For Freedom

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Here is a phrase that fascinates me,
“For freedom Christ has set us free.  Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1

So many things in life can hold us captive.
The past.
The present.
The future.

Shortcomings.
Dishonesty.
Failure.

Defeat.
Victory.

The specter of someone we never were.
The shadow of someone we can never be.

Actions.
Words.
Memories.

Inability to forgive.
Inability to accept forgiveness.

Jealousy.
Anger.

Guilt.
Shame.

Who you are.
Who you wish you could be.
Who you wish you were not.

So many things in life can hold us captive.

The chains that you once thought bound your wrists are held tightly in your hands.  There is freedom.  Allow the God who grants freedom to release you from those chains that bind your heart, that fetter your soul, that imprison your mind.  God has set you free!  Drop the chains.  You are free!

“The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to provide for those who mourn in Zion— to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his glory.”  Isaiah 61:1-3

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” – 2 Corinthians 3:17

Here is a phrase that fascinates me,
“For freedom Christ has set us free.  Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1

Stand firm.

by Brian Shivers

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