This episode explores the identity statement "I Am Free" through Galatians 5:1 and reflects on the freedom Jesus won for us through His death and resurrection. It examines the many ways people can become trapped by unhealthy beliefs, attachments, addictions, habits, and desires that keep them from living in the freedom Christ intended. Drawing from insights learned through inner healing ministry, the episode highlights how hidden lies and unhealthy attachments can influence thoughts and actions without people even realizing it. Ultimately, it reminds listeners that true freedom is found in surrendering these areas to God, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit, and choosing to live as the free sons and daughters God created them to be. Music: "Adding the Sun" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
I Am Free! (Identity Series)
Galatians 5:1 "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."
We have talked a lot about freedom in my Encounter Ministries class. Fourth quarter was on inner healing, and I learned so much. I had heard that fourth quarter would probably be the most transformational because, as we learn various tools to set people free, we practice using these tools on each other. Instead of just acquiring book knowledge, we gain first-hand experience and begin the healing process ourselves. The amazing thing is that we let the Holy Spirit lead us. We ask the Holy Spirit, Jesus, or the Father questions and allow God to answer them for us. It is pretty remarkable.
This verse goes so well with the theme of inner healing. Inner healing is all about freedom. It is freedom from chains that hold us down, freedom from memories that keep us stuck in the past, and freedom from unhealthy attachments that keep us from moving forward. These things can become barriers to the freedom Christ wants for us. The verse says that freedom is why Christ has set us free. Christ died on the cross to set us free from sin, yet we can still allow other things to weigh us down and trap us.
There are many ways we can become burdened by a yoke of slavery. Sometimes we bring it on ourselves, and sometimes we do not even realize it is happening. Often, when something happens to us, we create lies about that situation. These lies form in our subconscious and begin influencing our thoughts and actions.
I heard an example of a young girl who told her mom about her day and got yelled at. Her mom later apologized and explained she was having a bad day. Even though the girl understood the apology, her young mind formed the lie, “My mom doesn’t want to hear about my day.” Without realizing it, she stopped sharing with her mom. Do you see how sneaky the enemy is? He whispers lies, and we start believing them.
Another example is soul ties. A soul tie is an unhealthy attachment to another person that limits our freedom. This could happen in a romantic relationship, a friendship, or even with a family member. Have you ever found yourself unable to stop thinking about someone even though you knew they were not good for you? You may have formed a soul tie. The good news is that through the power of Jesus, these ties can be broken, and the Lord can restore freedom.
The examples above are ways we may become burdened without realizing it. There are also ways we knowingly give up our freedom. One big one for me is television. I would love to say I am free to turn it off anytime I want. In theory, I can. In reality, I tell myself I will watch one episode and then end up watching for hours. That is not the freedom Jesus died to give us.
Another way we burden ourselves is by trying things we know can become addictive. The only time we truly have a choice is often at the beginning. Once addiction takes hold, it becomes much harder to say no.
We can also surrender our freedom when we constantly indulge the desires of the flesh. This could be anything from overeating to more serious sins. When we continually choose these things, we are not choosing the freedom Christ won for us.
The verse says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” We are told to stand firm in our freedom. Jesus did not die so we could continue living captive.
Take a look at your life. Are there areas where you are allowing yourself to become burdened? What has more control over your life than it should? Your schedule? Entertainment? Other people? Addictions? It is important to identify where we have allowed something other than God to take control. If we find those areas, we can surrender them to God and allow Him to restore our freedom.
Some of these areas will be easier to overcome than others. If you are struggling with addiction, it may feel impossible. On our own, it often is. However, with the power of the Holy Spirit, all things are possible.
We need to remind ourselves that we are more powerful than our wants and desires. Just because we want something does not mean we have to have it. We have the Holy Spirit living inside of us, and that means we have power greater than any temptation. The enemy wants us to believe we are weak, but he knows the power God has placed within us. Too often, we agree with the enemy's lie instead of God's truth.
We are strong. Jesus died so we could live in freedom. Let's learn to live in that freedom.
Dear Heavenly Father, I ask You to bless all those reading this devotional today. Lord, help us to live in the freedom You want for us. Bring to light any areas in our lives where we are not free. Show us how to become free in those areas. Please show us what needs to change so we can live a life of freedom. We are grateful that You sacrificed Your Son for our freedom. We are sorry we do not always live in that freedom. Please help us to live it more each day. We ask all of this in accordance with Your Will and in Jesus's Holy Name, Amen.
Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to Walk Boldly With Jesus. As I was looking through the Identity Series this morning, I realized there was one identity I never recorded—"I Am Free." So today, we are completing the series!
If you enjoyed today's episode and would like to dive deeper into these identity teachings, I'll include a link in the show notes to the YouTube playlist containing all 31 Identity Series episodes. CLICK HERE for YouTube Playlist.
I also compiled these teachings into my devotional, Walk Boldly With Jesus Devotional, which includes reflection questions to help you journal and apply these truths to your own life. I'll place a link to the book in the show notes as well. CLICK HERE to buy on Amazon.
If you'd prefer an autographed copy, you can visit Walk Boldly With Jesus and order one directly from the website. CLICK HERE
I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow. Remember, Jesus loves you just as you are, and so do I. Have a blessed day!
Today's Word from the Lord was received in November 2016 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, "I call you to a greater prayer, a time for you to multiply your prayer for My sons and daughters. Alone in your room, praying, you have the power to change events on the other side of the world. I will always be with you, aligning My light with your path. I will intercede for you. Enter in and be loved and purified, to be loved and pruned, to be loved and forgiven, to be loved and be blessed. ENTER IN."