September 19

Morning

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery. — Gal 5:1 BSB

This "liberty" makes us free to access heaven’s charter—the Bible. Here’s a beautiful passage for you, believer: “When you pass through the rivers—I will be with you.” That promise is yours. Here’s another: “The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you.” You are free to claim that as well. You are welcome at the table of the promises. Scripture is a never-failing treasure house, overflowing with grace. It is the bank of heaven, and you may draw from it as much as you need, without any cost or restriction. Come in faith, and every covenant blessing is yours. Not one promise in the Word will be held back. When you find yourself in tribulation, let this freedom be your comfort. In times of distress, let it be your encouragement. When sorrows surround you, let it be your solace. This is your Father’s gift to you, and you are free to claim it at all times.

You also have free access to the throne of grace. As a believer, you have the privilege to approach your heavenly Father at any moment. Whatever your desires, struggles, or needs, you are free to bring them before Him. No matter how much you have sinned, you can ask for and expect forgiveness. No matter how poor you are, you can remind Him of His promise to provide all that you need. You have the right to approach His throne, whether it’s in the darkest hour of night or the brightest part of the day. Use your privilege, O believer, and live fully in the freedom that is yours.

You are also free to claim everything stored up in Christ—wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Whatever your need, Christ’s abundance is available to you! What a freedom is yours! Freedom from condemnation, freedom to claim the promises, freedom to approach the throne of grace, and ultimately, freedom to enter heaven!

Evening

I prayed for this boy, and since the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him, — 1 Sam 1:27 BSB

Devout hearts love to reflect on the blessings they have received in answer to prayer, for they can see God’s special love in them. When we can call our blessings "Samuel," meaning “asked of God,” they become as precious to us as Hannah’s child was to her. Peninnah had many children, but they came as ordinary gifts, not sought in prayer—Hannah’s one heaven-sent child was far more precious, for he was the result of her earnest pleading.

How sweet was that water to Samson, which he found at “the well of him who prayed!” While bitterness can taint any blessing, the cup of prayer sweetens everything it brings. If we have prayed for the salvation of our children, how much more joyful it is when they are saved, knowing they are the fruit of our petitions! It’s even better to see them as answers to prayer than merely as the fruit of our bodies. When we seek God for spiritual gifts, the blessings come wrapped in the gold cloth of His faithfulness, making them doubly precious. If we pray for success in the Lord’s work, how joyful we are when it comes, knowing it arrived on the wings of prayer! It’s always best to receive blessings through the legitimate doorway of prayer; then they are true blessings and not temptations.

Even when answers are delayed, the blessing becomes all the richer for the waiting. The child Jesus was even more precious to Mary when she found Him after searching in sorrow. What we gain through prayer should be dedicated to God, just as Hannah dedicated Samuel. The gift came from heaven, so it should return to heaven. Prayer brought it, gratitude rejoices over it, and devotion consecrates it. This provides a special opportunity to say, “Of Your own, Lord, have I given to You.” Reader, do you find prayer to be your delight, or is it a burden? Which is it for you?