Chains.

Today, I went to the senior Luncheon and was able to give the input (devotion). Y'all I am not going to lie, I was nervous as all get out being in front of them. The verse that I referenced was Acts 26:29. It goes:

"And Paul said, 'Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am-- except for these chains'" (ESV).

I focused on the aspect of chains. I had done something like this in the past but with Barrabbas instead of Paul. Except for this time, the message was a bit different. In Barrabbas, I was talking about the choice we make to either be Barrabbas or if we are to be like Christ. In this message, God told me to focus on the chains themselves. The chains that we all hold onto or that we can't seem to shake off. We all have these chains. They bind themselves in our shame, regret, struggles, pain, guiltiness, etc. What we have to do is trust the one that is able to break the chains and the one that is able to take care of us forever. In him, we are set free and we are free indeed. There are no more chains except the chain of freedom. I challenged them to examine themselves to what chains are still holding them down. They may still hurt physically, but the spirit will be free and it is such a relief. 

I wish I had said all of this when I was up there. I froze for a few minutes due to nervousness. I hope that the point was brought to light and that I pleased God in this. I know that God is pleased when He is taught and that is exactly what I tried to do. Let this be a learning curve for me in my entire line of preaching in years to come. 

This was probably the last time I will be with the Seniors at their Luncheon since I am away for the next two Tuesdays, and then I am packing up and cleaning on the third Tuesday to leave that next morning to go to Milan. 

That's all that I have for today. Tomorrow is the last Kids club meeting and it is going to be a blast! Carnival themed games and snacks for the kids! should be pretty cool!