Shackled...to Freedom
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© 1996 Debbie Turner Chavers
My Initial Art Journal Sketch
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As I was cleaning house, I started thinking about salvation and how rules and regulations appear to our fleshly nature. Whenever we have been shackled in any kind of bondage, unsaved condition or habit and are finally set free, even wearing a bracelet can feel impossible to manage.
Any weight of condemnation or rules governing us, seem unbearable to our fleshly nature.
Almost offensive, instead of seeing the rules or regulations as protection, we can, without knowledge of God's word and His character view them as bondage. In our lack of understanding it just becomes a different kind of bondage.
It is so very important that we renew our mind in God's word so as to understand His heart toward us.
The Love of God shows us that His Word is a beautiful gift given by God to His Beloved. You and I. As you invest in your relationship and realize the Bridegroom has gifted you, you wear the gifts of His word and Way proudly.
Instead of feeling restricted, you feel beloved and taken care of by the Father.
As I thought on this, the LORD reminded me of Genesis 24.
All of Genesis 24, but in particular verse 22 and verse 53. Genesis 24 is about a search for a wife for Isaac, the heir of Abraham. The servant of Abraham has gone to procure a wife from Abraham's people. He finds Rebekah, a damsel by a well of water who displays a servants heart and is part of Abraham's brethren. After her initial kindness of giving the servant of Abraham a drink of water and watering his camels, she is gifted with a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold.
Rebekah then offers hospitality to him and his animals at her family's home after his initial inquiry of who she was and if there was room in her father's house for he and his camels. Her brother, Laban and her dad, Bethuel answered the servants inquiry of Rebekah's availability
Just as Rebekah had a choice to go to a new life or stay in her old way of life, we too have a choice.
Rebekah was presented with a plan for her future, she made a choice. We have been presented with a plan for our life and conduct also. The Servant is a representation of the Holy Spirit who is wooing us to the Son. Presenting all that Jesus is, was, and will always be and waiting for us to accept the offer of marriage from the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ. Accepting the offer of salvation causes us to inherit the promises of God, salvation and the riches of heaven. The Father, God has sent the Holy Ghost to man on the earth to call us unto Himself.
The journey is before you, the Bridegroom awaits.
~Debbie Turner Chavers
If you want to accept the invitation for salvation, ask Jesus to be your LORD and Savior. Click here to see and say a simple prayer to get you started.
Jesus died for all and offers salvation to all. Regardless of your current lifestyle or past choices, today is a new day and a new opportunity to seek the LORD while He may be found.
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of The Lord shall be saved.
Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
The damsel Rebekah listed in Genesis 24 is an example of this sermon, but as I typed, the LORD reminded me of the Samaritan woman by the well who talked to Jesus. Her life choices up to that moment in time had not been good, yet Jesus sought her and offered her the water of Life. You can read the letter of love in John 4:6-42.
Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Colossians 2:2-3 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
You can read all of Genesis 24 at this link. Click here.
All writing, poetry, posts, art, and photography, copyright © 2014 Debbie Turner Chavers. Protected by US and International copyright laws. All Rights Reserved. Scripture references taken from the King James bible. Would you like to see what I am currently painting? Click on these links http://artparables.com or http://debbieturnerchavers.com