I was arrested once . . . for about 10 minutes. I didn’t like it much. It was all a brief misunderstanding when I was in the army. The other guys (who did deserve to be arrested) vouched for me to the captain and said I had unwittingly walked up at the same time the MPs did. Anyway – it was essentially over before it began.
Not many people like the idea of being held against their will – of being held captive. Not even for 10 minutes . . . let alone for a lifetime.
It is a travesty that throughout the centuries many cultures have been enslaved by another culture. Countless dreams and hopes for a bright future are shattered and lost forever. Such a waste . . . but it also happens on a personal level.
Here’s the thing:
“Many people today are being held
captive and may not even realize it.”
Oh, I am sure that many people do know they are living in an ongoing nightmare of bondage. But they have no idea how to escape their captivity. What kind of bondage might you ask?
The Bondage of:
Shame
Fear
Guilt
Unrealistic Expectations
Impossible Demands
Addictions
Failures
Rejection
Anger
Hatred
Depression
Discouragement. . . and the list goes on and on . . .
But they never seem to get victory.
They never seem to see a breakthrough.
They always seem to be stuck in a rut.
(You know that a rut is just a grave with no ending.)
I pray that this is not you . . . BUT if it is . . .
I have GOOD NEWS for you!
JESUS CAME TO SET THE CAPTIVES FREE!
You don’t have to carry that burden of shame or guilt or fear or whatever it is anymore! You can walk in freedom. True freedom.
Jesus said in Luke: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free.” I don’t know about you, but I want to be free . . . not oppressed. Paul says in Galatians that:
“It was for freedom that Christ has set us free.”
Why did Jesus set us free?
SO THAT WE WOULD BE FREE!
Here’s how we are set free:
When we repent, (that means truly turn from our sin)
ask for His forgiveness,
invite Him to be Lord of our life,
He comes into our life, declares us to be in right standing with God,
and releases us from the guilt, shame, heavy burden we have been carrying,
and makes us His children!
Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Romans 5:1
Sure do love you guys, (be free – stay free)
Steve :)