need to get out of our ruts? To help ourselves and to help others! But first we must be in the right position ourselves to be able to help others effectively. 

II Kings 7:3-9 states, “And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die?” I’m sure most of us are familiar with the story of the four lepers, who made the choice to experience freedom and to not remain stagnant in a rut and die. Rather, they became mobile and confronted the enemy in the camp. In doing so, God magnified the sound of their footsteps as a mighty army, even the noise of chariots, horses, and a great multitude, and as a result, the enemy fled. Then, the lepers spoiled their tents and were able to help themselves and others. It’s time for us to get up and go into the enemy’s camp to take back what he stole from you… and more. The lepers could have either stayed in a “rut” to “rot,” but they decided to move on.

Some remedies for ruts: Recognizing and acknowledging you are in a rut and determining that you will get out, changing your attitude, believing for the best outcome, making a concerted effort, and creating a solution designed to reach your destiny. Move and seek God’s help and remember, “faith without works is dead;” setting and achieving continual growth goals to assist you in snapping out of your monotonous routine. 

What are some ruts that you face and want to get out of now? You know what these are. Are you engaged in some non-edifying practices or habits that may not necessarily be classified as sin, but are things that are not expedient and are actions that hinder your prayer life? Do they prohibit you from reaching your maximum potential in God’s kingdom, and from doing what He desires? 

Lord, help us to enter into the full freedom of our calling to pray and to be committed Christians. Even King David “encouraged Himself in the Lord,” when he encountered adverse circumstances (I Samuel 30:6). Sometimes it takes guts to come out of your ruts. By your sincere efforts and through God’s help, please strut out of your rut! Don’t keep your wheels spinning, but strut out of your rut. And it’s okay to add a little humor during your exit, by leaving some dirt on the face of the enemy from the backsplash as you move forward to “strut out of your rut” to FREEDOM!

Flo Shaw

Director

World Network of Prayer

“Finding Freedom” 

July 23, 2O24

In Christianity, forgiveness is central to the message of Jesus Christ. It is through God's grace and forgiveness that believers can experience freedom from guilt and shame. By praying for those who are struggling with guilt, shame, or a lack of forgiveness, it demonstrates a compassionate and empathetic mindset that aligns with the teachings of Christ. This prayer encourages believers to seek healing and restoration, just as King David did in the Bible, and to actively support others in their journey towards experiencing God's forgiveness and the joy and freedom it brings.

By asking for God's guidance in molding us into vessels that honor Him, glorify His name, and reflect His love and mercy, we acknowledge our need for His transformative power in our lives. It highlights our desire to align with God's will and teachings, demonstrating a surrender of our own desires and priorities.

This prayer also recognizes that our lives should not only be centered around ourselves but should ultimately be directed towards impacting the world around us. By reflecting God's love and mercy, we aim to serve as representatives of Christ and be a positive influence on others.

Thus, this prayer serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's will, aligning our lives with His teachings, and living in a way that honors and reflects Christ in all aspects of our lives.

Pray:

• Heavenly Father, we lift up those among us who are struggling with guilt, shame, or a lack of forgiveness. 

• Just as you lifted up King David, bring healing and restoration to their lives. 

• Help them experience the fullness of your forgiveness and leap forward in joy and freedom.

• Lord may the lessons taught by King David inspire us to become men and women after your own heart. 

• Mold us into vessels that honor you, glorify your name, and reflect your love and mercy to the world around us. 

• In Jesus' powerful name, we pray. Amen.

Dr. Margaret Banks-Butler 

WNOP International Harvest Prayer Coordinator