We are Redeemed!

Ephesians 1:7
"He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins."

What does it mean to be redeemed? Redemption is being saved from the bondage of sin. We all know how heavily our sins weigh upon us, but just remember during those times that it is satan who is placing the guilt upon us. Jesus died for each of us to FORGIVE our sins and to REDEEM us, NOT to punish us and hold our sins over our heads.
By God's kindness we are redeemed...we do not have to work for our forgiveness. It was through God's LOVE for us that He sent His ONE AND ONLY Son to die on the cross for us. By His grace we are redeemed...we do not deserve forgiveness. If anything, we deserve to be punished for our sins, but He is gracious enough to wipe it all away. We just need to accept His grace and kindness, and allow our sins to be wiped away! Then, we need to live each day knowing we are covered by His kidness and grace, and let other people see us living those truths out!
God PURCHASED us. He values us so much so that He bought us at a very high price...His Son's life. We demonstrated this point of value to the kids yesterday with Haitian money. I held up the money, and I asked who wanted it...of course, every child wanted the money. I asked why, and they said to buy things. I crumbled the bill up, and asked again who wanted the bill. The children still wanted the money to buy something. I threw the bill on the ground and stomped on it, and still all the children wanted the money even though it was dirty. Just like the bill, even when it's a dirty mess, God still looks down on us and speaks to us saying how much He LOVES us and VALUES us!
Only through Jesus' BLOOD are we set free from the bondage of sin! Without His death and RESURRECTION we would not be saved from our sins.

Isn't it the greatest feeling to know that we have been SET FREE! We are REDEEMED!! Go forth, and live as though you have been set free from your bondage! Show those around you what it looks like to live each day free from your sin, and Praise the Lord for His Forgiveness! Praise Him for His mighty work within you that allows you to wake up each morning, and be set free...you don't have to live in bondage to your sins! Ask for forgiveness, and then LIVE knowing that God has wiped your slate clean! He has poured down His GRACE upon each of us! Pray and encourage one another because it is NOT easy sometimes to ACCEPT His forgiveness and grace. A lot of times it is easier to be trapped in a feeling of despair and hopelessness, but REMEMBER that is satan's way of tearing you down. Do NOT let satan get a foothold in your life...pray in Jesus name for satan to flee, and then EMBRACE God's truths that He VALUES you and He LOVES you!!

Live today knowing that you are REDEEMED!!

Blessings and Love!
Ashley