Releasing Marley’s Chains

RELEASING MARLEY’S CHAINS

By:  Julie Souza Bradley Lilly

“I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate.” - Romans 7:15 NLT

It’s a relief to know that Paul felt the same inner turmoil that we do —when we want to do one thing, but exasperatingly do the opposite.  

When this happens, it is often easier to accept God’s forgiveness for those lost battles with the flesh than it is to forgive ourselves.

In our self loathing we shackle ourselves to our sins.  Then, like Marley’s weighty chains, we drag them around as our burdensome punishment.  We buy into a lie of the enemy that the Blood of Jesus is not enough.  The enemy wants to see our shoulders weighed down, and our legs shackled by the memory of debt that has already been paid — to become as pardoned prisoners who refuse to leave their cell, even though their debt has been paid and the cell door is wide open.

But that isn’t what God has in mind.  He takes no joy in our self flagellation.  He wants our shame to lead us to repentance and forgiveness.  He longs for us to embrace the freedom for which He paid dearly, not for us to live out our life in chains.

Is this you? Are you struggling to forgive yourself?

The Word says, “The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” - II Chronicles 16:9 NLT

He is searching for committed hearts, not perfection.  He does not come to punish, but to strengthen.  You have already been forgiven, Beloved.  Isn’t it time to also forgive yourself?

Father, thank You for Your lavish grace and forgiveness —for casting our sin into the sea of forgetfulness (Micah 7:19).  Now help us accept the complete work of the cross, extend grace to ourselves, and walk out of our prison doors.  Strengthen us to walk in the freedom You paid for 2000 years ago.  In Jesus’ Name ❤️

https://www.facebook.com/Prayers-of-a-Ragamuffin-Warrior-171515087035441/

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Unshakeable Hope

Image
  UNSHAKEABLE HOPE By: Julie Souza Bradley Lilly “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” - Psalms ‭139:23  ‬NIV As the times we are in are heating up, our eyes search for HOPE and comfort.  We look longingly over our shoulder at the “Good Old Days”—simpler times, old relationships and habits—people and things that, in the past, brought momentary relief.  But, more often than not, we find that the fleeting well of comfort found there has since dried up. ‬ We have not been abandoned to fend for ourselves, however. God, Himself, will be our refuge!‬ When everything else is shaking, we have been given a glorious hope.  God is immovable, and when we put our trust in Him, so are we!  ‬ “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore.” – Psalm 125:1-2 NIV Beloved, let’s not until the worl...
Read more

Kissing Boo-Boos

Image
  KISSING BOO-BOOS By:  Julie Souza Bradley Lilly Oh, the miracle of a kiss on a boo-boo!  I remember being little and getting a cut on my finger.  I’d raise that chubby finger and go running to my mom.  She always knew what to do.  She would gently clean it, put on a bandaid and give it a kiss.  We weren’t done until my hurt had been kissed.  There was magic in that application of compassion and love.  It made the pain go away. We have all seen that toddler with a boo-boo.  They run to their mom or dad to clean it, put on a bandaid and give it a kiss.  If the wound isn’t treated, the tiny nick can continue to hurt and bleed. Each time it is touched or bumped they are reminded of the pain.  And an untreated wound can become infected and grow. There are people all around us with unkissed boo-boos today.  They are hurt, afraid or sad.  They go through life fearful of being hurt again, and looking for someone they can t...
Read more

The Secret of The Birds

Image
 THE SECRET OF THE BIRDS By:  Julie Souza Bradley Lilly “Praise the Lord from the earth, Sea monsters and all deep sea creatures; Beasts and all cattle; Creeping things and winged birds.” - Psalm 148:7, 10.   Morning has broken and the choir of birds outside my window is singing their hearts out.  Birds may not be considered to be intelligent, yet their response to God in hardship could teach us a few things.  We humans grumble to God about so much, but the birds praise their creator in severe heat and bitter cold.  They may have nests and the shade of trees, but they don’t have the many comforts we enjoy, yet they praise Him.  They know a secret:  God is enthroned upon our praises.  When our hearts are full of worship, He takes His rightful place and brings with Him joy and peace. Let’s take a lesson from the birds.  Their trust in their maker to provide for their needs, even in the face of harsh seasons, calls out to our faith.  It ...
Read more