James 1:22-27

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.  Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror  and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.   But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.   Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.  Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

There are many things that can keep us in bondage and therefore keep us from doing what Christ has equipped us to do.

1.Disappointment with God

2. Distractions

3. Dangerous relationships

4. Unchanged tendencies

5. Self-reliance

6. Prayerlessness

7. Carelessness

8. An Unexaminded heart

9. An unseen enemy

10. A lack of Accountability

11. Unrealistic/ Unmeet expectations

But there is good news…………………. We can be freed from the bondage by solely depending on the Lord for our freedom.

Ephesians 2:8-10 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—  not by works, so that no one can boast.  For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Not by works, not by other’s and not by self! “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.  No more Bondage!

Lord I come to You today examining the things that has kept me from serving.  I know that I have depended on self and not on You for my understanding, power, confidence and abilities.  I pray Lord from today forward that I will not look to others to be my guide but only look to You.   Lord please be with my family and friends.   Please release them from the things that keep them held captive and which will continue to build the wall between them and You.  Amen!