FREEDOM.

FREEDOM.

The motive behind the events that took place on July 4, 1776. It was the desire of the colonies while signing the Declaration of Independence. 

Freedom is described as the "absence of subjection to foreign domination."

America found their freedom from England.

What do we need to find our freedom from today?
What foreign domination are we subjected to in our own personal lives?

If we are a slave to something-- we aren't free.

Galatians 5:1 says, "We have freedom now, because Christ made us free. So stand strong in that freedom. Don’t go back into slavery again." (ERV)

We have freedom in Christ. We have the ability to walk away from the things that bind us--- the key is-- we have to be willing to let them go AND LEAVE THEM.

I've been a slave before- I've been a slave to alcohol. I've been a slave to fear. And when I say I've been a slave, I mean I have been "a person entirely under the domination of some influence....."

I was under it's power.
And I was drowning it.

Do you know how it feels to be a slave to something? To NEED a drink of alcohol. To NOT go to an event because you're anxiety is so overwhelming. To HAVE to pull over to the side of the road to breathe because you're scared you're going to pass out due to fear.

I was a slave.

And no matter what I did- I was bound.

That is- until I gave my life completely over to Jesus Christ. I'll never forget the moment. The moment I was laying in bed and said 'Jesus, take it all because I'm tired and I can't do this anymore.' I felt a change inside. Something I'd never felt before. I promise, I've told Jesus to help me before BUT there was something different about that night. I don't know if it was desperation- the loss of almost everything- the seriousness of my situation--

but regardless, I felt a shift in my spirit.

Redemption.
Freedom.
Chains breaking.

Isaiah 61:1 says, "The Spirit of the Lord, the Eternal, is on me. The Lord has appointed me for a special purpose. He has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to repair broken hearts. And to declare to those who are held captive and bound in prison, “Be free from your imprisonment!”"

I know some of you are sitting there today, wrapped in the chains of your captor. Whatever it is--- you feel stuck, lonely, oppressed-- like you can't breathe some days. It is overwhelming and frustrating. You want to be free-- you just don't know how.

I am telling you today-- be free from your imprisonment (because God died on that cross for this very reason!!!)

He died so you could loose the chains of sin!
He died so you could loose the chains of evil!
He died so you could loose the chains of fear!

Let them go today.

Today- I can breathe. I can rest. I'm not bound by having to have a drink before 10:30AM so I can be at peace. I'm not bound by staying home all day because my anxiety is too great to go do activities with my family.

I'M FREE.

And it is only through Jesus Christ.
It was only through my desperate spirit.
The overwhelming burden of my slavery.

Are you tired today?
Are you exhausted from Jesus not being in control of your life?
Are you worn out from the lack of peace in your life?
Are you struggling to sleep at night because of the bondage in your life?

Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, "Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest...." (The Voice)

He can give you rest.
He can give you redemption.
You can find freedom in Him.

Acts 2:21 says, "And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be liberated into God’s freedom and peace."

But here's the part God keeps reminding me: WE HAVE TO LET IT GO.

He isn't going to just take it from us-- He's a God that gives us free will. If we want to hold on to those fears-- those chains-- those burdens, He will let us. 

He WANTS to free us.
But He gives us that CHOICE.

The choice to release it.
The choice to let it go.
The choice to let Him set us FREE.

Do you want freedom today?

Freedom from a situation.
Freedom from sin.
Freedom from alcohol.
Freedom from impure thoughts.
Freedom from debt.
Freedom from pain.
Freedom from cigarettes.
Freedom from fear.
Freedom from anxiety.
Freedom from drugs.
Freedom from anger.
Freedom from bitterness.
Freedom from regret.

He can give it to you.
I promise.
I'm living proof.

Get desperate.
Cry out.
Release that bondage.
Pray.
Scream.
Get His attention.
Give it to Him.

His yoke is easy, His burden is light.

You can have FREEDOM today.

You can be free from oppression.
You can be free from a foreign domination.

What are you waiting for? 

FREEDOM is waiting.