Breaking the Chains

So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. (Romans 7:21 NIV)

When we are struggling against our flesh, what if we changed our perspective to this:

Each breath is for Christ who died for us
Each thought is for Christ who died for us
Each word is for Christ who died for us
Each action is for Christ who died for us

Would it be easier to fight the flesh when each breath, thought, word and action were for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?

We died to sin and we were brought to new life by Christ's death and resurrection, so literally every breath of ours is owed to God, so EVERYthing we do should be FOR God's glory and out of love and appreciation for the ultimate sacrifice (made for us while we were still sinners).  We did nothing to deserve this gift, it was given to us because God loves us, because of his amazing grace & mercy.

God's righteousness can never be comprehended by our human minds, but yet our old human nature (flesh) fights our new spirit with excuses and reasons why we should do what we want and not what is right. We have to train ourselves daily to look to God, to what is pure, what is noble, what is righteous and not that which is of this world; which is a dead and decaying world, full of sin and lost souls who don't know God. 

We have been commanded to Love and be an Ambassador of Christ - to represent Him in this foreign world, to shine His light on those who have lost hope and have never known the all consuming and perfect love of a Savior.

We have been bought and paid for, we are no longer slaves to this world; we have been given a new spirit (one of power, love and self-discipline), we have the Holy Spirit to help us, so we should no longer be slaves to the old sins and struggles that had held us in bondage.  We have been freed by the blood of Jesus, so stop picking up the old chains that once captivated us; stand firm on God's promises and claim your new birthright as a Child of the Most High God.

Share your freedom, the Gospel, the truth, the love and share the light that has been given to you.

                                              artwork from (http://jtbarts.com/2012/11/set-free-jesus-my-ransom/)

Freedom

Sometimes my heart feels such an overabundance of love and a freedom that I could never explain; that I know it can only come from GOD. He is so good to His children; His Word tells us that when we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us.

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. (James 4:8 NLT)

So many times I allow myself to be pulled away by this life and to get caught up in this world. It’s that bondage that pulls us away from God, the only time we feel free from those chains is when we can turn it all over to God. He doesn’t want us burdened or beat down, He wants us free, and free from the chains we’ve built link by link - finances, relationships, and the things of this world. GOD loved us so much that He sent His Son to save us from this world and from the burdens we choose to carry.

So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. (John 8:36 NLT)

Jesus broke the chains that had held us captive; His blood was a sacrifice for us, and through Him we gained His righteousness, that we could never earn, but only by believing in Him.  

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.  God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son…” (John 3:16-18 NLT)

So bring your burdens, bring your worry, your anxiety, your fears, your pain, your hurt, your sickness to the Cross, lay them at Jesus’ feet and leave them there – never to pick them back up again.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (Matthew 11:28-30 MSG)

Jesus sacrifice wasn’t about religion, isn’t about rules or condemnation; it’s about love and a relationship. He doesn’t want our guilt, He wants our love and our service, and He wants us to show others the Love of His Father. When we reach out to others and show them the Love of GOD, GOD can use us to bless, comfort and encourage others that need the Father’s love; and right there is where we find our own freedom, blessings, mercy and grace.

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). (John 10:10 AMP)

I heard a saying recently, it said, “Live your life that you need never tell anyone you’re a Christian, because the way you live your life says it louder than your words could ever shout!” That’s the life I want to live, a life that brings GOD all the honor and glory HE deserves, a life that is about my GOD and not just about me.

For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen. (Romans 11:36 NLT)