“Freedom is only fulfilling if experienced within the rules of love.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – November 11, 2026
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:6-7, NIV
Today we honor our Veterans, who sacrificed for their families, country, and God so we could experience freedom. Freedom that flows out of submission to Christ is not self-will, but free of self to do God’s will. The ball and chain of unbelief that shackled my soul has been unlocked by love and unfettered by grace through faith. The cross of Jesus Christ gave merciful clemency from my death sentence to hell, absent God, and replaced it with His abundant life on earth, topped only by eternal life with Him, forever in heaven. True freedom indeed. Grace gives me the freedom to resist the devil, overcome sin, and tame my self-will!
Liberty in the Lord is truly lasting freedom. Outside of submission to God Almighty, we become a discontented, miserable slave to the almighty dollar, to people and to things. To be a servant of Christ is a much greater glory than the greatest monarch on earth. Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and He reigns! We are children and friends of the Most High, free to serve, free to love and free to obey. Paul describes himself as a prisoner for the Lord, free but under God’s authority:
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3).
Freedom is only fulfilling if experienced within the rules of love. God gives his children guidelines to grow their capacity to love and to protect them from unwise decisions, even sinful tendencies. Treat your neighbor as you would want to be treated. Battle covetousness and idolatry with gratitude and generosity. Submission to Christ positions us to be loved by Christ and to love others like Christ.
What does submission to God look like? Sub means under. It’s getting under the Lord’s mission to love. It’s not demanding our rights, but trusting Jesus to do the right thing in the right way. We can disagree as we submit, knowing God is in control and He is the ultimate judge.
“Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus—that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains” (Philemon 1:8-10).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I submit to You and trust You to work out Your will in Your timing, through Christ’s love and in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
What situation or decision do I need to submit to God and the authorities over my life, and trust the Spirit to orchestrate the best outcome?
Related Reading
Psalm 81:10-12; Proverbs 3:5-7; Romans 8:6-8; Romans 13:4-6; 1 Corinthians 16:15-17; Ephesians 5:21
Worship Resource
Hillsong Worship: Freedom
Donate
If you are blessed by these daily devotionals please prayerfully consider a donation to support Wisdom Hunters Resources. We are trusting the Lord for His provision.
Download our app!
