In the bustling noise of the shop I looked around to see what people were doing. There were some brewing coffees, others reading books, texting, checking facebook, and a few having conversations. One thing they all had in common is they were hanging out. Many times “hanging out” is viewed as an effortless task. But it isnt, for they were there to invest time and energy into something or someone.

When we believe in Christ, we are to abide or hang out in His word. To hang out in his word is to invest time and energy into knowing Him in His word. Christ said “if you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples…”  How much energy does it take to really know someone? Lots! But so often we expect this to be different when it comes to the word. We dont know the answers and we expect the answer to just appear. But when we abide in His word we investigate, define, interpret, search, meditate and pray to find the answer and better know God.

This abiding comes with a promise. When we abide in His word we are garunteed to “know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” So when freedom from sin is not happening what do we do? Blame the Word of God? No way! Ask yourself “how much time have I hung out in God’s word?” Have you had your spiritual coffee, your text message, or facebook notification to hear God and be with Him? Because when you do freedom is your promise.

Freedom from the weight of sin. Freedom from a broken relationship. Freedom from being deceived by the lies of the devil. Freedom to know that you are in Christ and His grace frees you to love and serve Him. For He is a good, good Father. He loves you, and wants you to know Him. God is jealous for you, be jealous for Him!

31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?”
34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. 38 I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.”