My Own Prison

I wonder if Paul meant "prisoner" literally since he wrote from a jail cell in Rome or metaphorically since he lived his life as a prisoner to the heart and mission of God. He seems to be founding the next statement on this prisoner concept. If that be the case this might be the same as the concept of slave to Christ in the book of Romans 1:1.

Paul's life was captive to a mission, spreading the life changing message of God leaving heaven and invading earth. He is now ordering the Ephesians to live out what they were called out for.

It is so easy to respond to that command in the midst of crisis. When Jesus is all I got then Jesus is all I need. But today is a hum drum day. I have things to write, people to see, groups to lead, just the usual day. Nothing out of the ordinary!

This is just the kind of day that I need to train my soul to live out my calling. It is not about how I feel (not good, sore throat, head ache), it is not about the lack of adrenalin producing activities, but it is about the ability of lack there of to let God be a part of the hum drum of life.

I am so addicted to feelings. If there aren't any then life is not as it should be. It is as if my feelings are GOD and define reality. I am still a member of God's family, a son, heir of the King. I still have access to the throne and can come boldly before God. In fact nothing has changed yet my internal world demands to define reality. Why is that so? Why am I a prisoner of how I feeling rather than a prisoner of Jesus.

Father, the subtle way I allow my internal state to define the world around is frightening. It grabs me by the throat and demands to be true no matter what. I desperately need to be release from the prison of my own making to follow you. Even to hear you sometimes, I need a jail break from my own emotional prison.

I need my Father's eyes. I need to live out my calling, to be humble and not demand that my emotional state define reality. Father surprise me with your love and swat me with your love if necessary.

Created over 2 years ago