He’s a Chain Breaker

I’d like to think I’m not addicted to electronics as often as I harp on my kids about keeping off them…

Don’t get me wrong I think electronics can be a blessing, but at times they’re a distraction when life needs my attention, and they’re a temptation when I want to keep my distance. My husband and I have actually limited the amount of time our kids are allowed to spend on the ‘hypnotic devices’ to just a few hours a week. We’re afraid the kids would risk relying on the glossy screens to feed, clothe, shelter, and nurture them otherwise.

Having said that, last week my phone started misbehaving and I couldn’t pull up internet. ‘Mrs.-I-Don’t-Have-An-Electronic-Obsession’ was whining around because she couldn’t, for the life of her, figure out why it would be acting up. Unfortunately I’m referring to myself in this paragraph.

So I called my service provider to clear up the confusion because of course i was just sure it had to be a problem on their end!!!! *Side note: Whenever I have to make those calls I desperately dread it because I can’t always make out the broken English.

Imagine my shock and dismay when the man on the other end informed me I’d reached my data limit. For the record I had no trouble understanding him relay that piece of information…lol.

And I’m pretty sure I know what threw me over my monthly limit. I got started on a music video kick a few days before and came across some videos of Zach Williams (Gospel Christian/Rock music artist) and then it was game over from there. I just played video after video.

I couldn’t help it.

The videos were from a live recording he did at Harding Prison last year (2018). The, once drug and alcohol addicted, musician aims to bring a message of freedom and hope through Jesus, to those who have taken the harder route in life, those struggling to find self-worth.

I guess what spoke to me (while watching the videos) was the fact that these men are sentenced to prison time—sitting behind bars, some of them perhaps for life..most of society would quickly label them as men in chains and bondage…men stripped of everything…
worthless…losers…druggies…

But when I watch the videos I see broken, yet humble men radiating hope and a future—arms lifted in surrender to God, hearts open to receiving Christ as Savior…men free from condemnation.

And then I realize a stark reality…the bridge between these men behind bars and anyone who has decided to trust and follow Jesus, really isn’t very far after-all. Spiritually speaking before we trusted Jesus as Lord and Savior we were all held captive…slaves or chained-prisoners to sin, wrapped in bondage, with no hope.

These men, although physically prisoners, are our brothers in Christ as they accept Him into their lives…no longer slaves to sin…free from the bondage. The same gospel message that set us free, sets them free.

To be honest, I can’t even begin to watch these music videos from Harding Prison without goosebumps and a side of hazy tears. They just move me to want to do better as a person, as a Christian, to keep on-track spreading the gospel message. Jesus’ death was for all. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, but God has shown His love to us by sending His Son to die for us while we were still sinners. (read Romans 3 and 6 for further study)

He died for me, for you, for the men at Harding Prison…breaking our chains of bondage and setting us free from the wages of sin. Our gift from God through Jesus Christ means eternal life when we choose to believe, only then are we truly set free.

No doubt, at times in our Christian walk, we may feel enslaved to do things on our own again, disregarding the freedom we have when we follow Christ; therefore we must remember to make a commitment, day after day, fully giving ourselves to Him because He’s the real Chain Breaker and He sets believers free from the prison of sin.

FYI: My data on my phone has renewed now…but there’s a good chance I may reach my limit again.😉

Here are links to some of the videos, just tap or click on the video picture…praying you can watch them through fresh eyes and allow the words to soak in through a Jesus-like perspective.

Romans 8:1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.

Galatians 5:13 You, my brothers and sisters were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

 

Author: alimw2013

About For His Purpose~ My name is Alicia and I'm a thirty-something year old who loves Jesus. Only through God’s amazing grace and mercy I have been redeemed from past regret and shame. Reading His word has allowed me to look past Satan’s forceful lies, to see myself for who Christ says I am in Him. Through writing I have learned why I made the choices I made in my younger years and I now have a better understanding of why I desire to love God like crazy these days. Despite my daily failures, God remains faithful always. I am reassured of His unconditional love for me by every ink-drop spilled out on paper, each committed prayer as I cry out to Him, and deep understanding reflected through reading His word as truth. Yes keeping a blog will make me vulnerable to others’ opinions- there will be some who don’t understand, some who may criticize or judge, but on the other hand if just one piece expressed through my writing grabs someone’s attention and directs them to God, then pouring out my heart in a blog for the world to read is worth it. I choose to glorify Him alone through words streaming across a glowing screen. And it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t reveal the fact that I’m incredibly quirky; I’m my loving husband’s best friend, my vivacious kids’ craziest cheerleader and spiritual trainer (3 John 1:4). I love anything farmhouse and rustic style. I think cupping a warm coffee mug in the palm of my hands is more satisfying than the contents within. I share a common obsession with my husband for the mountains, but I would (without a doubt) settle for waves crashing against my legs at the Atlantic Ocean just as well, and I almost always have a Yorkie curled up on my lap while writing. *All photos are photographed by forhispurpose.blog and therefore may not be stored or photocopied in any manner.

27 thoughts on “He’s a Chain Breaker”

  2. LOVE Zach Williams. Inspiring post Alicia. 🙂 The awesome thing is that God can and does use everything, including our devices. What we do with what He gives us (devices, internet, t.v.) is the key. Time management, and where God wants to use us is another factor. I don’t love my devices so much as I love God. I thankful He has given us all the tools we’ll need. My tablet is just a tool, and like any tool you just have to use it for the right purpose. 🙂 And no I am not making an excuse for an addiction…lol. 😀 My obsession is God. I have a love hate relationship with my devices because I’d rather spend time with people in person, but I’m also thankful that I have some pretty amazing friends, even if the majority of them I hold in my heart. That’s still the best place to hold them. Okay my jabbering is complete. 😀

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    1. Yes love love love this truth!! And I seriously need some inspiration on time management!! I stink at it girl..why don’t you go ahead and get to writing on that, help me iron that one out ??!!lol I’m just interested in too many things I guess, but I’m also not sure what to cut back either because I love all I do but it makes it a challenge to be invested in a healthy way with my interest and hobbies because time management causes me much stress haha..but seriously it does;)

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    1. Ya I just love them, there was actually 6 or 7 videos but I just chose some of the songs I knew already from before…but boy, pairing those songs up with the performance at the prison just puts me in awe.

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    1. That’s awesome!!! I’m 35 and began playing a few years ago but I’m not at all musically talented so it’s been quite a task ..really my goal is to be able to sit around the campfire and sing praise songs with my guitar and family…but I think I’m gonna have another summer or two before I get that far haha…it’s that’s challenging for me!

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      2. Yes I can’t wait until I get there!!! I understand chords real well but it’s the strumming patterns I struggle with..I quit guitar lessons two months ago because my guitar teacher was too talented for me, now I’ve just been doing lessons from anything I can find online and I just try to play for a bit each day

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  5. I love this post and I love these songs! I am writing a book (fiction) and some of it takes place in a women’s prison. I truly believe that God is calling some mighty warriors in all of our prisons because He has a captive audience. I know from volunteers in local prisons there are some mighty things happening that gives me such goosebumps and joy for the name of Jesus! I have been blessed to volunteer once and that day Jesus told me to hug those women as they left like they were family I’d never see again. Can I say I was scared at first? But before it was over tears of humility were rolling down my face as those women stopped and stood in line for a hug from me. They said they hadn’t been hugged like that since they had been there. Can you even imagine? We take so much for granted. Yes, I see the hand of God in a mighty way in those prisons, and I praise His Holy name! Thank you for sharing this heartfelt post with us.

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    1. Thank you for your comment. I loved reading this! Made me tear up, I so wish there were more people with this mindset…I really have a heart to witness to women in prison but I’m like Moses and I need an Aaron lol (someone to do the talking, I’m better with words on paper) I love that you had the opportunity to visit with these ladies….I’m rooting for you on your book, it sounds interesting, something I’d want to read!🙂

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      1. What I love about the story of Moses, is he only needed Aaron for a season. Why? Because the people soon became his family and he then spoke to the Israelites directly. Maybe the LORD is waiting for you to take the first step with a “helper” then once you get comfortable with your new family He will slide you into the role he has set aside just for you? Or maybe, your gift for writing IS the way he wants you to connect? I’ll pray for the LORD to unravel the direction for you so you can see!

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      2. Ya that makes sense, I never thought about it that way but what a great way to look at it:) thank you for prayers…I lead a small group of girls for youth group and even with that I feel all tongue tied …and I’ve been doing this for two or three years now😬

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  6. Your right Alisha, lots of goosebumps and tears. I pray daily for the people that come to our facility. Thank you for your time to share this blog!

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  9. I appreciated reading this post, it is a great reminder of Jesus being our chain breaker. Working once as a correctional officer and serving on a prison ministry team I have seen men who came to Jesus while incarcerated and seeing how even though they were locked up physically some were more free than those who walk around free in the world. A long while back I had even written a post about how not forgivng can make you a prisoner. This is an uplifting and encouraging post, thanks for sharing it with us.

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    1. Oh wow that’s really interesting! I think being able to see that change firsthand would be incredible…some of those who are in correctional facilities literally have nothing (deserted by family, no money, etc) then when one comes to faith, the hope that transforms them and sets them free is powerful and beautiful. Hope placed in Jesus gives a whole new purpose to living life, no matter your circumstances.

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