When the Apostle John at the little book, it was sweet in his mouth, but bitter in his belly. Why? And what can we learn from this illustration? https://www.cbcfindlay.org/do-you-see-your-bible-as-bitter-or-sweet/

* Devotional delivered during midweek prayer meeting. * Notes for devotional available in attached PDF.

How should the Christian use his or her freedom in Christ? In John 8:34-37, we read Jesus' explanation about the bondage to sin and freedom in Christ: "Jesus answered then, Verily, Verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever; but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you." Those who commit sin are the servant of sin - as illustrated by their murderous intent in verse 37. But by His gracious finished work, the Son of God has made believers free indeed.

When we stand in the presence of the Lord, and look back upon our lives, what will we see? A record of fruitfulness? Or a history of foolishness? Successfulness? Or selfishness? Excellence or emptiness? Even the Apostle Paul expressed his concern “that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain” (Philippians 2:16). This is why John 15:5 is so helpful to you and me. To avoid wasting your time and energy, take hold of your identity in Christ and the conditions for fruitful living.