Pathways to Freedom

July 17, 2024

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In a passionate class filled with scriptural insights and personal testimonies, Bishop Benjamin reminded us that God is a healer—a present help who delivers salvation here and now. Drawing from the rich language of Psalm 119, he urged us to trust in God’s word, pray boldly, forgive freely, and walk in true liberty. Below are the key themes and lessons from his message.

God’s Healing and Present Salvation

Bishop Benjamin opened by emphasizing that God is not a distant deity but a self-existent, eternal Lord—Jehovah—who desires a personal relationship with His people. He reminded us that salvation isn’t something reserved for the afterlife; rather, it is God’s deliverance, help, and victory available in our present moment. Quoting Psalm 119 (verses 41–45), he explained that David’s prayer wasn’t merely a passive plea but a declaration:

  • “Let thy mercies come also unto me, O Lord, even thy salvation”
  • “I will walk at liberty, for I seek thy precepts.”

These verses show that when we trust in God’s word, we receive His mercy and salvation—our daily help and safety right now.

Praying Boldly and with Confidence

Bishop Benjamin challenged the notion that prayer should be tentative or reserved. Instead, he encouraged us to approach God with boldness and confidence. He explained that true prayer is not a timid, “if you can, help me” request. Instead, it is a robust, heartfelt challenge:

  • We must “push God to prove Himself,” much like the Jewish tradition of testing God’s faithfulness.
  • Our prayers should be active, calling on the Lord to move, deliver, and defeat our enemies in our time of need.

In doing so, we come before God not as weak supplicants but as bold believers who know that His word never fails.

The Power of Forgiveness and Letting Go

Another central theme of the lesson was forgiveness. Bishop Benjamin noted that forgiveness is not merely about saying “I’m sorry”—it is about releasing the burdens that keep us chained to our past hurts. Holding on to anger or grudges is like keeping someone confined in a prison; forgiving, however, is setting them free. This release not only frees others but also liberates us to walk in the fullness of God’s mercy and love.

Living in Liberty Through Trust in God’s Word

Trusting in God’s word means more than simply reciting scripture—it means living it out with conviction. Bishop Benjamin pointed out that:

  • “I will walk at liberty for I seek thy precepts” implies that our freedom is secured when we align our thoughts and actions with God’s truth.
  • Our decisions and plans should come from an abundance of careful thought, reflecting the wisdom of God’s own planning before creation.

This kind of trust infuses us with a boldness that frees us from the excessive burdens imposed by worldly systems, allowing us to stand strong in our convictions.

Daily Bread and Divine Provision

Using the familiar prayer, “Give us this day our daily bread,” Bishop Benjamin reminded us that God provides for every need—often in abundance. Daily bread isn’t a small crumb; it represents all the provision we require, whether for physical sustenance, healing, or the resources needed to carry out our mission. Trusting in God’s provision allows us to “cast all our cares upon Him,” knowing that He cares for us.

Embracing Bold Liberty in Perilous Times

Reflecting on current events and the challenges our nation faces, Bishop Benjamin declared that our freedom and boldness are not to be passive. Instead, our liberty must be lived out "on steroids"—with fearless determination:

  • Our freedom is not defined by the limitations of political systems or economic hardships, but by our relationship with Jesus.
  • In times of peril, such as the threats to our nation’s well-being and the ongoing struggle against injustice, we are called to stand up with confidence and truth.

He cited scriptures from both the Old and New Testaments to show that while the enemy may try to discourage us, our trust in God’s word gives us the strength to overcome every challenge.

Final Encouragement

Bishop Benjamin’s message is a call to action—a reminder that God’s healing, deliverance, and mercy are available right now. By praying boldly, forgiving wholeheartedly, and walking in the liberty that comes from trusting in His precepts, we position ourselves to receive the abundant “daily bread” He promises. Our lives, our freedom, and our victories are secured not in our own strength, but in the power of God’s eternal word.

Let us then step forward with boldness and confidence, knowing that:

  • God is our present help in times of trouble.
  • Our prayers, when offered with sincere boldness, are answered.
  • Forgiveness releases us from unnecessary burdens.
  • Living in God’s truth empowers us to walk in true liberty.

May we embrace this call to live fearlessly, trusting that the Lord’s salvation and healing are our strength today and every day.

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