People, Get Free!!

REFERENCE: Acts 16:25-26 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. 25 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!

Observation: As I write this another Christian politician has admitted to having an affair. It was clear from the press conference yesterday that he found himself trapped in a sexual relationship that was destined to destroy his life.

The Bible talks about being "caught in a sin". How do we get out of prison of our own flesh and overwhelming desires to do the wrong thing? Our normal tendency, in those times, is to run away from God. It is hard, wrenching, even painful to come into God's presence when we are so aware of our own sinfullness. Yet, we see a great illustration, in the verses above of, what happens when we do. Prayer and worship opens prison doors. It has the power to set us free. That is why the enemy of our souls so wants to press us away from it.

Even when we are fighting tooth and nail against sin in our lives, let us stay committed to a whole hearted pursuit of Him. It is only by His grace that we will be set free. It is only when we run after Him with all of our hearts that we will find that grace and our freedom.

Application/Confession: It is too easy for me to run away. When I stuggle with sin (and yes, even pastors do) I want to run and hide, not pray and worship. Yet, I know that it is only God who can open the prison doors and set me free. I will choose to run to Him.

PRAYER:  By Your grace Lord, keep me free from the habits of mind or body that will put me in prison and destroy my life, family and ministry. I need Your help to stay free!!