May 23, 2026
Seventh Week of Easter
True Freedom
[Paul] received all who came to him, and with complete assurance and without hindrance he proclaimed the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 28:30-31

It was a paradox. Paul spent two years under house arrest in Rome. And yet, it was a time of freedom for him. He evangelized to all who visited him and, possibly, wrote the letters to Philemon, the Colossians, the Philippians. Paul made the most of his time regardless of the visible strictures on him. We have limitations too. Maybe mobility or money prevents us from participating in some of the ministries or activities we once loved or would like to try. But like Paul, we can evangelize without ever leaving our own home. We can write notes and texts of encouragement. We can be present to visitors. And we can pray for the grace to view this time as spiritual freedom, not as one of restriction.

Jesus, help me to see the gifts in my limitations and how I can serve you.

- Melanie Rigney

Acts 28:16-20, 30-31 ✚ Psalm 11:4-5, 7 ✚ John 21:20-25
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Comments

Salina (not in control)
May 23, 2026 at 11:19 AM

Scripture is full of paradoxes!!! When you are weak, you are strong (2 Corinthains 12:10)! When you want to save your life, you lose it (Matthew 16:25)! When you exalt yourself, you will be humbled and when you humble yourself, you will be exalted (Matthew 23:12)! My all time favorite I used when my girls were younger: Last will be first and first will be last (Matthew 20:16, Mark 10:31, Luke 13:30)! ******* I love and admire Paul’s heart and love for God and his focus on God’s will in all he did and say!!! *** 2 Corinthians 6:3-10, “We...
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Salina (not in control)
May 23, 2026 at 11:23 AM

From fear to faith and from friction to freedom ✝️

Holly
May 23, 2026 at 11:13 AM

Amen! Thank you Melanie

freeter
May 23, 2026 at 10:44 AM

Amen. :)

CBR
May 23, 2026 at 09:16 AM

Amen Amen Amen God help us see how we can do your will not ours .

Stormi
May 23, 2026 at 08:49 AM

Melanie thank you for those words of reflections. A subject of deep thought for all of us and a time to self reflect on our personal abilities. Blessings to all the LFF and a safe holiday weekend. Blessings to those with extra needs these days and for the memory of all those lost in war and in our lives. Holy Spirit fill the hearts of all to guide us to a more heavenly world.

Gary
May 23, 2026 at 08:33 AM

"Lord help me see the gifts in my limitations". Amen!

Vicky G
May 23, 2026 at 09:07 AM

Amen indeed!

Mike
May 23, 2026 at 07:45 AM

Amen

Cheryl
May 23, 2026 at 06:44 AM

Amen

Bill L
May 23, 2026 at 03:56 AM

So true, Melanie. As soon as we realize we can't or shouldn't have to take on everything, we can focus on the abilities we can offer. Maybe I'm not a good reader but I can serve as an usher or a greeter welcoming people. Or my busy schedule keeps me away from helping at the food pantry, but I can bring extra food to donate to that pantry. With so many gifts we possess it is important to remember to give back.

Young woman writing letter at table. Image by Pixel-Shot | stock.adobe.com
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