V:  Good morning, Don.
D:  Good morning, Vicki.
V:  Today's Power for Today author talks about slavery.
D:  I'm thankful that in our country nobody owns slaves any more.
V:  Yes, the author talks about the "miserable" (or terrible) days of American slavery.
D:  Many slaves were treated with "inhumane cruelty."
V:  Yes, that means that they were treated with cruelty that is for animals, not for humans.
D:  Yet, some slaves were released or some saved money and bought their freedom.
V:  The author talks about the slaves that were given freedom, but then they chose to stay and serve their masters.
D:  Right.  They must have had kind, loving masters.
V:  In the same way, the Lord has given us our spiritual freedom.
D:  It is a gift given to us because of "unmerited grace."
V:  "Unmerited" means that we did not merit or deserve it.
D:  And so, we choose to be the Lord's slaves because of "gratitude" (or thankfulness) and joy.
V:  Yes.  The author says that we are free to do "otherwise" (or something else).
D:  But, like the volunteer slaves in our own country's history, we also volunteer to serve such a wonderful Master.
V:  Maybe other people will see our "uncommon" (or unusual) choice and decide to serve Him too.
D:  I hope so.
V:  Well, have a good one.
D:  I am planning on it.  You too.