Freedom From Slavery ~ Week Five

Simple Truth

Chains only have an effect on us when we give them permission to remain.

We think of those bound in slavery and our hearts break. We pray, we give, we stand, we walk, we subscribe, we fight for the freedom of children and men and women that are forced to succumb to the reality of living in the existence of chains and slavery.

We think of our loved ones who have chosen the chains of bondage. Their chain being the substance that confines them to their own demise. We see “how easy” it is to receive freedom, but all we can do is sit and watch and wait.

Then we sit in our own thoughts. We see our own chains. We acknowledge that we have allowed ourselves to become enslaved by our chain. And we sit. And we hide. And we hurt ourselves -physically, spiritually, mentally, emotionally. We pray without words and without depth and without faith and without hope. For we know that this chain is comfortable. This chain fits. There is security in this slavery.

Freedom from this slavery is out of your grasp; it is not out of His.

Consider: Chains of slavery are much like the weight discussed in Hebrews 12. These chains pull us down. They keep us from pressing forward to Life. They cause us to simply “remain” in our slavery. This week’s study ties these last four week’s together. How can you compare/contrast Psalm 139 (Free to be You study below) with your experience of slavery?

Challenge: Can you give your chain a name? Once you name it, will you share its name with one person? Often times, if we can name it and pronounce its name aloud, the bondage of that chain begins to set you free. Are you ready to receive this freedom?

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Video Lesson

Watch Freedom From Slavery video lesson here:

Scripture

~ Mark 5:1-20

He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. (V. 3-4)

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Final Thought

Freedom from Slavery -from that sin that is craving your future- is an unwrapped present sitting on your lap. It is there. It is given freely to you. It is attainably yours. Will you receive it? Will you live in it? Will you give your sin permission to leave? 

We talked today about naming our sin.
We talked today about claiming the power of Jesus over your sin.
We talked about finding freedom from that sin.
We talked very openly about sin this week.

May we acknowledge our place in this personal battle with sin. May we see the effect it has on us within and without. Friend, you are not alone in this valley. It is brave to run and fall on your knees before Jesus (Mark 5:6). It is healing and freeing to give your sin a name. Verbally express the name of your sin in the presence of someone you trust (Mark 5:9-10). I testify, there is healing and freedom in expressing the name of your sin in the presence of someone you trust.

Jaclyn

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