Liberty Here? No, Really.

This is probably one of the last places you'd think to look for real freedom

Author

Steven Pawley
November 08, 2025

Happy Saturday! I hope you have a great weekend. It’s really good to see you here!

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Trivia question: Barnabas. Way to go Nwogbo Chisom! Give today’s trivia a try.

Remember the goal: Go Deeper | Grow Stronger. You’ll get much more out of it this two-minute if you’ll slow down and use the hyperlinked Scripture references.

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Enjoy today’s read!

Listening last night to a pastor and author/theologian discussing the current breakdown in our culture, a statement was made that really grabbed my attention.

The goal of this bi-weekly newsletter is to create some tension with the Scriptures to help you think a little deeper (without me telling what to think or do) and allow the Spirit to fill in the blanks.

He’s far better at it than any of us. Maybe you could say it to yourself once in a while: “I’m not the Savior (Tuesday’s post) and I’m not the Holy Spirit (or holy spouse, sibling, or…?). God is.

Alright, so what did the author say? Basically, that there’s more liberty in saying “no” than in saying “yes”. Some tend to think “doing what I want” is real freedom. But it really leads to bondage.

Their conversation moved on, but the thought has been perking in me all night and day, like strong coffee. So here goes:

To live in the freedom God intends, you’ll have to say “no” to avoid controlling beliefs and behaviors. It makes a lot of sense, doesn’t it? Deep down we know this.

“No” builds boundaries where too many “yesses” have given permission to bondage. So God expects you to learn the value of “no”.

For your good, you say “no” to the inner you: the moral, emotional, attitudinal, ethical thoughts, deeds, affections and words that feed the flesh instead of the Spirit (Gal. 5:24, Rom. 13:14).

Maybe a relationship is toxic, sinful, fraudulent or unrepentant. A “no” establishes an appropriate boundary and God set the example.

He said, “get out and don’t come back” to Adam and Eve. This relationship can no longer be as it was, we need a new path forward and I’m taking the initiative (Gen 3:22-24).

Concerning someone’s work environment, He said “your services are no longer needed” when they no longer meet the terms of the agreement (1 Kgs 19:16).

He says “no” to those who misrepresent themselves as “Christian” (Mt. 7:21-23) or expect others to always forgive yet don’t or won’t change their behavior (Mt. 18:17).

Maybe it’s social media or your news feed (Psa. 106:39-48). Examine the passage. Distance was needed to encourage repentance, preserve the relationship and forge a better path forward.

There’s more freedom in “no” (Gal. 5:13).

Just be careful not to stretch what I’ve said. A two-minute read can create some tension, but you’ll need more context and careful consideration before you act.

So, grab that cup of strong coffee and let God’s Spirit speak.

(Dark Italian roast with some pumpkin spice for me. Reply and let me know your favorite blend 😉and while you’re at it, let me know how today’s read landed with you)

If you’d like a little more, check out the GO DEEPER section below.

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If You Would Like to GO DEEPER with Today’s Message:

Go back through the statements in the two-minute and use the Scripture hyperlinks to get better context.

They relate to things like your personal life (the inner person), home, relationships, work and church life, your commitments as well as habit forming things like devices.

Where do you need to [re]establish some healthy boundaries? These are the places where you might be saying “yes” too much to indulgences, impulses, or other people’s priorities or expectations for you.

Now, where do you need to [re]establish a firm but gracious “no”? We can’t do it this way any more or I can’t do it this way… or this is out of my lane or comfort zone… That kind of stuff.

Grab that cup of coffee and ask God to speak to you. His voice is gentle and He knows exactly where you need to draw those boundaries. He’ll also help you with it.

Get some outside counsel from objective and godly people who can help you get some clarity and forge that new path forward into healthier forms of “freedom”.

Sharing is caring. Who can you forward this to and be an encouragement?

Sending my love and cheering for you!

TRIVIA QUESTION:

God told Him “no” three times. It’s not Jesus or Paul. (Give it a try and send your reply. You might get a shoutout in the next newsletter. Happy digging!

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Have a wonderful day!