"Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes]."--James 1:17(AMP)
"Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes]."--James 1:17(AMP)
Have you ever watched an animal program on TV where the animal being released from captivity? It can be a challenging feat for the rescue worker because many times the animal becomes comfortable or familiar with living in closed quarters. There is fear and trepidation when the cage door swings open. The anxiety of leaving is great. The fear of living what is familiar is real. The animal often needs coaxing and reassurance that it is okay to leave.
The same holds true for us as human beings. Many are living in enclosures of fear, anger, rejection, anxiety, brokenness, depression, addictions, self-deprecation, etc. We have lived there so long, that the fear of leaving what is familiar is real. We have learned how to function in our toxic enclosures. We have decorated the space, hung pictures on the proverbial wall, and have made the space our home. But this space is not the home God intended.
When Christ died on the cross--he opened the prison doors for all of us. We do not have to live in bondage. And as the doors have been opened, we do not need permission or approval to leave. All too often abuse and bondage destroys our sense of self-worth, value, importance, and expectation. We live lives of inferiority quietly searching and inwardly longing for approval and permission. It is a trick of the enemy to keep us in bondage. But that's a lie--because we're already free!
God, through his Son, Jesus, has given the gift of freedom. He is the Father of lights, who gives good and perfect gifts. Gifts of love, joy, peace, forgiveness, acceptance, and healing are ours. All we have do is freely receive them. We do not have to wait for permission or approval because they have already been given. This is good news!
Are you living in an emotional prison that you have made your home? Are you longing for the approval of someone to receive what God has already given you? Do you feel that you are unworthy to receive His gifts? May I encourage you to allow yourself to receive the grace and goodness of God, by faith? We are saved by his grace--not by our works or the words of others.
Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, we pray for every individual who is living in emotional bondage. We pray that they would receive your word by faith--that you have given them the gift of freedom. May they receive it now. Bind the works of the enemy in Jesus' name. We decree and declare liberty. We declare health and wholeness in the mind and in the soul. We thank you for your promise of good and perfect gifts--we receive your love, grace, peace, rest, healing, deliverance, and joy. Amen.
The same holds true for us as human beings. Many are living in enclosures of fear, anger, rejection, anxiety, brokenness, depression, addictions, self-deprecation, etc. We have lived there so long, that the fear of leaving what is familiar is real. We have learned how to function in our toxic enclosures. We have decorated the space, hung pictures on the proverbial wall, and have made the space our home. But this space is not the home God intended.
When Christ died on the cross--he opened the prison doors for all of us. We do not have to live in bondage. And as the doors have been opened, we do not need permission or approval to leave. All too often abuse and bondage destroys our sense of self-worth, value, importance, and expectation. We live lives of inferiority quietly searching and inwardly longing for approval and permission. It is a trick of the enemy to keep us in bondage. But that's a lie--because we're already free!
God, through his Son, Jesus, has given the gift of freedom. He is the Father of lights, who gives good and perfect gifts. Gifts of love, joy, peace, forgiveness, acceptance, and healing are ours. All we have do is freely receive them. We do not have to wait for permission or approval because they have already been given. This is good news!
Are you living in an emotional prison that you have made your home? Are you longing for the approval of someone to receive what God has already given you? Do you feel that you are unworthy to receive His gifts? May I encourage you to allow yourself to receive the grace and goodness of God, by faith? We are saved by his grace--not by our works or the words of others.
Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, we pray for every individual who is living in emotional bondage. We pray that they would receive your word by faith--that you have given them the gift of freedom. May they receive it now. Bind the works of the enemy in Jesus' name. We decree and declare liberty. We declare health and wholeness in the mind and in the soul. We thank you for your promise of good and perfect gifts--we receive your love, grace, peace, rest, healing, deliverance, and joy. Amen.
