~ Andres Merrell- Sometimes I can’t help but laugh at the way God sets things up when He wants to get my attention.
One day, on my way to church, I listened to a song on the radio that spoke of being free. The line that jumped out at me was “there are no chains on me.” (photo courtesy of pixabay.com.)
When I got to church, the guest speaker read from John about how the truth makes us free. “Freedom,” he said, “releases you into your calling and destiny.”
When the service was over and I got back into my car, there was another song on the radio about … you guessed it … being set free.
Free. The word from God for the day, but I wondered what it meant for me specifically.
I tried to remember all the things that had held me captive in the past—chains that kept me in bondage. Rejection and verbal abuse caused low self-esteem and turned me into a people-pleaser. There were deep wounds inflicted by cruel words and situations out of my control. Anger became a stronghold. Even though God had lovingly delivered me from the pain of my past, there seemed to be more chains to be broken.
The next morning when I opened my devotional book, the title of the devotion was “God Wants to Set You Free.” Okay, God. I get it. It’s obvious we have work to do.
As I spent time in God’s presence, He revealed negative attitudes and offences that needed to be dealt with. As I confessed my sin, He once again forgave me, cleansed my heart, and renewed my spirit and soul. He washed me clean and set me free from the unseen chains that were holding me down.
Sometimes we don’t realize how much bondage we’re in until we’re delivered and looking at things from the other side with a different perspective—a godly perspective.
Freedom is a wonderful gift. Allow God to set you free today.
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage." Galatians 5:1 NKJV
Are You Walking in Freedom?
Andrea Merrell
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
"I can think of several instances when God has helped me as a parent. He made me a mother of a handful of wonderful, but sinful children, and though not one of them has come with a manual, I have the Holy Spirit to help me raise them.
One time, God prompted me to check a screen device that our oldest had been given limited use of so she could contact us while babysitting. After locating the device and checking the parent controls, I found many new applications installed.
After talking to the children, we discovered that one of the other children had been sneaking use of the device to install and play games. Confessions were made and new guidelines put in place.
Another time, I happened to notice a single white sprinkle on the white counter. Since we rarely have sprinkles out and they hadn’t been out at all recently, I knew someone had gotten into them, and I had a very good idea about who had done it.
After praying to the Lord for help, I let this child know that I knew he had stolen something, but not what. He started confessing several things he had taken and we had a chance to pray and give it all to God. We talked about broken trust and building trust.
God is my help. I know that He didn’t inform me to get them in trouble. He helped me see a problem so that we could deal with an issue that He wanted to work out, because He loves them too. I am not a perfect parent, and I never will be, but it doesn’t matter.
I have had to learn to forgive my parents for what I have perceived to be their mistakes in raising me, and I will teach my children to do the same—to forgive no matter who has wronged them. So, I am free as a parent to try to do my best, but not live under the weight of condemnation no matter how many times I fail. God has forgiven me, He will help me, and He will make the difference in my children’s lives no matter my lack."
Coming Out of the Dark by Mary Southerland
1176-1180 One-line Scriptures for those of you who want to learn some more verses this week- or to review them from when they were first posted-
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The North Country Christian Fellowship Center Churches,
located in the St. Lawrence county of NY,
broadcast their Sunday services at 10 or 10:15
You can view past services too.
Sermon listing:https://www.
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