This has been an incredible series and I have to admit I am kind of sad to see it end.  Never have I seen so many decisions made in one series.  Freedom is ringing through the halls of Fellowship Church.

If we are honest with ourselves, we are all in bondage to one thing or another.  Sunday we will be giving one more big push for you to step out of your chains as we wrap up our Hostage series. God wants to set you free from your struggles.

At Fellowship we strive to be transparent and real.  So here’s my reality.  Here is a list of things I have been holding onto that I have given over to God during Hostage.

• Anxiety
• Panic
• Fear
• Worry
• Pride

Now I know that those are very vague but God is working in my life to free me from the chains that hold me down.  To be honest with you, I don’t think that it is just a one time “Here you go God” kind of deal.  I know for me this is a process.  The theological word we use for it is Sanctification.  If you look that word up in the dictionary it will say the following:

Sanctification -

I love that sanctification is a regular part of Fellowship Church!  People are being freed every day and every week.  It is my prayer that this momentum of sanctification continues through out the rest of the year.  God has moved like we have never seen before and I know truly Greater Things Are Yet To Come!!

Let me add one more thought.  If you have given something over to God during this series. Don’t ever put those chains back on.  Don’t ever take hold of them again.  When you are tempted remind yourself that that load is no longer yours to bear. Just let it go.

God I pray that you will use Pastor Ed Trinkle this Sunday as He talks about the Lies we believe which keep us in bondage.  Set your children free and restore the joy of their salvation.  If some don’t know you, may you open their eyes to see and be completely and totally set free!  We give you the glory for what you alone have done through this series.

If you have missed a message you will find the audio messages here:

This morning has been a good start to the week. Monday is my day off so I have the boys home with me today. I started the day off by putting a k-cup in my coffee machine, 20 seconds later a perfect cup of coffee. Then I cracked a few eggs, beat them, tossed in cheese and bacon bits, and poured it into our GT – Express (As seen on TV – it was a gift) cooker and 4 minutes later…beautiful yummy omelets.

Isn’t technology incredible these days. Technology has made our lives easier in so many ways. We throw a bag of popcorn in the microwave and hit a button…4 minutes later we have perfect movie theater popcorn without the lines and a $9 movie ticket. We live in an express world.
As I reflect on the past several weeks of our series entitled “Hostage” I wish somehow that the problems in my life, mind, and heart could be fixed as easily as I fixed breakfast this morning. I wish my fears could instantly vanish, I wish my anxious heart would just one day wake up and be calmed. I wish I could hit the “express cook” on my spiritual journey and immediately find myself having arrived.
But that’s not how it is.

Philippians 2:12 puts it this way.
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,

Wow, that’s not so encouraging. One chapter later in Philippians 3:12 it says

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”

Here we find Paul, the guy who wrote more of the New Testament than anyone else giving insight to his own struggles, admitting that he doesn’t have it all together either.

Why in the Christian realm of society do we think that we have to be perfect? Why are we afraid to admit like Paul that we don’t have it all together? How can we be real with others if we never take our masks of perfection off?

This brings me back to our HOSTAGE series. Let me take my mask off and let you know that this series has totally rocked me to my core. I have had to admit who I really am. I have had to admit my struggles. I have come to the place where I have to admit that I cannot fix them myself. I do not hold the keys to the chains that weigh me down. Jesus Christ does. He wants to free me from my struggles. We wants me to not hold on to the things that I do. God wants to free me just as He wants to free you.
This series has once again helped me look into the mirror of my soul and my heart.
I am so glad that God put this series on John’s heart. God knew the incredible work that needed to take place in so many lives.
So God, continue to work as we continue to be real!

I trust in You
I trust in You

I believe You’re my Healer
I believe You are All I need
I believe You’re my portion
I believe You’re more than enough for me
Jesus You’re all I need

So nothing is impossible for you
Nothing is impossible

Nothing is impossible for you
You hold my world in your hands

This morning I have had to make this my prayer. I woke up this morning in total anxiety & panic. It has continued through out the morning. I am quoting these scripture verses and worshiping  God because I know nothing is impossible with Him and He needs to be my focus.  Jesus You are all I need!

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hears and minds through Christ Jesus “

Phil. 4:6-7 (NKJV)

Note:  I do know the story behind the song, however God has still used this song to change lives and restore hope!

All Who Are Thirsty – Brenton Brown

Amazing Grace (my chains fell off) – Chris Tomlin

Healer – Hillsong