My wife knows a certain song that no matter when it starts playing at the beginning, in the chorus or almost at the end of the song I always want to sing it. Whether it be in the car, in the house or wherever we might be I enjoy when it comes on. There is a song that I love to hear whenever it comes Pandora Radio, The Car Radio or that shuffled playlist on Youtube. This song is one of my favorites even if it starting to get "older" Zach William's Chain Breaker has a decidedly country music feel to it. But the real show stopper is the lyrics:
If you've got pain, He's a Pain Taker. If you feel lost, He's a Way Maker If you need freedom or saving, He's a Prison-Shaking Savior/ If you've got chains, He's a Chain Breaker. I honestly get so excited when this song comes on, its such a encouraging song throughout the lyrics to realize who Christ is for us. My wife who already loves to sing in the car will join me in this song when it comes on the radio. I think about these lyrics and remember the encounters Pain Takers, Way Makers, Prison- Shaking Savior, Chain Breaker. My God is so powerful, My God is so mighty, and My God made me a new creation when I came to know this son! Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. - 2 Corinthians 5:17 I'm a new creation - redeemed, restored, joyful, and content. These lyrics beg for several scriptures, but I wanted to share for a moment the story of Paul and Silas, locked up in the jail for their work in the name of Jesus Christ. They were in this hopeless situation, think about this they were condemned, they were oppressed and without any sort of way out. Acts 16, the Prison-Shaking Savior shows up: Acts 16:22-26 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent their garments off them, and commanded to beat them with rods.And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:who, having received such a charge, cast them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns unto God, and the prisoners were listening to them; and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison-house were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened; and every one's bands were loosed. Upon this busting open of the prison, the jailer fell down in fear, afraid that the prisoners might dash out of the place and he would be killed by the magistrate for letting them go. Paul and Silas assured him that they were still there, and the jailer asked what he might do to be saved. Instead of running for it while they could Paul and Silas stayed and shared the Gospel message with this man. The jailer and his household were converted and baptized that very night. The next morning, the magistrates called for the realize of Paul and Silas. If you want read the whole account in Acts 16. The point of this message today is even at your lowest point, your darkest point, God sees you and knows your pain! Pay attention to Paul and Silas' response to their imprisonment. They were found "praying and singing hymns to God" in the midst of their trials. Be encouraged! In your deepest difficulty, if you will turn to him, call on his name, and praise him in the midst of your mess, He will hear! He will draw near! Do not give in to self pity and complaining. Rather, lift up the Name Above All names, JESUS, who allowed you to wake up this morning and draw breath. Trust and believe that he will walk with you in your hard times. BE BLESSED!
0 Comments
Think about how chains hold things down, how they can weigh so much. Chains are made strong to be able to secure things but they are also used to bind things or hold things down. When I was thinking about this devotional it comes at a time to think about how Jesus Christ is the man who frees us from the chains of sins. Jesus Christ is our true Chain breaker, below is a short devotional that I hope will encourage you in your walk with Christ or as you begin your walk with Christ.
Have you ever thought or been through an experience of feeling hopeless in the midst of being down a really dark life path.There are these lies that Satan tells us of hopelessness saying that we are too far gone from God for him to even find you. And it may feel like it is an impossible feat to believe there could be a better life. Have you ever felt this way? In Daniel 6, things were stacked against Daniel. He went against the king’s decree and was punished by being thrown into a den with lions. Do you think that Daniel felt scared? He wouldn’t be human if he weren’t! Do you think that Daniel felt hopeless? He was in a sealed den with lions! This story parallels what so many of us experience. Life can throw us into situations that feel insurmountable, that there is no way out, and that we’re so far gone it will be impossible to believe in a better life. God sent an angel to protect Daniel from the lions and when he was released, there was rejoicing. In Luke 15, Jesus tells a parable about a shepherd finding one lost sheep from his flock and when he does, there is rejoicing. There is a better life, one where God’s power saves us from our hopelessness. As believers, we need to hold these truths about God firm. God has the power to pull us out of the lions’ den and we can rejoice, along with Him, that we are found again. God wants everyone to know him and to follow him. #Daniel #chaptersix #Luke #chapter15 #thereishope #Godisalwayspresent#Chainbreaker #JesusisourChainBreaker |
Event DevotionalsOn this page our board members will share devotionals to tie into the lesson for the year and allow you to take it back with you and discuss what you learned at the conference. Past Devotionals
February 2018
Categories |