Broken Chains

A chains is designed to restrict movement, hence it is used on criminals. Imagine being in chains for the right reasons, unable to defend yourself and knowing that you may possibly be condemned to dead. 

This is what Paul and Silas faced while spreading the good news of the cross. Acts 16:16-40. They where put in chains and thrown in jail. 

 

Although we were not told, I imagined that they may have been frightened at some point during the night. It is a natural human response to be afraid when faced with the unknown. So it is safe to assumed Paul and Silas did feel fear.

 

However at some point during the night they began to sing, as they lifted their voice to God, their fear disappeared, they where liberated in their spirit and continued to praise God.

As they praised God, their chains where broken, they where free spiritually and physically. Wow!!! 

You too may be facing a jail like situation or be physically in jail, and feel fear because of the unknown. 

As you go about your daily business today, sing praises to God, in your heart and with your voice acknowledge him in the mist of your circumstances. 

God who inhabit the praises of his people, will come down and set you free from both physical and spiritual chains which has held you bound. 

He will set you free and cause all around you to know him because of your broken chains. 

Praise him in your spirit

Praise him with your voice

Praise with your instrument and all that's within you

Praise ye The Lord. 

Thankful Always

Does giving thanks come naturally to you? Or do you wait until something good happens in your life before thanking God. 

We are told to give thanks in everything, Really, everything? Yes everything. Not somethings, not only when things are going well, when you received a pay rise, or when we have a good summer, when you graduate, when you buy a new house, or when everything is going according to plan. No, but also 

When you do not feel like it, when you have tried and tried to get that promotion and are no closer to it. When your health fails, When the weather is dull, freezing and snowing

When friends leave and issues linger. 

Give thanks we are told, in everything and always too.

 

Why? Because giving thanks releases faith and gives hope,

It reassures us and infuses us with strength. Thanksgiving brings rest and enables us to accept his will for our lives which releases us to praise him. 

Get into the habit of saying thank you no matter what and really mean it. You may not feel like it but be honest with God and tell him I do not feel like it but thank you anyway. 

Thank you lord for all you have done

I am so blessed

My soul is at rest

O Lord, I give you thanks.

With a gladsome heart I will praise you Lord

You gave me victory over foe.

Accept my praise

This Holy day.