A Captive Set Free

For now I will break his yoke from off thee, and will burst thy bonds in sunder. Nahum 1:13

Ever feel like your life is under someone else's control, manipulation, or influence? Ever feel like some habit has you in its grip? Nothing leaves us more defeated then when we are held captive by strongholds. It can be a person, a habit, a generational bent, a thought pattern, or strong desires that rear their ugly heads.

We hear a lot today about addictions. Something that has a grip on your life of which you are not free. I use to buy into the lie that certain things would always have me in bondage. But today, Scripture reminds me that God is still in the business of setting captives free. It is not His desire that I stay bound. As I raise the shackles of my life to Him, He not only possesses the key to unlock them, He takes them away and destroys them. Their presence and effect on me need no longer hold sway.

Every day can be an emancipation proclamation from those things, attitudes, and people who have me enslaved....or rather that I have voluntarily put myself under their control. May I be honest enough with myself and God to admit my bondage and addictions. May I be willing to confess any known sin that feeds the stronghold. And may I allow God to do His work of freedom and restoration in me. The truth does set me free indeed!

God, You alone can help me live in freedom. I come to You. Amen.

Darkness Into Light

I will lead the blind by a way they do not know, in paths they do not know I will guide them. I will make darkness into light before them and rugged places into plains. These are the things I will do and I will not leave them undone. Isaiah 42:16

There was a time I walked in spiritual blindness and darkness. Before accepting Christ, I was blind to God, His Word, and His gift of salvation. My only Bible knowledge was that God had created the Heavens and the Earth, and that Adam and Eve were the first two people whom He created. That was it! I could not have told you anything about Jesus and what He did on the cross for each of us. I could not have told you a book of the Bible, the name of a person from the Bible, or the simplest Bible story. However, once I accepted Christ, I began reading the Bible and a whole new world was opened up to me.

Thirty years later I found myself with spiritual blindness and darkness once again. Although I knew many stories and principles from Scripture and I knew Jesus as my Savior, my Christian life was empty and what I believed about God was distorted. I could not walk in joy and peace when (to me) God seemed like a harsh judge with folded arms and One who tolerated me more than loved me. I feared Him, seldom read His Word, and sporadically prayed. From time to time there were brief moments of spiritual highs but they did not last.

I was blind to God's love for me. Blind to the fact that His love was NOT dependent on what I did. Blind to seeing His heart in Scripture. Blind to true freedom in Christ. Blind to living my life daily connected to the heart of God. The day I began to learn and embrace the truth about God and the Christian life was the day I sensed God's leading and guiding in my life. The light came on and the terrain changed.

Meeting with God each morning is now a high-light of my day. Prayer is now a conversation that runs both ways. Opening Scripture is now looked forward to and regular. My identity is found in Christ and I am guided by His Spirit instead of a list of do's and don'ts. My eyes have been opened as the "scales" of legalism have fallen. My hearing is no longer dulled to the voice of God.

Father, this is what You have always wanted for me. I am not the same person I was two years ago. Continue to do Your work in me. Amen.

Feeling Like I Belong

This one will say, "I am the LORD'S," and that one will call on the name of Jacob; and another will write on his hand, "Belonging to the LORD," and will name Israel's name with honor. Isaiah 44:5


It is important to not only know who we are but also to Whom we belong. We live in a fallen world where some nations are ruled by tyrants and dictators. They are known for their cruelty, harshness, bondage, and greed. Their subjects are wanted only for what they can contribute. Worth and value have to be earned but are not permanent. They can be replaced at any time and rarely get a nod of approval.

Some animal owners are known for their cruelty as well. The pets are not cared for, talked to, enjoyed, or loved. Neglect and shame are the "blankets" they curl up on.

Some employers rarely acknowledge a job well done. Compliments are unheard of while condemnation and criticism abound. Workers strain under the weight of disapproving stares and cold shoulders. Encouraging words would go a long way!

The list could go on and on. As you ponder the people whose authority you are under and you look at the kind of leaders they are, you either smile or groan. But in today's verse I can sense the joy and security that abound as people proclaim who they belong to! Scripture is full of God's character qualities that leave us feeling very much loved and cared for.

God is shown as a loving Father, a tender Shepherd, a solid Rock, a safe Shelter, a compassionate King, a close Friend, a triumphant Savior, and a protective Brother. When life gets hard and no one seems to be able or willing to give you what you want or need, it is imperative to look to your Restorer, Redeemer, and Reconciler. His internal work in you starts a chain reaction that is incredible!

Father, may I learn to truly brag on You. May I proclaim with passion that I belong to You! Amen.