We would like to start this off with the definition of free will which is the power of acting without the constraint of necessity or fate. The ability to act at one's own discretion.
We use free will every day when we pick out what to wear, eat and drink. Because free will is what we use every day without giving much thought to its true meaning as we use it in the physical sense. But what about using free will spiritually speaking? The Bible talks about free will a total of eighteen times. From Genesis to Revelation, all one has to do is look for them within.
Free Will In The Bible
Here are two examples of this: 1 Corinthians 10:13 verse 13 -
"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."
And example number two: Galatians 5:13 verse 13 -
"Life by the Spirit, you, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love."
Now these are two of many you can find by looking them up, God gave all of us free will and there are those out there who use it for good and then there are those who use it for evil, for control, for personal gain as well as power, fame and wealth and, to hurt others. What path we choose will have an everlasting effect on us as spiritual beings and our lives in general.
Creation
We were all created in his image, his likeness and when people curse him and push him away not only does it hurt him, it gives the devil an invitation. This is a chance to step in and ensnare us by offering those same things that god was cursed for not giving us, and so we accept them wholeheartedly without bothering to see the consequences further on down the line - until it's too late.
Gifts Galore
The devil will gladly give you anything and everything with the price tag of your soul, and it is now up to you to use your God-given free will to decide which path to take and in some cases most will choose God but in other cases they choose the latter, and by choosing the devil they are forced into a life of torment, oppression and eventually possession with death being the ultimate goal.
A good example of this is when famous people, people of power and influence openly talk about making deals with the devil to get where they are now. This is not a joke as they are openly telling you that they did this. When they speak of being in front of a huge crowd and the music starts and something takes over, it's their attachment they were given after making that deal.
Temptation
The devil tempts us every day with the hope of trying to ensnare us to find a way in, to get us away from God, and with that same free will we can choose to embrace God and put on our spiritual armor or again choose the latter. The temptation is everywhere. Another good example of it is Genesis when the serpent comes into the garden to tempt Eve, and tricks her into eating the apple from the tree and the downfall of humanity, because before we were without sin.
I don't know about you all, but I choose God because for me he is the light, the truth, and the way and I wear daily the full armor of God. Here are some prayers concerning this:
Armor Of God Prayer
Ephesians 6:10-18 says,
"Put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything to stand"
“Stand firm then with the Belt of Truth buckled around your waist... (Lord, please give me the understanding of what is true and right in every situation I walk into today.)
“With the Breastplate of Righteousness in place... (Lord, I thank you that I am loved by you and that you have washed my sin away and covered my doubt.)
“And with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of Peace..... (Lord, remind me today to be open to what you want me to do; use my hands and feet and show me people you would have me do something for today.)
“In addition to all this the Shield of Faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one..... (Lord, I thank you that by faith in your power I can be protected from temptation and wrong desires today. Guide me and protect me. Keep me from temptation and increase my faith in you.)
“Take up the Helmet of Salvation... (Lord, I celebrate the fact that I am your child!) - “and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.... (Lord, give me the desire to read your word. Help me not to just read it but to obey it as well.) - “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests...
(Lord, guide my day problems of the day to you as they arise.) - “With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints....”
Lord, keep me alert and focused on you today for you are my hope! Amen.
God Bless.
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