Freedom From the Lies
Yes, even as Christians we can be in bondage to lies… lies of the past, lies of the present. Sometimes our memories lie to us – they tell us something was good that was bad; or something was bad that was good… we cannot know the thoughts and intents of another’s heart, but we can choose to believe that most of us are living life, doing the best we can…
We can work on our own bondage, our owns lies, but we cannot
free someone else from theirs… However, we can unleash the full power of prayer
against those lies which hold them captive. Ultimately, there often comes a
time when God says to draw back so as not to feed the lie, and spend focused
prayer time instead. It is God’s truth and His working truth in their lives which
sets hearts in bondage free. When we run in to try to give then the key to
freedom, to expose the lie, often the focus is on us instead of the healing
power of God.
Sometimes, we can walk alongside someone in bondage, and help them through the
muck, other times they will stomp their feet and say, “I will do it myself, my
time, my way.” Our part is prayer… whichever path they choose. My heart breaks
for those in bondage to the lies of the enemy – often such beautiful, amazing,
talented people who are held hostage… oh, and how each of us has those lies
with which we do battle. “You’re not good enough… You’re too good for that…
They don’t appreciate you… etc”
Oh how I am praying the power of God’s
freedom over you today, beloved sojourner.
DEEPER
STILL:
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not [a]carnal but mighty
in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against
the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of
Christ, 6 and
being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.
2 Corinthians 10
31 Then
Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If
you abide
in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth,
and
the truth shall make you free.” John 8
12 Therefore,
since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech— 13 unlike Moses, who put a
veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the
end of what was passing away. 14 But their
minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the
reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is
taken away in Christ. 15 But
even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. 16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken
away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the
glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to
glory, just as [b]by the Spirit of
the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3
Fasting that Pleases God
Isaiah 58 “Cry aloud, [a]spare
not;
Lift up your voice like a trumpet;
Tell My people their transgression,
And the house of Jacob their sins.
2 Yet they seek Me daily,
And delight to know My ways,
As a nation that did righteousness,
And did not forsake the ordinance of their God.
They ask of Me the ordinances of justice;
They take delight in approaching God.
3 ‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and
You have not seen?
Why have we afflicted our souls, and You take no notice?’
“In fact, in the day of your fast you find pleasure,
And [b]exploit
all your laborers.
4 Indeed you fast for strife and debate,
And to strike with the fist of wickedness.
You will not fast as you do this day,
To make your voice heard on high.
5 Is it a fast that I have chosen,
A day for a man to afflict his soul?
Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush,
And to spread out sackcloth and ashes?
Would you call this a fast,
And an acceptable day to the Lord?
6 “Is this
not the fast that I have chosen:
To loose the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the [c]heavy
burdens,
To let the oppressed go free,
And that you break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your bread with
the hungry,
And that you bring to your house the poor who are [d]cast out;
When you see the naked, that you cover him,
And not hide yourself from your own flesh?
8 Then your light shall break forth like the morning,
Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you;
The glory of the Lord shall
be your rear guard.
9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;
You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’
“If you take away the yoke from your midst,
The [e]pointing
of the finger, and speaking wickedness,
10 If you extend your soul to the hungry
And satisfy the afflicted soul,
Then your light shall dawn in the darkness,
And your [f]darkness
shall be as the noonday.
11 The Lord will
guide you continually,
And satisfy your soul in drought,
And strengthen your bones;
You shall be like a watered garden,
And like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.
12 Those from among you
Shall build the old waste places;
You shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach,
The Restorer of [g]Streets
to Dwell In.
13 “If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath,
From doing your pleasure on My holy day,
And call the Sabbath a delight,
The holy day of the Lord honorable,
And shall honor Him, not doing your own ways,
Nor finding your own pleasure,
Nor speaking your own words,
14 Then you shall delight yourself in the Lord;
And I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth,
And feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father.
The mouth of the Lord has
spoken.”