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Freedom

Ivey Rorie On July 3, 2023 / Word of the Day / Leave a comment

Galatians 5: 1

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

As we celebrate our day of Independence, perhaps we can also say a “Thank You” to Jesus for the liberty he bought us. In fact, it is this very idea of liberty which Jesus provided that is at the heart of the Independence Day story.

The founders believed that God made us to enjoy freedom and that no government had to right to take away from us that which Jesus won for us. Paul recognized, though, that freedom is a fragile thing. It is not sealed in concrete. That is why Paul counseled that we must continue to stand firm. However, it wasn’t governmental entities that Paul was concerned about. In fact, Jesus’ disciples thought he came to bring political freedom. There is a much more devastating bondage, and it is from this slavery that Jesus set us free. It is about this kind of slavery that Paul warned us. It is spiritual slavery.

On this Independence Day, take some time to talk with the Heavenly Father. Ask Him, “What is it that binds me? Is there anything which keeps me from living in the fullness of liberty that you had in mind for me?” People understand bondage to a chemical dependency like drugs or alcohol, but there are more insidious chains which, though sometimes almost invisible, have the power to undermine our lives, our happiness and even our destinies. Let Jesus be your liberator this Independence Day!

Tried and Tested

Ivey Rorie On May 12, 2020 / Word of the Day / Leave a comment

Romans 12: 10 NKJV

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another.

I used this quote once before in the last 40 days of this covid conundrum. It is from Thomas Paine who, in another very trying time in American history, penned these words, “These are the times that try men’s souls.” This quote is from December 23, 1776. No doubt the souls of people were sorely tried and some, no doubt, found wanting. Allow me to share more of the quote. He went on to write, “The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.” Beautiful and riveting!

Does that quote stir your patriotic verve? Do you feel the resolution to serve one another even in the face of overwhelming circumstances? I do. I feel his resolve like an iron rod, and it moves me. And I thank my God that it moves me for what kind of person, or Christian, would I be if I do not feel the angst of my fellow Americans and the fight that we are in. Paine was speaking to a divided group, wasn’t he? He saw people tried and tested. He saw the immense pressure his peers were under. He also saw that some stood up to the pressure while others crumbled. Remember that some were pledging their lives and their fortunes for the greater purpose. They were putting their hard-earned wealth and liberties on the line to fight for a greater liberty. And freedom means that we must sacrifice it in order to preserve it. The very nature of liberty is that it has a cost and often the cost is liberty itself. Its great value is in choice. We choose to give up our lives, our fortunes and our self-interest in order to fight for the greater good. That is why the cost of liberty is liberty. It only works when it is freely given. We have preserved that choice in this country. You have the right to choose to be selfless which is what Paine was trying to encourage along with fealty and esprit de corps. Those words sound archaic. Have we forgotten what they mean? Or instead, do they still quicken the heart rate of Americans to this day? I pray it is the latter.

I am reminded also of this great quote, “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” Do you remember that one, and who said it and the circumstances of the time? It was another time the nation was in great distress. We are living in a historical moment too. What will be the refrain which comes of it? What will we say of ourselves when we look back at this time of crisis?

The dialogue in America has changed over the last many weeks. We’ve been fighting a foe that we cannot see and whose invasion is subtle and imperceptible. We cannot get the bite of our swords into our adversary, so we have turned on one another. We’ve changed from “We are all in this together” to a discourse of we versus them. Our jobs as Christians is to take our eyes off ourselves and ask what we can do for others. We began this way. What happened to us?

Look at today’s verse from the New Living Translation, “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” Let’s pick up this banner again and wave it proudly across our nation. Let’s again ask ourselves what we can do for others. What can you do that is purely selfless that helps someone else? What can you say that brings encouragement? It’s only been one week since “Giving Tuesday” and less than that from the National Day of Prayer. Perhaps those two memorials can inspire us again this week. Can you give something? God knows we need the prayer.

Please, take this time to assess where we are right now. Not politically, not the rhetoric but where we stand as Americans and Christians. To what are we giving our passion? Are we given to rants or prayer? This is the time when it gets hard. And this is exactly what Paine witnessed. What began well, wanes as people tire. Everyone is supportive and gung-ho in the beginning but as a situation wears on it takes real fortitude to continue to stand in the fight. But this is my question, if not us, then whom? To whom do we delegate prayer, love and compassion?

My beloved, I come to you today asking for your heart. I know you too are tired. There have been many pressures and inconveniences, but your country needs you. No, not the other guy, you. You are the most dedicated people on earth. And I have seen you demonstrate unparalleled kindness and compassion. So, I am asking you to reach deep down today for the very heart of God which resides within you. Christians, unite, in the mighty name of our Lord and pray from a heart of love and compassion. Do not allow anything to divide us. Let us not fail in our mission to love one another and to serve one another with compassion. Protect and guard your heart.

And I pray for each of you. I know you are tired and weary. I know you are suffering. I hold you up in the name of Jesus and ask for his soothing touch to comfort you. I pray all your needs met in the name of Jesus. Thank you.

Fullness of Joy

Ivey Rorie On January 16, 2020 / Word of the Day / Leave a comment

Psalm 16:11

You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

There are easily several messages contained in this passage. The one that shouts most loudly to me today is there is fullness of joy in His presence. There is joy in Jesus, which means there is an answer to depression. I want to say it this way, there is no need to be depressed. Here me though, this isn’t to make light of depression and anxiety. Rather, the purpose of my comments is to extend hope and compassion. Jesus came that we might have life in its fullest expression, and one cannot enjoy abundant life while plagued with depression. Jesus also said that he came to proclaim liberty to the captives, and I would hope that my ministry might be known as setting people free. There are all kinds of bondages which weigh us down in life. Living with depression is certainly an unwelcomed burden. Jesus came to set us free from the oppression of depression.

Today’s verse does not say there is no such thing as depression for Christians. And, I do not wish for you to judge yourself or feel any sense of guilt because you sometimes suffer from depression. What this verse says that in the presence of our Lord, there is no depression because there is fullness of joy.

Understand that joy and happiness are not the same thing. I am not after happiness today as much as joy. Joy is a deep-seated belief that all is well. It has to do with Shalom, perfect peace, nothing missing, nothing broken. When we are conscious of being in the presence of Jesus or our beloved Father, then the worries, anxiety and fear of the troubles of this world fade away. The more we bask in the light of His presence, the more the worldly issues dissipate. Depression is dark and gloomy. Jesus’ presence is light. Remember that our God and Father is our sun. He is shining the glory of His presence and the warmth of His love upon us every time we move into His presence. Now, how do we partake of His presence.

When you are down or depressed, it is hard to reach out and touch the joy of the Lord. It is difficult to connect with His presence. Of course, deep meditation will take you right into the Lord’s presence but if you are in a state where that is a challenge, the best thing to do is to get out of your house and into a Spirit filled worship service. Sometimes even leaving the house is a challenge but getting out of the house is often a major help. Still, if that is impossible, there is so much online content these days that it is easy to reach out for music, praise, worship and teachings. You can become a member of church groups online. You can call prayer lines and talk with an actual human. There are resources which we can employ to help bring us into the Lord’s presence.

One of my favorite blue funk day tools is music. Please understand that I am not comparing a blue funk with clinical depression. None the less, the power of praise music should not be underestimated. I especially like songs about the blood but there is so much opportunity, musically, that everyone can find something that speaks to them.

As you praise, focus your attention on the presence of Jesus and the angelic host all around you. Let the light begin to penetrate your body and your consciousness. Release your tension to that flow of light and music. Relax all the stress from your body and then release it from your mind and spirit. Be at peace and enjoy the presence of the Lord.

Don’t let the devil steal your joy. He sure wants to. Get into the presence of our beloved and allow Him to fill you to overflowing. Remember, Jesus came to bring abundance, not a little trickle.

Mostly, please don’t feel alone. There are people, including myself, who care about you. Reach out to others. Get together with a group of believers, go to a church service, or just call someone. Don’t isolate yourself. God has promised He will never leave you nor forsake you. He is with you right now and in His presence is fullness of joy. Let this, and Him, minister to you.

Law or Liberty

Ivey Rorie On February 14, 2019 / Word of the Day / Leave a comment

Psalm 1: 2

But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.

I want to talk about prayer and study today. I continually encourage you to read your Bible but the question is, is this a matter of law or can we find liberty in it.

We live in a period of grace, Jesus having saved us from the curse of the law and being the very fulfillment of the law in this age. So, is it right or acceptable for ministers to teach and advocate the exercise of legal requirements? I think the answer is no but I think we do it so we must be vigilant to preach liberty to the captives. We tell you to tithe and to give offerings. We tell you to read your Bible and pray daily. Does it begin to sound like law. In other words, is this something you must do in order to please God?

The Bible says, “without faith it is impossible to please Him,” (Hebrews 11: 6). So, anything we do without faith will not please Him. That includes reading your Bible and even praying. That is a big concept, isn’t it? Don’t get me wrong. I want you to read your Bible every day. I want you to spend time talking with Dad. It’s just that I want you to do it because you choose to, not because the law requires it of you. Reading the Word, meditating on it, discussing it with the three persons of the trinity are important because in those tasks are key elements to your freedom, success and overall wellness. We are learning that it is good for our brains, good for our bodies and good even for our pocketbooks. The same is true of giving into God’s work. I do not want it to sound like law. I want you doing these things because it is healthy to your life.

Any thing which draws you closer to Jesus is going to make you happier, healthier and more prosperous. Listening to his voice is key to having the abundant life Jesus came to give you. I have pointed out Joshua 1: 8 several times before. This was God’s advice to Joshua when he was required to assume the leadership of Israel after Moses’ death. It reads, “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night.” Even when God spoke this to Joshua He did not give it to him as law. God wanted to encourage Joshua and give him the help he needed. So God told him to camp in the Word. It is for this same reason that I and others continuously encourage you to read and think about what the Bible teaches. If it is the single best piece of advice God could come up with, it must be pretty potent.

Literally, this verse from the book of Joshua means to observe the Word. In other words, we are to engage ourselves with it, looking to see what it says and what it does. And, it’s not as if we don’t have Jesus, Father and the Holy Spirit to ask when we don’t understand it. God promised He would give us wisdom when we ask but it usually comes when we are focused on His Word. Spend an hour in it or three days in it as Kenneth Copeland often does, and you will also observe some things that are not only fascinating but life giving as well.

There are promises which go with focused attention to the Word. I didn’t share verse three with you until now. It promises that the person who does ponder Father’s Word will be “like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.” Come on! That’s great news! So, don’t meditate day and night because you are commanded to. Don’t do it because you feel a compunction. Do it as an exercise of your liberty and in faith because you want to. Desire to know what Father has hidden in those pages just for you. It is a veritable gold mine. Really! The Word has power to transform lives, especially yours because you are already open to His heart. You are unique in the body of Christ as you are devout in reading this daily devotional. Let Father impart even more into your life. Be Joshua. Be the believer who is firmly planted by streams of water. Be free to live abundantly.

Celebrating Independence

Ivey Rorie On July 4, 2018 / Word of the Day / Leave a comment

What does Independence Day mean to you? We honor our currently serving service people as well as all veterans. We have cookouts and fireworks. For many of us it is about food and family. Let us not forget, however, that this holiday is a celebration of our liberation from Colonial Great Britain and while Great Britain is a great friend of ours, we should recall that the nation many of us call home exists because people had a vision from God of what their lives and this land could be. As we recall the price generations of people have paid for our liberty, let us not forget the original struggle for independence that is at the heart of this celebration. Take it into your heart. Think about the early framers and the men and women who made perilous journey’s to their “promised land” and gave us all the chance to live in a free country. This is a great privilege and not one to be taken lightly.

Today we celebrate our independence. We fought for our independence from Great Britain so that we would be answerable to only one authority, our God. He is our king. He is the original framer of this country. Give Him worship for all He has done!

Arise

Ivey Rorie On May 14, 2018 / Word of the Day / Leave a comment

John 11: 44

Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

This puts me in remembrance of the Israelites in captivity in Egypt. God repeatedly said to Pharaoh, “Let My people go!” Jesus came to earth proclaiming liberty to the captives and freedom to prisoners. We saw that Galatians 5: 1 reads, “It was for freedom that Christ set us free.” Most people who read this daily devotional are blessed to live in countries where they enjoy political and social freedom. The troubling truth, though, is that far too many of us are weighted down with grave clothes and are not living the life of freedom mentally, emotionally or spiritually that Jesus’ victory provides us.

The greater part of us are well acquainted with spiritual death. We were lost, just floundering our way through life when Jesus reached out and brought us into fellowship with him. That fellowship gave us new life, a redeemed life. It is a miracle and a daily joy but sometimes we forget how it felt to be dead. Do you remember what it was like before you had hope? Do you remember the daily frustrations and continuous trials?

Life in Jesus offers hope, but it also yields freedom. The more intertwined our lives become with his, the more free we live. It is amazing, truly. I have been a Christian as long as I can remember. Though, I can’t remember a time when Jesus wasn’t precious to me I have found a different way of living, a different flavor to my Christianity if you will. We have an ability to life our lives with and through him. Recall the words of Paul, “The life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God,” (Galatians 2: 20). Beyond mere Christianity is life in Christ and that is our real objective. It is living with him and for him in every moment of our existence. The concept is so far beyond what I originally learned that I still find it a mind stretching experience. Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well that if she would drink of the water he offers, she would never thirst again yet how many of us are spiritually parched. There is life and freedom in Christ. Those are not mere words. That kind of truth, however, only comes through laying down our own lives. How does one do that?

Here is my advice. Seek God with all your heart and might. Our Christian walk is often characterized by phases of growth often resulting in a different relationship with the Trinity. I began one of those deeper walks thirteen years ago which completely transformed my life. It began, though, with seeking him. Through that my life and his life have become one amalgamated existence. There no longer is any me without him. And, truthfully, I have become part of him too. This intertwining has changed every aspect of my life: my health, nutrition, relationships, patience, level of spiritual revelation, peace, even every day tasks are easier and I am more successful in the things I do because he is in the midst of them. He really is in everything, even your breath and this shakes the grave clothes from your body so that the life you live is one of vitality, joy, peace and, when we are doing it right, even ease. He gives us the grace to live above our ability, wisdom or knowledge. He gives us a lighter step and clearer eyes.

Shake the grave clothes from your frame. Arise and live. There is fullness of life in Christ Jesus and I honestly want every drop of it in you. My desire is that you live in overflowing abundance of his grace and goodness. Let my people go! Be free! Enjoy a life intertwined with Jesus.

Who Condemns?

Ivey Rorie On May 11, 2018 / Word of the Day / Leave a comment

Romans 8: 34 NIV

Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

Yesterday I wrote to you about condemnation and freedom. Today’s verse asks, “Who … condemns?” There is only one fit and worthy to condemn anyone. That is Jesus. It was he who went to the cross, died and then arose to sit in glory at the right hand of the Father. So, does he sit there whispering into the Father’s ear all the things we are doing wrong? No. He constantly intercedes for us. Intercession is prayer on the behalf of someone else.

Jesus won his battle. He accomplished his purpose. Why isn’t he just relaxing, eating grapes. For that matter, why doesn’t he complain about all he did for us and how we fail to utilize his good gifts and even the way so many people ignore what he did for them. We may not be very holy either but at least we recognize his sacrifice.

The only person who is worthy to condemn you has chosen, instead, to pray for you. What does that tell you about condemnation and freedom? God values liberty over criticism. He isn’t a disapproving God. He sent his son to you so that your approval is guaranteed. Rejoice in the loving God who accepts you and calls you His own.

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