What Does It Mean To Release?
Freedom is a gift from almighty God. Any gift that is offered has to be accepted and opened before it can be enjoyed to the fullest. A major hindrance to people experiencing the freedom that Christ paid for is not allowing God to take the weight of guilt and shame off your shoulders. Guilt and shame can be such a heavy chain, and keeping yourself attached to that chain only eliminates your ability to enjoy the life that God intended you to have. "does that really work though?...." this lie from the enemy has stopped forward motion in believers lives for centuries, so how do I know it works?..... because His first followers could not stop talking about it!
What Does Scripture Say About Release?
1 John 1:9- 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Acts 3:19- 19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,
James 4:8- 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Romans 10:10- 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
Not just the first Christians.... But since the beginning of His people, The have confessed and found healing.
Proverbs 28:13- Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy
Psalm 32:5- I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.
Leviticus 5:5- when he realizes his guilt in any of these and confesses the sin he has committed,
Psalm 32:3- For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.
Walk It Out
We need to be honest about where we are.... honest about where we messed up.....honest about why we are upset ....... honest about what we need........ WE NEED HELP
Practicing Confession
Confession is about freedom. Whether it’s confession to God or confession to one another. Here are two ways to practice this unforced rhythm this month:
Confess to God: Set your alarm on your phone for 5:13pm and pray the prayer below as you embrace the hope you have in Christ and the freedom given through the power of the Spirit.
Confession to Others: Ask someone in your CCLC Community out to grab a bite to eat and practice being vulnerable / opening up about a stronghold in your life.
“Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.”
