So Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects.  Acts 17:22

Even though these words were spoken a long time ago to another culture, they ring afresh in our ears today.  Why?  Many of us have traded a life giving relationship with Jesus for religion.

We falsely believe that church attendance will save us, tithing will save us or an adherence to a set of rules or liturgical tradition will guarantee us a spot in Heaven.  While the above things may be wrong or right depending on your flavor of Christianity, they never substitute for a relationship with Jesus.

Christianity is not about denominations, movement or rules.  It is about a relationship with a risen Savior who yearns to be a part of each of our lives.  So I ask you this question:  When was the last time you were personal with the Lord?  Being personal with Him means pursuing Him, listening for His voice and yearning for His touch.

You don’t need a church or pastor to get to Jesus.  All you need is a heart that is willing to pursue Him.  I encourage you today to do just that.  Get out that Bible you lug to church on Sunday, open it up and let Him begin to speak to you.

Shane Creech

There has never

been a time in history when the message of Set Free has been more needed than now.  All around us is chaos and confusion.  There seems to be no solid rock on which to stand.  Even in the church we have run out of self help ideas and feel good sermons.  The world and the church are running scared and out of options.

But there is hope.  That hope is found in Jesus.  He is and always has been the one person that all of us can count on.  When I was first arrested, I wasn’t sure who Jesus was.  I knew about God.  I knew about church.  Jesus, though, was a mystery to me.

It wasn’t until I was baptized in the Holy Spirit that I encountered Him.  When I got saved, I professed Him.  That profession was based on my faith in His death and resurrection.  When I was baptized, I was immersed with Him.  I felt His joy, His goodness, His mercy and His faithfulness in times of trouble.

When the world seemed to be falling apart around me there in that prison, I would retreat into Him.  I think it is time that we do the same today.  Now, when I say retreat, I don’t mean give up.  On the contrary, He is the Lion of Judah.  He never backs down to the enemy of our souls.  No, I mean to rest in Him.  To retreat into Jesus is to pursue HIm with all of our hearts and surround ourselves with the shield of His word.

This is the only hope for the church of the last of the last days.  Jesus!  He has to be our cornerstone and all we desire.

Shane Creech

Recently I received a report of a healing that took place in a young man’s back after reading the book.  The story of how God taught me biblical faith in the midst of my ordeal inspired him to stand in faith for his healing.  The very first time he spoke to his mountain, it seemed that nothing happened.  The very next morning when he woke up though God came through.  As he stood up from the breakfast table, his back made a rather large popping sound.

The sound was so loud that it startled his children sitting nearby.  He thought that he had hurt himself further.  Turns out that he has just been healed.  Since that time he has had no more pain in his back.  I am so thankful of how God is using the book to touch countless lives!

Set Free is also a great evangelism tool.  If you know someone who needs Jesus, I urge you to get a copy today for them.

Shane Crech

Why? Because  biblical faith puts a child like trust in a father like our God to keep His word to His children. Children know that they know daddy is going to take care of them. They don’t have to ask His will concerning if daddy wants them well. What twisted father would want his children sick? Children trust and they know. They are not hoping when they come to daddy for a promise that he gave them. Instead, they are banking on that promise to come to pass. They trust daddy’s word. They know it is already done.

Christians should be the same way. True there are some times, when we have to seek God’s will in a situation. I am sure Joshua never marched around walls before and it is never recorded that he did it again. Still he had a word from God that God had already given him the city.

We have a similar  promise in that Jesus always causes us to triumph in Christ Jesus if we simply trust Him at His word. We don’t have to go to another conference. We don’t need Pastor always. We don’t have to fast 40 days. We simply have to trust that God is not a liar and that He loves us enough to keep His word.

I love you all and am praying for you daily

Shane Creech